Barcelona's business schools shine internationally. IESE's MBA ranks third in the world and first in Europe, according to the Global MBA Ranking 2025, published by the Financial Times. This classification identifies the 100 best business management programs and also recognizes two other Catalan schools: Esade climbs to eighth position globally, and fifth best in Europe, and Eada closes this ranking in the hundredth position.
In the case of IESE's MBA, the business school of the University of Navarra, the ranking has highlighted the internationality and diversity of the program, which has 90% international students ---and 40% women--- and a diverse faculty. In addition, students have the possibility of taking modules in New York, Shenzhen in China, or Mexico City. Furthermore, the ranking has also valued the degree of student satisfaction, as IESE MBA alumni have given it an average score of 9.4 out of 10.
The Financial Times, which has placed IESE's MBA only behind those taught by the American universities of Pennsylvania and Columbia, has also valued the university's commitment to sustainability, occupying the second international position in ESG teaching ---the environmental, social, and corporate governance criteria that are taken into account when investing in a company---. "Since its first edition, the MBA has evolved and adapted to the needs of a constantly changing business world," emphasized the academic director of the MBA, which this year celebrates its 60th anniversary.
For its part, Esade's master's program is in eighth global position, and fifth best in Europe, climbing nine positions compared to the previous classification. The ranking highlights the international learning experience offered by this school, placing it in fourth position in this category, for its international internships and the exchange possibilities it offers. "The global economy demands leaders with a broad vision and the ability to manage diverse teams in changing environments," defends Esade's dean, Joan Rodón. In addition, the classification also highlights Esade's impact on its students' professional careers, especially due to the salary increase after graduation.
Finally, Eada has also snuck into the world ranking, closing this classification at number 100. The Financial Times especially values the proportion of teaching hours dedicated to ethics, social and environmental issues and climate solutions applied to the business world. "Our program deeply embraces business sustainability to make the success of companies also responsible," says the director of Eada's International MBA, Ella Bounik.
To prepare this classification, the Financial Times takes into account criteria such as the design of the courses, the methods and quality of academic services, partner institutions or the alumni network. The results are based on a survey conducted among MBA students who graduated in 2021 from the participating schools, and criteria such as international participation or sustainability training are also taken into account. A ranking in which Barcelona continues to stand out internationally, positioning itself as one of the best cities for executive training.