In the light of ongoing changes and challenges in the European health systems which also have significant implications for undergraduate medical education, the present paper describes the accreditation of medical education programmes in Switzerland focussing on undergraduate medical education. A summary of the methodology used is provided and first experiences as well as future perspectives are discussed in the light of the aim to achieve continuous quality assurance and improvement in medical education. (Schirlo C, Heusser R. Quality assurance of medical education: a case study from Switzerland. Netherlands Journal of Medical Education 2010;29(1)80–86)