BEST MBA PROGRAMS IN EUROPE

Best MBA programs in Europe offer a launchpad for ambitious professionals seeking to become future business leaders. Furthermore, from the esteemed London Business School (London, UK) with its global focus, to HEC Paris (Paris, France), known for its high return on investment and strong graduate careers, top European programs equip you with the skills and knowledge to excel.

IE Business School (Segovia, Spain) adds another layer with its innovative learning methods and international exposure. These are just a few of the many excellent options available. Remember to consider your career goals, preferred location, and budget.

Is your goal to reach the top and become a remarkably effective business leader or entrepreneur? If you answered yes, you’ve undoubtedly considered enrolling in an MBA program to gain the essential skills to be a successful business owner.

QS Global MBA Ranking has published its latest rankings, dividing programs into regions such as Asia, Europe, Canada, Oceania, Latin America, and the United States. The rankings assess MBA programs based on employment outcomes, entrepreneurial achievements, alumni success, return on investment, thought leadership, and diversity.

Top EU business schools have developed a good reputation for providing outstanding training. Therefore, these renowned European business schools are an obvious pick if you want to pursue a management career in a European country.

Let’s have a look at the top 10 business schools in Europe. 

QS GLOBAL MBA RANKING 2024: TOP MBA EUROPE RANKING

S.No	Business School	Location
1	London Business School	UK
2	HEC Paris	France
3	IE Business School	Spain
4	Cambridge (Judge)	UK
5	IESE Business School	Spain
6	ESADE Business School	Spain
7	Oxford (Said)	UK
8	IMD	Switzerland
9	SDA Bocconi	Italy
10	ESCP Business School	France/UK/Germany/Italy/Poland/Spain

TOP BUSINESS SCHOOLS IN EUROPE

Here are the top business schools in Europe:

London Business School
HEC Paris
IE Business School
University of Cambridge – Judge Business School
IESE Business School
ESADE Business School
University of Oxford – Said Business School
IMD Business School
SDA Bocconi School of Management
ESCP Business School

London Business School

The London Business School (LBS) MBA program consistently ranks among the top MBA programs in Europe. With 90% of each class originating from outside the UK, the school provides a truly international environment unmatched even by the US’s most globally oriented two-year MBA programs.

LBS takes full advantage of its location in London through programs like the LondonCAP, where students work with London-based companies on live projects. Frequent project sponsors include tech companies like Google, retail stalwarts like Mulberry, and government agencies like the UK Cabinet Office.

The LBS MBA curriculum spans the program’s two years, with the first year divided into three academic terms. Term one lasts from August to December, term two from January to March, and term three from April to June.

LBS is careful to admit students who fit well with the program. The school does not disclose its acceptance rate, average GMAT score, average age, or average years of work experience. However, the class of 2025 comprises 43% women and an undisclosed percentage of international students. The most common pre-MBA industries for LBS students are consulting (29%), finance/accounting (21%), IT&T (8%), FMCG/retail/luxury goods/e-commerce (8%), and healthcare/pharmaceuticals/biotech (6%). The school does not provide data on undergraduate majors.

HEC Paris

The HEC Paris MBA program is consistently ranked among the top business schools in Europe and the world. In the latest QS Global MBA Rankings 2024, HEC Paris placed #2 in Europe and #5 globally. In the Financial Times Global MBA Rankings 2024, the program also achieved #12 worldwide and #5 in Europe, scoring highly in categories like Aims Achieved, Career Progression, and International Course Experience.

HEC Paris MBA offers a 15-month curriculum focused on building leadership potential through activities like leadership workshops and a student-run MBA multisport competition. The program attracts a diverse class, with 33% women and 92% international students. The average GMAT score for admitted students is 690, while the average work experience is 6 years.

HEC Paris MBA tuition fees are around $92,000, and graduates earn an average mean salary of $120,700. The program’s strong ties to the business community provide students real-world projects and networking opportunities, further enhancing their learning experience and career prospects.

IE Business School

IE Business School in Madrid offers the International MBA (IMBA), an acclaimed 11-month program known for its focus on entrepreneurship and diversity. The class averages 598 students, with an average GMAT score of 677 and 6 years of work experience.

