Business Week Non-USA MBA Ranking

In 2007, Business Week published its Non-USA MBA Ranking, which showcased some of the best business schools outside the United States. The ranking highlighted the increasing global competition in business education, with schools in Canada, Europe, and beyond becoming more prominent on the world stage. The 2007 list included institutions from Canada, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, reflecting the growing significance of non-American business schools in shaping the future of global leadership. At the top of the list were Canadian institutions, led by Queen's University, followed by Western Ontario’s Ivey School of Business and the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management. Other notable institutions, such as IMD in Switzerland and London Business School in the U.K., rounded out the top five. Each of these schools offered a unique set of strengths, from their rigorous academic frameworks to their global networks, making them highly regarded in the world of business education.

At the top of the Business Week 2007 Non-USA MBA Ranking was Queen's School of Business in Kingston, Ontario. Queen's had established itself as the premier business school in Canada, with its MBA program garnering widespread acclaim for its academic rigor and focus on leadership development. Queen’s offers a highly personalized approach to business education, with a strong emphasis on experiential learning and team collaboration. The school’s close-knit environment allows students to form meaningful relationships with peers, faculty, and alumni, creating a powerful network that lasts throughout their careers. Queen’s MBA program is known for its focus on strategic decision-making, leadership, and global business perspectives. With a strong reputation in Canada, Queen's also boasts a growing international presence, offering students the opportunity to engage with global markets through its diverse faculty, international exchange programs, and corporate partnerships. Queen’s commitment to providing a world-class education in a collaborative, supportive environment is reflected in its strong performance in the Business Week ranking.

Ranked second on the list was Western Ontario’s Ivey School of Business, one of Canada’s most prestigious business schools. Ivey is renowned for its case-based teaching method, which emphasizes real-world problem-solving and decision-making. This method has helped shape Ivey’s reputation as one of the most innovative business schools in the world. Ivey’s MBA program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of business fundamentals, while also honing their leadership, management, and strategic thinking skills. The school’s focus on leadership development is evident in its comprehensive curriculum, which integrates leadership training into every aspect of the MBA program. Ivey’s small class sizes foster a collaborative learning environment, where students work together to solve business problems, engage in debates, and build lasting relationships. Additionally, Ivey’s close ties to the business community, particularly in Canada, ensure that students have ample opportunities to gain practical experience through internships, consulting projects, and industry networking events. Ivey’s status as a leading business school in Canada is further reinforced by its international reach, with alumni working across the globe in top-tier corporations.

The University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management was ranked third in the Business Week 2007 Non-USA MBA Ranking. As one of Canada’s most prestigious business schools, Rotman is known for its innovative curriculum, which emphasizes integrative thinking and a multidisciplinary approach to solving complex business problems. The school’s MBA program is designed to equip students with the skills needed to succeed in the fast-paced and ever-changing global business landscape. Rotman’s unique approach to business education is exemplified by its focus on design thinking, a creative problem-solving methodology that encourages students to approach business challenges from multiple perspectives. This approach fosters innovation, critical thinking, and an ability to navigate uncertainty. The program’s strong emphasis on experiential learning allows students to apply their classroom knowledge to real-world situations, gaining practical experience that is highly valued by employers. Rotman also offers an international exchange program, enabling students to gain exposure to global markets and cultures, further enhancing their business education. With its world-class faculty and innovative teaching methods, Rotman has solidified its reputation as one of the leading business schools in North America and beyond.

IMD Business School in Lausanne, Switzerland, was ranked fourth on the list. IMD is one of Europe’s premier business schools, known for its highly selective MBA program, which is designed for experienced professionals who are looking to accelerate their careers and transition into leadership roles. IMD’s program is distinctive for its international orientation, offering students the opportunity to learn from global business experts and engage with a diverse, multinational student body. IMD’s small class sizes foster close relationships among students, faculty, and alumni, creating a powerful network that spans the globe. The school’s emphasis on leadership development, strategic thinking, and innovation is central to its MBA program, which is designed to prepare students for senior management positions in multinational organizations. IMD’s location in Switzerland, a hub for global business and finance, provides students with access to a wealth of career opportunities, particularly in the fields of finance, consulting, and technology. The school’s commitment to personalized, hands-on learning and its focus on executive education has made it a top choice for those looking to gain a competitive edge in the global business world.

The fifth spot in the Business Week 2007 Non-USA MBA Ranking was occupied by London Business School (LBS) in the United Kingdom. LBS is one of the most prestigious business schools in the world, known for its diverse student body, academic rigor, and strong connections to the global business community. The school’s MBA program offers a flexible curriculum that allows students to tailor their education to their career goals and interests. LBS places a strong emphasis on leadership development, global business, and entrepreneurship, ensuring that students graduate with the skills and knowledge required to lead organizations in a rapidly changing global market. The school’s location in London, a global financial and business hub, offers students access to a wide range of industries and career opportunities. LBS’s extensive alumni network, which spans over 130 countries, provides students with valuable connections and career support throughout their professional lives. The school’s strong reputation for producing top-tier graduates who go on to successful careers in consulting, finance, and entrepreneurship further bolsters its position as one of the top business schools in the world.

The Business Week 2007 Non-USA MBA Ranking provided a clear snapshot of the top international business schools, highlighting the growing importance of global education and the expanding influence of non-U.S. institutions in shaping the future of business leadership. The schools listed in the top five—Queen’s, Ivey, Rotman, IMD, and London Business School—are all recognized for their strong academic programs, world-class faculty, and global networks. These institutions attract a diverse range of students from across the world, offering them the opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of global business practices and to develop the leadership skills necessary to succeed in the highly competitive and dynamic business environment.

The ranking also underscores the increasing prominence of Canadian business schools, with Queen’s, Ivey, and Rotman securing three of the top five spots. These schools have become key players in the global business education landscape, offering rigorous programs that combine academic excellence with practical, real-world experience. Their strong ties to industry and focus on leadership development make them attractive options for students seeking to advance their careers in both North America and abroad.

Meanwhile, European schools like IMD and London Business School continue to set the standard for international business education. IMD’s focus on executive education and leadership development, coupled with its small class sizes and international student body, makes it a top choice for experienced professionals seeking to enhance their careers. Similarly, London Business School’s location in one of the world’s leading financial centers provides students with unparalleled access to global business opportunities and a diverse range of industries.

Business Week Non-USA MBA Ranking:

Rank, School, Country
1 Queen's Canada-Ontario
2 Western Ontario (Ivey) Canada-Ontario
3 Toronto (Rotman) Canada-Ontario
4 IMD Switzerland
5 London Business School U.K.
6 INSEAD France
7 ESADE Spain
8 IESE Spain
9 York (Schulich) Canada-Ontario
10 HEC Montreal Canada

Source: Business Week (Nov 2007)