Exploring the Best Executive MBA in Asia
- Goalisb
- Oct 18
- 12 min read
Executive MBA programs have become increasingly popular among professionals who want to pursue higher education while continuing to work. Asia has emerged as a hub for top-ranked Executive MBA programs that cater to the needs of experienced professionals. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best Executive MBA programs in Asia and compare Executive MBA in Asia.
Thinking about pursuing an Executive MBA in Asia but not sure which program aligns with your career goals? Book a personalized EMBA consultation with GOALisB to shortlist the best-fit programs for your profile.
Table of Contents
1. Columbia Business School - Executive MBA:
This program is a partnership between Columbia Business School, London Business School, and the University of Hong Kong. It offers a 20-month Executive MBA program that starts in May 2024. The program has a class size of 72 students and requires GMAT or Executive Assessment test scores. The average work experience of the students is 12 years. The classes are held every other weekend, with residential sessions.
Confused about which exam to take? Read our comprehensive GMAT vs GRE vs EA analysis to decide strategically.
Still unsure which test strengthens your EMBA profile? Talk to a GOALisB expert to get a test strategy designed for your target programs.
2. Cornell-Tsinghua FMBA:
This program is a partnership between Cornell University's SC Johnson College of Business and Tsinghua University's PBC School of Finance. It offers a 22-month Finance MBA program that requires no GMAT or GRE test scores. The average work experience of the students is 12 years. The program is designed for working professionals and offers classes on weekends.
Explore the key differences and advantages of each test in our GMAT vs GRE breakdown.
3. Tsinghua INSEAD Executive MBA Program:
This program is a partnership between Tsinghua University's School of Economics and Management and INSEAD. It offers a 22-month Executive MBA program that requires GMAT or EA or INSEAD assessment test scores. The program starts in September 2024, and the deadline for application is 3 July 2023. The program has a class size of 35 students, and the average work experience of the students is 14 years.
These top programs are highly selective. Schedule a call with GOALisB expert to help you craft a standout EMBA application – from essays to interview prep.
4. Chicago Booth Global EMBA:
This program is offered by the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. It offers a 22-month Executive MBA program that requires GMAT or GRE or Executive Assessment test scores. The program has a class size of 200 students, and the average work experience of the students is 13 years. The program is designed for working professionals, and classes are held on weekends.
5. ISB Executive MBA:
The ISB PGPMAX program is offered by the Indian School of Business and requires a minimum of 10 years of work experience. It offers a 15-month Executive MBA program that starts in August 2024. The program has no GMAT or GRE or EA requirements. The average age of the students is 40 years, and the average work experience is 16 years.
6. NUS Executive MBA:
This program is offered by the National University of Singapore Business School. It offers a 15-month Executive MBA program that requires no test scores, but an Executive Assessment may be required. The program has a class size of 50 students, and the average work experience of the students is 16 years. The program is designed for working professionals and classes are held on weekends. Comparing the NUS EMBA vs the ISB Executive MBA.
Planning to apply to ISB or NUS Executive MBA programs? Connect with GOALisB Admissions Experts for profile evaluation and guidance on building a competitive application.
7. Columbia Business School - EMBA-Global Program:
This program is offered by Columbia Business School and requires a minimum of 8 years of work experience. It offers a 15-month Executive MBA program that starts in May 2024. The program has no GMAT or EA requirements. The program has a class size of 70 students, and the average work experience of the students is 15 years.
8. Olin - IIT Mumbai Executive MBA Program:
This program is a joint degree program offered by Olin Business School at Washington University and the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay. It requires a minimum of 7 years of work experience and offers an 18-month IIT Bombay Executive MBA program that starts in January 2024. The program has no test score requirements, and the program is designed for working professionals.
Comparing Executive MBA options across Asia can be overwhelming. Schedule a one-on-one EMBA Strategy Call with GOALisB to identify which programs fit your experience, goals, and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country is best for MBA in Asia?
The best country for an MBA in Asia is Singapore, home to top-ranked schools like INSEAD Asia Campus and NUS Business School, offering global exposure, high ROI, and strong placements in finance, consulting, and tech.
Asia has become a top MBA destination, with programs offering global recognition, strong ROI, and proximity to fast-growing markets. The “best” country depends on whether you seek international exposure, affordability, or local career opportunities.
