Top Non-U.S. MBA Rankings

The Forbes Non-USA MBA Ranking 2007 showcased a diverse and highly competitive array of business schools from around the world, reflecting the increasing globalization of business education. As businesses expand beyond national borders and markets become increasingly interconnected, the demand for globally-minded business leaders has surged. This trend has been mirrored in the growing prestige and prominence of non-American business schools, which have become attractive destinations for students from diverse backgrounds seeking a comprehensive, international perspective on business leadership. The Forbes Non-USA MBA Ranking highlighted this global shift, showcasing the top institutions outside the United States. The ranking included schools from Europe, Canada, Latin America, and Asia, and underscored the rising importance of these schools in preparing future leaders for the complexities of a globalized business environment.

At the top of the list in 2007 was IESE Business School in Spain, which claimed the number one position for its globally recognized MBA program. IESE is renowned for its comprehensive, international approach to business education. Offering a blend of rigorous academic theory, practical application, and leadership development, IESE has established itself as a leading institution that prepares students to navigate the global business landscape. What sets IESE apart is its strong emphasis on the ethical dimensions of leadership, as well as its ability to integrate global business practices into its curriculum. IESE’s alumni network spans the globe, with graduates occupying leadership roles across diverse industries. Furthermore, the school’s close ties to global businesses, particularly in Europe, make it an attractive option for students looking to gain insights into both European and international business practices. The school’s commitment to fostering leadership, ethics, and a deep understanding of global business issues makes it an invaluable resource for students pursuing an international career.

In second place was the London Business School (LBS), one of the most prestigious and globally renowned business schools in Europe. Based in the heart of London, LBS benefits immensely from its strategic location in one of the world's major financial hubs. London is not only a key business center but also a melting pot of cultures, and LBS leverages this diversity in its MBA program. The school offers an internationally oriented MBA program that places a strong emphasis on leadership and entrepreneurship, with a particular focus on the global business environment. The diverse student body at LBS, drawn from around the world, enriches the learning experience by bringing different perspectives to class discussions and group projects. Combined with a rigorous academic curriculum, this international exposure prepares graduates for high-level positions in industries around the world. LBS's strong connections to businesses, particularly in finance and consulting, ensure that its graduates enjoy access to lucrative career opportunities across Europe and beyond. The reputation of LBS as a top business school is also underpinned by its strong faculty, many of whom are leading experts in their fields, further enhancing the quality of education offered at the school.

Securing the third position in the Forbes 2007 ranking was Manchester Business School, also based in the United Kingdom. Manchester’s MBA program stands out for its emphasis on practical business knowledge and real-world applications. Unlike many other top business schools, Manchester offers a program that combines academic rigor with extensive experiential learning opportunities. This hands-on approach allows students to work on actual business challenges, providing them with invaluable experience and a direct link to the corporate world. The school’s global outlook, strong corporate ties, and emphasis on innovation and leadership development make it a popular choice for students looking to work in international markets. Manchester Business School’s MBA program is particularly known for its flexibility, offering various specializations that cater to students with different career aspirations. With strong industry links and a reputation for producing highly capable graduates, Manchester continues to be a key player in the global business education landscape.

In fourth place was Schulich School of Business at York University in Ontario, Canada, which marked a strong showing for Canadian institutions in the global rankings. Schulich is known for its flexible MBA offerings, including specialization options in areas such as finance, marketing, and international business. Schulich is also recognized for its commitment to providing a well-rounded business education that blends academic rigor with a focus on ethical leadership, social responsibility, and sustainability. The school’s diverse student body, which includes students from all over the world, brings an international dimension to the classroom, ensuring that graduates are equipped to succeed in global markets. Schulich’s strong ties to the business community and its proximity to Canada’s business capital, Toronto, offer students a wealth of networking opportunities with leading global firms. Schulich’s emphasis on leadership, innovation, and its global focus on business education have solidified its position as one of the top business schools in Canada and one of the premier institutions for MBA education outside the United States.

In fifth place was IPADE Business School in Mexico, which has become one of Latin America’s most respected institutions for business education. IPADE is widely recognized for its strong ties to the corporate world in Latin America, particularly in Mexico. The school’s MBA program combines a focus on leadership development with an in-depth understanding of the dynamics of Latin American business. Given the growing importance of Latin America in the global economy, IPADE’s focus on emerging markets makes it an attractive option for students seeking to gain expertise in a region with enormous growth potential. IPADE’s MBA program places a strong emphasis on ethical leadership, strategic thinking, and the development of managerial skills. Students at IPADE gain invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities of doing business in Latin America, making it a popular choice for those who want to work in this region or understand its economic dynamics.

The Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM), based in Australia, secured sixth place in the 2007 Forbes ranking. AGSM’s MBA program is known for its comprehensive approach to business education, with a particular focus on leadership and global business. The school’s highly regarded faculty, which includes experts in strategy, finance, and marketing, provides students with a deep understanding of the most pressing challenges facing businesses in today’s interconnected world. AGSM also emphasizes the importance of entrepreneurship and innovation, with many of its graduates going on to top positions in multinational corporations across a variety of industries. The school’s strong reputation, coupled with its emphasis on developing leadership skills, continues to attract top-tier talent from all over the world.

The Sauder School of Business at the University of British Columbia (UBC), ranked seventh, is another top institution from Canada to make the list. Sauder’s MBA program is widely regarded for its focus on entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainability, alongside traditional business disciplines such as marketing, finance, and strategy. The school is committed to fostering a global perspective on business and leadership, and its proximity to Asia, particularly the burgeoning markets in China, positions Sauder as a key player in international business education. Sauder’s strong connections with industry, its diverse student body, and its focus on sustainable business practices make it a leader in Canadian business education and a significant contributor to the global MBA landscape.

Ranking eighth in the 2007 Forbes Non-USA MBA Ranking was ESADE Business School in Spain. ESADE is widely regarded for its innovative teaching methods and its emphasis on global leadership. The school’s MBA program offers a solid foundation in business fundamentals while also encouraging students to develop their own leadership styles. ESADE has built a reputation for fostering creativity, critical thinking, and ethical decision-making, and its alumni are highly sought after by employers around the world. The school’s strong emphasis on international exposure and global business makes it an ideal destination for students seeking to enhance their careers on the international stage.

In ninth place was CEIBS (China Europe International Business School) in China, which reflects China’s growing influence in the global business landscape. CEIBS’s MBA program has become one of the top choices for students looking to gain insights into the Chinese market and the broader Asia-Pacific region. The program offers a combination of Western-style business education and a deep understanding of the local Chinese business environment, making it a highly attractive option for both international students and those seeking to work in Asia.

Finally, HEC Paris, one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious business schools, rounded out the top ten in the 2007 Forbes Non-USA MBA Ranking. HEC Paris offers an MBA program that is renowned for its academic excellence, leadership focus, and strong international network. The school’s emphasis on cultivating leadership skills, coupled with its global perspective, has earned it a reputation as one of the top business schools in the world.

Overall, the Forbes Non-USA MBA Ranking of 2007 highlighted the increasing globalization of business education and the rising prominence of non-American business schools. Institutions from Europe, Canada, Latin America, and Asia are playing an increasingly important role in shaping the future of global business leadership, and the diversity of the top schools in the ranking reflects this trend. With their strong academic programs, global reach, and focus on leadership development, these schools continue to attract top talent from around the world, preparing graduates to navigate the complexities of an interconnected global economy.