Maastricht University ranked #3 worldwide and #1 in Europe in 2025 Better World MBA Ranking
We are incredibly proud to share that the MBA programmes of Maastricht University School of Business and Economics’ executive branches, MSM and UMIO, have once again been recognised among the very best sustainable business MBA programmes worldwide. In the 2025 Better World MBA Ranking by Corporate Knights, Maastricht University has achieved an impressive #3 position globally and #1 in Europe, while maintaining its leading place in the Netherlands.
This accomplishment underscores Maastricht University’s strong commitment to weaving sustainability into every layer of its MBA programmes – from curriculum design to faculty research. By fostering learning environments that challenge students to engage with pressing environmental, social, and governance issues, the School of Business and Economics empowers future leaders to connect academic insights with real-world impact.
Thrive where sustainability is the growth engine
Corporate Knights, a globally respected magazine in sustainable business, evaluated 179 MBA programmes worldwide, including those listed in the 2025 Financial Times Global MBA ranking. The recognition highlights Maastricht University School of Business and Economics as a frontrunner in equipping future leaders with the skills, values, and purpose needed to build a more inclusive and sustainable economy.
“The sustainable economy is expanding at twice the pace of the rest of the economy, and leading business schools are adapting accordingly. Our 2025 Better World MBA ranking shows how programmes can prepare graduates to thrive where sustainability is the growth engine.” – Toby Heaps, CEO of Corporate Knights.
Impact through education and alumni action
Over the past year, the School of Business and Economics has further strengthened its focus on sustainability by embedding environmental, social, and governance (ESG) themes across its MBA curriculum. This integration is reflected not only in teaching and research, but also in the real-world choices of students and alumni who dedicate their careers to advancing sustainable development, with Maastricht University MBA alumni leaving their current jobs to establish or lead ventures such as the Balean Foundation, a full-time initiative contributing to sustainability and Terra Matters, a venture dedicated to sustainable impact, and DCarbon NL, a consulting firm specialised in sustainability and climate change.
These stories illustrate the tangible impact of Maastricht University’s approach, where education inspires graduates to translate knowledge into meaningful contributions for society and the planet.
“At Maastricht University School of Business and Economics, our mission has always been to educate responsible leaders who can drive meaningful change in the world. To be recognised once again by the Corporate Knights Better World MBA ranking, this time as the best in Europe and third global, is a wonderful acknowledgement of that commitment. This achievement reflects the collective effort of our academic and professional staff, students, and partners who share the ambition to integrate.” – Prof. Dr. Mariëlle Heijltjes, Dean of School of Business and Economics.
A benchmark for future MBA students
This year’s third-place global ranking positions Maastricht University among the world’s elite MBA programmes in sustainable business. For prospective students, it serves as a powerful benchmark, demonstrating the university’s dedication to co-creating knowledge, addressing societal challenges, and preparing leaders who drive meaningful change.
About Corporate Knights and the 2025 Better World MBA Ranking
Corporate Knights is a leading platform in sustainable business, covering how organisations, markets, and governments worldwide are advancing social and environmental sustainability. Their annual Better World MBA Ranking evaluates global MBA programmes based on performance indicators related to sustainable development, offering an authoritative benchmark for students and institutions alike.
Please find here the full 2025 Better World MBA Ranking.
MSM MBA programmes
If you want to find out more about the MSM Full-time MBA or Global Online MBA, please contact Alina Prapagic.
