The CEMS Master in International Management (MIM) delivered at the University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business (UCT GSB) has climbed six places to #4 globally in the QS Business Master’s Rankings: Management 2026, achieving an overall score of 92.7/100. The programme is joint #1 worldwide for Value for Money (100/100) and #9 for Employability (89.5/100).
“We are very proud that the CEMS MIM delivered at the GSB is ranked among the world’s top programmes. Our students value the high quality of our courses and the strong support they receive. We place particular emphasis on social innovation and sustainability, ensuring that our teaching and research contribute to addressing sustainability challenges both locally and globally in innovative ways. The unique context of South Africa is a vibrant driver of this innovation and deeply enriches the CEMS experience”, Dr Annika Surmeier, Academic Director: CEMS MIM, UCT GSB.
Excellence across indicators
Beyond the headline results, the CEMS MIM performs strongly across the full QS methodology, including academic reputation, research and thought leadership, return on investment and diversity. The profile reflects a programme that balances rigorous scholarship with practical pathways into global careers.
Graduate outcomes
CEMS graduates from the GSB typically step into roles in consulting, technology, finance and consumer goods, with placements across Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. A recent graduate, for example, combined a term at a European member school with an applied project for a Cape Town health-tech venture – and now works in product strategy in Dubai. The alliance’s global mobility, corporate partners and multilingual focus help graduates translate classroom learning into international, impact-oriented careers.
The Cape Town advantage
Delivered within the CEMS Alliance – a network of 33 leading business schools, 70+ corporate partners and 8 social partners – the UCT GSB offering is rooted in one of Africa’s most dynamic innovation hubs. Students work with real organisations in Cape Town and the broader region, gaining an African vantage point on global management while building international connections across the alliance’s campuses and corporate ecosystem.
“CEMS Alliance schools are world-leading, and together we offer students unbeatable value for money and outstanding employment opportunities,” says Nicole de Fontaines, Executive Director of CEMS.
Ranking cited
QS Business Master’s Rankings: Management 2026 (CEMS MIM overall 92.7/100; Value for Money 100/100; Employability 89.5/100; climbed six places from 2025).
A pre-experience master’s network of 33 top business schools with 70+ corporate partners and 8 social partners, combining cross-border study with applied projects and language/corporate engagement requirements.
