Stories
IESE MBA ranks fourth in the worldin the Financial Times MBA Ranking 2026
Ranking underscores the relevance and career impact of the IESE MBA, its powerful alumni network, international scope and focus on responsible leadership
February 16, 2026

IESE Business School ranks fourth in the world in the Financial Times Global MBA Ranking 2026, consolidating its position among the leading MBA programs globally. This marks the third consecutive year that the IESE MBA ranks among the top five programs worldwide.
This latest edition of one of the most prestigious international rankings highlights the relevance and impact of the IESE MBA as key drivers of its continued position among the world’s best. Alumni report having achieved 90% of their stated goals for pursuing the MBA, ranking IESE No. 7 globally in the Aims Achieved category. Graduates also award the program an average satisfaction score of 9.4 out of 10, the highest among the top 50 ranked programs, underscoring the transformative nature of the MBA experience.
The strength and effectiveness of IESE’s alumni network was also recognized as a major contributor to the school’s performance, ranking No. 2 globally for the second consecutive year on this measure. IESE’s engaged alumni community of more than 60,000 professionals worldwide plays a central role in generating career opportunities and supporting students’ professional development across industries and regions.
IESE’s Career Development Center further reinforces this strong career ecosystem, ranking No. 6 globally for the effectiveness of its support through personalized guidance, professional development and networking initiatives. The Financial Times also places IESE among the top schools worldwide for career progression, confirming the long-term career impact of the MBA.IESE among the top schools worldwide for career progression, confirming the long-term career impact of the MBA.
In addition, the international character of the IESE MBA remains a hallmark of the program. Currently, 89% of MBA students are international, representing a broad range of industries and professional backgrounds, enriching both the learning experience and networking opportunities within the class. The program also offers numerous opportunities to deepen students’ international exposure, including modules in Mexico City, Nairobi, New York and Shenzhen, enabling participants to engage directly with business environments across continents.
Finally, IESE’s emphasis on humanistic leadership, grounded in responsibility and positive impact, further distinguishes the program. The school ranks No. 2 globally for ESG and net zero teaching. This measure evaluates program content dedicated to sustainability, ethics, social and environmental issues, as well as climate solutions and how organizations can achieve net-zero emissions.
According to Mireia Las Heras, Academic Director of IESE’s MBA:
“Remaining among the top five globally for the third consecutive year confirms IESE’s position as one of the world’s leading business schools. This consistency reflects the strength of our innovative and rigorous academic model and the long-term impact of our MBA. We are not only preparing participants for their next career move, but shaping leaders with a global mindset, a strong general management foundation and a deep sense of responsibility, ready to lead in an increasingly complex and AI-driven business environment. The IESE MBA is a transformative experience, and this recognition encourages us to continue evolving while staying true to our mission of developing leaders who create lasting value for organizations and society.”
You can download the full Financial Times ranking here and consult IESE’s latest rankings here.


