Superpowered MBAs: Why Are Asian Schools So Hot Right Now?

Business education in Asia is experiencing a remarkable shift. It is positioning itself alongside elite institutions traditionally dominating in the West. Top universities in China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Singapore, and India are gaining global recognition for their outstanding MBA programs. 

These business schools offer students direct exposure to some of the world’s fastest-growing economic hubs. They also connect graduates with top employers actively seeking skilled international MBA talent.

Moreover, Asian business schools provide premium education with globally competitive programs and faculty. They do so at a fraction of the cost compared to prestigious U.S. institutions like Harvard Business School. Affordable, high-quality education and unique market exposure make Asian MBA programs attractive for students with regional career goals.

In light of the FT Global MBA Rankings, here we will look at the top Asian business schools on the rise in the global FT rankings. 

Standout Asian Business Schools in FT Rankings For 2025

In the 2025 Financial Times Global MBA Rankings, several Asian business schools have made significant strides. CEIBS advanced to #12 in the FT Global MBA Rankings. The National University of Singapore Business School (NUS) has also moved up in the rankings this year

The HKUST Business School from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) improved its position in 2023. It experienced a slight dip in 2024 but made a strong comeback in the 2025 rankings. Beijing International MBA, Peking University dropped six places in the 2024 rankings but rose again in 2025. 

Nanyang Business School (NBS) has made strides in the global MBA rankings, gaining ten places since 2024. Shanghai University of Finance and Economics (SUFE) has strengthened its position in the rankings, rising from #24 in 2024 to #15. It now shares this prestigious spot with UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business. 

Top-tier faculty, strong industry partnerships, and high post-graduation employment rates drive their success. Furthermore, many institutions focus on innovation and technology-driven curriculums to meet global market demands. Asian business schools now offer programs like ISB’s ‘Leadership with AI’ and NUS’s ‘FinTech for Green Finance.’ These courses equip students with industry-relevant AI, fintech, and sustainability expertise. 

This hands-on approach enhances employability and places graduates in key leadership positions across top firms worldwide. Additionally, these schools attract a diverse student body, fostering global perspectives that prepare students for international business dynamics. With continued investment in higher education, Asian business schools are positioned to challenge Western dominance in MBA education globally.

Key Statistics Showing Growth in FT MBA Rankings 2025

  • CEIBS Ranking: Ranked #12 globally in 2025, making it the #1 school in Asia for the 9th consecutive time, climbing four positions from 2022 to 2025. 
  • HKUST MBA Ranking: Ranked #36 globally, maintaining its position at #36th from 2022 to 2025. 
  • Application Growth in Asia and U.S.: (GMAC Report 2024) 
  • Nanyang’s MBA Employment Rate: 96% within three months, securing #39 globally. The school climbed 17 positions from 2022 to 2025, demonstrating strong growth and high employability for its graduates.
  • Peking University: Climbed 17 places since 2022, now ranked #25 globally in 2025, showcasing significant overall improvement and growing global recognition.
  • Shanghai University: Experienced a significant rise, reaching #15 globally in 2025, solidifying its position as one of Asia’s top MBA schools. 
  • Fudan University: Rose two places since 2022, now ranked #30 globally in 2025, continuing to enhance its global reputation with steady growth.  
  • Tongji University: Jumped 34 spots since 2022, securing the #31 position globally in 2025, reflecting substantial growth and increasing global competitiveness. 

Declines For U.S. Business Schools While Asia Climbs

While Asian schools are rising, American business schools face declining enrollment and alumni participation in rankings surveys. High tuition costs, restrictive visa policies, and economic uncertainties have made international students reconsider their choices.

According to the GMAC Report 2024, domestic MBA applications increased in the United States, Asia, and Europe, showing growing demand. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom saw a 44% decline in international postgraduate enrolments in 2024. While the change is gradual, it adds to broader concerns about a potential slowdown in overall student enrolment trends.

About 70% of flexible MBA programs saw a rise in women applicants, and two-thirds of full-time programs saw similar growth. Additionally, better affordability, strong local job prospects, and supportive alumni networks drive this rise.

What Differentiates Asian Business Schools in the FT Rankings for 2025?

Asian business schools are gaining attention for their innovative curriculum, global connectivity, and strong industry ties. These schools emphasize experiential learning to build practical skills for today’s job market.

