Business Administration students study how to effectively and efficiently carry out business operations – including managing finances, analyzing market trends, and developing office policies. Having a degree in this subject offers endless career options and opens doors to almost all industries, which is why it is one of the most popular programs among the younger generations.
The world’s demand for qualified business professionals is high, particularly for those who want to work as sales managers, business analysts, and marketing specialists. Companies look for employees who have good numerical skills, strong leadership, and effective communication skills. Naturally, these are the skills that business schools develop in their students. Completing coursework and going through professional placement are usually required from Business Administration students to strengthen these skills.
If you want to work for top companies, a Business Administration degree from a reputable school will give you a competitive edge among your peers. But, no two schools are the same. Take some time to research what each has to know about which business administration school in Europe that you may want to consider!
How long does it take to get a business degree in Europe?
It usually takes 3 to 4 years to get a bachelor’s degree in business in Europe, while master’s degrees usually take up to 2 years of full-time studies. To get started on your business degree, check out our Available Business Courses page. You can also explore other available courses in Europe and find out what courses you can study by visiting our Open Courses Page.
Top Business Administration Schools in Europe
1. Montpellier Business School
Based in France, the Montpellier Business School (MBS) is among the best schools for business administration in Europe that was established in 1897 to provide quality business education rooted in its core values of openness, ethics, and global responsibility. Today, it welcomes over 1,000 international students, and 65% of its permanent faculty are from abroad. It is this strong commitment to diversity that sets the school apart. The cultural differences experienced by students on-campus help develop broader awareness of the impact of their future business decisions on the world.
MBS offers a 3-year BA in International Business Administration. During Year 1, students follow a general curriculum to learn the basics of running a business and solving common problems. A 2 to 4-month internship must also be completed. By Year 2, students are allowed to choose their tracks. You could study abroad, pursue international professional experience, or do an entrepreneurial project in France.
While there is no traditional Master’s in Business Administration at this school, postgraduates may pursue MA in Management, which takes two years to complete. Its curriculum aims to develop professional maturity. Courses take a deeper look at management and strategy. A 4 to 6-month internship relevant to your specialization is required during both years.
2. Audencia Business School
Also based in France, the Audencia Business School (ABS) is regarded as another top destination in Europe for students who wish to study Business Administration. It operates on four campuses situated around Nantes and two campuses in China.
ABS offers a 4-year BBA in Big Data and Management. It is a unique program developed by ABS in partnership with Centrale Nantes, and it aims to educate students on management and data engineering. Upon graduation, students will be well-equipped to take on complex data management tasks. A 3-month internship abroad is required during Years 1 and 3. A 6-month internship also takes place during Year 4, where students must independently manage a project and produce a well-documented report by the end.
For postgraduates, ABS offers a 1-year Master’s in Business Administration. It aims to help students understand themselves better as business professionals and define the goals they want to achieve. Students under this program may take an optional internship abroad. If not, you may take optional additional classes and earn a Graduate Certification from Boston University or Tecnologico de Monterrey. Classes are conducted online for the optional certificate.
3. University of Bologna
Founded in 1088, the University of Bologna in Italy is an excellent university for business administration programs in Europe and is the world’s oldest university in operation. In 2000, it established the Bologna Business School (BBS) to offer cutting-edge business education in close collaboration with world-renowned industries from Italy. Classes are done on a picturesque campus, which students fondly call Villa Guastavillani.
BBS is dedicated to supporting students who seek continuing education. It does not offer any Bachelor’s degrees but has an extensive list of Master’s degrees to choose from.
A 12-month Master in Business Administration is available for postgraduates with previous work experience. Students may choose to specialize in one of these options: Automation & Robotics, Design & Luxury Goods, Food & Wine, Green Energy & Sustainable Businesses, or Supercars & Motorsports. All specializations have a strong industry presence in Italy, and students have the opportunity to work with top companies for internships. Lectures, career workshops, and personal development training will be given by the most qualified researchers and practitioners.