Top MBA Destinations in Asia
Singapore (Best Overall Choice)
India (Strong ROI, Large Alumni Network)
Top Schools: IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, ISB.
Why Strong:
Competitive tuition compared to Western MBAs.
Large alumni networks in Asia.
Strong placements in consulting, finance, and tech in India/Asia.
Hong Kong / China (Global Business Gateway)
Top Schools: HKU, HKUST, CEIBS (Shanghai).
Why Strong:
CEIBS is ranked among the top 30 globally.
Access to China’s vast business ecosystem.
Hong Kong is a finance hub with strong multinational presence.
Japan (Leadership & Global Firms)
Top Schools: Hitotsubashi ICS, Waseda, Keio, Nagoya.
Why Strong:
Focus on leadership, global business, and Japanese corporate ties.
Niche appeal for candidates targeting Japan/Asia-Pacific markets.
Thus,
Singapore is the best all-round choice for international exposure and global careers.
India offers the best ROI with strong domestic and regional career opportunities.
China/Hong Kong are best for those targeting Asia-Pacific business and finance.
Which is the best Executive MBA in the world?
The best Executive MBA in the world in 2024 is the Kellogg–HKUST EMBA, ranked number 1 globally by the Financial Times, followed closely by programs from Ceibs (Shanghai), Tsinghua–Insead (Beijing), and HEC Paris.
Executive MBA (EMBA) rankings are typically published by the Financial Times (FT), which evaluates programs based on salary increase, career progression, faculty quality, research, and international exposure.
Top Executive MBA Programs (FT Global EMBA Rankings 2024)
Kellogg–HKUST EMBA (Hong Kong / USA) – rank 1 globally, known for strong finance/consulting placements and cross-border leadership training.
Ceibs Global EMBA (Shanghai, China) – Strong Asia focus, global recognition, high ROI.
Tsinghua University–INSEAD EMBA (Beijing / Singapore / France) – Combines China’s top university with INSEAD’s global reach.
HEC Paris EMBA (France / Global locations) – Highly ranked for leadership and international exposure.
IESE Business School Global Executive MBA (Spain / Global modules) – Leadership and general management focus.
MIT Sloan–Tsinghua (Beijing / Boston) – Technology and innovation-oriented leadership program.
Chicago Booth Executive MBA (Chicago / London / Hong Kong) – Strong in finance, analytics, and global leadership.
Key Ranking Factors (FT 2024)
Average salary post-EMBA: $200,000+ for Globally ranked Executive MBA programs.
Salary increase: 50–70% within 3 years of graduation.
International diversity: Multi-campus formats give exposure to global markets.
Thus,
The Kellogg–HKUST EMBA is the world’s number 1 Executive MBA in 2024.
For Asia-focused leaders, CEIBS and Tsinghua–INSEAD stand out.
For European exposure, HEC Paris and IESE are top choices.
For US-based executives, Chicago Booth and Wharton are highly prestigious.
Also, read other best Executive MBA programs:
Which institute is best for Executive MBA?
The best institute for Executive MBA in 2024 is Kellogg–HKUST, ranked number 1 globally by the Financial Times, with other top options including CEIBS (China), Tsinghua–INSEAD, HEC Paris, and Chicago Booth.
The choice of the best Executive MBA (EMBA) institute depends on factors like career goals, geography, industry focus and do these Executive MBA programs offer placements. Rankings like the Financial Times Global EMBA Rankings 2024 highlight the world’s top programs based on salary uplift, career progression, diversity, and international exposure.
Top Executive MBA Institutes (Global, 2024)
Kellogg–HKUST (Hong Kong & USA) – Consistently number 1 worldwide; strong in finance, consulting, and global leadership.
CEIBS (Shanghai, China) – Asia’s leading EMBA with strong ROI and connections in China/Asia-Pacific.
Tsinghua–INSEAD (Beijing, Singapore, France) – Blends China’s top university with INSEAD’s global network.
HEC Paris (France) – Europe’s top EMBA for leadership and entrepreneurship.
Chicago Booth (USA, London, Hong Kong) – Strong analytics, finance, and general management focus.
IESE Business School (Spain / global modules) – Leadership and people-focused management approach.
Wharton (USA, global immersion) – High salary outcomes, strong US/global reputation.
India Context (Executive MBA / PGPX)
IIM Ahmedabad (PGPX), IIM Calcutta (PGPEX), IIM Bangalore (EPGP) – Best for professionals seeking leadership growth in India/Asia.