The program attracts a diverse student body, with 91% of students coming from outside Spain and 32% being women. In 2024, IE Business School ranked 1st in Europe for diversity and entrepreneurship, with its IMBA program previously ranked 1st in Europe by the Financial Times in 2023.The curriculum emphasizes innovation and global business, offering electives, concentrations, and hands-on learning experiences like consulting projects.

Graduates have strong career outcomes, with 92% receiving job offers within three months and an average salary of $83,152. Top employers of IE MBAs include Microsoft, Amazon, Credit Suisse, McKinsey & Company, and Deloitte. IE Business School is a pioneer in innovative management education, and the IMBA program delivers a transformative experience for aspiring global leaders.

University of Cambridge – Judge Business School

The University of Cambridge Judge Business School is a world-renowned institution that offers transformative management education programs. Located in the historic city of Cambridge, England, the school is part of the prestigious University of Cambridge and has a strong reputation for excellence in research and teaching. It is widely recognized as one of the best MBA programs in Europe.

In 2024, the school was ranked #2 for one-year MBA programs in the UK by the Financial Times Global MBA Ranking. The school’s flagship program is the 12-month full-time MBA, which attracts a diverse cohort of students worldwide. As of 2024, the MBA class size is 210, with 95% of students coming from outside the UK and 47% women. Admissions are highly competitive, with an average GMAT score of 682. The average age of MBA students is 29, reflecting the extensive work experience they bring to the program

IESE Business School

IESE Business School in Barcelona offers a flexible MBA program that can be completed in 15 to 19 months. In 2024, the class size was 368 students. The average GMAT score for the incoming class was 672, and candidates had an average of 5 years of work experience. Women comprised 32% of the cohort, while 92% of students were international citizens.

IESE Business School’s 2024 MBA tuition was about $93,592, with graduates averaging $123,662 in salary post-graduation. 94% secured job offers within three months, and 10% launched businesses. Known for its strong emphasis on entrepreneurship and global business.

The MBA program gives students the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in today’s dynamic business environment. With a diverse student body and a commitment to hands-on learning, IESE prepares its graduates for leadership roles in various industries.

ESADE

ESADE’s 18-month Full-Time MBA program ranked the 3rd best in Europe for return on investment, offers a strong international focus. In 2024, the class size was 186 students. The average GMAT score for the ESADE MBA is 662, while the average work experience is 5.8 years. Women comprise 41% of the cohort, while 95% of students are international citizens.

Tuition fees for the ESADE MBA in 2024 are approximately $77,500. The program includes an exploration stage with study trips to various places across five continents, providing students with a global perspective.ESADE is a leading business school known for its innovative curriculum and focus on developing responsible leaders.

The Full-Time MBA program combines classroom learning with hands-on projects and international experiences to prepare students for success in today’s global business environment.

University of Oxford – Said Business School

Oxford University’s Saïd Business School offers a one-year MBA program aligned with the university’s three-term format. The program is organized into core and optional courses focused on Entrepreneurship, Global Rules of the Game, and Responsible Business. In 2024, the class size was 320 students. The average GMAT score is 692, and the average work experience is five years. Women comprise 46% of the cohort, while 95% are international.

Tuition fees are approximately $80,430, and the average base salary for graduates is $72,618. Saïd Business School is consistently ranked among the top business schools in Europe and globally. In 2024, QS ranked it 6th in Europe and 16th globally, while the Financial Times ranked it 8th in Europe and 28th globally. The Oxford MBA is renowned for its focus on entrepreneurship, ranked 7th globally by QS in 2023.

Saïd Business School attracts a diverse student body from around the world, with a strong emphasis on developing responsible leaders. The school’s location in Oxford, with its global outlook and innovative curriculum, makes it a top choice for aspiring business leaders seeking a transformative educational experience.

IMD Business School

IMD Business School, located in Lausanne, Switzerland, is a top-ranked institution known for its innovative 11-month MBA program. The class of around 90 students has an average GMAT of 670 and 5 years of experience.

IMD’s personalized curriculum emphasizes leadership, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation through hands-on projects and international study trips. In 2024, the Financial Times ranked IMD’s MBA first globally for executive education custom programs, emphasizing its commitment to fostering responsible leaders through innovative learning.

Graduates enjoy strong outcomes, with 95% receiving job offers within 3 months at an average salary of $110,000, working for top firms like McKinsey, Google, and Amazon. IMD offers a transformative educational experience for aspiring global leaders, emphasizing responsible leadership development.

