Summary:
ZHAW School of Management and Law joins the 2025 Eduniversal Best Business Schools Ranking for the first time, receiving 3 Palmes of Excellence. This article explores what the ranking means, the school’s academic impact, program recognition, global partnerships, and commitment to responsible leadership.

Breaking Into the Eduniversal 2025 Ranking: A Milestone for ZHAW SML

The ZHAW School of Management and Law (SML) makes its notable entry into the Eduniversal Best Business Schools Ranking 2025, earning 3 Palmes of Excellence. This distinguished recognition within the Swiss academic landscape reflects SML’s growing international reputation, high-quality programs, and dedicated focus on ethical and innovative management.

With a thriving student body of nearly 9,000 and a solid foundation in applied research, the school aligns academic rigor with real-world impact. Its motto, “Building Competence. Crossing Borders.” epitomizes this dual vision—developing business acumen while fostering global and interdisciplinary collaboration.

This new achievement also places ZHAW SML in the company of well-respected institutions, becoming an academic force among peers recognized for their international outreach in countries such as Austria or Germany.

Eduniversal: A Global Benchmark in Business School Rankings

Eduniversal evaluates over 1,000 business schools across 154 countries each year, assessing qualities like international influence, program excellence, and innovation. The 3 Palmes distinction is awarded to institutions offering excellent academic programs, contributing to a renowned international reputation.

For Switzerland—a country famed for economic reliability, multilingualism, and a rich academic tradition—competition among business schools is fierce. Standing out with a global reputation is no small feat in such an advanced ecosystem. ZHAW’s success echoes its strategic focus on digital transformation, sustainable development, and socially responsible leadership, areas of growing importance not only in Switzerland but also in regions like Sweden.

Global Ranking Success: ZHAW’s MSc in International Business

Further bolstering its reputation, ZHAW School of Management and Law continues to perform well globally. In the 2025 edition of the Financial Times “Masters in Management”, the MSc in International Business secured an impressive 58th place worldwide. This makes it the second-highest ranked Swiss program in its category.

Evaluations from alumni highlighted the degree’s impact on career advancement, return on investment, and overall satisfaction. These outcomes confirm the program as one of the most effective for helping students meet their professional goals. Institutions in regions like Singapore also reflect this international standard in graduate outcomes.

ZHAW SML has maintained its standing in the Financial Times European Business School Ranking for six consecutive years—another testament to its consistent excellence in degree programs and executive education.

Triple Crown Accreditation: A Global Stamp of Academic Quality

ZHAW SML now boasts the prestigious Triple Crown accreditation, holding recognitions from AACSB (since 2015), EQUIS (achieved in 2023), and AMBA (secured in 2025). This trifecta of accreditations is rare, awarded to less than 1% of business schools worldwide. It validates the high international standards of SML’s degree programs, research output, and executive learning environment.

These accreditations highlight the school’s commitment to ongoing quality assurance and innovation—values shared by other elite institutions featured on the United Kingdom’s top business schools list.

Vision and Strategy: Responsible, Innovative, and International

At the core of ZHAW SML’s mission lies a strategic commitment to combining applied research with practical, socially responsible education. Its goal is to promote responsible and innovative management capable of addressing today’s complex, cross-disciplinary global challenges.

Education at ZHAW is not confined to classrooms. The school runs an expansive network of over 190 partner universities, enhancing international collaboration and mobility. This global outlook mirrors engagement priorities seen in countries such as Australia and Canada.

Embedding digitalization, sustainability, and intercultural skills across the curriculum ensures that students graduate ready to tackle global challenges with agility and purpose.

Concrete Achievements That Reflect Global Excellence

• The MSc in International Business ranked 58th globally in the Financial Times, confirming strong career impact and ROI.
• Cross-disciplinary collaboration is central to SML's identity, fostering innovation through synergies with law, engineering, and social sciences.
• Triple accreditation from AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA strengthens international recognition and strategic positioning.

These accomplishments position SML as a standout within Switzerland’s academic ecosystem alongside other globally engaged institutions, such as those featured on the Eduniversal France rankings.

Facts and Figures: ZHAW SML’s Impact at a Glance

• 9,000+ students enrolled across bachelor's, master's, and continuing education programs
• 190+ international partner universities facilitating academic exchange
• Triple Crown accredited status achieved (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA)
• MSc in International Business ranked 58th globally in the Financial Times
• Top 100 institution in Financial Times European Business School Ranking for six consecutive years