Financial Times Master in Finance Pre-Experience Ranking 2025
Introducing the top 10 Master’s in Finance pre-experience programs for 2025, according to the Financial Times.
Top 10 Master’s in Finance Programs 2025 (Pre-Experience):
- ESCP Business School – France
- Skema Business School – France
- Tsinghua University School of Economics and Management – China
- ESSEC Business School – France
- HEC Paris – France
- Nova School of Business and Economics – Portugal
- Shanghai Advanced Institute of Finance at SJTU – China
- London Business School – UK
- University of St. Gallen – Switzerland
- Peking University Guanghua School of Management – China
What Is the Financial Times Master’s in Finance Pre-Experience Ranking 2025?
The Financial Times (FT) Master’s in Finance Pre-Experience Ranking 2025 evaluates master’s in finance programs across the globe. As the pre-experience title suggests, this ranking is designed for students with little to no professional experience. This year, FT did not publish a post-experience ranking.
The ranking is globally recognized. Therefore, it is a useful benchmarking tool for prospective students considering master’s programs in finance.
In 2025, 90 schools took part. Participating schools must meet specific criteria. For instance, the schools must be full-time, cohort-based, and have at least 30 program graduates from three years ago. Additionally, the schools must be accredited by either AACSB or EQUIS.
The FT uses a specific methodology to compile its ranking. Let’s take a closer look at the methodology they use.
What Methodology Is Used in the Financial Times Master’s in Finance Pre-Experience 2025 Ranking
The FT ranking uses two categories of data, through two separate surveys. In essence, these include school data and alumni data.
School data
Just under half of the final score relies on data supplied by the business schools. Out of a total of 19 categories, school data informs 11 categories. This accounts for 44% of the final score.
Alumni data
The second category takes data from alumni surveys (in 2025, the respondents graduated in 2022). To be eligible for the ranking, schools must have at least 20% of their alumni respond. They require a minimum of 20 surveys from alumni. Out of a total of 19 categories, alumni feedback makes up 8 categories. This makes up 56% of the score.
The Ranking Categories & Their Overall Weight
- Salary today US$ (16%)
- Salary percentage increase (10%)
- Value for money rank (6%)
- Career progress rank (6%)
- Aims achieved (5%)
- Alumni network rank (3%)
- Careers service rank (4%)
- Employed at three months (5%)
- Female faculty (5%)
- Female students (5%)
- Women on board (1%)
- International faculty (5%)
- International students (5%)
- International board (1%)
- International work mobility rank (6%)
- International course experience rank (5%)
- Faculty with doctorates (5%)
- Carbon footprint rank (4%)
- ESG and net zero teaching rank (3%)
ESG As A New Criterion
Additionally, an ESG and net-zero teaching rank was a new criterion added recently. This criterion evaluates the number of teaching hours within courses that focus on environmental, social, and governance issues (ESG). Furthermore, it evaluates how schools teach about climate solutions and organizational change toward reaching net-zero.
In addition, they evaluate how ESG teaching at schools impacts alumni careers. The criterion carries a total weight of 3% in the ranking.
There has been some pushback on ESG courses in countries like the US due to political changes. However, overall, ESG continues to be an important part of the curriculum for many schools. The trend reflects growing demand from employers for ESG specialists and sustainability experts.
Moreover, many schools are adapting their approach to be increasingly business-focused and specific to real-world applications. This approach prepares students for sustainability challenges in real business settings outside of a theoretical framework.
For a full overview, view the FT Master’s in Finance methodology page.
Results & Key Trends for 2025
France Takes the Lead in Global Finance Education
European business schools were strongly represented in the top 10 of the ranking. More specifically, French schools claimed the top spots. There were four French business schools in the top 10 of the FT Master’s in Finance Pre-Experience Ranking in 2025.
ESCP Business School (France) ranked first. Skema Business School (France) followed in second place. ESSEC and HEC Paris followed closely in fourth and fifth place, respectively.
Consequently, it is clear that France remains one of the top study destinations for a master’s in finance.
China’s Rise to the Top
Concurrently, China had a strong presence in the top positions in the ranking. Tsinghua University School of Economics and Management was ranked #3. Shanghai Advanced Institute of Finance at SJTU was ranked #7 and Peking University: Guanghua was ranked #10.
The rise of Asian business schools, specifically Chinese business schools, reflects the growing demand for Asia-focused financial expertise. These programs are becoming increasingly attractive to students seeking a high ROI and access to one of the fastest-growing economies. Master’s in finance graduates in China consistently report high salaries.
Notable Trends
The 2025 FT ranking highlights the growing complexity of graduate finance education.
Alongside traditional metrics like salary and employment, new factors continue to influence school performance:
- Sustainability remains a major theme, with ESG now accounting for 3% of the total ranking score.
- Emerging markets are reshaping the competitive landscape, with China making the biggest gains in school prestige and salary outcomes.
- The importance of work experience continues to rise. Students who completed an internship during their studies had higher salaries three years after graduation. The average salary difference is 27%.
What This Means for Future Students
In essence, the 2025 Financial Times Master’s in Finance Pre-experience 2025 ranking confirms the continued strength of European finance education, especially from France. On the other hand, the rise of Chinese business schools signals a major shift in the global education landscape. This trend highlights new opportunities for students interested in Asia’s booming financial markets.
Notably, these shifts don’t simply reflect academic trends, but evolving demands from employers and the finance industry at large. Therefore, when choosing a master’s in finance, prospective students should consider numerous factors. As the ranking highlights, sustainability, alumni network, career services, diversity, and other factors play a key role in the overall success of a program.
Looking for the latest master’s program rankings? Visit our master’s rankings page to explore more.
