Financial Times MBA Ranking (Top 20)

The Financial Times (FT) Global MBA Rankings are widely regarded as one of the most comprehensive and prestigious assessments of business schools worldwide. For the 2011 edition, the rankings revealed key trends and developments in global business education. In particular, the list highlighted the continued dominance of top U.S. and European schools, while also shedding light on rising institutions from Asia, such as the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA), and Nanyang Business School from Singapore. The rankings also provided insight into the global economic landscape, with a particular emphasis on the growing influence of Asian business schools and their ability to compete with the best schools in the U.S. and Europe.

One of the standout performers in the 2011 FT Global MBA Rankings was the HKUST MBA program, which reached its highest-ever placement, securing 6th place globally. This marked a significant achievement for the business school, which had been steadily rising in the rankings over the years. The success of HKUST’s MBA program can be attributed to several factors, including its strong focus on international exposure, a rigorous and globally oriented curriculum, and its excellent faculty. The school has long emphasized the importance of preparing students for leadership roles in an increasingly globalized business environment, and its rankings reflect the growing recognition of this commitment.

HKUST’s MBA program is not only ranked 6th in the world for 2011, but it has also consistently maintained a position in the top 10 over the past few years, based on a three-year average. This consistent high ranking highlights the program’s continued ability to deliver top-tier education to its students and demonstrates the growing influence of Asian business schools. Hong Kong, as a major financial hub in Asia, has become a key destination for business education, attracting students from across the globe. Furthermore, HKUST’s close ties with international corporations, especially in the fields of technology and finance, have enhanced its global reputation and helped create valuable career opportunities for its graduates.

Another standout performer in the 2011 FT Global MBA Rankings was the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIMA), which maintained its position as the highest-ranked business school in India. IIMA secured 11th place globally, marking a strong showing for the Indian institution. This ranking is a testament to IIMA’s longstanding reputation for excellence in management education and its strong alumni network, which includes leaders in business, government, and academia. Over the years, IIMA has built a reputation for producing graduates who excel in high-level leadership roles in both India and the global marketplace. The school’s rigorous academic curriculum, combined with a strong focus on practical business skills, makes it a top choice for students seeking to pursue careers in consulting, finance, and entrepreneurship.

IIMA’s MBA program has gained increasing recognition internationally, as evidenced by its strong ranking in the FT’s global list. The rise of India as an emerging economic power, combined with the growing demand for well-trained business leaders in the country, has made IIMA an attractive destination for students looking to gain expertise in the fast-growing Indian market. Furthermore, the school’s focus on entrepreneurship and innovation is helping to shape the future of Indian business and further solidifying IIMA’s position as a leader in global management education.

In addition to the achievements of HKUST and IIMA, another notable performer in the 2011 rankings was Nanyang Business School in Singapore, which saw its MBA program placed 33rd globally. Nanyang Business School is a leading institution in Asia and has steadily risen in the global rankings over the years. The school’s MBA program is particularly known for its emphasis on innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Nanyang Business School also boasts a strong network of corporate partners, particularly in Asia, providing students with valuable opportunities for internships and post-graduation employment.

One of the standout features of Nanyang Business School’s MBA program is its strong focus on global exposure. The program offers a wide range of international exchange opportunities, allowing students to study in countries around the world and gain exposure to different business cultures. Additionally, Nanyang Business School’s faculty includes experts with deep expertise in emerging markets, particularly in Asia. This provides students with a unique perspective on global business and prepares them for leadership roles in the increasingly important Asia-Pacific region. Nanyang’s rising position in the FT rankings is a reflection of its growing reputation as a top business school and its commitment to providing students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the global business landscape.

The FT rankings also shed light on the performance of U.S. business schools, with the UC Davis MBA program being ranked 43rd in the U.S. and 83rd globally. While this might not place UC Davis among the very top schools in the world, its consistent ranking in the top 100 globally is a strong achievement. The UC Davis Graduate School of Management is particularly known for its emphasis on sustainability and innovation, as well as its commitment to diversity and inclusion. The school has also made strides in fostering a collaborative and supportive learning environment for its students. For the second consecutive year, UC Davis was ranked among the top 10% of accredited business schools globally, further cementing its place as one of the top institutions for business education.

UC Davis also stood out for its achievements in gender diversity, ranking number one in the world for the percentage of women faculty among its MBA programs, according to the Financial Times’ Global MBA ratings. This focus on diversity and inclusion has played a significant role in the school’s ability to attract students from diverse backgrounds, enriching the learning experience and preparing graduates to excel in an increasingly globalized and interconnected business environment. The focus on sustainability and social responsibility, in addition to a strong academic foundation, has made UC Davis an appealing choice for students who wish to make a positive impact in their careers and in the world.

The top 20 MBA programs in the world for 2011:
1. London Business School
1. University of Pennsylvania: Wharton
3. Harvard Business School
4. Insead
4. Stanford University GSB
6. Hong Kong UST Business School
7. Columbia Business School
8. IE Business School
9. MIT Sloan School of Management
9. Iese Business School
11. Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIMA)
12. University of Chicago: Booth
13. Indian School of Business
14. IMD
15. New York University: Stern
15. Yale School of Management
17. Ceibs
18. Dartmouth College: Tuck
18. HEC Paris
20. Duke University: Fuqua
Source: Financial Times