It’s the time of the year when everyone’s eyes are on the rankings tables, waiting to see which business school is going to come out on top. Most recently, it was the turn of the QS MBA Rankings 2025, and, naturally, we’re here to provide a student perspective on the list.
The top ten European MBAs on the list may not be a surprise—top names like London Business School and INSEAD are there—but you might be interested to hear that some of the highest-ranked schools on the list aren’t the best-rated by students themselves.
So, here are the top ten business schools on the QS MBA rankings and what students say about them.
QS MBA Rankings 2025: What Do Students Say?
Wherever possible, we’ve linked student reviews of the specific MBA programmes listed in the QS MBA rankings. However, in some cases, we haven’t yet collected reviews from students on these programmes.
So, for some of the below business schools, you’ll find reviews of adjacent programmes in business and management, including Masters in Management and Masters in Finance. While these students can’t tell you what studying on a school’s MBA programme is like, they can speak to the overall atmosphere of studying at a business school, including careers support and extracurricular activities.
Where we haven’t collected reviews for a university’s business school (for example, the University of Cambridge Judge Business School), we’ve linked to reviews of the wider university.
10. Esade Business School
Ranked highly in both the QS and Financial Times (FT) rankings, Esade Business School offers a dynamic MBA programme with a range of specialisations, including entrepreneurship, finance, and digital business. Additionally, Esade’s MBA is well-known for its strong focus on sustainability and innovation, with access to an extensive network of international corporate partners.
Its location in Barcelona offers a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in a growing startup ecosystem, while the school’s collaborative culture encourages a strong sense of community among students. Overall, Esade gets a 4.4/5 rating from students on EDuopinions, and business students praise the campus and programme curriculum. However, some students mention a disorganised administration.
Student Review
All Professors are very good. The content of the classes are also very interest and well decided. It is a Great University to improve knowledge. However, the administrative staff is not well organized.
Student Review
I loved the class cohesion with plenty of international students from all over the world. Great to have that mix during a practical business project to do with the local economy of the Costa Brava.
Studying in Barcelona is simply amazing, and even though the university is not directly in the center, it is in a really nice part of the city with great views over the old town and the sea. I always enjoyed my walk from the metro station to the school.
The professors were nice and motivated, and as classes were small, it allowed a very good learning atmosphere.
9. SDA Bocconi School of Management
Situated in Milan, SDA Bocconi—based at Bocconi University— is Italy’s top business school, consistently ranking within the top 10 in Europe. Its MBA programme offers concentrations in corporate finance, luxury business management, and innovation and technology.
SDA Bocconi’s strategic location in one of Europe’s financial capitals ensures unparalleled networking opportunities. Graduates frequently land roles at renowned firms such as Bain & Company, LVMH, and Goldman Sachs, making the school a leading choice for those aiming for a career in consulting or luxury management.
Bocconi University is one of the best universities in Italy, and EDUopinions student reviewers rate it 4.2/5. Reviewers highlight the practical learning opportunities, wide variety of specialisations, and the quality of teaching.
Student Review
The 2 years of my Master of Science program have been the experience I sought after my Bachelor’s in India. Bocconi emphasized theoretical and practical ways of learning, which involved collaboration among my course peers and those in other universities and organizations. I feel more prepared to enter the workforce having realised the areas of my interest and following the pursuit of skills that will enhance my career trajectory.
Student Review
The workload is really heavy, but that’s the only way to prepare students for the job market. Bocconi offers also many services to help students kick off their careers. Overall, Bocconi University Masters Degree is the best option for ambitious students and the best choice among Italian and maybe European universities.
8. University of Oxford Saïd Business School
Ranked in the global top 20 by QS and FT, the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School offers a one-year MBA that blends academic rigour with practical business training.
The Oxford MBA is also renowned for its focus on responsible leadership, fostering innovative thinking for tackling global challenges. The historic city of Oxford provides an inspiring backdrop for students looking to create a lasting impact. Business students at Oxford highlight the professional networking available during studies and the tutorial system, which is unique to Oxford.
EDUopinions has collected three reviews for Saïd Business School. Consequently, the reviews below are for the University of Oxford.
Student Review
I enjoyed the programme with a very supportive cohort and faculty. 10 years on our classmates try and help each other.
During my MBA I learnt about many different problem spaces, which was mind opening.
However, I found it a generalist qualification. My personal experience is specific to me doing a programme after ~15 years of work and not a generalisation.
I observe in my technology circles the MBA degree is not a massive differentiator in making a professional move or getting a venture funded. I would consider it as a nice icing on the top up and the cake is more or less the professional experience one has had.
Student Review
Great experience! Awesome academics, I met great people, super student life. Huge experience. After this I’m no more from my home country but I’m part of the new global village. I wish everyone to do this or a similar experience.
7. Imperial College Business School
Imperial College Business School, consistently ranked among the top 10 UK business schools, offers an MBA programme that specialising in healthcare, technology, and innovation. Leveraging Imperial’s strong STEM reputation (it’s one of the best engineering universities in Europe) the MBA attracts students keen on careers in tech-driven industries.
