Published on October 23 , 2025
Delhi, India
In a landmark achievement for Indian management education, the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIM Calcutta) has secured the 8th global rank in the Executive MBA category of the QS International Trade Rankings 2026. Released on October 22, 2025, by QS Quacquarelli Symonds in partnership with the Hinrich Foundation, these rankings evaluate 106 Master’s and MBA programs across 31 countries, alongside 30 Executive MBAs from 14 nations. The focus is on fostering expertise in international trade amid rising geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions. While US institutions claim the lion’s share with 12 entries, the UK’s surge—with three new top-10 debuts—underscores Western dominance. For Indian students eyeing global careers in trade, logistics, and policy, this guide dissects the rankings, highlighting opportunities for IIMs and beyond.
Background: Evolution and Significance of QS International Trade Rankings
Launched to address the skills gap in global commerce, the QS International Trade Rankings emphasize programs equipping graduates for trade policy, export management, and cross-border strategy. The 2026 edition builds on prior years by incorporating employability metrics amid post-pandemic recovery and US-China trade frictions.
- Scope and Growth: Covers specialized MBAs, Master’s in Global Management, and Executive MBAs; 2026 features 136 programs total, up from previous editions, reflecting heightened demand for trade-savvy professionals.
- India’s Context: With three IIMs featured, India signals growing competitiveness; aligns with QS Global MBA Rankings 2026, where IIM Bangalore, Ahmedabad, and Calcutta rank among the world’s top 100 B-schools.
- Global Trends: Emphasis on sustainability and digital trade; rankings highlight programs with strong industry ties, as 70% of employers prioritize trade-specific skills in hiring.
- Key Driver: Partnership with Hinrich Foundation ensures focus on real-world impact, evaluating how curricula prepare leaders for WTO negotiations and ESG-integrated supply chains.
Top 10 Performers in Master’s and MBA Category
The US leads with Arizona State University retaining the top spot, while new entrants from the UK and Europe signal innovative program revamps. These rankings prioritize academic rigor and alumni outcomes in trade sectors.
- 1. Arizona State University (US) – Master of Global Management (MGM): Retains pole position for its immersive global immersion and employer networks.
- 2. National University of Singapore (NUS) – MBA: Debuts strongly, excelling in Asia-Pacific trade focus.
- 3. Durham University (UK) – MSc International Business: New entry, lauded for research-driven curriculum.
- 4. INSEAD (France) – MBA: Debuts with multicultural cohorts and alumni in top trade firms.
- 5. Cranfield University (UK) – Full-Time MBA: New top-5 entrant, strong on logistics and sustainability.
- 6. IMD (Switzerland) – MBA: Drops from 3rd but shines in executive-level trade strategy.
- 7. University of Sydney (Australia) – Master of International Business: Holds steady with Pacific trade expertise.
- =8. Universitat Ramon Llull (Spain) – MSc International Management: Debut, noted for EU trade policy integration.
- =8. University of Cambridge (UK) – The Cambridge MBA: New tie, leveraging historic global networks.
- 10. Universitat Pompeu Fabra (Barcelona, Spain) – MSc in International Business: Maintains momentum from prior rankings.
| Rank | Institution (Country) | Program | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arizona State University (US) | MGM | Global immersion |
| 2 | NUS (Singapore) | MBA | Asia-Pacific focus |
| 3 | Durham University (UK) | MSc International Business | Research excellence |
| 4 | INSEAD (France) | MBA | Multicultural cohorts |
| 5 | Cranfield University (UK) | Full-Time MBA | Logistics & sustainability |
| 6 | IMD (Switzerland) | MBA | Trade strategy |
| 7 | University of Sydney (Australia) | Master of International Business | Pacific expertise |
| =8 | Universitat Ramon Llull (Spain) | MSc International Management | EU policy |
| =8 | University of Cambridge (UK) | The Cambridge MBA | Alumni networks |
| 10 | Universitat Pompeu Fabra (Spain) | MSc International Business | Momentum in rankings |
Top 10 in Executive MBA Category
Tailored for mid-career professionals, this segment rewards flexible, high-impact programs. The University of Cambridge dominates, with IIM Calcutta’s entry marking India’s breakthrough.
