Alumni earnings outpace the global average
The Financial Times confirms that CEMS alumni have “higher average earnings three years after the programme than graduates across all business schools.” This year’s results show that the salary advantage continues to grow. They also report stronger salary progression and are more likely to achieve their study aims compared with the global average. CEMS schools also have a higher proportion of faculty with doctorates than the average among all ranked institutions.
“Alumni of CEMS reported higher average earnings three years after the programme than graduates across all business schools taking part in the FT Ranking.”
Member schools among the world’s best
CEMS’ strength is also reflected in the school ranking itself: five member schools are placed among the global top 10, including first, second, joint fourth and ninth positions. This concentration underscores the alliance’s academic excellence and international impact. “Huge congratulations to all CEMS Academic Member schools featured in FT Global MiM 2025 ranking. We are delighted that so many of them have performed outstandingly - this is a collective success”, says Nicole de Fontaines, Executive Director of CEMS Global Office.
Excellence built on a distinctive model
The Financial Times also highlighted the distinctive quality assurance system that unites CEMS schools. Students must meet rigorous requirements - including proficiency in three languages, and participation in both a consultancy project and an international internship offered by one of more than 70 corporate partners.
Spotlight on a CEMS Alumna
Meet Melusine Bliesener, one of our outstanding CEMS graduates from Nova School of Business and Economics featured in the Financial Times. During her CEMS journey, she spent a semester at the American University in Cairo, enriching her international experience. From business studies to a career in impact investing, her path shows how global education drives meaningful change. Reflecting on her journey, she says:
Leadership perspective
Nicole de Fontaines, Executive Director of CEMS, commented:
“Together, CEMS continues to raise the bar worldwide: not only in terms of graduate salaries, but also through the strength of our graduate profile and the excellence of the student experience. This achievement underlines the unique power of our global community of schools and corporate partners. Together we work to educate the next generation of responsible business leaders.
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Ready to take the next step? Discover how to apply to the CEMS MIM
The CEMS Master in International Management (MIM) is delivered through a global network of 33 of the world’s top business schools in collaboration with more than 70 corporate partners (multinational companies) and 8 social partners.
Due to the nature of its delivery across 33 business schools the FT does not include the CEMS MIM in its ranking. However, a separate analysis within the ranking focuses on CEMS alumni career progression and school diversity.