CEIBS FAQ: Rankings, Reputation, Campuses, Programmes and Student Experience
This FAQ provides clear answers about CEIBS, including its programmes, campuses, rankings, faculty, alumni network, and student experience. It is designed as a quick guide for prospective students, international applicants, and alumni exploring opportunities and understanding how CEIBS operates globally.
About CEIBS
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What is CEIBS, and when was it founded?
CEIBS (China Europe International Business School) was founded in 1994 through a partnership between the Chinese government and the European Union. Based in Shanghai, it has developed into one of Asia's leading business schools, with a strong focus on global management education.
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How is CEIBS different from other business schools in Asia?
The school combines China-focused insight with a global perspective, bringing together international faculty and students from across Europe, Asia, and other regions. Its multi-campus structure across Asia, Europe, and Africa supports cross-border learning and exposure to diverse markets. This is reinforced by its international cohort.
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What is CEIBS' motto, and what does it mean?
The motto is "Conscientiousness, Innovation, and Excellence." It reflects a commitment to responsible leadership, continuous improvement, and high standards in both academic and professional development.
Rankings and Accreditation
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How is CEIBS ranked globally?
CEIBS has been ranked #1 in Asia for 10 consecutive years in the Financial Times Global MBA Ranking and, most recently, #8 globally in 2026. Its Global EMBA was ranked No. 1 in the Financial Times EMBA Ranking 2024 and has also ranked among the leading programmes globally for several consecutive years.
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Is CEIBS accredited?
Yes. CEIBS is accredited by both EQUIS and AACSB, two of the most recognised global accreditation bodies for business schools. It was also the first business school on the Chinese mainland to receive both accreditations, reinforcing its international academic standards.
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Is a CEIBS degree recognised internationally?
Yes. CEIBS degrees are widely recognised globally, supported by international accreditation, global rankings, and strong employer engagement across multiple regions, including Europe, Asia Pacific, and global multinational organisations.
Programmes
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What programmes does CEIBS offer?
CEIBS offers a range of programmes, including MBA, Global EMBA, Global MiM, Part-time MBA, EMBA, Finance MBA, Executive Education, HEMBA, DBA, and PhD programmes, designed to support different stages of professional development and international career progression.
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Are all CEIBS programmes taught in English?
The MBA, Global EMBA, and Global MiM are taught in English, supporting an international student body and global career mobility. This enables students from different regions to study together and prepares graduates for careers across multiple international markets.
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What is the difference between the MBA, Global EMBA, and Global MiM?
The MBA is a full-time, 16-month English programme designed for early to mid-career professionals seeking to accelerate or transform their careers, with one intake per year starting in August/September. The Global EMBA is a 24-month, part-time programme for senior executives who continue working while studying. The Global MiM is a two-year programme for recent graduates of post-secondary education.
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Who are CEIBS programmes designed for?
Each programme is aligned with a specific stage of professional development, from recent graduates to experienced executives, with formats that support both full-time study and continued employment. This allows candidates to choose a format that matches their experience level, career stage, and availability.
Campuses & Global Presence
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Where are CEIBS campuses located?
The school operates campuses in Shanghai, Beijing, and Shenzhen in China, along with Zurich in Switzerland and Accra in Ghana, reflecting its presence across Asia, Europe, and Africa.
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Where exactly is the CEIBS Shanghai campus?
The Shanghai campus is located in Pudong district and serves as the main campus for degree programmes and academic activities.
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Does CEIBS have an international presence?
Yes. In addition to its campuses, the school partners with more than 40 business schools worldwide, supporting exchanges and global modules. This network allows students to gain exposure to different business environments through international study opportunities and collaboration.
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What is the role of the Shanghai campus?
The Shanghai campus is the academic centre of CEIBS, hosting core programmes, faculty, and research activities, while providing direct exposure to China's business environment.
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What is the role of the Beijing, Shenzhen, Accra, and Zurich locations?
These locations support executive education, global modules, regional engagement, and international collaboration, extending CEIBS' reach across different markets.
Faculty and Research
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How strong is the CEIBS faculty?
The faculty is internationally diverse, combining academic research expertise with industry experience. Many faculty members are active researchers and advisers to global organisations.
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What research is CEIBS known for?
Research focuses on China business and global business trends, with key areas including business strategy, innovation, leadership, and global economic development. This includes work on how companies expand within and beyond China, how organisations adapt to fast-changing market conditions, and how leadership approaches differ across regions. Current research outputs can be explored through CEIBS’ working papers.
Alumni and Network
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How large is the CEIBS alumni network?
The alumni network includes more than 34,000 members across over 90 countries and regions, offering strong connections across Europe, Asia, and global markets.
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Can I access the alumni network while I am still studying?
Yes. Students engage with alumni through events, mentorship, and professional networking opportunities during their studies. This access helps build connections early and supports career development before graduation.
Financial Aid and Costs
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Does CEIBS offer scholarships?
Yes. Scholarships and financial support are available across programmes, including merit-based and need-based options. They are designed to support a diverse student body and recognise academic achievement, professional experience, and leadership potential.
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How much does it cost to study at CEIBS?
Tuition varies by programme. For the most recent intakes, MBA tuition is RMB 488,000 (approximately USD 68,000), Global EMBA tuition is USD 118,000 or RMB 848,000 (approximately €108,000), and Global MiM tuition is €59,000.
Prospective Students
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How do I apply to CEIBS?
Applications are submitted online through the CEIBS portal and include key documents, followed by an evaluation and interview process.
- Completed application form
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Test scores (GMAT, GRE, or CEIBS Admission Test)
- Essays and CV
- Two recommendation letters
- Application fee and ID document
Shortlisted candidates are invited to an interview. Final decisions are based on a holistic review of academic background, work experience, test scores, essays, recommendations, and interview performance.
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Can international students apply to CEIBS?
Yes. The school welcomes international applicants and offers English-taught programmes, global admissions support, and international career pathways.
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How can I find out more before applying?
Prospective students have several ways to explore the programmes in more depth before applying. You can attend information sessions and events, connect directly with admissions teams, and review detailed programme structures and requirements. It is also possible to speak with alumni and current students to gain a clearer picture of the learning experience and career outcomes.
As a start, you can explore the full range of programmes offered at CEIBS, review the application process, and learn more about its locations and global reach.
Community & Student Experience
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Is CEIBS good for international students?
Yes. CEIBS attracts a highly international cohort, with students coming from multiple countries and regions, creating a classroom environment where perspectives are constantly exchanged and challenged. The MBA programme, for example, draws around 30% of its students from outside mainland China, representing over 20 countries and regions. MBA, Global EMBA, and Global MiM programmes are taught in English, and the structure includes global modules and cross-campus experiences that help students understand how business operates across different markets.
For many, studying at CEIBS also means gaining direct exposure to China’s business environment while remaining connected to Europe and other regions. As Gaurav Nanda, one MBA graduate, noted, the experience "gave me incredible exposure to career and growth opportunities across Europe and Asia."
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What kind of student experience does CEIBS offer?
The experience combines academic study with networking, industry exposure, and campus engagement, including clubs, forums, and events, as well as interaction with business leaders across different markets. Students also benefit from a multicultural environment and opportunities to engage with both local and international business communities.
One graduate, Linjia Huang, described it this way: "the MBA experience introduced me to a very diverse group of people, made me constantly reflect on myself, and showed me many possibilities for the future. The whole experience expanded my vision and provided me with more options."