Europe is the second-most popular destination in the world for graduate business students. Every year, thousands of students flock to global cities like London, Paris, Amsterdam, and Madrid to study an MBA – but what do they really think about their experience? What are real student opinions of MBAs?
Over the last four years, the number of institutions offering MBA programmes has increased, with more options for personalisation than ever before. With so many programmes out there, it can be difficult to decide where you want to spend up to two years of your life studying.
So, we’ve analysed the data from thousands of verified student reviews on EDUopinions to find out what students are saying about their programmes in Europe. We’ve looked at average programme ratings, how things have changed between 2019 and 2023, and which institutions have the highest-rated MBA degrees.
Have Student Opinions of MBAs Changed?
First, let’s look at how student opinions of MBAs have changed between 2019 and 2023.
Student Ratings of MBAs (/5): 2019-2023
| 2019 | 4.83 |
| 2020 | 4.29 |
| 2021 | 4.31 |
| 2022 | 4.48 |
| 2023 | 4.38 |
Tracking student opinions of MBAs over the past years reveals interesting trends. Despite a dip in 2020, likely due to the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic with many programmes shifting to online and hybrid teaching, there’s a clear rebound in satisfaction. In 2022, students were awarded an impressive average rating of 4.48/5 for their MBA programmes, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of European business schools. As we near the end of 2023, student satisfaction with their MBA studies remains strong, with an average rating of 4.38/5. This consistent positive trend post the 2020 dip reflects the enduring commitment of European institutions to providing high-quality business education.
At the same time, the number of MBA programmes available for review on EDUopinions has also risen since 2019. Four years ago, there were more than 30 programmes with reviews. In 2020, this had increased to more than 50 programmes. Additionally, we now see reviews for more variations of MBAs than ever before, including an MBA in Marketing, Fashion, and Finance.
Furthermore, the academic landscape of 2023 is characterised by a diverse range of degree options that reflect a dynamic shift in delivery methods. Online learning is becoming increasingly popular, with 13% of MBA students embracing the flexibility it offers. However, the majority, constituting 77%, still prefer the traditional on-campus experience, highlighting the continued appeal of physical academic environments. A notable 10% of students are engaging with blended learning approaches, indicating that a mix of online and in-person education is gaining traction. This distribution underscores the adaptability of educational institutions in catering to the varied preferences and needs of today’s students.
Which Universities Are the Highest Rated?
Want to know which universities come out on top in student opinions of MBAs? We’ve tracked the highest-rated universities for MBAs in Europe since 2019.
2019
London Business School had the highest-rated MBA programme from EDUopinions reviewers in 2019 (4.7/5). The MBA programme at LBS also regularly tops the rankings of the best MBAs in the UK and globally, and this year made it to 16th in the world in Financial Times rankings.
The MBA at LBS is a two-year programme that attracts over 70 nationalities, making it a highly diverse student population. There are also eight concentrations on offer, including technology, analytics, and change management.
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.
2020
The highest-rated MBA programme of 2020 was at the London School of Economics (4.2/5). The MBA programme is part of the Trium MBA with NYU Stern and HEC Paris, and allows students to spend time at three different top-ranked business schools.
As well as studying at the three host institutions, students on the Trium MBA are also sent to Dubai, Singapore, and San Francisco, meaning students get a truly global vision of business.
Student Review of LSE
Great professors and fellow students that inspire you every day. The campus is in the center of London which gives students easy access to both university-related and non-university related activities.
2021
In 2021, IESE Business School earned the title of highest-rated MBA programme (4.7/5). On-campus in Barcelona, students in the MBA programme have the chance to explore the vibrant coastal city and get international experience on immersive overseas learning experiences.
During a Capstone Project on IESE’s MBA, students also collaborate with actual companies on challenges. Previous companies have included Airbnb, HP, and Booking.com.
Student Review of IESE Business School
An 18 month MBA based on a case method with a very diverse and international batch. A great international alumni network and an amazing group of people in every batch. Intense 18 months between the academic requirements, the club and the search for an internship and job but 200% worth it.
2022
Last year, the University of East London received the highest ratings for its MBA programme on EDUopinions (4.7/5). Located within touching distance of the economic heart of London, the MBA programme at the University of East London focuses on the skills necessary to build a cutting-edge future business.
The degree takes full advantage of the location, taking students to meet real businesses, attend conferences, and bring masterclass speakers onto campus to learn from.
Student Review of University of East London
I’m blown away by the amount of help I’m getting from the UEL instructors. I’m pursuing an MBA and feel very well taken care of. I have excellent communication with all of my tutors about all academic subjects. The atmosphere in the area is diverse, laid-back, and incredibly supportive. The most crucial elements for the assignment deadlines are sufficiently reiterated so that all students understand and remember exactly what they need to accomplish to succeed in UEL. In every way, the university significantly surpassed my expectations. I strongly recommend UEL to anyone serious about studying, learning, and graduating.
2023
Among the standout MBAs, the programme offered at ESSEC Business School has garnered particular attention. Renowned for its excellence in business education, ESSEC’s MBA remains a top choice for students (5/5). The combination of a rich curriculum and a faculty of industry experts further contributes to its reputation. ESSEC’s MBA’s key topics in Sustainability, Digital Leadership, and Innovation and Entrepreneurship are particularly noteworthy, showcasing the institution’s adaptability to the evolving landscape of business specialisation.
Student Review of ESSEC BUSINESS SCHOOL
ESSEC prides itself as one of the top universities providing business education and rightly so. The curriculum offered here is quite vast and diverse and what is exciting is for the Master in Management program you can choose your own courses and shape your educational journey and supplement your courses with internships or apprenticeships. Essec truly supports its students to grow both personally as well as in their professional career.
Conclusion
There are thousands of places to get your MBA in Europe. When choosing somewhere to study, though, it’s helpful to discover what students are really saying about their programmes – which is why we’ve compiled student opinions of MBAs in Europe.
Remember to base your decision not just on one source alone, though – try to gather as much information as possible about the programmes you’re interested in to find the one that fits you best.
Got the itch to study at one of the business schools mentioned above? Check out the blogs below to ace your application.
- 5 Things to Remember When Applying to Business School
- How to Get a Good Recommendation Letter For an MBA: 5 Tips to Know
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