Is Rome Business School Legit? Honest Review (2026)

Is Rome Business School legit, or is it just another overpriced online master’s program? If you’re a Nigerian student eyeing an online MBA, you need a straight answer before you pay any tuition.

We checked its accreditations, rankings and student reviews, and we flagged the complaints you should know about.

Quick Answer: Is Rome Business School Legit?

It is a real, operating business school with genuine accreditations. It is not a scam in the sense of being a fake institution. But its reputation is mixed: some students praise it, while others report poor communication, weak academic rigor and payment or diploma disputes.

Legit does not automatically mean right for you. Read on before you commit.

What Is Rome Business School?

Rome Business School (RBS) is a private business school based in the Prati district of Rome, Italy. It offers MBAs and specialized master’s programs in marketing, human resources, supply chain and more, mostly in online and blended formats.

According to its own accreditation page, it has over 3,395 students from 161 nationalities. It also says it belongs to Grupo Planeta, a large Spanish media and education group.

Rome Business School Accreditation: What Checks Out

Accreditation is the first thing to verify with any school. Here is what we found:

• ASFOR: ASFOR is a respected Italian body that accredits management education. It has accredited three RBS master’s programs: the International MBA, the International Master in HR and Organisation, and the Executive Master in Marketing & Sales. The school says it renewed several of these for five years.
• QS Stars: The school reports five QS Stars in four categories: employability, inclusiveness, online learning and teaching.
• THE World University Rankings 2025: RBS says it is the first Italian business school included.
• ISO 9001:2015: This certifies its quality management processes.
• EADL: The European Association for Distance Learning has accredited its distance courses.

These are verifiable credentials, but note what they are not. In the AMBA and EQUIS accreditation lists we checked, Rome Business School did not appear. Schools like LUISS Business School in Rome hold those top-tier accreditations. QS Stars is a rating system and ISO 9001 is a process certificate, so neither is the same as accreditation by a major business-school body.

A tip: always confirm which specific program carries the accreditation. ASFOR covers particular programs, not every course the school sells.

What Students Say: Reviews and Complaints

Student feedback is where the picture gets mixed.

The positives. On Trustpilot, many reviewers praise the international environment, the tutors, and bootcamp trips. Students on EduOpinions also highlight the practical business simulation game and the diverse classmates.

The negatives. The same platforms carry sharp criticism:

• Student comments on EduOpinions describe administrative inefficiency, poor communication and students feeling like “a number.”
• One reviewer on StudyPortals said the marketing master’s content felt basic and exams were too easy.
• Some former students allege refund disputes, delayed diplomas and extra fees demanded before certificates were released. One reviewer says the school took legal action against them after they spoke publicly.

These are individual allegations. We have not verified them, and the school may dispute them. But when serious complaints about money and diplomas recur, a careful applicant should take notice.

Is a Rome Business School Degree Recognized in Nigeria?

This is the question most Nigerian applicants really care about. RBS says it has worked with the Nigerian embassy in Italy and held meetings with Nigerian education bodies. It also says it has had sites in Lagos and Abuja.

None of that guarantees your certificate will be accepted for a job, a public-sector role or further study. Recognition depends on the specific program, the awarding institution, and the rules of your employer or school.

Before paying, do this:

1. Ask RBS in writing who awards the degree (RBS itself or a partner university).
2. Confirm that body is recognized in Italy or Spain.
3. Check with the National Universities Commission (NUC) or the Federal Ministry of Education about recognition of foreign and online qualifications.
4. Ask your target employer if they accept it.

Red Flags to Watch Before You Pay

Whichever school you choose, protect yourself:

• Get everything in writing: fees, refund terms, exam retake costs and diploma release conditions.
• Ask about extra fees: find out what happens if you fail or delay an exam.
• Avoid pressure sales: a “discount ends today” push from an admissions rep is a warning sign.
• Pay by traceable methods: avoid paying individuals or unofficial accounts.
• Talk to alumni: find real graduates on LinkedIn and ask about their experience.

For more on this, read our guide on how to spot a fake school or course.

Verdict: Is Rome Business School Legit?

Rome Business School is legit as an institution. It is a real school with ASFOR accreditation for specific programs, international rankings and ratings, and a large student body.

However, it is not a top-tier, AMBA or EQUIS-accredited business school, and reviews are split. Students who value flexibility and an international network often report good experiences. Others report weak academics and administrative or payment problems.

Our advice: if you apply, choose an ASFOR-accredited program, get all fees and the diploma process in writing, and confirm degree recognition in Nigeria first. If you want the strongest global recognition, compare it against AMBA or EQUIS-accredited schools.

FAQ

Is Rome Business School a scam?
No evidence shows it is a fake school. It has real accreditations and operations, though some students have filed serious complaints.

Is Rome Business School accredited?
Yes. Three of its master’s programs are accredited by ASFOR, and it holds ISO 9001:2015 and EADL recognition.

Is the online MBA worth it?
It depends on your goals, budget and whether your employer accepts it. Compare tuition and accreditation with other options first.

Have you studied at Rome Business School? Share your honest experience in the comments to help other students.