Henley’s Global Executive MBA powers up 19 places in FT Rankings

Henley Business School has achieved its best-ever ranking results in this year’s Financial Times Executive MBA 2025 ranking, securing world No.33, a leap forward of 19 places.

It also ranked in the top ten globally on several measures – 8^th for the calibre of its students, based on pre-programme work experience (seniority, organisation size, and international exposure), and 7^th for the international dimension of its programme (course experience).

The school’s commitment to diversity was reflected in its strong credentials again this year, ranking in the top 30 globally and number one in the world for women on the school advisory board, as well as improvements across all student demographic measures. Henley also ranked top in the UK and Africa, and in the top 30 globally for its carbon footprint measure, reflecting the school’s green credentials and a commitment to working towards net-zero carbon emission targets.

Top ten globally for international course experience

‘This ranking reflects not only the exceptional talent we attract from around the world but also our dedication to creating a diverse, global community of dynamic leaders, while leading the way in responsible and sustainable business practices,’ comments Jon Foster-Pedley, Associate Pro-Vice Chancellor (Global Engagement - Sub-Saharan Africa) at the University of Reading, UK, and dean of Henley Business School Africa. ‘We are committed to advancing innovative education that prepares leaders to navigate and positively impact a complex, interconnected world.’

The FT rankings are recognised as the most rigorous of the global rankings of MBA programmes, with strict guidelines that include requiring the programme to be accredited by either the US Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business or the European Foundation for Management Development. Programmes must also be cohort-based, with students enrolling and graduating together, and must have at least 30 graduates each year. Schools are assessed in 19 categories, measuring career progress of graduates, the diversity of the school and its research and CSR activities.

Henley Business School, which is part of the University of Reading, itself an award-winning institution that was voted Sustainability University of the Year in 2025 by The Good University Guide, has had an established presence in South Africa for 30 years, with a campus in Johannesburg. In addition to its flagship Executive MBA, which is awarded in both the UK and South Africa, it offers a range of business qualifications in management practice, including a Doctorate in Business Administration.

Global value, priced for African business

The Global Executive MBA was introduced in Africa in 2024, to complement the school’s Flexible MBA offering (also awarded in both the UK and South Africa). The programme is distinct because the South African cohort joins up with groups from the Nordics and UK, making the student body truly international. Five, deep-dive international immersion in strategic business hubs, take candidates into the beating hearts of global commerce, innovation, and strategic international business around the world. Critically, the degree has been priced for the local market, meaning that students can enrol via Henley’s Joburg campus at around 70% of the cost of enrolling in the same degree in the UK.

Vekondja Kuzee, CIO at FNB Namibia, who is part of the first African cohort of the Henley Global MBA, says he has enjoyed finding himself in a vibrant ‘melting pot’ of minds from across the globe – Europe, Asia, and South Africa – that is broadening his perspective in a profound way. ‘The deep connection that you forge with people from different parts of the globe, I think, is one of the key differences of what you get on the Global MBA versus a traditional MBA,’ he says. ‘And it provides a richer tapestry of perspectives and insights.’

Fellow cohort Tatenda Chikuku, an actuarial professional with a background in analytics and strategy, agrees. He says the programme has changed the course of his life in ways he could not have imagined. ‘It's so far been one of the greatest investments I've made in my life. From the people I’ve met, the discussions I’ve had, the real-world projects I’ve worked on, the global immersions – even the pressure to deliver an assignment, I’ve found myself relishing and enjoying every moment.’

Another candidate, chief pilot Phililie Mdletshe, emphasises that the programme delivers a powerful learning experience. ‘The immersions in the UK, Finland, and Miami were phenomenal. It's more than a cultural and learning experience; you build rapport with people. You are invested in their success as much as your own. In fact, this collective experience is a critical part of your own learning and personal transformation. You quite literally couldn’t do it without your fellow candidates.’

The Henley Global Executive MBA performs consistently strongly in other rankings as well. Earlier this year it was ranked 64th in the world by the QS Global MBA rankings. There are over 13,000 business schools in the world.

The next intake of the Henley limited-intake Global MBA in South Africa will be in October 2026. For more information, click here.