CQU MBA programs continue global rise in 2026 rankings
CQUniversity has reinforced its reputation for excellence in business education, maintaining a prestigious Tier One status in the CEO Magazine 2026 Global MBA Rankings.
The University’s online Master of Business Administration has retained its strong global position at number 33, while the hyperflexible Master of Business Administration (Leadership) has climbed six places to number 34 - up from number 40 in 2025.
The results highlight CQUniversity’s commitment to delivering high-quality, flexible education and an outstanding student experience.
CEO Magazine evaluates MBA programs using fact-based criteria including quality of faculty, international diversity, accreditation, faculty-to-student ratio, price, work experience, professional development, gender parity and delivery methods - providing a consistent global benchmark.
CQUniversity’s School of Business and Law (SBL) Deputy Dean of Learning and Teaching, Associate Professor Stephanie Macht, said the latest results highlighted the sustained strength of the University’s MBA offerings.
“I am delighted to see CQUniversity maintain its Tier One status while continuing to perform strongly in a highly competitive global landscape,” Assoc Prof Macht said.
“These results reflect the dedication of our staff and our ongoing focus on delivering flexible, high-quality programs that meet the needs of modern learners.”
Academic Lead of Postgraduate Studies and Head of Course for both CQU MBAs, Dr Anja Pabel said the improved ranking of the MBA (Leadership) demonstrated the impact of innovative program design.
“Our continued rise in the rankings is a testament to the strength of our hyperflexible model and its appeal to students balancing study with professional and personal commitments,” Dr Pabel said.
“We are proud to offer a program that is not only accessible, but also deeply relevant to today’s leadership challenges.”
SBL Acting Dean Professor Stephen Colbran said the results reinforced the University’s focus on continuous improvement.
“We are committed to delivering MBA programs that equip our graduates with the skills, knowledge and confidence to lead in an increasingly complex global business environment,” Prof Colbran said.
“Our strong and consistent performance in these rankings reflects our emphasis on innovation, flexibility and real-world application.”
Full details of the rankings are available via the CEO Magazine website.
