The top 10 European MBA programmes in the Financial Times ranking may be highly-respected and well-rated by graduates and recruiters, but what is it really like to study on one of these prestigious degrees? With EDUopinions student reviews, we reveal what students and graduates are saying about business schools with the best MBA degrees in Europe.
So, read on to hear from students at prestigious schools including London Business School, IE Business School and INSEAD: covering what their course is like, student life, career support, and more.
The Best MBA Degrees in Europe – and What Students Say About Them
10. University of Cambridge: JUdge
As one of the prestigious Oxbridge institutions, it’s no surprise that the University of Cambridge’s MBA programme makes the annual rankings of best MBA degrees in Europe. The rigorous programme is unique among MBA programmes in that students can take advantage of networking among their Cambridge College as well as their programme, and access job opportunities in ‘Silicon Fen’ – a region of the UK known for its high range of startups in science and tech.
Cambridge Judge offers plenty of concentrations so you can adjust the MBA to your career preferences, including niche industry specializations like culture, arts, and media management (CAM), healthcare strategies, and energy and environment.
In the absence of a student review of the MBA programme on EDUopinions (if you’re a current student, submit your review here), we’ve selected two reviews that speak to student life and career progression at the University of Cambridge. While reviewers mention the high workload and intensity of the study experience, this also prepares you for your future working life. Similarly, student life in Cambridge enables you to relax more than in a larger city.
Student Reviews of Cambridge Judge
The University was what I expected. I graduated with enough knowledge to get myself a job immediately after graduating.
The experience in regards of Management and professors was just great. A smooth learning experience.
I loved the internationallity of the college. I met many colleagues from Europe.
I graduated from LSE’s School of Economics and then started my one-year postgraduate study at Cambridge University. Cambridge is close to London, but it is a totally different town. I walk to school, or by bike because when you leave a big city like London, you should enjoy the environment. In short, the beautiful nature here can let you fully relax after your studies.
9. University of Oxford: Saïd
There’s a long-developed rivalry between Oxford and Cambridge in the ranking tables, and this time, Oxford wins. The MBA at Oxford Saïd takes a practical approach to business teaching, and includes core modules across the whole range of business studies.
However, the highlight of the program are the international learning experiences. Optional electives include ‘Doing business in Africa’ and ‘Fintech: present and future’, held in Africa and London. Meanwhile, a seven-week strategic consulting project enables students to use their own initiative on a collaborative project.
Similarly to Cambridge Judge, student reviewers of Oxford Saïd regularly mention the intensity of the course load on business programmes. However, for MBA degree in particular, many students mention the quality off teaching and the unique experience of being part of an Oxford college.
Student Review of Oxford Saïd
I was for a one year MBA at the SBS Business School in Oxford.
Of course the program was top (as one can also see from the MBA rankings).
But on top being part of a College (Magdalen) and the overall community (Oxford Union, Oxford Wine Circle, …) added much more. Truly one of the best years in my life!
8. ESCP Business school
ESCP Business School has climbed the MBA rankings in recent years, moving from 52nd place in 2022 to 25th overall this year, making it one of the best MBA degrees in Europe. This MBA programme has internationality at its heart, and students can study at various ESCP campuses across Europe, including in Madrid, London and Paris. EDUopinions reviewers regularly mention this aspect of the programme as a highlight.
Furthermore, the ESCP MBA has a strong focus on sustainability and climate change – it ranks 3rd in the world for ESG and sustainability teaching. While an MBA review for this programme was unavailable, it’s clear from reviews of other graduate business programmes at the school that its sustainability focus is one of the biggest attractions of this school.
As part of the MBA programme, students can specialize in one of four areas: consulting, entrepreneurship, luxury, or fintech & innovation. Additionally, students take part in two full consultancy projects with real companies, in two different countries.
Student Reviews of ESCP Business School
Overall I am very satisfied of my choice.
It is a very international environment were you have the chance to travel, study in different countries (I studied in Madrid, London and Paris) and meet friends all over the world.
From the educational point of view, it is a very “practical” Master: few books, only a lot of case studies and group work. The concept is more like an MBA one.
I believe that also the brand is very strong: in my class majority of people was hired by the biggest consulting consulting groups, investment banking etc..
