ESDES Business School Ranking

Lyon France, France

Download Brochure

0

No of Courses

Private

University Type

Latest Update

For the upcoming December intake at ESDES Business School, non-EU international students can take advantage of an early bird offer.

A 10% discount on the year’s tuition fees is available if the full application is submitted and tuition payment is completed before the end of July.

ESDES Business School has over 2,200 students, including 20 percent international students, and is gaining global recognition. Its Master’s in Management program is ranked #151 by QS subject rankings for three consecutive years, reflecting consistent academic excellence. Additionally, the Financial Times places ESDES Business School among the top 100 business schools worldwide, solidifying its strong academic reputation.

For those seeking to study in France, ESDES provides a world-class education within a diverse and international community. The school's impressive rankings highlight its commitment to academic quality and providing a global learning experience.

This blog will cover ESDES Business School’s rankings, offering insights into its national and global reputation.

ESDES Business School Rankings 2025

ESDES Business School continues to build a strong international reputation through its consistent performance in global rankings and accreditations.

Notably, it is ranked among the 100 top business schools in Europe by the Financial Times, reflecting its growing international credibility.

The table below outlines its major rankings and accreditations for 2025.

Ranking Body/Accreditation	Details
Financial Times	Ranked among the top 100 business schools in Europe.
AACSB Accreditation	Placed among the top 6% of business schools worldwide
EFMD Accreditation	Accredited for its Grande École program

Beyond its overall ranking, ESDES Business School is also recognized for its subject-specific performance. Let's have a look at the subject-wise ESDES business school rankings.

Subject-Wise Ranking of ESDES Business School

ESDES Business School’s subject-wise rankings highlight the growing global recognition of its specialized programs.

Its Master in Management program has been featured in both the QS Rankings and the Financial Times Global MBA Ranking, highlighting its academic quality and strong market relevance.

These placements reflect ESDES’ rising stature among top international business schools. Here's a breakdown of the latest rankings:

Program	Ranking Body	Ranking
Master in Management	QS Rankings	151+
Master in Management	Financial Times	93

After reviewing ESDES Business school ranking for Management Masters in France , let’s explore how it performs in other reputable rankings.

Miscellaneous Ranking 2025

ESDES Business School has received several key recognitions that enhance its credibility. Notably, it holds the EESPIG accreditation, which certifies its public interest and non-profit status, and the BSIS label, used to evaluate its territorial and socioeconomic impact.

Below are additional details on ESDES’s key accreditations and recognitions.

Accreditation / Label	Details
EESPIG	Granted in 2016 to UCLy (incl. ESDES), certifying public interest and non-profit status.
CEFDG Recognition	National recognition of Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees; member of Conférence des Grandes Écoles.
RNCP	National certification ensures professional-level training and recognition.
BSIS	Holds BSIS label since 2021 to assess its territorial and socioeconomic impact.

The performance of institutions in rankings can play a key role in your ESDES Business School admissions decision. Next, let’s take a look at how the college excels in extracurricular activities.

ESDES Business School: Excellence and Achievements

Recognized within the education system in France, ESDES Business School has steadily built a reputation for academic quality and impactful student experience.

International rankings in prominent bodies like the QS Global MBA, along with state-recognition, highlight the school’s growing prestige. These achievements reflect ESDES’ role in shaping well-rounded, career-ready graduates.

The following sections explore ESDES Business School Rankings and achievements in different areas. Let's have a look at some more top reasons to study in France at ESDES Business School.

Academic Excellence and National Recognition

ESDES has established a strong academic presence, ranking 91st in the Financial Times Best European Business Schools list and 3rd in France for student experience according to the 2025 Speak & Act Happiness Barometer. These recognitions affirm its consistent performance and national credibility.

Its Master in Management program has been globally ranked by both QS and FT, leading to career outcomes that include roles such as financial analyst, marketing manager and management consultant, which are some of the highest-paying jobs worldwide.