Strategic Partnerships & Industry Ties

Due to their strong academic foundations, Nanyang Business School (NBS), CEIBS, NUS, and HKUST are steadily advancing in global rankings. These schools emphasize leadership development and entrepreneurship and provide specialized programs, corporate internships, and strategic partnerships. Their commitment to innovation further strengthens their standing as some of Asia’s most prestigious business schools.

Global Exposure

Beijing International MBA (BiMBA) and Shanghai University of Finance and Economics (SUFE) also stand out for their global-focused programs and growth. BiMBA’s partnership with University College London offers students global exposure through a joint MBA program. 

Dual Degrees

Many offer dual degree programs and exchanges with top Western universities, boosting their global edge. CEIBS partners with Johns Hopkins University and The Fletcher School at Tufts University to offer dual-degree programs. NBS collaborates with the Wharton School through programs like the “Excellence in Finance Program.” Additionally, government-backed scholarships and financial aid options make these programs more accessible to international students, further increasing their attractiveness. 

Affordable Tuition and High ROI

In general, MBA programs in Asia offer lower tuition compared to their Western counterparts. CEIBS charges around RMB 488,000 (approximately US$68,000) for its full-time MBA program. This is significantly lower than tuition fees at top U.S. business schools, which can reach up to US$150,000. Graduates in China land top jobs in finance, tech, and consulting, with CEIBS reporting a 93.2% employment rate in 2024.

Additionally, Asian schools provide various scholarships, making an MBA education more accessible to international students. Institutions like Nanyang Business School, NUS Business School, HKUST Business School, Peking University, and Shanghai University offer merit-based financial aid. 

This reduces the financial burden on prospective students. Furthermore, lower living costs in many Asian cities enhance affordability, making these programs financially attractive. CEIBS and NUS provide structured financial aid options to help students fund their education effectively. 

Strategic Industry Partnerships That Boost Career Opportunities

Asian business schools partner with multinationals, offering internships and jobs. Through recruitment events, CEIBS connects students with leading companies like Alibaba, Tencent, and Huawei.​ 

These industry partnerships extend beyond traditional hiring pipelines. In Asia, MBA programs emphasize corporate immersion through consulting projects, innovation labs, and leadership boot camps co-designed with top companies. These experiences go beyond classroom learning, giving students a direct role in solving active business challenges. 

Peking University offers executive programs that enhance real-world industry engagement. Shanghai University’s MBA Mentor Scheme pairs students with business mentors to develop careers and connect theory with practice. HKUST’s MBA offers practical exposure through case competitions, global projects, and real-world collaboration with leading companies.

CEIBS’ Integrated China Strategy Project allows students to address complex issues faced by leading Chinese firms. Nanyang Business School’s Strategy Projects (SPAN) Capstone lets students tackle real-world business challenges collaboratively.

High Post-MBA Employment Rates

Graduates of Asian MBA programs achieve high employment rates. The CEIBS Employment Report 2024 states that 93.2% of MBA graduates secured job offers within three months of graduation. Similarly, HKUST reported that 68.6% of its MBA graduates secured full-time employment after graduation. 

Beyond impressive placement rates, Asian MBA graduates are increasingly securing leadership roles in global companies. FinTech, e-commerce, and sustainability leaders seek out this fresh MBA talent to drive growth and innovation. 

Many graduates also transition into entrepreneurship, leveraging Asia’s growing startup ecosystem. Some schools offer career services, startup incubators, and highly active alumni networks.

Asia Rising: The Future of Asian Business Schools 

Asian business schools are expanding rapidly due to increased investment in education and stronger regional economies. With growing global recognition, top institutions like CEIBS, NUS, HKUST, NBS, Peking University, and Shanghai University attract international talent.

Moreover, stricter Western visa and post-graduate work policies drive students to Asian programs for greater global exposure and career opportunities.

The global MBA landscape is evolving. American business schools face challenges while Asian institutions rise. With affordability, strong ROI, and high employment prospects, schools like CEIBS are becoming the top choice for keen MBA students.

This shift is a passing trend and a fundamental change in how students perceive business education. World-class faculty, industry-backed curricula, and strong job prospects make Asian business schools increasingly appealing to global applicants.

Want to discover the latest MBA rankings? Take a look at the MBA Rankings page.