ISB PGPMAX – India’s leading modular Executive MBA for senior professionals.
Thus,
For global careers: Kellogg–HKUST, INSEAD, HEC Paris, Chicago Booth.
For Asia focus: CEIBS, Tsinghua–INSEAD, ISB.
For India-focused professionals: IIM Ahmedabad PGPX, IIM Bangalore EPGP, ISB PGPMAX.
Before applying, learn more about Which IIM is best for Executive MBA to make an informed choice.
Which is Asia’s No. 1 college/university?
According to the QS Asia University Rankings 2025, Peking University (Beijing, China) is ranked number 1 in Asia.
When people ask “Asia’s best college,” what they usually mean is the top university in regional rankings, which are based on metrics like academic reputation, employer reputation, research output, internationalization, etc. Different rankings use slightly different criteria, so the answer can vary depending on which ranking you look at.
Here are some recent examples:
In the QS World University Rankings: Asia 2025, Peking University holds the top spot again, followed by The University of Hong Kong and the National University of Singapore.
In the QS Asia 2024 rankings, Peking University was also rank 1.
Times Higher Education (THE) Asia rankings might differ. For example, in THE Asia 2025, Tsinghua University is ranked number 1.
You must also be interested in Asian EMBA leaders offering international executive education:
What is the richest college in India?
The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore is considered the richest college in India, with endowments, research grants, and funding exceeding ₹1,000 crore annually, making it the most financially resourceful institution.
In India, “richest college” is usually determined by funding, endowment size, infrastructure value, and research grants rather than tuition income alone. Based on these measures:
India’s Richest Institutions by Funding & Endowment
Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore
Backed by Government of India + Tata Trusts + major research grants.
Annual funding often crosses ₹1,000 crore, with world-class research labs and collaborations.
Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)
IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, and IIT Madras top the list, each with hundreds of crores in annual budget, global research partnerships, and strong alumni donations.
IIT Bombay alone raised ₹476 crore in 2023 from alumni endowments.
Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs)
IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, and IIM Calcutta lead in business education.
IIM Ahmedabad’s endowment fund crossed ₹230 crore, the largest among management schools.
Private Universities
BITS Pilani, Amity University, and Manipal Academy have significant private funding, but still trail behind IISc and IITs in research wealth.
Thus,
The richest college overall is IISc Bangalore due to its huge government, private, and international research funding.
Among engineering institutes, IIT Bombay and IIT Delhi are the wealthiest.
Among management schools, IIM Ahmedabad is the richest.
What is ISB’s ranking in Asia?
According to recent global MBA rankings, ISB is ranked number 5 in Asia.
Here are some of the latest ranking details for the Indian School of Business (ISB) and where it stands in Asia:
In the Financial Times Global MBA Ranking 2024, ISB is ranked 1 in India, ranked 31 globally, and ranked 5 in Asia.
In the FT MBA Ranking 2025, ISB improved globally and maintained rank 5 in Asia while being the top B-school in India.
Is an EMBA fully funded?
An Executive MBA (EMBA) is not usually fully funded; most students either self-fund or receive partial sponsorship from employers, while a few schools offer limited scholarships or financial aid.
Unlike full-time MBAs, Executive MBA programs cater to working professionals, and their funding model is different:
Funding Sources for EMBA
Employer Sponsorship (Partial or Full)
Historically, many companies fully sponsored EMBAs, but this is now rare.
Today, most employers provide partial sponsorship (tuition support, travel allowance, study leave) if the program aligns with company goals.
Self-Funding
A large share of EMBA participants pay tuition themselves.
Many use personal savings, bank loans, or education loans.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Some top schools (e.g., INSEAD, HEC Paris, Chicago Booth, IIMs) offer merit-based or need-based scholarships for EMBA candidates.
These are limited and usually cover 10–50% of tuition fees, rarely full funding.
Return on Investment
Instead of relying on funding, EMBA students focus on ROI: higher salaries, faster promotions, and leadership roles post-degree.
Average salary jump: 30–60% within 3 years of graduation (GMAC 2024).
Thus,
Fully funded EMBAs are extremely rare.
Most participants rely on self-funding + partial employer support + limited scholarships.
Candidates should plan finances carefully since EMBA costs range from ₹25 lakhs (India) to ₹1+ crore (global top schools).
