Real Numbers of MBA Admissions: MBA Class Size at Top Programs in Europe
MBA class size in Europe varies as much as it does in the U.S. London Business School and INSEAD lead the pack with around 500 students each. At the other end of the spectrum, some European schools have fewer than 80 candidates. Most of the classes represented below will be graduating in 2026, as the European MBA programs are typically one year in duration.
Applicants may want to consider MBA class size when considering fit. While MBA programs thrive on relationship-building, a smaller class size can lend itself to a more intimate, close knit culture.
Review the chart below to see the class sizes of European MBA programs.
| European School | Class Size 2026 | Class Size 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Cambridge Judge | 217 | 244 |
| Esade | 180 | 182 |
| ESMT Berlin | ~60 | ~40 |
| HEC Paris | 265* | 268* |
| IE Business School | ~400 | ~400 |
| IESE Business School | 400+ | 350+ |
| IMD Business School | 78 | 103** |
| Imperial College Business School | 75 | 76 |
| INSEAD | 454 | 486 |
| London Business School | 514 | 431* |
| Manchester AMBS | TBA | 113* |
| Oxford Saïd Business School | 332 | 348 |
| Rotterdam Business School | 112 | 127* |
*Class of 2026
**Class of 2024
***Class of 2027
The figures for this Real Numbers of MBA Admissions: MBA Class Size at Top Programs in Europe were drawn from the Classes of 2025 and 2026, unless otherwise noted.
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MBA Applywire
Background: Pakistani national, Senior Manager. 11 years at top FMCG manufacturing excellence, operations leadership, and digital transformation. #1 Pakistani University Gold Medalist, 3.94 GPA, Electrical & Electronics Engineering. Gold Medal for undergraduate final year project (intelligent systems / hardware-software integration).
Career highlights:
Acting Plant Manager: drove facility from #15 to #2 globally in 18 months; 98% workforce retention through full plant divestiture with 100% supply continuity
Currently an expat in Philippines
Co-Founded on (digital marketing agency) alongside full-time expat role, $20K MRR
Post-MBA goals: Short-term: MBB consulting (Operations or Digital/Technology practice) or Operations Technology/Strategy role at Amazon, Microsoft, Google, or Tesla. Long-term: build or lead an AI-native automation venture.
School list (R1, Fall 2027): MIT Sloan (LGO joint MBA/MS if possible), HBS, Stanford GSB, Wharton (joint MBA/MS Penn Engineering), UC Berkeley Haas. Considering adding CMU Tepper for the MBA/MS ML or Robotics combination. INSEAD as a backup option for Middle East / SEA Work.
Visa: Pakistani national, prioritizing STEM-designated programs for 3-year OPT.
Weaknesses I'm aware of:
GRE not yet taken, sitting August 2026, targeting 325+. Deadlines are tight (HBS/Wharton Sep 3)
Heavy manufacturing background pivoting toward consulting and big tech, narrative work needed
South Asian male engineer applicant pool is highly competitive and quite a common stereotype
No US work experience
Questions for consultants:
Is my school list calibrated correctly given the manufacturing-to-consulting/big tech pivot, or am I reaching too broadly?
Does the joint MBA/MS angle (LGO, Penn Engineering, CMU ML) strengthen or complicate the application narrative at this stage?
How do I frame 11 years of manufacturing as an asset rather than a liability for MBB and big tech recruiting?
Is a 325 GRE realistic enough to keep HBS and Stanford on the R1 list, or should I be planning for R2 at the reaches?
Go-To-Market/CoS to the Founder/Economics Background/Female
I've worked for 2 online real estate trade publications for the past 4 years. I'm currently a Senior Associate Editor.
I have a nuanced knowledge of many niche industry topics and trends, alongside a solid grasp of economics and finance concepts.
I majored in philosophy with minors in journalism and history.
The other school I'd like to apply to is Fordham's Gabelli School of Business.
I completed my UG in 2021 post which I worked as a Financial Due Diligence Analyst at KPMG for 2 years. I did my PGP from Indian School of Business in 2023-24 post which I joined a startup as a Founder's Office Associate. I am currently working at PwC in Office of India Advisory Leader.
I wish to pursue a 2 year FT-MBA program and move to Venture capital post-MBA.
MBA LiveWire
Applied 7/13, decision received 7/20.
I am waiting the Decision
16th June Applied/2nd July Invite/12th July Interview/22nd July Admit Letter