These strong outcomes also reflect the distinctive CEMS Graduate Profile: graduates who can shape decisions across cultures, countries and contexts, use data and technology to make informed decisions, lead change, approach complex challenges with an entrepreneurial spirit, act with integrity and responsibility, and grow through self-reflection. The latest FT analysis shows that these qualities are highly valued in today’s job market, by global employers and start-ups alike.
CEMS alumni reported an average salary of US$125,902 three years after graduation- around 15% higher than the average across all ranked schools. They also recorded a higher salary increase (42% compared with 40%) and a stronger “aims achieved” score (87% compared with 84%).
Edoardo Petrucci, a CEMS student who will graduate this year from the Stockholm School of Economics and Ivey Business School, said:
“I wanted to approach the MiM with a very open mind (and) leave multiple opportunities open and be influenced by my peers, the classes and alumni whom we got to meet through mentorship programmes and more. Throughout my studies in Stockholm I saw how the city was becoming a very attractive start-up hub. That made me want to stay in Stockholm and embrace the start-up or scale-up environment … that is made up of… extremely motivated people who are really pushing me and my ambitions.”
CEMS students are selected not just on their top grades but as Giuseppe Criaco, academic director of the CEMS MiM at Rotterdam School of Management says: “The strongest candidates combine academic ability with curiosity, initiative and international openness; students who will enrich discussions collaborate across cultures and help classmates learn from different perspectives.”
The rankings stated that applications to schools in East and South East Asia rose by 42% reflecting the growing importance for students of exposure to Asian markets. Anticipating this trend, CEMS started expanding in Asia nearly 20 years ago and now has seven member schools in the Asia-Pacific region.
Elizabeth Pease, an American CEMS alumni who studied at Singapore’s NUS business school and at the London School of Economics said:
“Asia is a booming market. If you want to be a leader in business you need exposure to Asian business culture and to know how it works”.
CEMS schools among the world’s best
The ranking reflects the strength of the CEMS alliance as a whole: three CEMS member schools are among the global top five, while 18 CEMS schools are ranked in total.
The CEMS Master in International Management (MIM) is delivered through a global alliance of 33 of the world’s top business schools in collaboration with more than 70 corporate partners (multinational companies) and 8 social partners. On graduation students will be fluent in three languages, including English, have studied at two member schools and completed a consultancy project and international internship with a corporate partner.
This international experience continues to shape their careers: 95% of CEMS graduates have worked outside their home country and 76% work for multinational companies. Overall, 98% are employed or continuing their studies, while 51% have worked with a CEMS Corporate or Social Partner.
Nicole de Fontaines, Executive Director of CEMS, commented:
“Huge congratulations to all CEMS Academic Member schools featured in today’s FT Global MiM 2026 ranking. We are delighted that so many of them have performed outstandingly – this is a collective success.
“CEMS is truly an alliance of the highest calibre business schools on every continent, with six CEMS member schools among the top 15.
“These results reflect the strength of the CEMS model: its success is measured not only through strong graduate outcomes and salaries, but also through the distinctive quality of our Graduate Profile, corporate exposure and student experience. This achievement underlines the unique power of our global community of schools and corporate partners. Together we work to educate the next generation of responsible business leaders the world needs.”
Due to the nature of its delivery across 33 business schools the FT does not include the CEMS MIM in its ranking. However, a separate analysis within the ranking focuses on CEMS alumni career progression and school diversity.
