Top 65 European MBA - Financial Times

In the 2008 Financial Times Top European MBA ranking, several institutions from across the continent showcased their strength and global appeal by securing top positions. These schools have long been recognized as leaders in business education, with their programs being sought after by students from all over the world who aspire to develop the skills, knowledge, and global perspective required to succeed in today’s complex and interconnected business environment. Among the top-ranked schools in this prestigious list, HEC Paris, London Business School (LBS), INSEAD, IE Business School, IMD, and ESCP-EAP are noteworthy for their contributions to shaping the future of global business leaders. The 2008 ranking not only highlights the quality of education offered by these institutions but also underscores their ability to adapt to the evolving demands of the business world, particularly in terms of offering international perspectives, fostering innovation, and focusing on leadership development.

At the top of the 2008 ranking was HEC Paris, which has long been recognized as one of Europe’s most prestigious business schools. Located just outside Paris, HEC is renowned for its rigorous academic curriculum, strong global reputation, and extensive alumni network, which includes influential leaders in both the private and public sectors. The HEC Paris MBA program is highly competitive and offers a challenging, intellectually stimulating experience. Students at HEC are given a unique opportunity to develop critical thinking skills while also honing their leadership and strategic decision-making capabilities. The school’s focus on entrepreneurship, innovation, and its deep integration with the business community in Paris make it a top choice for those looking to advance their careers in global business. HEC Paris also boasts a diverse student body, with students from over 50 countries, providing an enriching learning environment where students can gain invaluable cross-cultural insights. The school’s reputation in finance, consulting, and general management further cements its position as the leading European business school in the 2008 Financial Times rankings.

Following closely behind HEC Paris in the rankings is London Business School (LBS), which is often considered one of the best business schools in the world. Based in the heart of London, LBS offers a truly international MBA experience, with a student body that represents more than 60 nationalities. The LBS MBA program is known for its strong emphasis on leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship, as well as its global focus. London’s status as a global financial and business hub is one of the key advantages for students at LBS, providing them with access to numerous networking opportunities, internships, and job placements with leading firms in consulting, finance, and technology. The school’s diverse and highly accomplished faculty, combined with its strong ties to the business world, provide students with the tools they need to succeed in a highly competitive global market. LBS graduates are known for their entrepreneurial mindset and ability to lead organizations through complex challenges, making them highly sought after by employers worldwide. LBS’s focus on a global curriculum, combined with its central location in London, ensures that it remains a top choice for international students.

In third place in the 2008 rankings was INSEAD, one of Europe’s most prestigious and globally recognized business schools. With campuses in both France and Singapore, INSEAD offers a unique and truly international MBA experience, with students having the opportunity to study and live in two different continents. This international exposure is a key differentiator for INSEAD, as it provides students with the ability to gain insights into diverse markets, cultures, and business practices. The INSEAD MBA program is highly regarded for its intensive, one-year curriculum, which allows students to complete their studies in a shorter time frame than many other top MBA programs. INSEAD is known for its commitment to innovation and leadership, with a strong focus on entrepreneurship, strategy, and global business. The school’s international faculty, along with its extensive alumni network and partnerships with global corporations, ensure that graduates are well-equipped to take on leadership roles in multinational organizations. INSEAD’s reputation for producing high-caliber graduates who excel in the global business landscape has made it a top choice for ambitious professionals seeking to expand their career opportunities.

Ranked fourth, IE Business School in Spain has earned a stellar reputation for its innovative and flexible MBA program. Located in Madrid, IE offers an MBA program that is deeply focused on entrepreneurship, technology, and innovation. The school’s emphasis on a practical, hands-on approach to learning enables students to develop key leadership and managerial skills while also fostering creativity and entrepreneurial thinking. The IE MBA program is designed to be highly adaptable, offering both full-time and part-time options, which allows students to balance their studies with professional commitments. IE is also known for its strong connections to the startup ecosystem and its commitment to fostering a culture of innovation. The school’s diverse student body, with participants from over 60 countries, ensures that students gain valuable international perspectives and are exposed to a wide range of global business practices. IE’s emphasis on global networking, coupled with its strong ties to the business community in Spain and beyond, ensures that its graduates are well-equipped to thrive in a rapidly changing business environment.