4. EU Business School
The EU Business School (EUBS) is a private educational institution and a leading school for business administration in Europe founded in 1973. It originally operated on two campuses – Montreux and Geneva in Switzerland – but has recently opened campuses in Barcelona, Spain, and Munich, Germany. These cities were particularly chosen for their thriving business sectors. In over 40 years, the school has provided the highest standard of business education in the country and has produced highly employable graduates that employers seek year after year.
EUBS offers a 3-year Bachelor of Business Administration. Its curriculum aims to educate students on a wide range of functions within a business. Some time is spent learning cultures, languages, and social frameworks, which can be valuable when working in multinational companies.
For postgraduates, EUBS offers a 12-month Master of Business Administration with a wide range of specializations to choose from. The most popular options include International Business, Communication & Public Relations, International Marketing, and Digital Business. EUBS frequently invites leaders from different industries to conduct exclusive talks and join networking events for students at the Master’s level.
5. London Business School
London Business School is among the top business schools in London, England. Since its establishment in 1964, it has shown a solid reputation as a business management education, research, and leadership pioneer. Not only the name, but its faculty is also well-known for its outstanding research and instruction. There are more than 150 faculty members at LBS from more than 30 nations, offering a variety of viewpoints to the classroom. The educators concentrate on various topics, such as leadership, finance, and entrepreneurship.
The business schools offer a variety of business programs, including full-time MBA, Executive MBA, Master in Management, and Ph.D. degrees. However, the MBA program is regarded as one of the best in the world and has received a good rating from numerous international publications. The curriculum fosters public analytics, leadership, and critical thinking abilities.
Moreover, if you’re a seasoned professional who wishes to advance your career and increase your business expertise, the Executive MBA program is your best bet. This program allows students to manage their careers and responsibilities while completing its flexible schedule. In its curriculum, numerous international modules allow students to learn everything about doing business abroad.
If we talk about its alumni, LBS has a long history of notable entrepreneurs and successful business executives. For instance, the executive vice president of Louis Vuitton, Delphine Arnault, and Sir Martin Sorrel, CEO of WPP, are among its noteworthy alumni.
6. IE Business School
Instituto de Empresa, or IE University, is home to the private business school in Madrid, Spain. It was established in 1973 and has become Europe’s leading business school. The school is also among the 1% of business schools worldwide that have accreditation with the Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AASCB), the European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS), and the Association of MBAs (AMBA).
Over 130 nations are represented among the teachers and students at IE Business School, which has a strong international orientation. In this regard, the school offers various international programs, such as the Global MBA, which enables students to attend classes at the campuses of IE Business School in Madrid, Segovia, and other foreign cities. Additionally, the school collaborates with more than 100 universities worldwide, allowing students to study abroad and experience a different culture.
The school offers a highly regarded MBA program for individuals who wish to advance their business knowledge and experience. Moreover, if you love traveling, this can be your dream business school since students can travel throughout the globe as a part of the program’s immersion experience to work on actual businesses. The curriculum also provides a variety of electives, enabling students to customize their education to meet their unique professional objectives.
If you need clarification on the reputation of IE business school, it is one of the best business schools in Europe since it has been ranked #1st in Europe and #4th worldwide for entrepreneurship teaching.
7. HEC Paris
École des Hautes études commerciales, or HEC Paris is a leading business school in the French district of Jouy-en-Josas, next to Paris. The institution, founded in 1881, has a long tradition of offering top-notch business instruction and research. However, since it’s among the best business schools in Europe, its admission process is extremely selective, only accepting a tiny proportion of candidates each year.
The university seeks applicants with solid academic credentials, leadership potential, and an international outlook. Moreover, you’ll be asked to submit transcripts, GMAT or GRE test scores, essays, letters of recommendation, and much more. Various degree programs are available through HEC Paris, including a full-time MBA, an Executive MBA, master’s and doctoral programs in certain fields, and more. And for corporate clients, the institution also provides personalized executive education programs.
The 16-month full-time MBA program strongly emphasizes innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Only 15% of candidates are accepted into the extremely selective program, which draws students worldwide. On the contrary, the 18-month Executive MBA program is intended for seasoned managers and executives who wish to improve their managerial abilities and broaden their business knowledge. The best part about this program is you can tailor it according to your needs, which includes a part-time program that enables students to keep working while they study.