- 1. University of Cambridge (UK) – Executive MBA: Tops for thought leadership and global alumni impact.
- 2-7: (Details from rankings include strong European and US performers like IESE Business School and Wharton, focusing on executive trade diplomacy.)
- 8. IIM Calcutta (India) – Executive MBA: Debut top-10, praised for cost-effective, rigorous training in emerging markets trade.
- 9-10: Rounded out by programs from London Business School and SDA Bocconi, emphasizing digital transformation in trade.
India’s Performance: IIMs Shine Amid Limited Representation
India secures three spots, underscoring the need for more specialized trade programs, but IIMs’ feats boost national pride and attract international applicants.
- IIM Ahmedabad: 32nd (MBA and Master’s) – Strong in quantitative trade analysis; aligns with its top NIRF ranking.
- IIM Calcutta: 8th (Executive MBA), 64th (MBA/Master’s) – Excels in employability, with 95% placement in trade-related roles.
- Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT): 71st (Master’s in Global Management) – Niche focus on export-import policy.
- IIM Bangalore: 52nd (MBA/Mastership) – Noted for innovation in sustainable trade.
- Overall Trends: India’s 318% rise in QS subject rankings (2015-2025) includes 46 institutions in Business & Management; however, trade-specific entries lag behind US (12) and UK (multiple top-10).
Regional Dominance: US and UK Lead the Pack
The rankings reinforce Anglo-American hegemony, with Europe gaining ground via debuts.
- United States: 12 institutions, three in top 20 (e.g., Columbia at 11th, Tufts at 12th); dominates due to vast alumni networks in WTO and multinationals.
- United Kingdom: Most entries overall; three new top-10 (Durham, Cranfield, Cambridge); excels in policy-oriented curricula.
- Europe: 38 schools (France leads with 9, e.g., INSEAD at 4th); focus on EU single-market expertise.
- Asia-Pacific: NUS (2nd), Sydney (7th); India and Singapore highlight emerging market strengths.
- Notable Newcomers: Tufts (US, 12th), Université de Montréal (Canada, =38th), Rome Business School (26th for MBA outcomes).
| Region | # of Entries | Top Performer | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| US | 12 | Arizona State University | 1 |
| UK | Multiple (highest nationally) | Durham University | 3 |
| Europe (ex-UK) | 38 | INSEAD (France) | 4 |
| Asia-Pacific | Varied | NUS (Singapore) | 2 |
| Canada | 4 | University of Toronto | 13 |
Methodology: How QS Evaluates Trade Programs
QS employs a multi-faceted approach, blending reputation surveys with performance data for a holistic view.
- Core Indicators (Weighting): Academic Reputation (30%), Employer Reputation (25%), Research Citations (15%), International Faculty/Students (10% each), Employability Outcomes (10%).
- Trade-Specific Metrics: Program relevance to global trade (e.g., curriculum on tariffs, FTAs); alumni impact in trade sectors; sustainability integration.
- Data Sources: Surveys of 130,000+ academics/employers; Scopus-indexed publications; institutional submissions.
- Thresholds: Minimum non-zero scores in reputation/research for inclusion; emphasis on diversity and alumni diversity in executive categories.
Preparation Tips: Aspiring for QS-Ranked Trade Programs
Leverage these strategies to target top programs and enhance your profile for trade careers.
- Build Foundations: Pursue undergrad in economics/international relations; gain internships in export firms or WTO simulations.
- Target IIMs Globally: Apply via CAT/GMAT; highlight trade projects in essays for IIM Ahmedabad/Calcutta.
- Skill Focus: Master tools like trade analytics software; certifications in supply chain (e.g., CSCP) boost applications.
- Network Early: Attend QS events; connect with alumni via LinkedIn for mentorship.
- Visa/Fin Aid Hacks: US/UK programs offer scholarships for diverse candidates; prepare for IELTS/GMAT 700+ scores.
- Common Pitfall: Overlook soft skills—trade roles demand negotiation prowess alongside analytics.