I really suggest this choice for a Master, but as a Bachelor maybe there is not enough theory and professors’ quality sometimes was not the best.
ESCP was among the only business schools in Europe to offer a complete and well-designed Master in Sustainability Management. The courses are very interesting, focused on sustainability issues, professors are committed and the Master incorporates practical courses such as consultancy projects and an internship.
Additionally, the international environment and the possibility to move to different cities is unique and extremely enjoyable.
7. Ie Business School
The MBA programme at IE Business School is for students with a forward-thinking outlook on business. The school endeavours to introduce students to skills that are vital for the future of business, not just for today. This means that soft skills are a crucial priority, as well as digital skills and learning about technological impacts.
Students on other business programmes at IE Business School mention the focus on collaboration; group work is a key format in the MBA curriculum, and behavioural skills are a priority for teaching classes.
IE Business School’s MBA attracts students from 48 nationalities, meaning you’ll be working with diverse people from both business backgrounds and other subjects like science, humanities, and engineering. The diversity of thought at IE Business School is another highlight for EDUopinions reviewers.
Student Review of IE Business School
Yes, I would recommend the university. At IE I had one of the best experiences of my life and if I were to go back in time I would choose it again. It is a university that allows you to meet people from all over the world and learn from them. The university focuses a lot on diversity and inclusion of people but also on teamwork. During all my time at IE there hasn’t been a single class where I don’t have a group job. On the other hand, the university has different areas to improve. First, I think they have a lack of coordination between the departments and different schools at IE, second I think the university should change their exchange system, because if a student cancels their exchange either for medical reasons the university sanctions the student for a semester in which the student cannot reapply to another exchange or do internships during that period, which I think seriously affects the student’s development.
6. Esade Business School
The ESADE MBA is based around building an entrepreneurial mindset, which includes developing creative problem-solving skills. In the business school’s own words, they want to build ‘creactivists’, ‘creative activists’, and for this reason the MBA curriculum is based around three stages: awareness, create & innovate, and transform.
EDUopinions reviewers specifically mention this ‘transformative’ aspect to the MBA programme, as well as the practical learning aspects. Students at ESADE take part in multiple hands-on case studies, including a consulting project with a company and an elective project looking at innovative solutions to societal problems in collaboration with CERN.
With its transformational and cutting-edge approach to learning, the MBA at ESADE has earned a 17-place uplift in the Financial Times rankings compared to 2022.
Student Review of ESADE Business School
5. HEC PAris
Just breaking into the top five best MBA degrees in Europe is the programme at HEC Paris. Known for it’s forward-thinking curriculum, students at HEC Paris explore what the future of business might look like, including market trends, ESG concerns, and creative problem solving during periods of uncertainty.
Student reviews for HEC Paris on EDUopinions also regularly mention the diversity of the classroom. The school has a highly competitive admissions procedure, and tends to favour students with international experience, as they can bring a global outlook to the MBA programme. On average, there are 50 nationalities represented in each cohort, and 95% of these students come from outside France.
Considering the diversity of the school, it’s no wonder that reviewers also mention the frequent opportunities to network with other students and alumni at HEC Paris. Here, the quality of the connections you make is just as important as the degree you receive.
Student Review of HEC Paris
Enrolling in the HEC MBA was by far the best decision I made for myself. The people and faculty are great, with lots of opportunities to meet people and expand your horizons. Very nice campus where I have had some good running sessions.
The alumni network is superb and very helpful. It also has a good support system for entrepreneurs. Would definitely recommend it!
4.London BUsiness School
London Business School is the only UK-based MBA to earn a spot on the Financial Times ranking – but at number four, it’s one of the best programmes in Europe. Located in the heart of Europe’s biggest city, this is a programme for students who want to connect with sectors like finance, technology, and professional services. Students on the programme have the opportunity to connect with London businesses as part of the practical LondonCAP project.
Given its status in the UK, London Business School attracts world-renowned professors in management, something which EDUopinions reviewers regularly highlight. The quality of teaching combined with the global perspective of professors (the MBA ranks fifth in the Financial Times ranking for the percentage of international faculty) makes this MBA an intensive, yet rewarding programme.
Additionally, reviewers praise the diversity in the LBS MBA classroom. You might expect this given its location in a multicultural city like London; the MBA 2025 class features students from 63 different nationalities.