Also ranked fourth, IMD in Switzerland is another top European business school that has gained recognition for its focus on leadership and global business. IMD is a small, exclusive school that offers a highly personalized MBA experience. The school’s MBA program is designed to be highly intensive, with a strong emphasis on leadership development, entrepreneurship, and international business. IMD’s curriculum is built around real-world business challenges, and students are encouraged to apply their learning in practical settings through consulting projects, international assignments, and collaborations with multinational organizations. The school’s close-knit community, combined with its global alumni network and faculty expertise, ensures that IMD graduates are well-prepared to take on leadership roles in a wide range of industries. IMD’s focus on producing graduates who can navigate the complexities of the global business environment has made it a sought-after destination for aspiring business leaders.

The sixth place in the 2008 Financial Times European MBA rankings was occupied by ESCP-EAP European School of Management, a highly respected institution with campuses across Europe, including in France, the UK, Germany, Spain, and Italy. This European school offers a unique and diverse MBA program, providing students with the opportunity to study at multiple campuses and experience a range of European business cultures. The program is known for its strong focus on international business and its ability to equip students with the necessary skills to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world. ESCP’s approach to business education emphasizes collaboration, cross-cultural communication, and the development of strategic management skills. The school’s global footprint, combined with its diverse student body and strong corporate connections, ensures that graduates are well-prepared for careers in multinational organizations. ESCP’s extensive network of alumni and partnerships with leading firms across Europe and beyond also plays a significant role in its continued success and recognition in the European MBA rankings.

Financial Times Top 65 European MBA Ranking:

1 HEC Paris (France)
2 London Business School (UK)
3 Insead (France / Singapore)
4 IE Business School (Spain)
4 IMD (Switzerland)
6 ESCP-EAP European School of Management (France / UK / Germany / Spain / Italy)
7 Iese Business School (Spain)
8 EM Lyon (France)
8 Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University Netherlands)
10 Vlerick Leuven Gent Management School (Belgium)
11 Esade Business School (Spain
11 Essec Business School (France / Singapore)
13 Cranfield School of Management (UK)
14 City University: Cass (UK)
15 Stockholm School of Economics (Sweden / Russia / Latvia)
16 Warwick Business School (UK)
17 Helsinki School of Economics (Finland / S. Korea / Singapore)
17 University of Strathclyde Business School (UK)
19 University of Oxford: Saïd (UK)
20 Lancaster Univ Management School (UK)
21 SDA Bocconi (Italy)
22 Solvay Business School (Belgium)
23 London School of Economics and Political Science (UK)
24 Univ College Dublin: Smurfit (Ireland)
25 Henley Management College (UK)
26 Ashridge (UK)
26 Reims Management School (France)
28 Durham Business School (UK)
28 Nyenrode Business Universiteit (Netherlands)
30 Grenoble Graduate School of Business (France)
30 Imperial College Business School (UK)
30 Universität St.Gallen (Switzerland)
33 Edhec Business School (France)
34 Bradford Univ School of Management (UK)
35 Mannheim Business School (Germany)
36 U of Edinburgh Business School (UK)
37 Copenhagen Business School (Denmark)
37 U of Cambridge: Judge (UK)
39 Eada (Spain)
40 TiasNimbas Business School, Tilburg Univ (Netherlands / Germany)
41 Vienna Uni of Economics and Business (Austria)
42 Nottingham Univ Business School (UK)
43 Univ of Bath School of Management (UK)
44 Audencia Nantes (France)
44 Manchester Business School (UK)
46 ESC Lille (France)
47 Aston Business School (UK)
47 Catholic U of Portugal (Portugal)
47 ESC Toulouse (France)
47 NHH (Norway)
51 ESC Rouen School of Management (France)
52 Universiteit Antwerpen Management School (Belgium)
53 BI Norwegian School of Management (Norway)
53 Euromed Marseille Ecole de Management (France)
55 Leeds Uni Business School (UK)
55 Maastricht Uni ((Netherlands)
57 Warsaw School of Economics (Poland)
58 IAG-Louvain School of Management (Belgium)
59 Ceram Business School (France)
59 ICN Business School (France)
61 Bem Bordeaux Management School (France)
62 ESC Tours-Poitiers (ESCEM) (France)
62 U of Cologne, Faculty of Management Germany)
64 IAE Aix-en-Provence Graduate School of Management (France)
65 Corvinus Uni of Budapest (Hungary)

Source: Financial Times 2008