The Kellogg-HKUST Executive MBA (KH EMBA) Program has been ranked No. 1 globally in the Financial Times Executive MBA Ranking 2026, marking the 13th time it has held the top spot. The ranking, released today, highlights the program’s strength in career progression, alumni outcomes, international diversity, and global network. Jointly offered by HKUST Business School and the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, the program is designed for senior executives seeking to enhance their leadership capabilities in a complex global business environment.
The FT ranking evaluates EMBA programs through metrics including alumni career outcomes, faculty research, and international exposure. KH EMBA’s No. 1 position reflects its consistent ability to deliver transformative career results. Graduates reported an average “Salary Today” of USD 607,684 (over HKD 4.7 million) and an average salary increase of 69% after completing the program. Alumni also gave an overall satisfaction score of 9.73 out of 10, signaling strong confidence in the learning experience and the value of the network.
A key factor in the program’s success is its alumni community, which was ranked No. 1 globally in the Alumni Network category. This lifelong network connects senior executives, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders across geographies and sectors, facilitating business opportunities, strategic partnerships, and career advancement. The program’s unique position at the intersection of East and West equips participants with the strategic insight needed to navigate global markets.
Prof. Frederik Anseel, Dean of HKUST Business School, said, “Thirteen No. 1 rankings over nearly two decades demonstrate the consistency with which this program has delivered value to senior executives around the world.” He noted that participants bring deep experience to the classroom, engage with world-class faculty, and form lifelong connections that extend into a global alumni community. Prof. Francesca Cornelli, Dean of Kellogg School of Management, emphasized the close partnership between the two schools, stating, “We will continue to deepen our collaboration to nurture forward-looking and responsible leaders who create long-term value for Hong Kong, Asia, and the global community.”
The full FT Executive MBA Ranking 2026 is available at https://rankings.ft.com/rankings/3048/emba-2026. The announcement was distributed via Media OutReach Newswire. HKUST, a world-class university, is ranked 33rd globally in the QS World University Rankings 2027 and is known for its research and entrepreneurship impact. The KH EMBA program operates as an exempted course under Hong Kong’s Non-local Higher and Professional Education (Regulation) Ordinance.
This latest recognition reinforces the program’s longstanding commitment to academic excellence and leadership development. It also signals the growing importance of global executive education in preparing leaders for an interconnected business world. For prospective students and employers, the ranking serves as a benchmark of quality and a testament to the enduring value of the KH EMBA network. More information about HKUST is available at https://hkust.edu.hk/.