Is an Executive MBA still worth it?
Yes, an Executive MBA is still worth it for mid-career professionals seeking leadership roles, career acceleration, or global networking, though its ROI depends on career goals and program reputation.
An Executive MBA (EMBA) in 2025 remains a valuable investment for professionals with 10–15 years of work experience who want to transition into senior management, expand their leadership skillset, or build a strong global network.
The value of an EMBA comes from:
Career Acceleration: Many graduates move into C-suite, VP, or director-level roles after completing the program.
Networking: Cohorts often include senior leaders, enabling lifelong professional connections.
Learning While Earning: Programs are designed for executives, allowing participants to keep working while studying.
Global Exposure: Many EMBAs include international modules, enhancing cross-border management skills.
However, the ROI depends heavily on context:
High Costs: Top EMBAs can cost $150,000+ globally or ₹40–50 lakhs in India, which makes financial planning crucial.
Employer Sponsorship: If funded by your company, the ROI is much stronger.
Career Goals: If you are already in senior leadership, the incremental value may be lower compared to someone aiming to break into executive ranks.
Finally, yes- an EMBA is still worth it for ambitious mid-career professionals who want accelerated leadership opportunities, but less so for those without clear career goals or those in industries with limited MBA value.
Learn more about the structure and advantages of Executive MBA IIM programs for working professionals.
Which specialization is best in Executive MBA?
The best Executive MBA specialization in 2025 is typically General Management or Leadership, but high-demand options also include Finance, Strategy, and Technology Management depending on career goals.
Choosing the best Executive MBA specialization depends on your career stage, industry, and long-term ambitions. Unlike a full-time MBA, many Executive MBA programs emphasize broad leadership skills over niche technical expertise, but specializations can still enhance career outcomes.
Most valuable EMBA specializations in 2025 include:
General Management / Leadership: Ideal for professionals aiming for C-suite or cross-functional leadership roles.
Finance & Strategic Management: Suited for executives moving into CFO, investment, or corporate strategy positions.
Technology & Digital Transformation: Increasingly popular as companies need leaders who can manage AI, digitalization, and innovation.
Healthcare Management: Strong for senior professionals in pharma, hospitals, and biotech.
Entrepreneurship & Innovation: Best for founders, business owners, or executives in growth-stage companies.
Key insight:
If you are aiming for board-level or CEO roles, General Management is the most impactful.
If you are in a specialized industry, targeted areas like healthcare, finance, or technology can strengthen credibility and open sector-specific opportunities.
Some top schools (e.g., INSEAD, Wharton, ISB) blend general management with electives, letting executives tailor their focus while still building leadership breadth.
Discover Specialized Global Programs like EMBA SL Program tailored for professionals seeking a global career edge.
Which MBA is better for becoming a CEO?
The best MBA for becoming a CEO is a General Management or Strategy-focused MBA from a top global business school, as most CEOs come from programs emphasizing leadership, strategy, and cross-functional management.
If your goal is to become a CEO, the MBA specialization and school both matter. Data from Fortune 500 and FT Global 500 companies shows that many CEOs hold MBAs with a broad leadership focus rather than niche specializations.
Best MBA paths for aspiring CEOs:
General Management / Leadership: Builds holistic skills in decision-making, operations, people management, and strategic thinking.
Strategy & International Business: Helps future CEOs manage across geographies and navigate global competition.
Finance + Strategy blend: Important for CEOs who need to understand corporate growth, M&A, and capital allocation.
Entrepreneurship & Innovation: Valuable for founders or CEOs in tech and fast-growth industries.
Top schools producing CEOs (2025):
Harvard Business School (HBS) – known for case-method leadership training.
INSEAD & London Business School (LBS) – global focus for international CEOs.
Wharton (UPenn) – strength in strategy + finance.
ISB (India) – for aspiring CEOs in India and Asia.
Stanford GSB – strong in innovation and entrepreneurship.
Key insight:
If you aim for Fortune 500 / large MNC CEO roles, a General Management MBA from a top global school is the most effective.
If your path is entrepreneurship or family business leadership, an MBA with entrepreneurship/innovation focus may be better.
Get in touch with an expert at GOALisB for a detailed discussion as to which would be the best MBA program for you to consider for career growth. You could write to us at contact@goalisb.com or whatsapp at +91 7719497187.