Global recognition for BI’s executive education in latest FT rankings
18 May 2026The Financial Times ranks BI Norwegian Business School among the best globally for executive education, and as the top provider for open enrollment programmes in Norway.
The 2026 results from the Financial Times (FT) highlight BI’s strong international standing. In this year’s ranking for Open Enrollment programmes, BI has climbed to 59th place globally, up from 62nd in 2025. This makes BI the leading provider of open enrollment programmes in Norway. 
“Climbing the global rankings for our open enrollment programmes is a significant achievement. It confirms our position as the top choice in Norway for professionals seeking to develop their leadership skills and demonstrates that our academic quality remains highly competitive on an international level,” says President of BI Karen Spens.
A mark of quality
The Financial Times rankings are among the most prestigious in the world for business schools. They are largely based on feedback from participants and corporate clients, evaluating criteria such as programme design, faculty expertise, and the participants' career development.
In the category for Custom Programmes – tailored educational solutions for the corporate sector – BI is ranked 93rd globally.
“Our ambition is to provide leaders and organisations with the tools they need to succeed in a complex and changing world. We are pleased to see BI’s executive education consistently recognised among the best in the world,” says Marius Eriksen, Executive Vice President of BI’s business unit.
Increased global competition
This year’s rankings reflect a shifting landscape in executive education, with a notable influx of new institutions. The ranking of custom programmes features 10 new schools, while 8 new schools have entered the open enrollment ranking.
“The entry of several new schools this year underlines the increasing global competition for executive education. This makes it even more vital for BI to maintain our focus on academic excellence and practical relevance to ensure we remain the preferred choice for leadership development,” says Eriksen.
FT Executive Education Rankings 2026:
- Open Enrollment: BI is ranked 59th globally. BI is the highest-ranked provider in Norway.
- Custom Programmes: BI is ranked 93rd globally.
- The Financial Times has nine rankings throughout the year, of which BI normally participates in five: Masters in Finance, Masters in Management, Executive Education Open and Customised programmes, Executive MBA, and the European Business Schools Ranking.
- Executive education usually comprises shorter, non-degree programmes.
For open programmes, schools submit one or two general management courses of at least three days, and one or two advanced management courses of at least five days. - Custom courses are tailored to the training needs of the organisation that commissions them. Each school must have a minimum of 15 clients, of which at least five must complete evaluations.
- List of schools on the Financial Times Executive Education Custom ranking 2026.
- List of schools on the Financial Times Executive Education Open-enrolment ranking 2026.