business schools

Singapore

Singapore is becoming one of the leading educational hubs in Asia, and its business schools rank high in global rankings. This analysis will review the top business schools in Singapore based on the following criteria: history, offered master's programs, positions in the Financial Times (FT) rankings, accreditations, and reasons why each school deserves attention.

Master's Programs at Business Schools in Singapore

National University of Singapore (NUS) Business School

History: NUS Business School was founded in 1965 and is one of the oldest and most respected business schools in Asia. The school has a long history of preparing leaders in business and management.
Master's Programs:
  • MBA (Full-time, Part-time)
  • Executive MBA (EMBA)
  • Master in Business Analytics
  • Master in Finance
  • PhD programs in management and business.
FT Ranking: In the FT Global MBA ranking for 2023, NUS Business School ranks 25th globally, making it one of the top business schools in Asia.
Accreditations:
  • AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business)
  • EQUIS (European Quality Improvement System)
Why this school:
  • High positions in global rankings.
  • Strong ties with leading corporations.
  • A powerful alumni network worldwide.
  • The MBA program focuses on the Asian business context, making it attractive for students aiming to build careers in this region

INSEAD Asia Campus (Singapore campus)

History: INSEAD was founded in France in 1957 and opened its Singapore campus in 2000. INSEAD is known as one of the most international business schools in the world, with campuses in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Master's Programs:
  • MBA (Full-time) — the Singapore campus allows students to study in a global context, with the option to move between campuses.
  • Global Executive MBA (GEMBA)
  • Executive Education programs.
FT Ranking: INSEAD consistently ranks high in the FT MBA rankings. In 2023, its MBA program was ranked 3rd globally.
Accreditations:
  • AACSB
  • EQUIS
  • AMBA (Association of MBAs)
Why this school:
  • One of the most international student bodies.
  • Leading global MBA programs.
  • The opportunity to study at different campuses (Europe, Asia, Middle East), offering vast networking opportunities.
  • Strong connections with major employers and the business community in Asia

Nanyang Business School (NTU)

History: Nanyang Business School, founded in 1956, is part of Nanyang Technological University (NTU), one of the world's leading universities in technology and innovation.
Master's Programs:
  • MBA (Full-time, Part-time)
  • Nanyang Executive MBA
  • Master of Science in Business Analytics
  • Master of Science in Marketing and Consumer Insight
  • PhD programs.
FT Ranking: The Nanyang MBA program is ranked 49th in the FT Global MBA Ranking 2023.
Accreditations:
  • AACSB
  • EQUIS
Why this school:
  • Strong reputation in innovation and technology.
  • Programs that incorporate cutting-edge research in business analytics and digital transformation.
  • Collaborative programs with top global universities, such as MIT Sloan

Singapore Management University (SMU) Lee Kong Chian School of Business

History: Founded in 2000, SMU quickly established itself as one of the leaders in business education in Asia. The Lee Kong Chian School of Business is part of this university and actively develops world-class programs.
Master's Programs:
  • MBA (Full-time, Part-time)
  • Executive MBA
  • Master of Science in Wealth Management
  • Master of Science in Applied Finance
FT Ranking: In the 2023 FT Masters in Finance ranking, SMU ranked 36th in the pre-experience category.
Accreditations:
  • AACSB
  • EQUIS
  • AMBA
Why this school:
  • Programs focused on the financial sector and wealth management, making it ideal for professionals aiming to advance in finance.
  • Emphasis on practical learning and collaboration with the business community.
  • Proximity to Singapore’s financial hub provides excellent career opportunities for students
All four schools have excellent reputations and offer a wide range of programs accredited by international organizations. The key differences lie in their focus and specializations:
  • NUS and Nanyang are technology and research-oriented.
  • INSEAD provides global learning opportunities.
  • SMU specializes in finance and management education.
The choice of school depends on your goals: if you're aiming for a global career, INSEAD is worth considering. If you want to specialize in Asia with a focus on research and innovation, NUS or Nanyang are excellent options. SMU is a great choice for those pursuing a career in finance
Learn more about the programs