The Association of MBAs (AMBA) granted the NWU School of Business and Governance (NWU SBG) international accreditation for a period of five years – the longest period for which AMBA accredits MBA degrees.

This intensive process to obtain accreditation was a team effort that required hard work and perseverance. According to the director, Prof Tommy du Plessis, the fact that the NWU SBG introduced a new MBA at the beginning of 2016, as well the merger of the two business schools at the NWU, made this task exceptionally challenging. According to him, the achievement of this five-year accreditation is a bonus for the school.

AMBA, located in London in the United Kingdom, visited the NWU SBG on 18 and 19 October last year to assess the school. (The former Potchefstroom Business School was assessed by this accreditation body for the first time on 3 and 4 October 2013 and was accredited for a period of three years.)

According to AMBA, the following were noteworthy:
•    The NWU SBG has made substantial progress since the previous assessment, fulfilling many of its ambitious plans while addressing AMBA recommendations.
•    The unification of the three campuses appears to have been achieved successfully.
•    The new school building significantly enhances the teaching and learning space.
•    All stakeholders have a positive impression of their interactions with the school. It is professionally run and benefits from a collegiate environment.
•    The community project has the potential to be distinctive.

The next full re-assessment of the MBA provision at the school will be undertaken in October 2021.