Financial Times World MBA Rankings - Top 60

The Financial Times Global Top 100 MBA Programs of 2008 provides a comprehensive look at the world's most prestigious and well-regarded MBA programs, with the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School earning the distinction of being ranked the number one program globally. Following closely behind is the London Business School (LBS) in the United Kingdom, solidifying Europe’s presence among the world’s elite business schools. Of the top ten MBA programs in the world, six are located in the United States, reflecting the country’s dominance in producing leading business education institutions. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom contributes two schools to this elite list.

Notably, the China Europe International Business School (CEIBS) is the highest-ranked MBA program in Asia, coming in at the 11th position globally. This demonstrates the growing influence and development of business education in Asia as it continues to gain prominence in global rankings.

In addition to these globally dominant institutions, Canada boasts a strong presence on the Financial Times Global Top 100 list, with six Canadian business schools making the rankings. These institutions highlight the quality of Canadian business education and the diverse opportunities available for students seeking a world-class MBA experience.

The University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management, ranked 40th in the world, is one of Canada’s most prestigious institutions and is celebrated for its innovative curriculum and strong emphasis on leadership and research. Rotman’s reputation reflects both the quality of its academic offerings and its commitment to producing graduates equipped for success in the global business landscape.

Another top institution is York University’s Schulich School of Business, which is ranked 48th globally. Schulich is well-regarded for its focus on international business, innovation, and its strong network connections with the corporate sector. Schulich has developed a reputation for preparing students to address global challenges, and it remains a popular choice for MBA candidates worldwide.

The University of Western Ontario’s Ivey Business School is another key player on the Canadian business school scene, coming in at 53rd on the global ranking. Known for its case study method and immersive approach to business learning, Ivey is recognized for creating practical, hands-on experiences that prepare students for real-world business challenges. This teaching method sets Ivey apart by emphasizing experiential learning and critical thinking.

In addition to these highly ranked institutions, the University of Alberta, positioned at 88th in the world, represents Canada’s continued strength in providing quality graduate education. The Alberta MBA program is noted for its diverse and dynamic academic environment, offering opportunities to students looking for specialized skills in business strategy and innovation.

The University of British Columbia’s Sauder School of Business also holds its own at the 92nd position, reflecting its strong commitment to producing graduates ready to lead in a rapidly changing global market. Sauder’s programs emphasize collaboration, sustainability, and entrepreneurship, aligning with evolving market needs and modern leadership trends.

Lastly, McGill University’s Desautels Faculty of Management, ranked 96th globally, rounds out Canada’s representation on the Financial Times list. McGill’s reputation as a world-class institution extends beyond business into a diverse range of disciplines, and its MBA program continues to embody excellence, offering students both academic rigor and valuable networking opportunities.

These six Canadian institutions—Rotman, Schulich, Ivey, Alberta, Sauder, and Desautels—demonstrate the strength of Canadian education and its ability to produce competitive graduates who are sought after by businesses across the globe. They represent a mix of innovation, tradition, and adaptability in response to the dynamic demands of the modern business world. While the United States and the United Kingdom dominate the top rankings, the inclusion of these Canadian schools underscores the country’s role as a destination for high-quality graduate business education.

In conclusion, the Financial Times Global Top 100 MBA Programs from 2008 reflects the competitive landscape of global business schools. The United States leads the rankings with six schools in the top ten, followed by two from the United Kingdom, while China’s CEIBS demonstrates the growing strength of Asian business schools. Canada maintains a strong presence in the top rankings with six notable institutions that are internationally respected for their commitment to excellence, innovation, and producing globally competitive business leaders. The success of Canadian institutions such as Rotman, Schulich, Ivey, Alberta, Sauder, and Desautels further cements Canada’s role in shaping the future of global business education.

Below are the Top 60 MBA Programs:
1 University of Pennsylvania: Wharton (US)
2 London Business School (UK)
3 Columbia Business School (US)
4 Stanford University GSB (US)
5 Harvard Business School (US)
6 Insead (France / Singapore)
7 MIT: Sloan (US)
8 IE Business School (Spain)
9 Univ of Chicago Graduate Sch. of Business (US)
10 Univ of Cambridge: Judge (UK)
11 Ceibs (China)
11 Iese Business School (Spain)
13 New York Univ: Stern (USA)
14 IMD (Switzerland)
15 Dartmouth College: Tuck (US)
16 Yale School of Management (US)
17 Hong Kong UST Business Sch. (China)
18 HEC Paris (France)
19 Uni of Oxford: Saïd (UK)
20 Indian School of Business (India)
21 Esade Business School (Spain)
22 Lancaster Uni Management School (UK)
23 Manchester Business Sch. (UK)
24 Northwestern Uni: Kellogg (US)
25 UCLA: Anderson (US)
26 Emory Uni: Goizueta (US)
27 Uni of Michigan: Ross (US)
28 Duke Uni: Fuqua (US)
29 Warwick Business School (UK)
30 Cranfield Sch. of Management (UK)
30 Uni of Strathclyde Business School (UK)
32 UC Berkeley: Haas (US)
33 Uni of Virginia: Darden (US)
34 RSM Erasmus Uni (Netherlands)
35 Imperial College London: Tanaka (UK)
36 Cornell Uni: Johnson (US)
37 Uni of Maryland: Smith (US)
38 Georgetown Uni: McDonough (US)
39 Australian Graduate Sch. of Management (Australia)
40 Uni of Toronto: Rotman (Canada)
41 City Uni: Cass (UK)
41 Shanghai Jiao Tong Uni, ACEM (China)
41 Uni of North Carolina: Kenan-Flagler (US)
44 Edinburgh U Management School (UK)
44 U of Washington Business School (US)
46 Nanyang Business School (Singapore)
47 U of Rochester: Simon (US)
48 Carnegie Mellon: Tepper (US)
48 Leeds U Business Sch. (UK)
48 Michigan State U: Broad (US)
48 SDA Bocconi (Italy)
48 York U: Schulich (Canada)
53 Bradford Sch. of Management/TiasNimbas Business School (UK / Netherlands / Germany)
53 U of Western Ontario: Ivey (Canada)
55 U of Iowa: Tippie (US)
55 U of South Carolina: Moore (US)
57 U of Arizona: Eller (US)
58 Pennsylvania State U: Smeal (US)
58 U of California: Davis (US)
60 U of Southern California: Marshall (US)

Source: Financial Times 2008