The Corvinus Executive MBA (EMBA) was ranked 9th in Europe and 26th globally in the QS 2026 International Trade: Executive MBA category, while its Master’s in International Economy and Business placed 76th in MBA and Master’s. The two lists, published on 22 October, assessed a total of 30 and 106 institutions respectively, and in both cases Corvinus was the only Hungarian university featured. Each institution could have only one programme included per category. 

On the QS elite lists, Corvinus programmes earned above-average scores for graduate outcomes and innovative teaching. The EMBA at Corvinus was particularly recognised for its trade programme content quality, while the Master’s in International Economy and Business stood out for the strength of the university’s industry engagement. 

“The fact that Corvinus once again appears among the world’s best provides another internationally recognised sign of quality for those interested in our programmes. Corvinus’ EMBA, delivered jointly with Maastricht University, places special emphasis on developing strategic and critical thinking, as well as practical learning,” said Bruno van Pottelsberghe, Rector of Corvinus University. 

He added: “I am especially pleased that our Master’s in International Economy and Business improved by five places compared to the 2025 list. For those who are interested in, I would highlight the programme’s strong methodological foundations, opportunities for individual learning paths, and global outlook, which is also well reflected in our double degree programme with University College London.” 

The aim of the QS rankings is to help students find the programmes that best suit their academic and professional development goals, and to assist employers in identifying graduates whose skills meet their expectations. To be considered, institutions must hold at least one prestigious international accreditation as a general rule. 

QS based its evaluations on six criteria: trade programme content (30%), reputation (20% for master’s and MBA programmes, 25% for EMBA), graduate outcomes (15%), industry engagement (15%), innovative teaching (10% for master’s and MBA programmes, 5% for EMBA), and research (10%). 

In the thematic Executive MBA ranking, the University of Cambridge took first place, while the W Arizona State University (Thunderbird School of Management) topped the full-time MBA and master’s ranking. QS has been publishing its international trade programmes rankings since 2022, and Corvinus was the first Hungarian university to appear on them in the last, 2025 lists.