How Likely Will You Be Accepted to Study at World's Top Schools for Management?

The recently published second edition of the QS World University Rankings: Masters in Management Rankings 2019 saw 135 business schools included among the world’s best for master’s in management programs, based on a methodology which considers each institution on five indicators: employability, alumni outcomes, value for money, thought leadership, and diversity.

But if you want to study at one of the top 10 business schools in the world, it’s important to be aware of how competitive admission is, and think about how you can stand out to increase your chances of gaining a place.

Read on to find out more about how likely you are to gain admission at one of this year’s top 10 business schools for master’s in management programs, and read more about master’s in management degrees here.

1. HEC Paris – MSc in Strategic Management

HEC Paris remains the world leader for its MSc in Strategic Management, an intensive 10-month program which aims to provide students with a full strategic mindset and a broad, in-depth knowledge of the logics and issues of strategy. Students enjoy frequent interactions with leading consultancy firms, and graduate with highly employable real-life understanding.

The class is made up of only 60 students, making it all the more important to stand out in your application. Applicants for the MSc in Management course should be recent graduates with a related degree from a top institution. They should also be fluent in English and able to demonstrate this with an English language proficiency test result, if applicable. You’ll also need to pay an application fee of €110. Applications for Autumn 2019 entry should be submitted no later than April 19 2019.

2. London Business School – Master’s in Management

Ranked second in the world for its Master’s in Management (MiM) program (and first in the UK), London Business School (LBS)’s MiM program aims to give students business-ready skills, an international perspective and a solid foundation in business theory to hit the ground running in their careers.

Admission is competitive, but luckily there is a relatively large class size (248). Students have an average GMAT score of 681. To be eligible for admission, you should be fluent in English, have at least the equivalent of a 2:1 in a relevant subject, and submit test results for either the GMAT or GRE.

3. ESADE Business School - MSc in International Management

Ranked third in the master’s in management ranking, Spain’s ESADE Business School aims to give students a deep insight into how business is done differently across the world, learning from leading thinkers in international business research. The course is delivered in English, with some elective courses available in Spanish.

Students with an undergraduate degree in any subject are welcome to apply, but those who haven’t studied business management or economics should enroll in the Business Integration Path (BIP).

4. ESSEC Business School – Master’s in Strategy & Management of International Business

With locations in France, Singapore and Morocco, ESSEC Business School, ranked fourth in the master’s in management ranking, offers students the chance to study at one of three partner universities, take part in an international field trip, choose a specialized track with a specific career in mind and learn French or Mandarin as a foreign language.

You should have a master’s degree to apply for this program (although strong undergraduate degrees are also accepted) and apply by no later than May 20 for August 2019 entry. Professional experience is not required but can help your application.

5. Imperial College Business School - MSc in Management

Ranked fifth for its intensive MSc in Management program, Imperial College Business School provides students with a combination of business theory and its practical application to real-world cases. Students get the opportunity to tailor the course to their interests and network with leading global organizations.

Admission is very competitive. Recent graduates with an excellent undergraduate degree are welcome to apply. As part of your application, you’ll answer career planning questions, in which you should demonstrate that you’ve thought about how the program will help you achieve your career ambitions.

6. IE Business School - Master in Management

Heading back to Spain, IE Business School’s Master in Management, ranked sixth in the world, is offered every year in September and February in English, Spanish or a bilingual format, and allows students to specialize their course in the third period to suit their goals. They can also take part in an international exchange through the Beyond Borders Experience.

According to Forbes, IE Business School overall has an acceptance rate of 34 percent. Master in Management students are 23 years old on average and have about a year of professional experience. Students are required to take either the GMAT, GRE or IEGAT during the admissions process and will be required to attend an admissions interview.

7. London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) - MSc Management and Strategy

Retaining its position of seventh, LSE’s 12-month MSc Management and Strategy program has a strong focus on economic business analysis and gives students a thorough understanding of the wider socio-economic environment in which companies around the world operate. 

Admission is highly competitive, with 6.5 applications per place. There are rolling admissions with no application deadline, but you may still wish to submit your application before the deadline for need-based scholarship applications (April 26 2019). The course is aimed at students with a quantitative background and a basic knowledge in elementary calculus and basic statistics. 

8. CEMS, the Global Alliance in Management Education – Master’s in International Management

Unique among the top universities for master’s in management degrees in that it’s actually a strategic alliance of 31 top business schools, CEMS, the Global Alliance in Management Education is ranked eighth for its Master’s in International Management in 2019. The course aims to provide valuable theoretical foundations, practical knowledge and excellent career prospects.

No work experience is required for this program, but as the course is consecutive, you must be enrolled in a selected member school’s Master of Science program prior to starting this course. You’ll also need to have gained a bachelor’s degree in management, economics or a related field. Full information on how to apply can be found here.

=9. ESCP Europe Business School - Master in Management

ESCP Europe Business School comes joint ninth for its Master in Management degree in 2019, boasting high scores for both the diversity and employability indicators. The course takes two years to complete and gives students the chance to study abroad in up to four countries. You’ll also graduate with a minimum of 40 weeks professional experience.

There are three main requirements for admission: a bachelor or master’s degree in any field, fluency in English, and an international mindset. Work experience, international experience and knowledge of other languages are not essential but will enhance your application.

=9. University of St. Gallen – Master’s in Business Management (MUG)

Concluding our look at how likely you are to gain admission to the world’s top management schools is Switzerland’s University of St. Gallen, also ranked joint ninth. Its Master’s in Business Management (MUG) degree is taught in German and is characterized by a highly entrepreneurial focus. It also aims to give students the knowledge and understanding to deal with dilemmas in business decisions that raise issues of ethics and sustainability.

As well as providing evidence of your proficiency in German, you’ll need to provide evidence of your proficiency in two foreign languages, plus evidence of sufficient accounting knowledge.  Unfortunately, the number of places for foreign applicants is limited by law, making it harder to gain admission as an international student. Foreign applicants are chosen through a selection process which considers your motivational letter, grade point average, extracurricular activities, college and curriculum.

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