Coming Soon: QS Global EMBA Rankings 2018

The QS Global EMBA Rankings 2018 will be released on April 26 2018. More than 100 EMBA programs worldwide participated in the rankings, which assess schools based on the ranking indicators of employer reputation, thought leadership, executive profiles, career outcomes, and diversity.

As well as ranking the best EMBA programs globally and by region, there is also a separate ranking for joint EMBA programs. This ranking focuses on programs offered by partnered institutions, assessing programs offered by collaborating business schools, often across different continents.

The EMBA rankings are exclusively dedicated to helping candidates who want to pursue an Executive MBA (EMBA). This is because EMBAs are very different to MBAs. Although the level of qualification is the same, with a very similar curriculum, the candidate profile, delivery and format of the degree are very different. Therefore, EMBA candidates need their own rankings to consult to make an informed choice.

What is an EMBA?

EMBAs are designed for managers with considerable work experience (around 10-15 years), and therefore candidates are generally older than the average MBA candidate, with an average age of 38 being the norm for most courses. Unlike (most) MBAs, the EMBA is part-time, meaning students can work full-time while completing their studies.

Managers usually decide to study for an EMBA to boost their careers, often to help them reach a c-suite position such as CEO or CIO. EMBAs also usually lead to significant salary increases.

Another compelling reason to do an EMBA is the networking opportunities offered by most courses, not just with fellow executives in an EMBA cohort, but also, particularly at top-tier schools, extensive alumni networks.

A lot of thought and administrative effort goes into deciding whether to undertake an EMBA, possibly even more than deciding whether to do a full-time MBA. This is because potential EMBA applicants must work out how the course will fit in with their schedule and commitments (both personal and professional), secure the support of their current employer, and work out if they will be getting sponsored through their EMBA or if they will be self-financing.