Students on the MBA at Imperial are supported in entrepreneurial endeavours by the Enterprise Lab and London’s vibrant start-up ecosystem. Plus, students benefit from the school’s close ties to the tech and finance sectors, making it a top choice for future leaders in innovation.
EDUopinions student reviewers consider Imperial one of the top business schools in Europe, rating it 4.3/5. In particular, reviewers love the academic rigour and the quality of relationships between students and professors.
Student Review
The MSc Strategic Marketing course opens many avenues into the business world at Imperial. The coursework consists of group-based assignments, individual reports, and sometimes, examinations. The Careers team helps you with your CV, Cover letters, and other job application support. Imperial truly lives up to its name!
Student Review
Very strong university with good quality faculty and a very strong career services team that prepared students well for the jobs market.
Very nice facilities in the city center. Good sessions organised with employers.
6. INSEAD Business School
With campuses in France, Singapore, and Abu Dhabi, INSEAD is one of the world’s most prestigious business schools, consistently ranked within the top 5 globally. Known as the “Business School for the World,” INSEAD attracts a diverse student body and offers unrivalled global networking opportunities.
The programme’s international scope and strong focus on leadership development make it a popular choice for students who want to complete the coveted “triple jump” after their MBA, changing location, industry, and job function. As a top five European business school, it’s no surprise that EDUopinions reviewers give INSEAD a high rating of 4.6/5, though students say that the curriculum can be challenging.
Student Review
A very good mba program, the classes were interesting and you get engaged in a variety of learning experiences. The food around is alright, not bad, not good. Student life depends on who you are, but you’ll find a lot of interesting people there, with various different ethnicities. The lecturers are brilliant and promoting entrepreneurship is a recurring theme in academics. The camps look beautiful, like a little castle.
Student Review
Just graduated and I just want to say how amazing my journey so far has been since I started at INSEAD. The school offers some of the best lecturers to help you learn everything you might need in the modern business world. The school has a variety of facilities to offer and there is something for everyone here. I made a whole bunch of friends and I met so many more amazing people throughout my life here. Meeting people from all over the world and being exposed to such a diverse student community was unreal to me.
5. IESE Business school
IESE Business School in Barcelona offers a two-year MBA programme featuring opportunities to specialise in international business, entrepreneurship, and healthcare management. Known for its case-study teaching method and global outlook, IESE attracts a diverse cohort and offers strong employability outcomes—95% of graduates are employed within three months, with many joining top consulting firms.
The school’s international approach, with global modules across five continents, makes it a standout for students seeking careers in multinational companies or entrepreneurship. Student reviewers are likewise impressed with IESE’s facilities, teaching quality, and curriculum, giving it a 4.7/5 rating overall.
Student Review
Being at IESE was one of the best experiences of my life:
1- Professionally: this MBA is one of the best connected schools with top consultancy and banking sectors. for example, the 3 MBBs come to the school to train and interview candidates, ensuring a higher successful rate. It allowed me to jump from a civil engineering position to work for McKinsey.
2- Personal and cultural : amazing transformative 2 years, with people from all over the world (73 nationalities in my class) with great values.
Totally worthy it.
Student Review
Pros:
– The class is one of the most diverse, if not the most diverse across not only cultural backgrounds but also professional backgrounds.
– The academic staff is top notch.
– The structure of the program is challenging.
Cons:
– Career services could be improved to be more open-ended instead of simply funneling students into two main career paths (consulting or IB).
– Conferences being paid for by the students is ridiculous. Having to rent the auditorium with a hefty fee after we’ve paid MBA tuitions seems greedy.
4. IE Business School
Madrid’s IE Business School at IE University is a leader in innovation and entrepreneurship, and its 11-month International MBA offers concentrations in digital business and data analytics. The school also provides students with access to its prestigious startup incubator, the IE Venture Lab.
IE Business School focuses on impact in its business curriculum, and students have opportunities to practice real-life skills on programmes while working with real businesses and social enterprises. The focus on impact means classes are academically rigorous and feature plenty of collaboration with companies, which is a huge bonus when networking.
Student Review
IE has a very practical approach to teaching and I believe it’s one of the biggest advantages of the university compared to the rest of Europe. Moreover, we students have the privilege to be surrounded by people from all around the world with many different nationalities which makes us exposed to a variety of cultures and helps us become more open-minded.
Student Review
Diversity- 48 different nationalities, Networking; Quality of Education – professors are working professionals, Covid Protocols are strict and well managed. Talent & Careers are helpful but require efforts from our side. No sports facility or gym for students.
3. University of Cambridge Judge Business School
The business school of the University of Cambridge, Judge Business School, is equally as prestigious as its parent institution, and makes it into the top three MBAs in Europe in the QS MBA rankings. Students at Cambridge Judge enrol on a one-year MBA programme with specific focuses on innovation and social enterprises.
