The Financial Times released its ranking of the world’s best finance master’s programs, which this year includes Corvinus University’s English-language finance master’s program as the only representative from Hungary. The list published yesterday places the Hungarian university alongside prestigious institutions such as the London Business School and Switzerland’s University of St. Gallen. 

Out of the numerous quality finance master’s programs globally, only 70 were featured in the ranking, with several popular European programs missing from the list. The evaluation criteria cover a broad range of aspects, from the current salaries and salary growth of graduates three years after completion, to the development of their career trajectory, and the ratio of international students and faculty. 

Corvinus performed exceptionally well in terms of value for money, ranking 15th, ahead of institutions like HEC Paris and Italy’s Bocconi University. The university also achieved 17th place in the sub-ranking for international study experiences, ahead of institutions like Tilburg University in the Netherlands. Corvinus also performed strongly in terms of career progression for its finance master’s graduates, ranking 33rd in this category. Overall, Corvinus placed 69th in the total ranking. 

“Corvinus University has a long-standing tradition of excellence in finance education. Our finance graduates are highly sought after by employers, not only in the banking sector but across all areas of the economy. Thanks to our international efforts, the program we launched in English just a few years ago has received significant recognition. This ranking clearly conveys to both domestic and international markets that the education provided here is of the highest quality and holds great value for both Hungarian and international students”, said Bruno van Pottelsberghe, Rector of Corvinus University. 

“We are especially pleased to see our strong position in the value-for-money ranking, as for anyone interested in the financial world, the return on investment in their studies is a key consideration. If you’re looking for a high-quality finance master’s degree at a fraction of the cost of Western European tuition fees, built on strong quantitative foundations, you’re in the right place at Corvinus“, said Daniel Havran, Dean responsible for Corvinus’ master’s programme portfolio. 

The ranking is topped by ESCP Business School from France. A total of twenty countries are represented in the list, with the United Kingdom (14), France (11), and the United States (6) contributing the most programs. From the Central and Eastern European region, only two Polish universities, along with Corvinus, made it to the list. 

According to the Financial Times ranking, Corvinus alumni of the finance master’s program, who graduated three years ago, currently earn an average of 21.1 million HUF annually (60.488 USD purchasing power parity equivalent), representing a 62% increase in their salaries compared to their starting pay, and nearly all of them secured employment within three months.