Top 10 MBA programmes in Asia

The QS Global MBA Rankings 2024 assesses 315 business schools worldwide for their MBA programmes, with separate rankings for regions such as Europe, Asia, Oceania, Latin America, the US, and Canada. Notably, Asia boasts 48 of these top-ranked business schools. 

These rankings have been derived based on five key indicators: employability, entrepreneurship and alumni outcomes, return on investment, thought leadership, and diversity. You can find out more about the rankings methodology here. 

10. IIM Calcutta 

• Tuition: US$65,000 
• Students in class: 480 
• Percentage of female students: 28 percent 

Moving up three spots from the previous year, IIM Calcutta has now secured its position in the top 10 best MBA colleges in Asia for its two-year full time MBA programme. 

The programme's mandatory eight-week summer internship is a standout feature, frequently resulting in full-time job offers for numerous students. This is evident from the institution’s seventh place ranking in Asia for the employability indicator.  

9. IIM Ahmedabad

• Tuition: US$50,000 
• Students in class: 450 
• Percentage of female students: 42 percent 

Ranked ninth in the list of best MBA colleges in Asia this year, IIM Ahmedabad's full-time MBA programme stands out with the highest score for return on investment. The institution also provides semester-long exchange opportunities for a quarter of second-year students at prestigious partner management schools.  

Additionally, it offers dual degree options in collaboration with renowned institutions such as ESSEC Business School, ESCP Europe, HEC in France, University of Bocconi in Italy, European Business School, and University of Cologne in Germany. 

8. Indian Institute of Management Bangalore

• Tuition: US$27,585 
• Students in class: 532 
• Percentage of female students: 32 percent 

The full-time two-year MBA from IIM Bangalore is an intensive residential programme that provides students with a solid foundation in key management concepts and disciplines.  

The highest score achieved by the institution is for the return-on-investment indicator, for which it’s ranked fifth in Asia. The programme offers students a chance to receive double degree qualifications and to even take part in international exchange programmes to widen their horizons.  

7. HKUST Business School

• Tuition: US$76,565 
• Percentage of female students: 41 percent 
• Percentage of international students: 87 percent 

Advancing two spots from last year's rankings, HKUST's MBA programme now holds the seventh position in Asia as one of the best MBA colleges in Asia. Notably, the programme excels in thought leadership, securing the highest score and ranking second in Asia.  

Offering flexibility, students can complete the MBA in 12 months or opt for a 16-month model, incorporating internships or exchange programmes for enhanced international exposure. HKUST also ranks joint fifth in Asia for employability, with an impressive 97 percent of graduates securing employment within three months of graduation. 

6. SMU (Lee Kong Chian) 

• Tuition: US$56,011  
• Students in class: 40-50 
• Percentage of female students: 40 percent 
• Percentage of international students: 63 percent 

As a newcomer to the top 10 list of best MBA colleges in Asia, Lee Kong Chian Business School of SMU has made a strong impression across multiple indicators, securing the sixth position in the region.  

Notably, the school excels in thought leadership, ranking third in Asia for this indicator. With a faculty comprising thought leaders from various industries and subject experts, it is no surprise that the institution performs exceptionally well in this regard.  

The programme typically lasts 15 months for full-time students, with an option to complete it in 10 months, and 18 months for part-time students, with an option to finish in 15 months. 

5. China Europe International Business School (CEIBS) 

• Tuition: US$65,430 
• Students in class: 126 
• Percentage of female students: 49 percent 
• Percentage of international students: 29 percent 

Ranked fifth in this year's ranking, CEIBS offers a comprehensive 12–16-month full-time MBA programme taught entirely in English. The programme prioritises the development of participants' leadership, professionalism, social responsibility, cross-cultural competence, and entrepreneurial spirit.  

Notably, it stands out for its exceptional opportunity for bilateral international exchanges with 41 elite partner institutions. CEIBS has achieved the highest score for the return-on-investment indicator and holds the top spot in Asia for entrepreneurship and alumni outcomes. 

