Top 10 Non-US MBA Programs for Entrepreneurship in 2025
In my previous post, I explored the top MBA programs in the US for aspiring entrepreneurs. For those looking beyond the US for your MBA, whether due to cost advantages, visa flexibility, global networks, or exposure to different ecosystems, there are several top-tier non-US MBA programs offer exceptional support for entrepreneurship. Here are my picks for the best non-US MBAs for entrepreneurship in 2025:
1. INSEAD (France/Singapore/Abu Dhabi)
INSEAD continues to be a global powerhouse for entrepreneurship. Its one-year format attracts experienced professionals, and its global footprint means access to diverse markets and networks. The INSEAD Centre for Entrepreneurship (ICE) offers tailored resources for founders, including the Entrepreneur-in-Residence program, Venture Competition, and a robust alumni network of startup founders and VCs. In 2023 alone, INSEAD reported that over 70 students launched ventures during or right after the MBA.
Why it stands out:
- World-class faculty with deep experience in venture creation
- Access to multiple startup ecosystems across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East
- INSEAD Venture Competition with seed funding opportunities
2. IE Business School (Spain)
IE has long been recognized as one of Europe’s most entrepreneurial MBA programs. Its emphasis on innovation and digital transformation gives founders a modern, agile skillset. The IE Venture Lab acts as a startup accelerator within the MBA, helping students build viable business models and pitch to investors. Spain’s startup ecosystem, particularly in Madrid and Barcelona, is growing rapidly.
Why it stands out:
- Highly customizable curriculum with strong focus on tech and innovation
- IE Venture Lab and Area 31 accelerator
- One of the highest percentages of MBA students launching startups (15%+)
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3. ESADE Business School (Spain)
ESADE is a leading choice for impact-driven and social entrepreneurs. The ESADE Entrepreneurship Institute fosters research, events, and incubation opportunities. The eWorks accelerator supports early-stage student startups, and ESADE’s emphasis on innovation, ethics, and sustainability resonates with mission-driven founders.
Why it stands out:
- Strong focus on ethical and social entrepreneurship
- eWorks pre-acceleration and acceleration programs
- Barcelona’s growing startup scene
4. Oxford Saïd Business School (UK)
Oxford Saïd provides an intellectually rigorous program with deep engagement in social entrepreneurship and innovation. The Oxford Foundry and Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship offer a blend of practical tools and mentorship for students looking to launch ventures with purpose. Oxford’s vast alumni and interdisciplinary network across the university is a major advantage.
Why it stands out:
- Oxford Foundry: workspace and support for startups
- Skoll Centre’s focus on social impact
- Integration with University of Oxford’s broader innovation ecosystem
5. Cambridge Judge Business School (UK)
Located in the heart of “Silicon Fen,” Cambridge Judge is known for its proximity to tech innovation and life sciences. The Cambridge Entrepreneurship Centre and Accelerate Cambridge provide mentorship and funding for early-stage ventures. Many MBA students work on real startups as part of their coursework or join founder teams post-MBA.
Why it stands out:
- Cambridge’s deep tech and research ecosystem
- One-year MBA with practical startup exposure
- Close ties with science and tech innovation hubs
6. IMD (Switzerland)
IMD’s small class size and personalized approach offer intensive mentorship for entrepreneurs. The school runs an annual Startup Competition where students team up with real startups to solve business challenges. Switzerland’s stable business environment and proximity to Europe’s key financial and tech hubs make IMD a strong contender for founders.
Why it stands out:
- Direct engagement with real startups through competitions
- Personalized coaching and tight-knit alumni network
- Focus on execution and real-world problem-solving
7. Rotterdam School of Management (Netherlands)
RSM is a rising star in European entrepreneurship education. The Erasmus Centre for Entrepreneurship connects students with Rotterdam’s vibrant startup community and hosts the ECE Startup Incubator. The Netherlands is known for its business-friendly policies, high English fluency, and open culture—favorable conditions for launching a business.
Why it stands out:
- ECE Startup Incubator and entrepreneurial support
- Dutch startup ecosystem’s growth and global outlook
- Emphasis on sustainability and responsible business
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8. NUS Business School (Singapore)
Singapore is Asia’s startup gateway, and NUS Business School is at the heart of it. The NUS Entrepreneurship Centre and BLOCK71 (a startup ecosystem initiative) give students hands-on startup experience. The MBA offers electives in tech innovation and venture capital, and proximity to Southeast Asia’s high-growth markets is a major plus.
Why it stands out:
- Direct access to Southeast Asian startup ecosystem
- NUS Entrepreneurship Centre and BLOCK71 incubator
- Strong ties to government-backed innovation hubs
9. IESE Business School (Spain)
IESE blends strong academic rigor with hands-on entrepreneurial support. Its Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center (EIC) and Summer Entrepreneurship Experience help students ideate, prototype, and launch startups. With access to investors, accelerators, and mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs, IESE is an ideal choice for aspiring founders. Its international student body and campuses in Barcelona, Madrid, Munich, and New York also offer global exposure.
Why it stands out:
- Summer Entrepreneurship Experience and EIC support
- Deep mentorship and global alumni network
- Emphasis on values-based leadership for founders
10. Indian School of Business (India)
ISB has built a strong reputation in the entrepreneurship space, particularly for those eyeing the fast-growing Indian and South Asian markets. The Wadhwani Centre for Entrepreneurship Development (WCED) provides mentorship, access to funding, and incubation support. ISB’s network of alumni founders and its ties with Indian VCs, startup hubs, and government accelerators make it a practical launchpad for new ventures.
Why it stands out:
- WCED support, seed funding, and pitch events
- Deep connections to India’s booming startup ecosystem
- Strong focus on emerging markets and scalable innovation
Final Thoughts
An entrepreneurial MBA experience isn’t limited to Silicon Valley. Europe and Asia offer an increasingly rich and supportive environment for aspiring founders, with accelerators, incubators, and venture capital thriving in cities like London, Paris, Singapore, and Barcelona. The key is to choose a program aligned with your business goals, geographic preferences, and the type of venture you want to build.
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