In the latest Financial Times European Business Schools Ranking 2024, Insead has emerged as the number one institution, marking a significant milestone in its history. This achievement reflects the school’s strong showing across multiple categories, including the Masters in Management (MiM) and Executive MBA (EMBA) rankings.

For the first time, Insead ranked in all major categories assessed by the FT, placing third in MiM and fifth in EMBA among European schools. It also leads the custom executive education ranking and is Europe’s top institution for MBA programs. Insead operates campuses in France, Singapore, and the UAE, cementing its global influence.

Despite the vibrancy of the European rankings, neither Cyprus nor Greece has a business school in the top 100.

Skema Business School made headlines as the highest riser, climbing 45 places to secure 26th position. The French school’s rise is attributed to its debut in the global EMBA ranking, where it placed 13th, and its improved standings in custom and open executive courses. Additionally, Skema topped the MiM table’s ESG category, demonstrating a commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) education.

Barcelona’s IQS — Universitat Ramon Llull emerged as the highest new entrant, debuting in 84th place. Its inaugural appearance in the MiM table was marked by a 62nd place among European schools. Notably, IQS graduates reported the third-largest salary increase in the MiM category, with a 78% rise. The institution also ranked fourth in alumni career progression, emphasizing its strong performance in graduate outcomes.

Spain’s Esade Business School reported the largest alumni salary increase in the European table, with an impressive 151% rise for its MBA graduates who completed their studies in 2020. Esade’s overall ranking remains steady at 12th, with top 10 placements in MBA, custom, and open executive education categories. The school also climbed 13 places in the global MBA ranking, further solidifying its reputation.

1. HEC Paris retains its stronghold as a leading institution, topping the executive open-enrolment courses category and ranking second in MiM.

2. London Business School (LBS) maintains a robust position with programs ranked in the top 10 across all categories.

3. Iese Business School in Spain stands out for its highly qualified faculty, with all full-time professors holding doctorates.

4. Bocconi’s MBA alumni report the highest salaries among European schools, exceeding $200,000 on average.

5. University of St Gallen continues to dominate the MiM ranking for the 13th consecutive year, showcasing its consistency in producing top-tier graduates.

The 2024 rankings highlight efforts to address gender parity and international diversity. Spain’s IE Business School leads in gender balance among top 25 schools, with 48% female faculty. Meanwhile, Switzerland’s IMD boasts the highest proportion of international faculty at 98%, underscoring its global orientation.

In Northern Europe, the Stockholm School of Economics ranks as the leading institution in the Nordic region, coming in at 23rd overall.

Check out the full rankings.