Gisma University of Applied Sciences has received AMBA & BGA joint accreditation – confirming it as world-class
Gisma University of Applied Sciences has officially received joint accreditation from the Association of MBAs (AMBA) and the Business Graduates Association (BGA), two of the world’s leading authorities on business education. The accreditations were awarded after a thorough evaluation process, which involved a panel of senior business school leaders from around the world.
Gisma University of Applied Sciences forms part of Global University Systems (GUS), which provides financial and operational backing for institutional development. AMBA now accredits the Global MBA at the school, while BGA is a whole school accreditation.
During the accreditation process, members of the AMBA & BGA accreditation panel commended the high level of ambition and energy which could be seen across staff and leadership.
The panel was also impressed by the school’s growth in student numbers and the programme development initiatives that have been implemented to support this growth.
Upon receiving the AMBA accreditation, all current and recent graduates of the school’s MBA portfolio are invited to join AMBA’s global membership network, which comprises approximately 60,000 students and alumni from over 150 countries.
Meanwhile, all undergraduates and alumni from any of the business school’s programmes are invited to join BGA’s individual membership network. Through both these organisations, students and graduates can strengthen a community that acts as a force for good in management thought and practice, through exclusive events and business content.
AMBA & BGA accreditation is international in scope and reach, and the organisation works with senior academics at top educational institutions around the world to continuously update accreditation criteria and maintain a unique, in-depth, and detailed approach.
AMBA & BGA believe accredited schools should be of the highest standard and reflect changing trends and innovation in postgraduate management education. As such, the accreditation process reflects this commitment to fostering innovation and challenges business schools to continuously perform at the highest level.
Prof. Dr. Ramon O´Callaghan, President of Gisma said: “We are honoured to have received both AMBA and BGA accreditations, a distinction shared by only a select group of leading business schools worldwide. The AMBA accreditation affirms the world-class quality of our Global MBA, while the BGA accreditation underscores our commitment to responsible leadership, sustainability, and meaningful societal impact. Together, these recognitions reflect our vision as a globally engaged and forward-looking institution dedicated to excellence and continuous growth.”
Andrew Main Wilson, Chief Executive of AMBA & BGA, said: “We are delighted to welcome Gisma University of Applied Sciences into the AMBA & BGA network, joining a select group of world-class business schools that uphold the highest standards of excellence in management education. We congratulate everyone at the school who worked towards this joint accreditation and look forward to seeing their continued impact on the business world.”
About the Gisma University of Applied Sciences
Gisma University of Applied Sciences is a state-recognised private university with campuses in Potsdam and Berlin. With students and faculty representing more than 90 countries, Gisma brings global perspectives to its programmes in management, leadership, data science, artificial intelligence, and software engineering. Teaching combines academic research with insights from business leaders and entrepreneurs.
The university’s mission is to prepare students for management practice in a complex and evolving world, while contributing new ideas and impulses to business and society.
Gisma maintains active career partnerships with leading companies such as Zalando, eBay, Amazon, and SAP, and is a proud member of the SAP University Alliances. It also has partnerships and collaboration agreements with top universities, including the University of California, Berkeley.
In 2025, Gisma became one of only two universities in Germany to receive the BSIS Impact Label from EFMD, recognising its measurable social, economic, and academic impact. The BSIS assessment indicated that Gisma contributes approximately €126.5 million in economic activity to the Berlin-Brandenburg region. More than 74% of graduates remain in the region, and over 15 start-ups founded by students and alumni have created more than 120 jobs.
All study programmes are state-recognised and accredited by FIBAA and the German Accreditation Council. Gisma is part of GUS Germany GmbH (GGG), a network of higher education institutions with over 18,000 students in Germany, Europe, and worldwide.
About AMBA & BGA
Spearheading excellence and trailblazing innovation, for more than 50 years the Association of MBAs (AMBA) has been the impartial authority on post-graduate management education. AMBA established that vision in 1967 and, in a volatile, uncertain world, it’s as relevant today as it was then. We are committed to raising the profile and quality standards of business education internationally, for the benefit of business schools, students and alumni, employers, communities and society.
- Our accreditation service is the global standard for all MBA, DBA and master’s degrees, currently accrediting programmes from the top 2% of business schools in more than 75 countries.
- Our Research and Insight Centre produces a rich body of reports exploring global trends in the business education sector. This drives our global thought leadership and public affairs campaigns.
- We are the only professional membership association that connects MBA students and graduates, accredited business schools and MBA employers throughout the world.
- Through our members, AMBA is building an international force for good, championing best practice, responsible management and sustainability. Membership to AMBA means being part of an international community of peers with access to business strategy thought leadership, career advice and knowledge, and an MBA jobs portal.
- Our multi-award-winning events offer networking opportunities online and in person across all continents in association with international corporate partners and thought leaders exclusively for our members and accredited business schools.
The Business Graduates Association (BGA) is an international membership and accreditation body of world-leading and high-potential business schools that share a commitment for responsible management practices and lifelong learning, and that are looking to provide a positive impact on their students, communities and the economy as a whole. We offer:
- Quality assurance services to business schools and similar institutions, aimed at continuous improvement and positive impact to increase a business school’s credibility and influence.
- Consultation and mentorship services to business schools to improve their marketing and admissions, programme design, alumni interaction, teaching methods, and career development services.
- Award-winning international events for business school professionals, focused on continuous learning.
- Student and graduate membership, which includes social networking events worldwide, professional development tools, a Career Development Centre, and much more.
- Leading and award-winning content on responsible management, professional and personal growth, and influence via the Business Impact content hub.