UCT GSB’S MBA Sets a Global Benchmark in Sustainability

The University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business (UCT GSB) has solidified its place on the global stage, ranking among the best schools worldwide for a sustainability and impact-driven MBA. This recognition came via the Corporate Knights Better World MBA 2025 ranking, which evaluates business schools on how well they integrate sustainability into their core teachings.

UCT GSB’s MBA stood out among 209 global programs at #7 worldwide, also making it the only African institution in the top 40. This achievement reflects its long-standing commitment to equipping business leaders who not only drive profit but also champion environmental and social impact.

To understand what makes the program truly unique, we need to look at how it embeds sustainability into its DNA. At UCT GSB the focus on sustainabiity is not an afterthought, but a foundational principle.

Why Sustainability and Impact Are Core to UCT GSB’s MBA

In a rapidly changing global economy, employers increasingly value business graduates who understand sustainability, not only in theory but in practice. UCT GSB’s MBA addresses this need through rigorous coursework, research, and real-world engagement.

In the words of Dr. Catherine Duggan, the director of UCT GSB, “At the UCT GSB, our motto is ‘We shape the leaders who shape the future.’” She adds, “There is no question that the future lies in understanding impact, sustainability, leadership, and technology. And, most importantly, how these issues intersect in some of the world’s most complex and dynamic environments. We are proud to be consistently at the global cutting edge of management education and excited for the future that our graduates will help shape.”

The curriculum includes specialized courses on ethics, governance, and environmental management. It also offers immersive opportunities like consulting projects with social enterprises and NGOs. Students learn to balance financial outcomes with social value creation.

The UCT GSB MBA’s integrated learning model helps students explore business as a tool for positive systemic change. They graduate with the skills to lead in boardrooms as well as in communities and policy spaces.

Moreover, the school hosts the Bertha Centre for Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship, a global hub for impact-driven business education. This center plays a key role in connecting students with change-making networks, startups, and thought leaders across Africa and beyond.

A Track Record of Influence and Innovation

UCT GSB’s inclusion in the Corporate Knights list isn’t new; it has consistently ranked in the top 20 over the past five years. However, the 2025 ranking marks a major milestone, especially for a school in the Global South. These rankings mark the second year in a row that the UCT GSB’s MBA has ranked 7th in the world for the depth of its engagement with impact, sustainability, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

This rise in global rankings aligns with a growing interest in Africa’s innovation ecosystem. You will find UCT GSB in Cape Town, South Africa, one of the continent’s key startup capitals. 

A global hub renowned for its entrepreneurial spirit and support for new business and innovation, ambitious leaders will find a supportive community there. Students gain hands-on exposure to real-world challenges, particularly in underserved markets.

As a study destination, South Africa maintains a high standard of education balanced with a healthy, outdoor lifestyle, rich cultural traditions, and beautiful natural surroundings. Travel within Southern Africa is also very accessible and affordable, making for a deeply enriching experience for those who want to complete their studies in the region.

A Model for Business Schools Around the World

UCT GSB’s approach demonstrates that sustainability initiatives and impact don’t have to be add-ons. When embedded from the start, they create a powerful, purpose-driven learning experience. The school’s success should inspire other institutions to prioritize ethical leadership in business education.

For MBA students interested in sustainability roles and driven by purpose, UCT GSB offers an opportunity to learn, grow, and lead in ways that matter. It proves that an MBA can be more than a degree; it can be a powerful force for change.

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