How an EFMD membership benefits Business students

If you’re considering enrolling into a Business degree, you may have come across something called ‘EFMD membership’ associated with different business schools. But what exactly does this mean, and why is it important for your education and your future career?

In a nutshell, the EFMD (European Foundation for Management Development) is a globally recognised network of management educators and business professionals, dedicated to ensuring the highest standard of business education.

What you may not be aware of is that this organisation plays a crucial role in shaping high-quality business programs across the world. For students, they also offer access to internationally benchmarked resources, industry connections, and career-enhancing networking and job opportunities.

At Torrens University, EFMD membership applies to MBA and associated Business programs, ensuring they meet global academic and industry standards. Let’s take a closer look at how EFMD membership benefits Torrens University students, and how you can take advantage of this fantastic global resource to gain a competitive edge.

What is the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD)?

The European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD) is a not-for-profit organisation based in Brussels, dedicated to improving business and management education worldwide. It is Europe’s largest management education network, with over 890 member institutions across 88 countries, including top universities, business schools, and corporate organisations located all over the world.

EFMD is best known for its rigorous accreditation and quality assurance systems, including:

• EQUIS (EFMD Quality Improvement System): A prestigious international business school accreditation that recognises institutions for their teaching quality, research impact and corporate engagement.
• EFMD Programme Accreditation System (EPAS): Evaluates individual business and management programs, ensuring they meet global academic and industry standards.
• Business School Impact System (BSIS): Helps institutions measure their impact on society, business, and the economy.

EFMD’s membership includes many world-renowned institutions, such as:

• London Business School (UK)
• INSEAD (France and Singapore)
• IE Business School (Spain)
• HEC Paris (France)
• China Europe International Business School (China)

Torrens University Australia has recently joined this global network as a member institution for its MBA programs, ensuring that these programs align with international best practices and industry expectations.

What does EFMD Membership mean?

For Torrens University, EFMD membership for its MBA programs demonstrates a commitment to world-class business education. The EFMD only allows membership to institutions where it can guarantee that teaching quality, curriculum, and industry partnerships meet international benchmarks. This allows prospective students to choose better institutions and benefits students, graduates, and universities through enhanced reputation and access to a global network.

Through EFMD membership, Torrens University:

• Ensures teaching methods and curriculum align with global business trends and industry needs
• Benchmarks its business and management programs against top-ranked universities worldwide
• Fosters international collaboration, encouraging student exchanges, research partnerships, and networking opportunities
• Continuously improves its MBA and Business programs, keeping them relevant to the evolving workforce and industry landscape
• Strengthens its global reputation, making a degree from Torrens University even more valuable to employers

By studying at an EFMD-member institution, students at Torrens University can be confident that their education meets high international standards and is recognised worldwide.

How EFMD membership benefits Business students

1. Enhanced curriculum and teaching methods

EFMD institutional membership ensures that Torrens University business students receive the best possible quality education that aligns with global best practices. This means that:

• Courses are designed with up-to-date industry knowledge, ensuring you graduate with practical, industry-ready skills
• Teaching methods incorporate the latest research, digital learning tools, and case studies
• Students and teaching staff can access EFMD's global learning resources, including cutting-edge business research, educator training and industry insights.

This results in a more engaging and relevant education held to the highest standard, to help you stand out in the competitive business world.

2. International perspective

As an EFMD member institution, Torrens University supports international collaboration amongst teaching staff and students, giving students opportunities to:

• Study abroad at other EFMD member universities, gaining a global business perspective.
• Work on cross-institutional research projects or contribute to EFMD International Projects, broadening their knowledge and skills.
• Network with international business leaders and academics, providing insights into global business trends.
• Apply for globally recognised awards, such as the Case Writing Award.

Gaining this kind of global exposure through your business school not only enhances your learning experience but also broadens your horizons, making you more attractive to employers looking for graduates with an international outlook.

3. Industry-relevant skills

Torrens University has consistently been one of Australia’s most industry-oriented universities through a focus on industry led-learning, with industry partners offering internships and skills training as a typical part of business programs.

However, with the additional benefit of EFMD membership, Torrens University has further opportunities to expand into EFMD networks, offering even more industry connections and industry input into course material, providing students with professional development opportunities through:

• Executive Academy: Leadership training for aspiring executives.
• Career Professionals Development Institute: Industry-specific skill development on offer for students and professionals aspiring to work in the Talent and Careers sector.
• Strategic Leadership Programme for Deans: A unique opportunity to develop business leadership at the highest academic level.
• Online Teaching Academy: Cutting-edge courses designed to help students and faculty stay ahead of emerging trends and digital tools in education and business.

These incredible programs under the EFMD umbrella ensure that students can work on developing the most in-demand skills during and even after graduation, preparing them for global leadership roles.

4. Future accreditation potential

EFMD membership reflects Torrens University’s commitment to global quality standards and serves as a stepping-stone towards future accreditation. Students enrolled in business-related programs at Torrens University (including the MBA) can be confident they are studying at an institution recognised for its continuous pursuit of excellence and globally respected benchmarks. This means:

• Your degree will gain more international recognition over time as the university secures further EFMD accreditations
• Employers will increasingly value your qualifications, knowing they meet international business education standards
• Your education will continue to be aligned with the evolving demands of the workforce, as accreditation evolves at pace with the market

For students considering business programs like the MBA, EFMD membership ensures that you’re studying at an institution committed to continuous improvement and global recognition.

5. Global networks and career opportunities

One of the biggest advantages of EFMD membership is access to a global professional network of corporations, educational institutions and business professionals, which provides:

• Access to Highered: EFMD Career Service Management System that connects students with top global employers
• Complimentary job listings: For positions at EFMD member organisations that provide exclusive career opportunities
• Annual Virtual Careers Fairs: Students can connect with recruiters from leading companies worldwide
• Networking opportunities: Through EFMD’s conferences and cutting edge industry events, such as the EFMD Deans Conference (theme of ‘Leading in Times of Disruption’)

By being part of this global business network, you’ll have a competitive edge when entering the job market, with access to career resources, industry events, and global networking opportunities.

Why EFMD membership matters

If you’re trying to choose between courses or institutions, choosing to study at an EFMD-member university like Torrens University can potentially tip the scales of your decision - it ensures that your education is recognised globally, industry-aligned, and continuously improving, as well as giving you the other benefits listed above.

The key EFMD benefits for Torrens University students includes:

• A world-class curriculum, designed to meet global industry standards
• Opportunities for international collaboration, study abroad, collaboration and networking
• Stronger industry connections, helping you develop practical skills for the workforce
• A degree that increases in value over time, as Torrens University secures further accreditations
• Access to exclusive job opportunities, career services, and networking events

Whether you’re aspiring to lead in a multinational company, start your own business, advance through academia or take on executive roles, Torrens University’s EFMD membership adds a significant extra perk to an already world-class education.