Bloomberg European B-Schools Ranking

Bloomberg Businessweek’s 2023 MBA Rankings

The Bloomberg MBA Ranking 2023 offers clarity and direction in the maze of business education. Through rigorous analysis, Bloomberg spotlights institutions shaping future leaders and representing Europe’s academic excellence. We highlight the top 10 European MBA schools and the reshuffling in the ranking. But first, let’s have a look at the methodology.

Methodology: Bloomberg’s MBA Ranking

Bloomberg employs four critical indices to shape these rankings: Compensation, Learning, Networking, and Entrepreneurship. The content for these indices is derived from extensive surveys encompassing students, alumni, and employers.

The Compensation index holds a weight of 37.1%. This metric merges survey insights with tangible compensation data, spotlighting education’s impact on earnings. Learning trails closely with a 25.4% weight, succeeded by Networking at 23.9% and Entrepreneurship at 13.6%.

Although diversity is only officially a metric of US schools, these European schools host diverse student bodies as well.

Bloomberg’s Top 10 European MBA Schools for 2023

Dynamic shifts and rigorous standards characterize the intricate world of European schools offering MBA programs. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the top ten institutions that have set the benchmark for business education.

1. SDA Bocconi: Setting the Gold Standard

Emerging at the forefront, Italian business school SDA Bocconi takes first place. An impressive overall score of 86.8 shows strengths in compensation (89.2) and learning (88.3). 

Diverse cultures converge at SDA, with 11 nationalities making up its cohort. The majority is from Italy, followed by the US, India, Germany, and Colombia.

2. IESE Business School: A Melting Pot of Diversity

IESE Business School takes a close second. With an overall score of 86.1, the school shines in learning (89.4) and compensation (85.9). 

IESE is a melting pot of 53 nationalities, with Spain leading the charge at 18%, closely followed by India, Brazil, the US, and the UK.

3. IMD: Crafting Well-rounded Leaders

IMD, though pushed to the third position, maintains its prestige. With an overall score of 85.9, it excels in compensation (89.6). 

A diverse range of 39 nationalities enriches the IMD experience, with India, Japan, China, Russia, and the US being prominent.

4. INSEAD – Score: 84.9

Fourth, INSEAD remains a favorite in Spain and globally. Its strength lies in learning (86.9) and entrepreneurship (80.2).

With an unparalleled diversity of 85 nationalities, India, China, the UK, France, and the US stand out.

5. London Business School – Score: 84.5

London Business School, fifth in line, the business school showcases excellence in compensation (85.9) and learning (85.9). 

With 57 nationalities, the US, India, and the UK are prominently represented.

While rooted in academic excellence, each institution exudes unique strengths and visions, guiding MBA aspirants in making informed choices.

6. IE – Score: 80.4

IE Business School’s notable strengths are reflected in learning and entrepreneurship indices exceeding 85. It’s evident that IE offers a harmonious blend of academic rigor and innovation-centric programs. 

A blend of 52 nationalities highlights its international appeal, led by students from India, Mexico, and the US.

7. Mannheim – Score: 79.7

Mannheim Business School continues to impress with a standout learning index of 88.4 and a robust networking score of 85.2. The school’s international students make a vibrant learning environment. 

The Asia-Pacific region is well represented, with a dominant 44% from India and significant representation from China and Taiwan.

8. University of St.Gallen – Score: 78.8

The University of St.Gallen maintains its good reputation. While its compensation and learning indices are laudable, the diverse mix of students from countries like Germany, Switzerland, and Italy underscores its European appeal.

9. Cambridge Business School – Score: 78.3

Cambridge Judge Business School registers an overall score of 78.3. Its Learning and Networking indices particularly stand out. 

Welcoming students from 46 different nationalities, including strong contingents from India, China, and the US, the business school truly offers a global MBA experience.

10. Oxford Saïd Business School – Score: 78.1

Oxford Saïd Business School, part of the venerable University of Oxford, showcases a balanced performance across all indices. Yet, learning and entrepreneurship emerge as strengths. 

A rich blend of 65 nationalities, including significant US, Indian, and UK representation, enhances its global appeal. 

The Shifts and Surprises in European Bloomberg MBA Rankings 2023-24

The European business education landscape experienced significant reshuffling compared to last year. Coming up from the 5th position, Italy’s SDA Bocconi climbed to the top, while the previous #1, IMD, slipped to the third position. 

Simultaneously, IESE confidently stepped up its game, nestling itself into the second rank. The previous runner-up, INSEAD, witnessed a mild dip, settling at the fourth position. 

Notably, IE made it into the top 10, securing the sixth position. 

Europe’s top ten business schools remain competitive and dynamic, and so does the ranking.

Navigating MBAs with the Bloomberg MBA Rankings 2023

The Bloomberg Businessweek MBA Rankings for 2023 unveil both expected and surprising shifts among Europe’s top business schools. While the rankings have seen changes in their top spots, the essence of these evaluations lies in the detailed insights they offer. From compensation to networking, these metrics are crucial for prospective MBA students making informed decisions.

It’s equally important to engage with alumni from your chosen schools to gain real-world perspectives.