Here’s a closer look at the achievements:

Criteria	Recognition
Financial Times European Business Schools	Ranked 91st in the top 100 European Business School
Speak & Act Best School Experience – Happiness Barometer	Ranked 3rd in student satisfaction and experience in France for 2025

Apart from academic excellence, ESDES Business School receives recognition for its focus on student experience and quality of life. These achievements reflect its commitment towards community and lifelong learning.

Community and Lifestyle Recognitions

ESDES Business School is recognized for prioritizing student well-being and campus life. According to the Speak & Act survey, students appreciate the school’s inclusive environment, quality of student life, and modern learning infrastructure.

High satisfaction ratings reflect the school’s dedication to a well-rounded student experience.

The table below highlights key insights from the survey.

Criteria	Recognition
Diversity in Profiles	89% of students value the mix of backgrounds and inclusive classroom interactions.
Quality of Student Life	87% indicates a lively campus atmosphere and support services enhance daily student life.
Suitability of Facilities for New Learning Methods	86% indicate that classrooms and digital tools are aligned with innovative teaching methods.

ESDES Business School has also earned recognition for its leadership in arts, culture, and creativity, highlighting its broader contribution to student life and campus vibrancy beyond academics.

Cultural and Creative Excellence

ESDES Business School blends academic rigor with cultural richness and creative innovation. From being ranked 3rd for student experience to launching a modern campus in Annecy, the school reflects a forward-thinking approach. Its diverse and highly qualified faculty further enhances the learning environment.

The table below highlights recognitions that showcase its cultural and creative excellence.

Criteria	Recognitions
Speak & Act Best School Experience – Happiness Barometer	Ranked 3rd for exceptional student satisfaction and experience.
Annecy Campus Inauguration	Opened a modern, high-tech campus in Annecy to enhance student learning and lifestyle.
Diversity Assessment	53% female faculty, supporting gender inclusivity in academic leadership 53% international faculty, promoting a multicultural learning environment
Faculty Expertise	86% hold doctoral degrees, ensuring expert-level teaching and research quality

To build on achievements and recognition, let's examine how ESDES Business School rankings relate to its acceptance rate

ESDES Business School: Ranking V/S Acceptance Rate

ESDES Business School maintains a moderately selective admissions process, aiming to balance accessibility with academic standards. While its MBA program holds a QS Global MBA Ranking of 151+, other programs like the MSc in Circular Economy and Sustainable Innovation report an estimated acceptance rate of 50–60%, reflecting this balance.

The table below compares acceptance rates and rankings across key programs at ESDES:

Course	Ranking	Acceptance Rate
MSc in Circular Economy and Sustainable Innovation	NA	Approximately 50-60%
MBA	QS Global MBA Ranking 151+
MSc in Sustainable Tourism and Event Management	NA
Bachelor's in Business - International track	NA

Note: All programs have the same acceptance rate.

Next, let's explore the methodologies employed by various ranking bodies to evaluate and rank universities.

Ranking Methodologies

While ESDES Business School is not currently ranked by Times Higher Education (THE) or U.S. News, its presence in QS Rankings and accreditations like AACSB and EFMD reflect a strong academic standing.

Ranking agencies evaluate institutions on diverse indicators such as employability, return on investment, faculty quality, and global engagement. Understanding these frameworks helps prospective students interpret what each ranking truly represents about a school’s academic and career impact.

QS Global MBA Ranking

The QS Global MBA Ranking evaluates schools on factors that reflect real-world success, such as employability skills (40%), return on investment (20%), and thought leadership (15%). ESDES is assessed using employer surveys, alumni outcomes, academic reputation, and the diversity of its classes and faculty.

Here’s how QS measures ESDES Business School’s performance:

Criteria	Indicator	Weightage
Employability	QS Global Employer Survey	35%
Employability	Employment Rate	5%
Entrepreneurship and Alumni Outcomes	Alumni Outcomes	10%
Entrepreneurship and Alumni Outcomes	Entrepreneurship	5%
Return on Investment	10 Year ROI	15%
Return on Investment	Payback Month	5%
Thought Leadership	QS Academic Reputation	10%
	Research Impact	2.5%
	Percentage of faculty with PhD	2.5%
Class & Faculty Diversity		10%

After understanding the ranking criteria. Next, let’s summarize ESDES Business School rankings.

