The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad has proudly secured a spot in the global top 50 of the 2026 QS International Trade Rankings, landing at the 32nd position for its Master of Business Administration (MBA) program. Close behind, the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) is ranked 71st.
In a remarkable achievement, IIM Calcutta has soared into the global top 10 in the Executive MBA category, securing the prestigious 8th position. The University of Cambridge continues to lead this category, showcasing its enduring excellence in executive education.
These comprehensive rankings, compiled by QS Quacquarelli Symonds in collaboration with the Hinrich Foundation, meticulously evaluated 106 programs across 31 countries and 30 Executive MBA programs from 14 countries. Key assessment criteria included academic reputation, success of graduates in the job market, and depth of industry partnerships.
Global Leaders in International Trade Education
The Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University once again claimed the top spot for its Master of Global Management (MGM). Following closely, the National University of Singapore (NUS) secured second place, while Durham University in the UK made an impressive debut at third.
European business schools demonstrated a strong showing, with France’s INSEAD at 4th and Cranfield University in the UK at 5th. Switzerland’s IMD MBA secured the 6th position, and the University of Sydney ranked 7th for its Master of International Business.
Top 20 Master’s and MBA Programmes (QS 2026)
Here’s an in-depth 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)
Below are the leading Executive MBA programs that are shaping the next generation of 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 this landscape, with 12 of its business schools featured and three programs making it into the top 20. Notably, Tufts University and Florida International University are new entrants, with Tufts impressively ranking 12th for its Master of International Business.
Canada is represented by four esteemed institutions. The University of Toronto earned the 13th spot for its Full-Time MBA, praised for its robust industry engagement. Université de Montréal also joined the list this year, tying for 38th place.
The United Kingdom demonstrated strong performance with three new entries within the global top 10. Durham University leads the UK contingent at 3rd, followed by Cranfield University at 5th, and the University of Cambridge, which tied for 8th.
Across continental Europe, France maintains its leading presence in terms of institutional representation, while Switzerland’s IMD and Spain’s Universitat Ramon Llull have significantly enhanced their global standing.
India’s Growing Presence
India’s impact on the global trade education sector is steadily expanding. With IIM Ahmedabad securing 32nd place and IIM Calcutta breaking into the Executive MBA top 10, Indian B-schools are clearly strengthening their position among the world’s foremost institutions for management and international trade education.