Purpose The primary purpose of this study is to propose a framework to examine the impact of international accreditation on the quality of public universities in Malaysia, particularly business schools. This is important to answer how accreditation affects our teaching and learning, research and publications, internationalization and industrial engagement.Design/methodology/approach – This study reviews past studies to evaluate the existing international accreditation framework. Based on the review, a more comprehensive international accreditation framework that evaluates the impact of international accreditation on the quality of public universities in Malaysia is proposed. The framework shows the relationship between teaching and learning, scholarship work, external engagement, and the quality of public universities.Findings - The proposed framework demonstrates the relationship between teaching and learning, scholarship work, and external engagement, and the quality of public universities.  In this framework, the quality of public universities (dependent variable) is to be measured in terms of three dimensions: learning experience, intellectual capital, and internationalisation. Apart from the direct relationship, the moderating variable of financial support is also included.Research limitations/implications – The suggested framework has several critical implications in unveiling the impact of the accreditation elements on the quality of public universities. However, it can only be confirmed upon validation of the framework.Originality/value - The framework (once validated) may provide insights to the public universities in making reasonable contemplation before proceeding with any accreditation. In other words, the findings are expected to serve as guidelines to other HEIs who might be interested in embarking on this painstaking journey.