The University Carlos III of Madrid (UC3M) has obtained the accreditation of the AACSB, an international association that recognizes the best educational centers in the world for its teaching quality in graduate, postgraduate and doctorate, and its research in the areas of business administration, accounting, finance and marketing.

AACSB accreditation is the hallmark of excellence in business education and has been earned by less than five percent of the world's 13,000 business management programs . Only some of the best Spanish business schools (all private) have this seal. The UC3M is the first Spanish public university to achieve it through its Department of Business Economics.

"AACSB accreditation represents the highest achievement for an educational institution that awards business management degrees," said Robert D. Reid, executive vice president and chief accreditation officer of AACSB International, who congratulated the entire UC3M team, "Including the administration, faculty, principals, staff and students."

Achieving accreditation requires a rigorous internal review process, mentored by the AACSB and based on peer review. During the process, which lasts several years, the institution develops and implements a plan that allows it to align itself with AACSB accreditation standards. These standards require excellence in areas related to strategic direction, research, innovation, student training, excellence among faculty and staff administration and services, as well as academic and professional commitment.

AACSB International (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) is the world's largest business management education network that connects the academy to the business world. Founded in 1916, it provides quality consulting, business intelligence and professional development services to more than 1,500 organizations in 97 countries.