Singapore Management University’s Finance Programs Achieve Top Rankings

Singapore Management University (SMU) has made significant strides in global academic rankings, achieving top positions in the 2026 QS Global Master’s in Finance Rankings. The university’s Master of Science in Applied Finance (MAF) program debuted at an impressive 1st place in Singapore, 2nd in Asia, and 33rd worldwide. This achievement highlights SMU’s commitment to excellence in finance education, as it competed against 248 programs evaluated across 47 locations.

In addition to the MAF program, SMU’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) program also showed remarkable performance, improving its position to 4th in Asia in the 2026 QS Global MBA Rankings. It maintained a solid 41st place globally among 390 evaluated MBA programs, demonstrating consistent quality despite an increase in the number of programs assessed by Quacquarelli Symonds.

Commitment to Real-World Application

Professor Bert De Reyck, Dean of SMU’s Lee Kong Chian School of Business, emphasized that these rankings reflect more than just academic excellence. He stated, “These rankings reflect not only academic excellence, but also SMU’s distinctive approach of marrying academic depth with real-world application.” This approach prepares graduates with the skills and confidence needed to excel in competitive global markets.

The Lee Kong Chian School of Business is recognized as one of the youngest business schools globally and the only institution in Singapore to receive ‘Triple Crown’ accreditation in 2018. This prestigious status, granted by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), AMBA, and European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS), is held by a select group of business schools internationally.

Excellence in Business Analytics

In the field of business analytics, SMU’s Master of IT in Business (MITB) program secured 2nd place in Asia and 25th worldwide in the 2026 QS Master’s in Business Analytics rankings. This program’s sustained excellence is reflected in its ability to equip graduates with essential skills in rapidly evolving fields such as artificial intelligence and technology.

To address the increasing demand for cybersecurity professionals, SMU has recently launched a new Cybersecurity track within the MITB program. This addition complements existing specializations in areas like Data Science & Analytics, FinTech, and Digital Transformation, ensuring students are well-prepared for current market needs.

SMU’s postgraduate programs emphasize close collaboration with industry leaders. Students engage with real-world case studies from across Asia and gain insights from best practices of global companies. The faculty, comprised of an internationally diverse group, delivers interactive and seminar-style classes that foster networking opportunities with prominent leaders in the business community.

With a commitment to continually enhancing its curricula, SMU ensures that graduates are ready to navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing global economy. The 2026 QS rankings, released on September 17, 2025, are based on a rigorous assessment of various indicators that measure the quality of university programs worldwide, underscoring SMU’s position as a leader in higher education.