The latest QS World University Rankings has named the top business schools for an online MBA.

IE Business School in Spain took first place in 2022, followed by two United Kingdom schools: the Imperial College Business School in second and Warwick Business School in third.

“As the world adjusts to new ways of living, working and studying alongside Covid-19, universities continue to develop new approaches to support aspiring MBA students,” said QS.

The latest survey of business schools by QS showed that 77% of those offering an online MBA said that their admissions team is the same or similar to their full-time programmes; meaning that universities are taking steps to make online classes replicate a more on-campus equivalent.

To better the online experience for MBA students, top universities are pushing boundaries and adapting by having a responsive online curriculum. The Australian Graduate School of Management, for example, has introduced new courses in data analytics and decision making to respond to industry demand, QS said.

“Schools have focused heavily on improving the virtual classroom experience. Nottingham Business School has recently rewritten its global marketing management module after realising that restrictions in international travel were denying online MBA students the opportunity to engage in a physical consultancy experience,” it said.

For online classes to be successful, teachers need to be computer literate. As a result, many top universities have started faculty training programs, such as at Warwick Business School, where teachers are engaged in workshops that facilitate and monitor all webinars.

According to QS, the best universities have found new innovative ways to ensure students have a strong community bond. Nottingham Business School has introduced student learning sets and individual academic mentors, which develop and provide more natural networking opportunities outside of the learning environment.

“Many of this year’s online MBA providers have adapted to hybrid learning environments, to sustainably service the needs of students who aren’t able to study in ways considered commonplace pre-pandemic,” said QS.

Here are the top schools for online MBAs: