QS: WHU’s Master in International Business Holds Fast at #1 in Germany

The QS International Trade Rankings 2025: MBA and Master’s has once again yielded excellent results for the still relatively new Master in International Business Program from WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management, which made its debut in the 2021 winter semester. Out of 87 programs assessed for this year’s ranking, the program has reached #1 in Germany and #21 globally (up from #26 out of 73 programs in 2024). “I’m very proud that our program has achieved such incredible results,” said Professor Felix Reimann, Academic Director of WHU’s Master in International Business.

WHU’s program performed well in two categories in particular: “reputation” and “innovative teaching.”

The former category considers feedback from external sources, such as academics and outside employers. Here, WHU defended its #1 position in Germany, placing ahead of three other participating schools. It reached #14 in comparison with 48 other schools across Europe. And globally, the program reached #27–leaping ahead 28 positions over its placement in 2024. With WHU excelling with regards to trade content specifically, these scores highlight the corporate world’s increasing awareness and interest in both the school’s program and its graduates. 

In the “innovative teaching” category, which evaluates the pedagogical methods and practices employed at each school, WHU not only managed to place #1 in Germany, but also #8 in Europe and #13 globally. “These results demonstrate that our program structure and modern, participant-centered teaching are highly compelling,” said Professor Reimann. “This is also acknowledged by our corporate partners, as seen not only in our ranking, but also in the impressive career successes of our graduates.”

Students enrolled in WHU’s Master in International Business receive an education that prepares and qualifies them to take on leadership positions in a variety of industries. As part of their program, they spend a semester studying abroad and, with the support offered by the WHU Career Center, find internship opportunities at some of today’s most prominent companies all over the world. Most graduates of the program go on to work in corporate consulting, banking, or the commercial sector. 

This highly respected ranking published by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) evaluates programs focused on international trade, taking into account data from numerous companies, industry experts, and universities. The 2025 edition of the International Trade Rankings evaluated 87 relevant MBA and master’s-level programs from universities situated all over the globe. The final results of this analysis, compiled by QS in conjunction with the Hinrich Foundation, are designed to help prospective students find the study program that is right for them. 

This year’s results can be read here in full.