The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad has made a significant leap, entering the global top 50 in the 2026 QS International Trade Rankings. Its Master of Business Administration (MBA) program proudly secured the 32nd position. Following closely is the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), ranked at 71st.
In the highly competitive Executive MBA category, IIM Calcutta has achieved a notable milestone, climbing into the global top 10 to clinch the 8th position. The prestigious University of Cambridge leads this category, further solidifying its reputation in executive education globally.
These comprehensive rankings, unveiled by QS Quacquarelli Symonds in collaboration with the Hinrich Foundation, assessed 106 programs across 31 countries and 30 Executive MBAs across 14 countries. The evaluation rigorously considered various critical factors, including academic reputation, post-graduation employer outcomes, and the depth of industry engagement.
Global Leaders in International Trade Education
The Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University continues to hold its esteemed top spot for the Master of Global Management (MGM). The National University of Singapore (NUS) secured the second position, while Durham University in the UK made a strong debut directly into third place.
European business schools demonstrated consistent strong performance, with France’s INSEAD placing 4th and Cranfield University in the UK at 5th. Switzerland’s IMD MBA program earned 6th place, and the University of Sydney secured 7th for its Master of International Business.
Top 20 Master’s and MBA Programmes (QS 2026)
Below is a detailed look at the world’s leading Master’s and full-time MBA programs specializing in international trade and management:
| Rank (2026) | Institution | Country/Territory | Programme |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arizona State University – Thunderbird School | United States | Master of Global Management (MGM) |
| 2 | National University of Singapore (NUS) | Singapore | MBA |
| 3 | Durham University | United Kingdom | MSc International Business |
| 4 | INSEAD | France | INSEAD MBA |
| 5 | Cranfield University | United Kingdom | MBA Full-Time |
| 6 | IMD | Switzerland | IMD MBA |
| 7 | University of Sydney | Australia | Master of International Business |
| =8 | Universitat Ramon Llull | Spain | MSc International Management |
| =8 | University of Cambridge | United Kingdom | The Cambridge MBA |
| 10 | Universitat Pompeu Fabra (Barcelona) | Spain | MSc International Business |
| 11 | Columbia University | United States | MBA |
| 12 | Tufts University | United States | Master of International Business |
| 13 | University of Toronto | Canada | Full-Time MBA |
| 14 | University of Oxford | United Kingdom | Oxford MBA |
| 15 | WHU Otto Beisheim School of Management – Koblenz | Germany | MSc International Business |
| 16 | University of Nottingham | United Kingdom | MSc International Business |
| 17 | CEIBS – China Europe International Business School | China (Mainland) | Full-Time MBA |
| 18 | University of Leeds | United Kingdom | MSc International Business |
| 19 | Politecnico di Milano | Italy | Master in International Business and Digital Transformation |
| 20 | University of Exeter | United Kingdom | MSc International Business |
Top 10 Executive MBA Programmes (QS 2026)
Here’s a closer look at the leading Executive MBA programs that are shaping global business leaders:
| Rank (2026) | Institution | Country/Territory | Programme |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Cambridge | United Kingdom | Global Executive MBA |
| 2 | London Business School | United Kingdom | Executive MBA |
| 3 | Columbia University | United States | Executive MBA |
| 4 | INSEAD | France | Global Executive MBA |
| 5 | Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) | United States | Executive MBA |
| 6 | Cornell University | United States | Executive MBA |
| 7 | National University of Singapore (NUS) | Singapore | Executive MBA |
| 8 | Indian Institute of Management (IIM) – Calcutta | India | Executive MBA |
| 9 | The University of Manchester | United Kingdom | Global Executive MBA |
| 10 | SKEMA Business School | France | Global Executive MBA |
Regional Trends
The United States continues to be a dominant force in international trade education, with 12 business schools featuring in the rankings and three programs landing in the top 20. Notably, Tufts University and Florida International University made their debut, with Tufts securing the 12th spot for its Master of International Business.
Canada also boasts a strong presence, represented by four institutions. The University of Toronto’s Full-Time MBA, recognized for its robust industry engagement, ranks 13th. Université de Montréal is a new addition to the list, debuting at a joint 38th place.
The United Kingdom saw three new entries in the global top 10. Durham University leads the national contingent at 3rd, followed by Cranfield University at 5th and the University of Cambridge at a joint 8th.
Across continental Europe, France continues to demonstrate strong representation in the rankings, while Switzerland’s IMD and Spain’s Universitat Ramon Llull have significantly enhanced their global visibility.
India’s Growing Presence
India’s footprint in the global trade education landscape is steadily expanding. With IIM Ahmedabad at 32nd place and IIM Calcutta making its mark in the Executive MBA top 10, Indian B-schools are clearly strengthening their position among the world’s premier institutions for management and international trade education.