European Top International Business Schools

The 1999 edition of The MBA Career Guide provides an insightful perspective on the top international business schools in Europe, based on the opinions of those who recruit MBA graduates globally. At that time, Europe was home to a diverse and competitive range of business schools, each offering unique strengths and attracting global talent. The list of top European schools, presented alphabetically, includes some well-established names that have maintained their prestige to this day, along with several institutions that were emerging as strong players in the business education landscape.

Among the most highly regarded institutions on this list are Cambridge University’s Judge Business School, Oxford University’s Saïd Business School, and INSEAD. These schools, known for their rigorous academic programs, influential alumni networks, and strong ties to global business, are consistently recognized for producing graduates who go on to successful careers in top firms around the world. Cambridge Judge and Oxford Saïd, both tied to centuries of academic excellence, are known for their rich traditions and highly competitive MBA programs that draw students from across the globe. Their MBA offerings are renowned not only for academic rigor but also for providing opportunities for students to network with influential global leaders, particularly in fields like finance, consulting, and technology.

INSEAD, one of the world’s top-ranked business schools, is notable for its international perspective. With campuses in both France and Singapore, INSEAD has earned a reputation for being the "Business School for the World," attracting a highly diverse student body. Its one-year MBA program offers an accelerated pathway for students looking to quickly transition into leadership roles. INSEAD’s strong emphasis on global business, international leadership, and a multi-cultural environment makes it a highly attractive destination for recruiters seeking MBA talent with a global mindset.

Alongside these well-established institutions, several other European business schools were gaining attention in 1999. HEC Paris and IESE Business School in Spain were both highly regarded for their high-quality MBA programs. HEC Paris, part of the prestigious Parisian academic tradition, has long been a leader in European business education, particularly known for its strong focus on leadership development and its extensive corporate network across Europe. Similarly, IESE, with its strong ties to the global business community, especially in Europe and Latin America, has become an influential player in business education, attracting top recruiters from diverse industries.

Other European business schools with strong reputations include ESSEC Business School (France), EM Lyon Business School (France), and ESADE Business School (Spain). These institutions are known for their high academic standards, diverse student bodies, and extensive corporate connections. They offer a variety of specializations, ranging from entrepreneurship and management to international business and marketing. Graduates from these schools often find opportunities in consulting, finance, and multinational corporations.

In the UK, several universities have become synonymous with high-quality MBA programs. Imperial College London, with its technical focus and global reach, offers an MBA that attracts both international students and recruiters, particularly those in engineering, technology, and finance. London Business School (LBS), one of the most prestigious business schools globally, has a strong reputation for its rigorous academic curriculum, international diversity, and top-notch faculty. LBS consistently ranks among the top MBA schools worldwide and is known for producing graduates who are highly sought after by recruiters in industries like finance, consulting, and entrepreneurship.

Warwick Business School, part of the University of Warwick, is another highly respected institution in the UK. Known for its emphasis on innovation and global business, Warwick’s MBA program is designed to equip students with the skills needed to thrive in today’s fast-paced and interconnected world. The school has a reputation for producing graduates who are highly skilled in strategic management and leadership roles in major corporations.

Other notable UK schools include Cranfield School of Management, Manchester Business School, and Henley Business School. Each of these institutions has built a reputation for providing practical, hands-on training in management, with a focus on leadership and business strategy. Cranfield, in particular, is known for its specialized MBA programs in areas like aerospace and defense, while Henley and Manchester excel in providing management training for both young professionals and those seeking career advancement in senior management roles.

The list of top European business schools in the MBA Career Guide also includes institutions like Rotterdam School of Management (Netherlands), Lancaster University Management School (UK), and Strathclyde Business School (UK), each of which offers unique programs tailored to the needs of students looking for international exposure, practical experience, and specialized knowledge in specific industries. The Rotterdam School of Management (RSM), for instance, is highly regarded for its global business focus and its close ties to major corporations in Europe. Meanwhile, Lancaster and Strathclyde are well-known for their strong emphasis on research and the development of strategic management skills.

In addition to these well-established schools, a number of newer institutions were beginning to gain recognition in 1999 for their MBA programs. Universities such as Bath University, City University, and Durham University were rapidly becoming fixtures in the European business education landscape. These schools were offering specialized programs that appealed to professionals seeking to advance their careers in finance, marketing, and international business, and they increasingly attracted recruiters who valued the fresh perspectives and energy that these new institutions brought to the global talent pool.

European business schools, in general, were particularly focused on fostering an international outlook in their MBA programs. Many of the schools on the list emphasized global business practices, international networks, and cross-cultural leadership. This was a reflection of the changing global economy, where business practices were becoming increasingly interconnected and multinational corporations were seeking candidates who could navigate complex global markets. At the same time, many of these schools were building strong partnerships with leading firms in Europe, Asia, and North America, helping to bridge the gap between academia and industry.

As recruiters in 1999 increasingly sought out MBA graduates with a global perspective, these top European business schools provided an important avenue for students to gain the knowledge, skills, and networks required for success in the business world. Whether in consulting, finance, technology, or entrepreneurship, graduates from these institutions went on to hold influential positions in some of the world’s largest and most prestigious firms.

The MBA Career Guide (USA and UK), Fall 1999

(Based on the opinions of those who recruit MBA graduates internationally)

Top International Schools in Europe
(alphabetical order)

• Bath Univ;
  
• Bocconi Univ;
  
• Cambridge Univ (Judge School);
  
• City Univ;
  
• Cranfield Univ;
  
• Dublin - Trinity Coll;
  
• Durham Univ;
  
• EAP;
  
• EM Lyon;
  
• EN Ponts et Chaussees;
  
• ESADE;
  
• HEC;
  
• Henley;
  
• IESE;
  
• IMD;
  
• Imperial College (London);
  
• INSEAD;
  
• Instituto de Empresa;
  
• Koblenz;
  
• KU Leuven;
  
• London Bus School;
  
• Lancaster;
  
• Manchester Bus School;
  
• Nijenrode;
  
• Nottingham School of Mgt;
  
• Oxford (Said School);
  
• Rotterdam School of Mgt;
  
• Sci Po; Solvay;
  
• Strathclyde;
  
• Warwick

Source: MBA Career Guide