The University of Cape Town has secured another major international business education achievement.
Its EMBA programme, offered through the UCT Graduate School of Business, has been ranked number one in Africa and the Middle East in the global top 100 in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Global Executive MBA Rankings.
It marks the second year in a row that the programme has topped the region.
UCT EMBA ranking earns global recognition
“The QS Global Executive MBA Rankings are among the most influential in graduate management education. It evaluates 246 top programmes across 58 locations and is based on more than 75 000 employer and academic nominations,” the tertiary institution shared in a statement.
“The news comes just one month after the programme was ranked sixth globally in CEO Magazine’s Global EMBA Rankings 2026 – the highest position achieved by an African or emerging-market business school.”
UCT EMBA ranking reflects leadership focus
Dr Catherine Duggan, director of the business school, said the UCT EMBA ranking reflects the programme’s focus.
“Business leaders across Africa and around the world face complex global markets, digital disruption and uncertainty. Our programme helps senior leaders strengthen leadership skills and sharpen strategic insight.”
She said the course equips executives to lead across organisations and industries.
Strong executive profile boosts UCT EMBA ranking
The UCT EMBA ranking also placed the programme among the global top 20 for executive profile and diversity. It earned the highest employer reputation score in Africa and the Middle East.
Professor Camille Meyer, programme director, said participant quality drives these results. “More than half of our cohort are managing directors, board members or hold senior executive roles. The programme helps them adapt to changing business conditions.”
Another milestone for UCT
The business school has recorded several strong results this year. Its MBA placed seventh globally in the Better World MBA Rankings. It also ranked first in the Middle East and Africa in the 2026 QS Global MBA Rankings. In January, Associate Professor Caitlin Ferreira won MBA Director of the Year from the Association of MBAs.
Sherry Walklett, student engagement manager, said the programme prepares leaders for complex workplace challenges. “These results reflect both the calibre of leaders who choose the programme and the impact it has on how they think and lead,” she said.
READ ALSO: Learners experience UCT