SDA Bocconi School of Management

SDA Bocconi School of Management in Milan offers a 12-month Full-Time MBA, ranked 5th in Europe and 20th globally by the Financial Times in 2024. The class averages a GMAT score of 680 and 5 years’ experience, with 95% international students and 40% women. The curriculum emphasizes international business, entrepreneurship, and sustainability, with personalized career support, international study trips, and consulting projects.

SDA Bocconi offers an 18-month Executive MBA, ranked 8th in Europe and 25th globally by the Financial Times in 2024, designed for experienced professionals with an average of 12 years of work experience.

SDA Bocconi consistently ranks among the top business schools, renowned for its rigorous curriculum, diverse community, and capacity to cultivate global leaders with an entrepreneurial mindset who foster innovation.

ESCP Business School

ESCP Business School is one of Europe’s most prestigious and globally recognized business schools. Founded in 1819 in Paris, it is the world’s oldest business school and is considered one of the elite “trois Parisiennes” along with HEC Paris and ESSEC. ESCP offers a range of programs, including bachelor’s, master’s, MBA, executive MBA, and PhD degrees. In 2024, its MBA was ranked 26th worldwide by QS and 25th by the Financial Times.

The school is triple-accredited by AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA, placing it among the top 1% of business schools globally. ESCP’s unique multi-campus model spans Paris, Berlin, London, Madrid, Turin, and Warsaw, allowing students to study at multiple locations. With over 10,000 students from 130 nationalities and a faculty of 200 professors from 33 countries, ESCP is renowned for its diverse international community.

Key focus areas at the school include sustainability, digital transformation, and ethics, themes integrated across all its programs and disciplines. ESCP’s long history, triple accreditation, and global rankings make it an excellent choice for aspiring business leaders seeking a world-class European education.

WHY DO AN MBA FROM TOP EU BUSINESS SCHOOLS?

Top European MBA programs offer excellent ROI, with graduates seeing substantial salary increases after completing their degrees. For example, Imperial College London MBA graduates see an average 10-year ROI of US$870,200. INSEAD MBA graduates can expect a 10-year ROI of US$768,500, over nine times the program’s cost.

European MBAs are typically shorter in duration (1 year vs 2 years in the US), reducing tuition fees and living expenses. Even top programs like London Business School and IESE in Spain have lower tuition than US MBA programs. A survey found that 48% of applicants to top European schools cited lower costs as a key factor in their decision-making.

European MBA programs attract a highly international student body and offer a global educational experience. This global perspective is valuable for professionals aiming to work internationally, especially in Europe, after graduation.

Europe is home to many of the world’s top business schools, with several ranking among the best globally for MBA programs. Schools like INSEAD, London Business School, IE Business School, and EU Business School are consistently ranked as elite MBA programs.

In summary, top European MBA programs deliver an excellent return on investment at a lower cost than comparable US programs while offering a highly global educational experience from prestigious institutions. This combination makes European MBAs an attractive option for aspiring business leaders.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PURSUING AN MBA IN A EUROPEAN BUSINESS SCHOOL? 

Some significant aspects of studying in Europe are:

• In just one year, you can get an MBA.
• In addition, you can choose from a wide and diversified variety of MBA courses.
• Cost-effective MBA tuition fees
• Develop a global business mindset.
• MBA classes have a small number of students.
• Establish a worldwide network.

According to Bloomberg, an MBA from a European business school can lead to opportunities with international brands like Google, Accenture, KPMG, Deloitte, Ernst & Young, McKinsey, and Boston Consulting Group, which recruit the most European MBA graduates.

MBA graduates from Oxford Said, IESE, and IE are particularly appealing to consulting firms. So, if you want to work for one of these firms, an MBA from a top European business school should do.

On a closing note,

Since programs are continuously updated to meet changing demands, we urge you to research MBA opportunities in top European business schools. Finally, be conscious of your own identity. The best program depends on the candidate. Therefore, much depends on the student’s professional profile, career goals, and enrollment in the program. 

To know more about business schools in Europe and gauge your fit for the b-schools, hop on a 1:1 45 minute exclusive call with our team of experts. MBA and Beyond are committed to assisting you at every stage of the application process. We follow a step-by-step procedure to ensure optimum utility, research, and the best results for your applications.