Conclusion

ESDES Business School has steadily gained international recognition, backed by consistent rankings and top-tier accreditations. Its Master in Management program ranks 93rd by the Financial Times and 151+ by QS subject ranking, showcasing its academic strength and global appeal.

With AACSB and EFMD accreditations, the school ranks among the top 6% of business schools worldwide. It also holds the 91st spot in the FT European Business Schools list, highlighting its growing influence across Europe.

With 86% of faculty holding doctorates and a balanced acceptance rate of 50–60%, ESDES offers a high-quality, globally competitive education that blends academic quality with cultural and lifestyle strengths.

FAQs

How does ESDES Business School’s recent performance compare to previous years?

ESDES has consistently improved its global recognition. In 2024, it ranked 93rd in the Financial Times’ Master in Management rankings and was placed in the 151+ bracket by QS for three years. These rankings demonstrate the school’s growth and academic strength in the global arena.

What are some standout academic programs or courses offered at ESDES?

ESDES offers standout programs like its Master in Management (PGE), with a focus on leadership and global business. It also provides specialized MSc programs such as Circular Economy & Sustainable Innovation and Impact Finance & Fintech Management, which are designed to prepare students for emerging industries.

Does ESDES’ absence from the U.S world or THE listings affect its global reputation?

Although ESDES is not listed in the U.S world or THE, it is still globally recognized, with high rankings in the Financial Times and both AACSB and EFMD. These accreditations place the school among the top 6% of business schools worldwide, supporting its strong academic standing.

How do ESDES' national accreditations support the credibility of its degrees?

ESDES holds prestigious accreditations from AACSB and EFMD, ensuring its degrees meet the highest global standards. These accreditations affirm the quality and credibility of ESDES’s programs, making its graduates highly competitive in the global job market.

What do ESDES’ top national recognitions say about its academic strengths?

ESDES’s academic strength is reflected in its inclusion in the Financial Times Global MBA Ranking Top 100 for its Master in Management program. This highlights the school’s commitment to academic excellence and its strong global reputation.

How does ESDES track career placement and outcomes for recent graduates?

ESDES reports a 100% graduate employment rate within six months of graduation for key programs like the Master in Management. This strong outcome reflects the school’s effective career services and close ties with industry partners, ensuring students are well-prepared for the job market.

What is the profile and teaching background of ESDES faculty?

ESDES boasts a diverse and highly qualified faculty, with 86% of faculty members holding doctorate degrees. The faculty combines academic expertise and industry experience, offering students both theoretical knowledge and practical insights.

What does ESDES’ performance in sustainability and diversity evaluations suggest?

ESDES is committed to sustainability and social responsibility. Through initiatives like the Responsible Native track, SoliCity missions, and Climate Fresco workshops, the school integrates social impact and ecological issues into its curriculum. This demonstrates the school’s dedication to creating responsible business leaders.

Is ESDES Business School a good option for international students?

Yes, ESDES is an excellent choice for international students, with 20% of its student body coming from abroad. The school offers bilingual programs and fosters a global learning environment, making it ideal for those seeking an international business education.

What types of scholarships are offered to international applicants at ESDES?

ESDES offers merit-based scholarships and financial aid options for international students, making its world-class education more accessible. These scholarships are designed to support talented students from around the world in pursuing their studies.

What makes ESDES different from other business schools in France?

ESDES stands out for its focus on sustainability, social impact, and specialized programs like sustainable innovation and fintech management. Its top rankings, prestigious accreditations, and strong commitment to student satisfaction set it apart from other business schools in France.

Disclaimer

All information provided on this page is for general use and upGrad Abroad is not responsible for any errors or omissions. Any action taken upon the information found on this website is strictly at your own risk.