INSEAD tops Financial Times’ 2024 European Business Schools ranking

The Financial Times has unveiled its 2024 European Business Schools Ranking, highlighting the top institutions shaping business education across the continent. Released on 2nd December 2024, the rankings provide a comprehensive evaluation of MBA, Executive MBA (EMBA), and other management programmes, helping professionals identify the best options for advancing their careers.

This year’s rankings mark a significant milestone as INSEAD claims the top spot for the first time, climbing from 18th place in 2023. The French school has campuses near Paris and Singapore, and is known for its world-class MBA and executive education programmes.

Top performers

INSEAD’s ascension displaces long-standing leader HEC Paris, which now ranks second. London Business School rounds out the top three, maintaining its reputation for excellence in graduate and executive education. Other strong performers include IESE Business School in Spain and SDA Bocconi School of Management in Italy, both of which remain highly sought-after by business professionals.

These institutions not only excel in teaching but also offer graduates access to elite global networks, facilitating career advancement and fostering entrepreneurship.

How the rankings are calculated

The Financial Times’ methodology for the European Business Schools Ranking is robust, taking into account multiple factors across the schools’ diverse offerings:

1. Programme quality: A composite score of performance in the Financial Times’ separate rankings for Global MBA, EMBA, Master in Management (MiM), and executive education programmes.
2. Alumni outcomes: Metrics such as salary progression, career advancement, and employability play a significant role.
3. Diversity: The rankings assess gender and international diversity among both faculty and students.
4. Research excellence: The volume and impact of research produced by the schools’ academic staff are evaluated.
5. Programme breadth: Schools are rewarded for offering a wide range of high-quality programmes, catering to professionals at various stages of their careers.

For Malta-based executives and business leaders, these rankings provide invaluable insights into institutions that can help them compete on the global stage. European schools, particularly those in nearby France, Italy, and the UK, remain attractive for their proximity and their focus on leadership development, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

For a detailed view of the rankings and additional insights, visit the Financial Times’ official article.