Singapore Management University’s Finance Program Shines in Global Rankings

The Singapore Management University’s (SMU) Master of Science in Applied Finance (MAF) program has achieved remarkable recognition, securing the top position in Singapore, second in Asia, and 33rd globally in the 2026 QS Global Master’s in Finance Rankings. This marks a significant accomplishment as it is the program’s first appearance in these prestigious rankings, highlighting its quality among 248 evaluated programs across 47 global locations.

In addition to the MAF program’s success, the SMU MBA program also demonstrated strong performance. It moved up to fourth place in Asia in the 2026 QS Global MBA Ranking while maintaining its global position at 41st among 390 programs. This consistency underscores the university’s commitment to excellence in business education.

Recognition and Accreditation

Professor Bert De Reyck, Dean of the Lee Kong Chian School of Business (LKCSB) at SMU, commented on these achievements, stating, “These rankings reflect not only academic excellence but also SMU’s distinctive approach of marrying academic depth with real-world application.” He emphasized that the programs are designed to equip graduates with the skills necessary to excel in competitive global markets.

SMU’s LKCSB is noteworthy for being one of the youngest business schools globally and the only one in Singapore to have received the prestigious ‘Triple Crown’ accreditation in 2018. This accolade is awarded by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), AMBA, and the European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS), a status held by only a select number of business schools worldwide.

Expanding Horizons in Business Analytics

In the realm of business analytics, SMU’s Master of IT in Business (MITB) program has also excelled, ranking second in Asia and 25th worldwide in the 2026 QS Master’s in Business Analytics. This sustained excellence reinforces the program’s reputation, placing it among the top 25 of 201 evaluated programs across 39 locations, thereby addressing the growing need for professionals skilled in areas such as artificial intelligence and technology.

To further meet the increasing demand for cybersecurity experts, SMU has recently launched a new Cybersecurity track within the MITB program. This addition complements existing specializations in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science & Analytics, FinTech, and Digital Transformation, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for the evolving business landscape.

SMU’s postgraduate programs emphasize close industry engagement, allowing students to learn through real-world case studies from Asia and global best practices. The diverse faculty delivers interactive and seminar-style classes, providing students with ample opportunities to build networks and connect with influential business leaders.

The university is committed to regularly updating its curricula to reflect changes in both the business environment and society, ensuring that its graduates are equipped to navigate a rapidly changing global economy. The 2026 QS Global Rankings were released on September 17, 2025, and they evaluate programs based on a comprehensive set of weighted indicators, ensuring a rigorous assessment of educational quality worldwide.