4. University of Hong Kong 

• Tuition: US$75,040 
• Students in class: 45-52 
• Percentage of female students: 44 percent 
• Percentage of international students: 92 percent 

Having ascended three spots in this year's rankings is the full-time MBA programme offered by the University of Hong Kong. This 12-month programme is intensive with three tracks available for students to choose from.  

All students spend nine months in Hong Kong to study Asia-Pacific focused core and elective subjects. Then, depending on the track they choose, they spend four months in London, New York or Hong Kong/Shanghai to further strengthen their global business knowledge.  

Notably, the programme excels in the return-on-investment indicator, securing eighth position globally. 

3. Nanyang NTU Singapore 

• Tuition: US$60,047 
• Students in class: 100  
• Percentage of female students: 40 percent 

Third in the list of best universities in Asia for an MBA, Nanyang Business School offers an intensive 12-month programme with a focus on the Asian business landscape.  

Based at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, this MBA allows students to gain practical real-world insights into business models, management philosophies and academic theories across a wide range of industries. Notably, this programme has also secured the third place in Asia for employability and fourth in Asia for thought leadership. 

2. Tsinghua University

• Tuition: US$27,325 (Full time MBA)/ US$57,687(Part time MBA) 
• Students in class: 80 
• Percentage of female students: 59 percent 
• Percentage of international students: 24 percent 

The runner up in this year’s list of best universities in Asia for studying an MBA is Tsinghua University. The highest scores achieved by the institute are for the thought leadership and return on investment indicators for which it’s ranked first and third in Asia respectively.  

This 21-month-long programme heavily utilises integrative practical projects in their teaching, some of which are established with strategic partnerships with prestigious universities and organisations worldwide.  

Additionally, 50 selected students annually have the opportunity to attend exclusive overseas modules offered by MIT Sloan as part of their international exchange programme. 

1. National University of Singapore (NUS) 

• Tuition: US$69,644 
• Students in class: 120 
• Percentage of female students: 37 percent 
• Percentage of international students: 90 percent 

Claiming the top spot of the MBA rankings in Asia is NUS Business School, located in Singapore. NUS MBA offers a comprehensive learning experience with international exchange programmes, case competitions, internships, global immersion trips, and a vibrant student club ecosystem.  

This dedication to holistic education is reflected in NUS's ranking as the top institution in Asia for the employability indicator. The programme offers flexibility, with options for completion in 17 months full-time or 24 to 30 months part-time.  

Additionally, NUS collaborates with institutions like the Guanghua School of Management, Peking University, Yale School of Management, and HEC Paris to offer a variety of double degree programmes. 

FAQs 

Which country is best for MBA in Asia? 

Even though there’s no definitive answer for this, the top 10 MBA programmes in Asia ranking is dominated by four study destinations: Singapore, India, mainland China, and Hong Kong. Singapore and mainland China each boast three business schools in the top 10, while India and Hong Kong have two each. 

Which is the number one business school in Asia? 

Taking the lead this year is NUS Business School, situated in Singapore. Notably, this business school also ranks first in Asia for the employability indicator while having scored excellently across all indicators. 

Which country in Asia has a 1-year-MBA programme? 

The duration of full-time MBAs typically spans from 10 to 24 months. However, among the top 10 MBA programmes in Asia, several offer accelerated options allowing the students to complete them within one year (12 months).  

For instance, HKUST and the University of Hong Kong based in Hong Kong provide intensive one-year programmes, while Lee Kong Chian Business School at SMU based in mainland China allows completion in just 10 months. CEIBS in mainland China offers flexibility with a 12 to 16-month timeframe.  

Beyond the top 10, numerous other MBA programmes also offer one-year durations, providing ample options for prospective students. Explore the full list of rankings here to find the programme that best suits your needs.