European Business School Ranking by Financial Times

The Financial Times (FT) European Business School Ranking is one of the most prestigious rankings in the field, highlighting the top business schools in Europe. The 2013 edition of this ranking, published on December 2, brought significant attention to a number of European business schools, with HEC Paris and IE Business School sharing the coveted No. 1 position in Europe, an accomplishment that showcased the institutions' leadership in business education.

HEC Paris, located just outside Paris, has been one of Europe’s most influential and renowned business schools for decades. Its rise to the top of the Financial Times European Business School Ranking in 2013 was a recognition of its consistent excellence in a range of categories. From its academic programs to its alumni network and faculty quality, HEC Paris has remained at the forefront of business education in Europe. The school is particularly noted for its MBA program, which has earned a top global reputation, along with its robust corporate connections, which enable students to secure high-paying jobs at major multinational firms. The FT rankings consider the international diversity of both faculty and students, the strength of the school’s research output, and the success of its graduates in securing leadership roles within the business world. HEC Paris scored exceptionally high in these categories, reaffirming its status as a leading institution in global business education.

Similarly, IE Business School, based in Madrid, shared the No. 1 spot in the FT European Business School Ranking for 2013. Known for its innovative approach to business education, IE Business School has become a major player in the global academic landscape, attracting a diverse and multinational student body. The school has a strong focus on entrepreneurship, international business, and leadership, offering a wide range of programs designed to cater to the needs of students in an increasingly globalized business world. IE’s unique approach to education, which blends traditional academic rigor with practical, hands-on learning experiences, has made it a favorite among students seeking to develop the skills necessary to thrive in competitive business environments. The school’s high placement rates, as well as its cutting-edge research and business-oriented programs, have contributed to its well-deserved spot at the top of the FT ranking.

Right behind HEC Paris and IE Business School, the Financial Times placed London Business School and Esade Business School in a tie for third place. London Business School (LBS), renowned for its world-class faculty, international student body, and extensive alumni network, has been a leading institution in business education for many years. It consistently ranks highly in global MBA rankings and has a strong reputation for its finance, management, and leadership programs. The school’s location in the heart of one of the world’s most vibrant financial hubs gives its students unparalleled access to top-tier firms and multinational corporations, making it an attractive destination for those looking to launch or accelerate their careers in business.

Esade Business School, based in Barcelona, has also earned a top spot in the FT European Business School Ranking. Known for its emphasis on ethics, social responsibility, and innovation, Esade has built a strong reputation for providing an education that goes beyond traditional business principles. The school has long been recognized for its international outlook, and its highly diverse student body adds to the multicultural learning experience that Esade offers. Esade’s programs are particularly popular among those looking to develop leadership skills that can be applied across various industries and markets. The school’s focus on fostering entrepreneurship and global business expertise has contributed to its strong position in the 2013 FT rankings.

The No. 5 position in the FT European Business School Ranking 2013 went to INSEAD, a highly respected institution with campuses in France, Singapore, and Abu Dhabi. Known for its truly international perspective, INSEAD offers a range of global programs, including its famous MBA program, which attracts students from all over the world. INSEAD’s strength lies in its ability to provide a global business education that emphasizes cross-cultural communication, international leadership, and the ability to navigate complex global markets. Its graduates are sought after by multinational corporations, thanks to their ability to adapt to diverse business environments and manage international teams. INSEAD’s status as a global leader in business education is further solidified by its consistent top rankings in the Financial Times, a reflection of its strong academic reputation, robust faculty, and diverse, accomplished student body.

In addition to the top five schools, other notable European institutions were featured in the 2013 FT European Business School Ranking, such as HEC Paris, IE Business School, and the renowned institutions from the United Kingdom, Spain, and France. However, a closer look at the broader list of top business schools reveals that while many schools ranked high in specific areas, a few standout institutions also demonstrated exceptional achievements in terms of international diversity, graduate employment rates, and faculty quality.

WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management, ranked 21st in the 2013 FT European Business School Ranking, continued to hold its position as the top-ranked business school in Germany. WHU has earned recognition for its strong ties to industry, its emphasis on international business education, and its commitment to producing graduates who excel in global markets. The school is particularly well-known for its focus on leadership development and its close relationships with some of Germany’s largest corporations, offering students unparalleled opportunities for internships and employment.

Manchester Business School, ranked 39th in the FT European Business School Ranking 2013, has also earned recognition for its robust MBA program, which ranked 29th globally according to the Financial Times in 2013. Manchester has maintained its status as a top business school by emphasizing research excellence and providing students with practical, industry-focused learning experiences. Additionally, Manchester’s Doctoral program, for the third consecutive year, was ranked No. 1 in the world by the Financial Times, further highlighting the institution’s strength in producing highly skilled academic and business leaders.

European Business School Ranking 2013 (Top 5 list):
1 HEC Paris
1 IE Business School
3 London Business School
3 Esade Business School
5 Insead
Source: Financial Times

The Financial Times European Business Schools rankings are an amalgamation of the FT Global MBA, Masters in Management, EMBA and Executive Education rankings.