MBA programs climb the ladder in global rankings

23 March 2025
CEO Magazine MBA Tier One badge
CEO Magazine MBA Tier One badge

By Tiahna Fiddling

CQUniversity has continued to demonstrate excellence in business education, retaining a prestigious Tier One ranking in CEO Magazine’s 2025 Global MBA Rankings.

The Master of Business Administration program increased seven spots since last year, to secure the 33rd position in the annual rankings.

The hyperflexible Master of Business Administration (Leadership) also advanced, now ranking 40th globally. 

CEO Magazine analyses fact-based criteria including quality of faculty, international diversity, accreditation, faculty-to-student ratio, price, work experience, professional development, gender parity and delivery methods to create a consistent performance benchmark. 

CQU School of Business and Law Dean, Professor Lee Di Milia recognised the continuous growth of the University's MBA programs.

“I am delighted to see that we have climbed the rankings in a hyper-competitive and global market,” Prof Di Milia said.

In 2025, CEO Magazine ranked 153 schools, offering 309 different programs in 24 countries. The growth in the number of institutions offering online MBAs grew with 10 new programs entering the online rankings.

Manager and Academic Lead of CQU’s Leadership and Innovation Courses, Dr Anja Pabel said the rankings underscore the impact of high-quality, innovative and flexible programs.

“Our consistent performance in the CEO Magazine rankings is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our faculty,” Dr Pabel said.

“This rise reflects our commitment to providing relevant and impactful education that empowers our students to excel in their careers.

"The unique online model and accessibility of our MBA (Leadership) has made it a popular choice among students seeking to balance their studies with professional and personal commitments.”

CQU Academic Lead of MBA Studies, Associate Professor Stephanie Macht said the teaching staff strive to meet the evolving needs of students and industry.

“We are proud to offer courses that not only meet, but exceed the expectations of our students and industry partners,” Assoc Prof Macht said.

“Our focus on innovation, flexibility, and real-world applicability ensures that our graduates are prepared to lead and succeed in a dynamic global business environment.”

Full details of the rankings can be found in the latest issue of CEO Magazine.