Student Review of LBS
LBS is a global school that truly promotes diversity. The MBA program is composed of interesting and genuine people from all over the world. The faculty is also international and promotes discussions in every class.
3. Iese Business School
IESE Business School in Spain prioritises international business experience on its MBA, and reviewers highlight the networking opportunities available, both with other students and high-profile companies. For example, the Executive Simulation (EXSIM) module gives students the chance to work with a real corporate board for a week, gaining experience that would usually be impossible.
Students also mention the case study method of teaching, pioneered by Harvard Business School. Instead of traditional taught classes, students participate in wide-ranging discussions of the practical applications of business knowledge.
Given the global nature of the programme, it’s no surprise that diversity is present in the classroom as well as on the curriculum. 85% of students in the MBA are international, and the diversity of thought combined with the international focus of the curriculum offers students a valuable MBA experience.
Student Review of IESE
Being at IESE was one of the best experiences of my life:
1- Professionally: this MBA is one of the best connected schools with top consultancy and banking sectors. for example, the 3 MBBs come to the school to train and interview candidates, ensuring a higher successful rate. It allowed me to jump from a civil engineering position to work for McKinsey.
2- Personal and cultural : amazing transformative 2 years, with people from all over the world (73 nationalities in my class) with great values.
Totally worthy it.
2. SDA Bocconi School of Management
The second-best MBA programme in Europe is offered by SDA Bocconi School of Management at Bocconi University in Milan. Taking place over just 12 or 15 months, the SDA Bocconi MBA is highly flexible, enabling students to return to full-time work as part of the programme within just nine of those months.
Students can also customise the programme by choosing different elective modules and practical business projects, including entrepreneurial venture projects. The faculty are highly-focused on research, and student reviewers mention the quality of the teaching experience at Bocconi.
However, the school doesn’t rank as well in diversity, which is something that reviewers also point out. 73% of the MBA class are international students, a smaller percentage than on comparable MBA programmes, and there are 38 countries represented in the cohort.
Student Review of SDA Bocconi
The University has a strong focus on research and mainly in finance and economics. It doesn’t have a lot of diversity, 80% of students are Italian, 15% germans and the other 5% comes from other countries. Bocconi has a high quality standard so exams are hard and competitive but they are highly theoretical so you have to read a lot and memorise much of the info.
1. The Best MBA Degree in Europe: INSEAD
We’ve finally arrived at the very best MBA degree in Europe, and it’s at INSEAD. The degree at INSEAD is actually number two in the world, just below the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School. The French school easily competes with US-based MBA courses, and student reviewers mention the quality of their learning experience at the business school.
The updated MBA curriculum places sustainability at the core of the course, but with more than 75 electives, you can also customise your MBA journey. Teaching styles also vary. There’s no guarantee that you’re going to experience a traditional lecture-hall class at INSEAD, and EDUopinions reviewers say that the discussions with faculty and other students are a highlight.
INSEAD has two campuses, one in Fontainebleau, France and the other in the heart of Singapore. Students can choose to participate in the MBA at either of these campuses; wherever they choose, they’ll get the chance to meet people from all over the world. The school also makes an effort to create intimate study groups comprised of different nationalities and backgrounds, so you can really make connections with your peers.
Student Review of INSEAD
Just graduated and I just want to say how amazing my journey so far has been since I started at INSEAD. The school offers some of the best lecturers to help you learn everything you might need in the modern business world. The school has a variety of facilities to offer and there is something for everyone here. I made a whole bunch of friends and I met so many more amazing people throughout my life here. Meeting people from all over the world and being exposed to such a diverse student community was unreal to me.
Conclusion
When choosing an MBA, it’s easy to head straight to rankings such as the Financial Times, QS, or Times Higher Education. Of course, considering the financial commitment of an MBA programme, you want to be sure that you’re making the right choice. But how do you know what it will really be like to study on one of the best MBA degrees in Europe?
This is where student reviews can be helpful. By reading other students’ experiences, you can form your own opinion about whether a degree or business school is right for you. It’s another element to add to your decision-making process, along with rankings, brochures, and campus visits.
If you’ve decided where you want to study, congratulations! Now it’s time to start on your MBA application, a crucial, but daunting, process. If you want to discover how to make the best of your application, read our blog on the important things to remember when writing your application.
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