WHU’s study programs perform particularly well in teaching, program design, and international connections
05/15/2026
WHU Earns High Marks in 2026 FT Executive Education Ranking
WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management has achieved excellent positions in the recently published 2026 Financial Times Executive Education Ranking, which evaluates programs designed for both aspiring and experienced business leaders: Out of 90 business schools ranked, WHU’s Open Programs placed #29 worldwide, #20 across Europe, and #2 in Germany. The school’s Custom Programs, courses tailor-made for requesting companies, ranked #45 worldwide out of 100, coming in at #34 in Europe and #2 in Germany.
“I’m delighted to see these gratifying placements in the current rankings, particularly given the increased competition among all schools. These results show that our programs are meeting the expectations of our alumni and corporate partners, and that we are imparting the knowledge and skills they need for a successful career,” says Professor Christian Andres, Dean of WHU. “We are living in times defined by technological transformation and geopolitical change. And that’s why the ability to make sound decisions in moments of uncertainty is increasingly becoming a core competency for successful leaders. That is exactly where our Executive Education Programs come into play, as they strengthen one’s strategic thinking, ability to innovate, and responsible leadership.”
Excellent results in nearly all categories
In this most recent edition of the ranking, WHU has placed highly in nearly all categories evaluated by alumni and corporate partners. For the Open Programs ranking specifically, this includes “preparation” (#15), which assesses evaluates the provision of information on program content and the selection process in advance; “partner schools” (#15), which assesses the number and quality of the programs led in partnership with other EQUIS- or AACSB-accredited business schools; “faculty” (#21), which evaluates the quality of the teaching and the content of the programs; “course design” (#22), assessing the flexibility, group size, structure, and progression of the courses; “international participants” (#23), based on the share of participants hailing from abroad; and “follow-up” (#26), which assesses networking opportunities and the level of follow-up support offered to participants after they return to work.
The school has also achieved excellent results in the Custom Programs ranking, particularly regarding “value for money” (#24), assessing the programs’ cost-to-value ratio; “program design” (#28), assessing course flexibility among other factors; and “partner schools” (#30).
The Financial Times Executive Education Ranking is based on data provided by business schools and participant surveys. It is considered a reliable source of information for business leaders seeking high-quality executive education. One essential criterion for inclusion in FT’s rankings is that the business schools must be accredited by at least one of the leading accreditation agencies, the AACSB (American Association of Collegiate Schools of Business) or the EFMD (European Quality Improvement System).