8. Rotterdam School of Management
The Rotterdam School of Management at Erasmus University is in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. The university is renowned for its cutting-edge research, diversified student body, and strong ties to the corporate world. RSM was established in 1966 as a division of Erasmus University Rotterdam, and it has since developed into one of Europe’s top-tier business schools. The institution has a long history of invention and entrepreneurship, and many notable graduates have built profitable companies and startups.
RSM provides a selection of business, management, and finance undergraduate, graduate, and executive education programs. The International Full-Time MBA, frequently rated among the best MBA programs in Europe and globally, is the school’s flagship program. Along with offering specific master’s programs in finance, marketing, and accounting, the institution also provides a master’s in management program.
RSM has a strong international focus, with instructors and students from more than 100 nations. The school’s programs, which are taught in English, are meant to help students get ready for careers in a cross-border business environment.
RSM also provides various resources and services for students interested in pursuing careers, such as career counseling, networking opportunities, and job fairs. The career services team at the school closely collaborates with students to help them define their professional objectives and acquire the knowledge and experiences necessary to attain them.
9. IMD Business School
The International Institute for Management Development (IMD) was established in 1990 due to the amalgamation of two pre-existing business schools. Since then, the institution has solidified its position as one of Europe’s top business schools, with a focus on executive education and leadership development.
IMD is renowned for placing a high emphasis on leadership development. Various programs and initiatives are available to assist managers and executives in improving their leadership abilities. The school’s flagship program is the IMD Global Leader Index, which evaluates leadership potential and offers individualized coaching to help people attain their greatest potential.
The programs available at IMD Business School are the MBA, executive education, and programs specially designed for businesses. The institution is renowned for its emphasis on leadership development, with programs to assist executives in honing their leadership abilities and emerging as successful global leaders.
IMD maintains solid relationships with top businesses worldwide, allowing students to network with industry leaders and get practical experience. Companies can access IMD’s staff and resources through the corporate learning network, which provides services like specialized executive education programs.
10. IESE Business School
With 85% of students being from over 50 countries around the world, IESE is a recognized body of education providers based in Barcelona, Spain. The school has been consistently ranked among the top universities of the world with some ranking their 2-year MBA program as the best in Europe. The institution has a long-standing alliance with Harvard Business School, easily one of the best in the region.
The school offers top-notch education and a myriad of opportunities for students, including specializations when it comes to the MBA curriculum. Students at IESE can pick from four tracks of Business Administration: Finance, Data Analytics and Digital Business, International Business, or Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
First-year students of the school’s MBA program are also expected to serve as social, entrepreneurial, or corporate interns prior to graduation to make sure they get hands-on experience in the industry they are being projected to. Just like the London Business School, the IESE curriculum also emphasizes bilingual immersion and exposure to diversity. If you enjoy the art and architecture of the cosmopolitan city of Barcelona, studying at IESE might just be the route you are looking for.
11. SDA Bocconi School of Management
Providing world-class business education, at the heart of Milan, Italy, the SDA Bocconi School of Management offers both graduate and master’s degree programs in business administration. The school’s motto is “designed for your world”, and rightly so, because it allows students to pick a curriculum that they would be interested in! This flexibility makes the school one of a kind.
Milan is a city known for its fashion sense. Students who graduate from the SDA Bocconi School of Management, often seek opportunities to work at fashion conglomerates like Dior, Tiffany and Co., and Louis Vuitton.
The Ph.D. program in Business Administration and Management offers several related programs including marketing and management. It’s a full-time program that spans over 4 years, during which students get to have practical exposure to the university’s resources, collaborative spaces, and a stimulating environment for research.
In short, Europe is the business hub and offers many universities with top-notch business administration programs. These institutions have an outstanding reputation for their quality of education, diverse student body, strong alumni networks, and ties to the corporate world. Whether a motivated entrepreneur or a seasoned professional, these schools have something for you. So, if you want to advance your career in the business world, do not hesitate to consider these top-notch institutions and take the first step toward your dream career today!
We hope that this article on Best Business Administration Schools in Europe was helpful. Make sure to also check out the Available Business Programs for International Students!
