Pursuing an online program designed for working professionals offers many advantages. It allows you to develop advanced skills while continuing your career and managing your schedule more flexibly. You may, however, have questions about how online diplomas are evaluated by institutions or perceived by employers. This guide will help you understand these aspects and choose a program that aligns with your goals.
Are online diplomas recognised by the state?
Whether or not a diploma is recognised by a state depends on precise and official quality standards. To identify an online course that is officially recognised, make sure it is listed by the relevant state.
For instance, in France, you need to check whether it is registered in the RNCP or it has a state visa.
- The RNCP (Répertoire National des Certifications Professionnelles): It is the national reference for determining the recognition of a course, whether it is online or in-person. If a qualification is registered, this means that the state officially recognises it.
- The state visa : It is a form of recognition granted by the Ministry of Higher Education following a rigorous inspection of the school’s governance and selectivity. Diplomas with a visa are recognised at a higher level.
Each country has its own recognition system that allows recognition on an international level. Such information is always clearly visible. For schools, it is a major differentiating factor and source of reassurance. Visit the webpage where the school presents its course and you should quickly find a mention of its recognition, if it’s recognised by the state or if there is a possibility of equivalence (for ECTS credits, for example).
Accreditations: Internationally-recognised labels
While state recognition is an important factor in evaluating the quality of an online course, international accreditations should also be taken into account. If you want to take your career to a global level, these are strategic quality labels.
EQUIS (European Quality Improvement System): This European label recognises an institution as a whole and evaluates its pedagogical quality, its close ties with companies and its involvement in research.
AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business): This American accreditation centres on the excellence of the school’s mission, the quality of the teaching staff and the study programs.
AMBA (Association of MBAs): This British accreditation focuses on Master of Business Administration programs, certifying their strategic relevance and impact on leadership development.
Only a limited number of business schools worldwide hold the Triple Crown accreditation, EQUIS, AACSB and AMBA. EDHEC is among this group, reflecting high international standards in teaching, research and academic quality.
These accreditations are awarded to institutions and programs, and are key indicators of quality. They ensure that the program meets rigorous international criteria, regardless of whether it is delivered online or on campus.
Learn more about what makes a good online business school
Is there a difference between online and in-person diplomas?
State recognition depends on the quality of the program and the rigour of the evaluation process, not how knowledge is dispensed. For an online diploma to be recognised, it must meet the same requirements as an in-person program, such as having a high-quality teaching staff, structured pedagogical supervision, and evaluations that validate skill development. Labels such as EQUIS, AACSB and AMBA are awarded to a school as a whole. You will benefit from their prestige regardless of which program you choose.
The value of your diploma depends on the institution’s ability to deliver officially recognised diplomas and its accreditations. Choosing an online program allows you to benefit from the flexibility needed to continue your career while studying for a valuable qualification.
Therefore, you can base your decision to pursue an online or in-person diploma only on your personal and professional commitments, rather than how it will be perceived after you earn it.
Online VS in-person
The state only validates the skills acquired during the program, and accreditations are awarded to the institution rather than to a specific diploma. This means you don’t have to state that you studied the program online.
It is also worth mentioning that pursuing an online diploma can be a strength to leverage when searching for a new job. It demonstrates your organisational capabilities, autonomy, and ability to work in a digital environment, skills that will make your profile more attractive to recruiters.
Find out more about the differences between online and on-campus degrees.
Pursue an online degree from a triple-accredited business school
EDHEC Business School offers a variety of online programs that are recognised by the French state and designed to accommodate the schedules of working professionals.
Our school benefits from the triple EQUIS, AACSB and AMBA accreditation, offering one of the highest levels of international recognition that can be obtained through a diploma.