The MBA curriculum also incorporates a “practical projects” element, allowing students to work with real businesses. The school’s close ties with the wider university provide unparalleled networking opportunities, while its location in the UK’s tech hub, “Silicon Fen,” offers access to cutting-edge industries including healthtech and fintech.
Cambridge is known for the intensity of academic study, and this is no less true in the business school. However, business students praise the facilities and international study opportunities available.
Student Review
I had a great time at the University of Cambridge. The campus is beautiful and has a welcoming atmosphere. I enjoyed learning there, and the food was exceptional. The only thing I think they need to improve on is the accommodation for students of colour within the colleges.
Student Review
I’ve spent 5 years in academia and by no doubt Cambridge was the most special year of it! The charm and unique spirit of wisdom that surrounds the place made me fall in love with the uni immediately and I am convinced the uni taught me more than just the content of my degree. The offerings from world-class music to high performance level sport allow everyone to find something they truly flourish in and I’ve made friends for life by taking up some of the possibilities the uni offers!
2. HEC Paris
HEC Paris’ 16-month MBA programme is one of the best in Europe, consistently ranking in the top five in MBA rankings including the QS ranking. HEC Paris is known for producing top executives in industries like consulting and finance, and the programme’s strong global network, partnerships with top companies, and strategic location near Paris make it a prime choice for students looking to advance in corporate or entrepreneurial careers.
With an overall student rating of 3.9, HEC Paris isn’t quite on the same level as other business schools on this ranking in the eyes of EDUopinions reviewers. Despite this, though, reviewers praise the diversity of the faculty and student population, the specialisations available on programmes, and the campus environment.
Student Review
Enrolling in the HEC MBA was by far the best decision I made for myself. The people and faculty are great, with lots of opportunities to meet people and expand your horizons. Very nice campus where I have had some good running sessions.
The alumni network is superb and very helpful. It also has a good support system for entrepreneurs. Would definitely recommend it!
Student Review
While HEC’s MBA is highly selective, I really enjoy the type of people HEC’s selects to make sure everybody gets the best out of their MBA experience and networking opportunities. Not only it’s an incredibly diverse pool of people (~60 nationalities) but most importantly they make sure to let in friendly empathic and curious people.
1. London Business School
Ranked #1 in Europe by the QS MBA rankings and the FT rankings, London Business School’s two-year MBA programme is one of the world’s best. With specialisations in finance, entrepreneurship, and strategy, the MBA prepares students for leadership roles across various industries, and graduates join leading companies like McKinsey, Goldman Sachs, and Amazon.
Located in the heart of London, the school offers unrivalled access to multinational companies in the UK and in nearby global business hubs like Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam. EDUopinions student reviewers highlight the diversity on business programmes and the quality of facilities as some of the top reasons to study at London Business School.
Student Review
Let me start by saying I’m Portuguese. I started my MFA in September last year and I can tell you that the London Business School has so much more to offer apart from what you initially expect. The university is amongst the most international in the world. Here I made so many friends from several different backgrounds. This experience opened my eyes to different careers and goals. So what’s the best about LBS apart from the people I would say the practical environment. Everything you learn you know from a fact will be useful for you. For example, in the Private Equity class the professor provided us with a guide for technical questions, a list of all the funds he recommended and was always willing to help make the bridge for a potential referral. Also, the campus is great everything is new. Interesting facts all the books at LBS are free, you have access to a gym membership for life. You are also part of the community meaning you keep getting invited back to campus for networking opportunities. Life was a choice for life
Student Review
Beautiful campus in a great location! Everything at London Business School is perfect I couldn’t be more happy than I am now. At the London business school, you receive outstanding support from the professors. Teachers are highly involved and if you score high in a subject you will be invited to interview in a related top tier company. My strategy professor helped me secure a summer internship in Kearney’s London Office. Also, everyone is so friendly and the LBS is very powerful. You can easily find an alumni that is willing to help you you.
The QS MBA Rankings 2025: Student Ratings Edition
You’ve seen the QS MBA rankings; but what would they look like if student ratings decided the outcome of the ranking?
To find out, we’ve delved into student reviews data of all the business schools and universities on the list and comprised our own ranking of these top ten European business schools—and the results may surprise you.
The losers in the EDUopinions student ranking are surely HEC Paris and the University of Cambridge Judge Business School, both of which drop significantly in the ranking. By contrast, London Business School retains its position as the number one business school for MBA studies.
Schools that have significantly benefited from student review ratings include Imperial College Business School and ESADE Business School. Both of these schools enter the top five of the ranking, testament to the power of student opinions.
Conclusion
Studying for an MBA is an intense experience, and with all the costs and time involved, you need to be certain that you’re choosing the right programme for your future career. While academic rankings like the QS MBA rankings can be helpful for discovering a school’s reputation, faculty diversity, and overall research power, student opinions can help you see exactly what it’s like to study at a particular institution.
Have you studied at one of the business schools on this ranking? Write a review about your experience and help future students make a more confident, informed decision on where to study.
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