QS International Trade rankings 2026: IIM Ahmedabad breaks into global 50, IIM Calcutta ranks 8th in Executive MBA
The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad has entered the global top 50 in the 2026 QS International Trade Rankings, securing the 32nd position for its Master of Business Administration (MBA). The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) follows at 71.In the Executive MBA category, IIM Calcutta has climbed into the global top 10, securing the 8th position. The University of Cambridge leads this category, reaffirming its strength in executive education.The rankings, released by QS Quacquarelli Symonds in partnership with the Hinrich Foundation, evaluated 106 programmes across 31 countries and 30 Executive MBAs across 14 countries. The assessment considered factors such as academic reputation, employer outcomes, and industry engagement.
Global leaders in international trade education
The Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University retained its top spot for the Master of Global Management (MGM). The National University of Singapore (NUS) placed second, followed by Durham University in the UK, which made its debut in third place.European business schools continued to perform strongly, with France’s INSEAD at 4th and Cranfield University in the UK at 5th. Switzerland’s IMD MBA secured 6th, and the University of Sydney ranked 7th for its Master of International Business.
Top 20 Master’s and MBA programmes (QS 2026)
Here’s a closer look at the world’s leading Master’s and full-time MBA programmes in international trade and management.
Top 10 Executive MBA programmes (QS 2026)
Here’s a closer look at the top Executive MBA programmes shaping global business leaders.
Regional trends
The United States continues to dominate the landscape, with 12 business schools featured and three programmes in the top 20. Tufts University and Florida International University made their debut, with Tufts ranking 12th for its Master of International Business.Canada is represented by four institutions. The University of Toronto ranks 13th for its Full-Time MBA, recognised for strong industry engagement. Université de Montréal joins the list for the first time at joint 38th.The United Kingdom features three new entries in the global top 10. Durham University leads the national contingent at 3rd, followed by Cranfield University (5th) and University of Cambridge (=8th).Across continental Europe, France continues to lead in representation, while Switzerland’s IMD and Spain’s Universitat Ramon Llull have strengthened their global visibility.
India’s growing presence
India’s presence in the global trade education space continues to expand. With IIM Ahmedabad at 32 and IIM Calcutta entering the Executive MBA top 10, Indian B-schools are consolidating their position among the world’s leading institutions for management and international trade education.
