Esade-URL Full-Time MBA ranked 7th in the world by the Financial Times

Monday, February 16, 2026. The Esade-URL Full-Time MBA rose to 7th place in the Financial Times Global MBA Ranking, up one position from the previous year and cementing its place for the second year running amongst the 10 best MBAs in the world. The Esade-URL program ranks 5th in Europe: confirmation of Esade’s international outreach and the robustness of an academic model in tune with the market and committed to responsible leadership.

The factors highlighted most by the Financial Times include: salary percentage increase three years after completion of the MBA (1st in Europe), weighted salary (3rd in Europe), excellence of Career Services (6th in Europe), strong alumni network (6th in Europe) and carbon footprint (2nd in Europe).

“Climbing to 7th in the world and cementing our spot in the top 10 for the second year running confirm the robustness and coherence of our teaching model,” said Lisa Hehenberger, dean of Esade Business School. “With this new position in the ranking, the Esade Full-Time MBA reaffirms itself as one of the best programs in the world with a commitment to education that combines academic excellence, international diversity and responsibility. We prepare business leaders able to combine analytical rigor with a global mindset and social commitment whilst making a significant, sustainable impact on organizations and society.”

Impactful employability

The Financial Times also praised the performance of Esade Careers, ranking it 6th in Europe for career services: a reflection of the comprehensive support it delivers, connecting talent and business through international recruitment fairs, mock interviews, specialized workshops, industry meetings and individual advice.

Career Acceleration Programs provide insights into strategic sectors through case competitions, hands-on experience and direct contact with foremost companies. As a result, 90% of graduates find employment within three months of graduation and 97% transform their career by moving into a different function, industry or country.

Global diversity and academic customization

The Financial Times assesses the career advancement of graduates, the quality of teaching staff, research, student profiles and the incorporation of environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria. This year’s ranking highlighted the flexibility and customization of Esade-URL’s Full-Time MBA, which can be taken over a 12, 15 or 18-month period and allows the program to be tailored through five specializations (strategy, marketing, entrepreneurship, family business and social impact) and up to fifty optional subjects.

International diversity is a cornerstone of this program. With 95% of international students in the 2026 class and a teaching staff of 171 professors spanning 28 nationalities who contribute a global experience, the Esade-URL MBA delivers a truly intercultural experience. Study tours and exchange programs in conjunction with more than fifty schools across five continents broaden the exposure to different markets and business ecosystems.

Sustainability and equal opportunities

Esade’s commitment to sustainability garners its position as 2nd in Europe in terms of carbon footprint reduction according to the ranking. This factor is integrated into the Full-Time MBA curriculum across the board by means of business case studies and challenges in addition to a growing number of optional subjects related to social and environmental impact, which can also be taken as specialization subjects.

Performance in diversity and representation indicators has also improved. Esade-URL’s Full-Time MBA actively promotes female leadership through specific scholarships, mentoring programs and networking opportunities. 42% of the 2026 class consists of women, consolidating an inclusive environment in which a plurality of perspectives bolsters learning and contributes to a broader, more meaningful impact.