Executive Education
Programme
Global Executive MBA
Leading with Purpose in the Age of AI
Practical information
Type of programme
Full time
Duration
20 months
Tuition fees
€ 60,000 - Early Bird Offer: benefit from a €6,000 reduction until February 13th, 2026
Location
Belo Horizonte (Brazil), Dubai (UAE), Paris (France), Shanghai (China), Suzhou (China)
Language
English
Start date(s)
October
Admission level
High school + 3 years of study, Master degree, Doctoral
Degree
Master degree
Overview
Financial Times (2025) Rankings: 5th Best Executive MBA Worldwide
The Global Executive MBA at SKEMA Business School is a high-end programme aimed at experienced mid- to high-level leaders and managers, with significant professional experience since obtaining their degree, wishing to develop the skills, behaviours and leadership mindset to implement complex transformations.
It trains "comprehensive leaders" in the art of leading in global and multicultural environments increasingly marked by uncertainty, in which agility, mobility and a consciousness of the new challenges facing society are the base of successfully managing dilemmas and paradoxes.
Participants develop an ability to envision the way their own role fits into their organisation or business sector. The training renders them capable of choreographing transformation so that it becomes a driver of value creation.
Format: blended learning (in-person residential weeks, webinars and online modules). Only 20 days of physical presence on campus, to enable a better work-study balance.
Localisation: the Global Executive MBA programme includes four 5-day residential weeks on SKEMA's international campuses in Paris (France), Dubai (United Arab Emirates), Suzhou & Shanghai (China), and Belo Horizonte & Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). The remainder of the programme is delivered online in the form of live online webinars and self-study online classes.
Target audience: directors, middle or senior managers, and senior project managers wishing to advance their career, to change or contribute to the success of their company, or start a new business.
Is our Global Executive MBA right for you?
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The objectives of the Global Executive MBA, or GEMBA, at SKEMA are situated within the context of a globalised and digitalised world. The advent of Artificial Intelligence has created major shifts in the social and cultural norms underpinning our societies and our economies.
- Master interconnected business fundamentals. See the whole system, not just the parts. A solid skillset in all business-function areas to become confident in successfully managing all aspects of a company.
- Harness AI & data responsibly. Transform technology into a lever for ethical growth
- Embed sustainability at the core of strategy. For resilient, future-ready
leadership. Learn how to develop new sources of value creation to innovate and ensure sustainable company growth
- Lead with purpose, clarity, and authenticity to inspire teams and create lasting impact. Become a responsible leader who listens to stakeholders and is capable of engaging people from inside and outside the company to carry out the transformations needed to achieve the company's ambitions and to understand how the world is changing
A Programme Structure Designed for 21st Century Leaders
SKEMA’s Global EMBA combines strategic business mastery with a transformative leadership journey, blending intellectual rigour, technological insight, and human depth.
CORE BUSINESS FOUNDATIONS (fully online)
12 interconnected courses, the grammar of leadership:
- Accounting
- Finance
- Strategy
Sustainability - Data Management
- Artificial Intelligence
- Human Resource Management
- Organizational Behavior
- Supply Chain Management
- Marketing
- Innovation
- Management
- Macroeconomics
Finance and Strategy act as core business pillars, connecting insights across all business management disciplines. AI and Sustainability are woven into every course, from generative AI in Accounting to predictive finance, circular supply chains, and responsible innovation.
THE LEADERSHIP JOURNEY FROM SELF TO SYSTEM (in-person)
8 modules during the four Residential Weeks:
- Unlocking Your Inner Leader
- Uncovering Your Unique Talents
- Communicating & Inspiring
- Intercultural Intelligence
- Influence & Negotiation (Trust-based)
- Leading Teams as a Process
- Leading Across Generations (Inclusion & Sustainability)
- Leading Transformation (Courage & Resilience in Crisis)
PERSONALIZATION
Complement the core business courses with electives to tailor your learning to your strategic goals (Entrepreneurship, Project Management, Advanced AI & Data Management).
CAPSTONE PROJECT: A strategic and purpose-driven final project
The Capstone is the culmination of the GEMBA: a live, high-impact project addressing a real organisational or societal challenge.
It allows you to:
- Integrate business insights across disciplines
- Apply analytical rigour and creativity
- Deliver strategic recommendations for tangible change
Each project is mentored by a faculty advisor or expert coach and concludes with a professional defence before an academic and industry jury.
The Global Executive MBA at SKEMA is a blended programme that balances online and in-person learning through four residential weeks on SKEMA’s campuses in:
- France (Paris)
- Dubai (UAE)
- China (Suzhou & Shanghai)
- Brazil (Belo Horizonte & Rio de Janeiro)
In each of these weeks, participants are immersed into the respective local ecosystems to gain in-depth understanding of local business environments through cutting-edge classes, company visits, and exchanges with guest speakers, decision-makers and leaders representing innovative business practices.
They thus benefit from training that combines local and global practices, technology, and experience sharing. Armed with this exposure, Global Executive MBA graduates are equipped for emerging professions and ready for new horizons.
“One of the many reasons why I chose this programme was because of those residential weeks. I wanted to have this international exposure, and the cohort is very international. People come from different countries, backgrounds, and industries. It was interesting to learn how to work with this variety of people.”
"The residential weeks combine business, study, and cultural immersion, making the experience quite unique. I may visit the United States at other times, hopefully, but none of them will be like the week I experienced during the Global Executive MBA"
The SKEMA Global Executive MBA, or GEMBA, prepares programme participants for leadership responsibilities in an environment increasingly marked by uncertainty and the need to manage dilemmas and paradoxes. Participants will learn to be mobile, multicultural, agile, and conscious of the new challenges facing society.
The Executive MBA programme will allow them to develop the skills needed to lead and oversee their organisation's major value creation processes and, beyond the capacity to deal with complexity, it will afford them the tools and skills to forge their leadership.
[Music]
the globally MBA is a flagship program
at schema dedicated to train Executives
to face complexity in this fast-moving
environment it means that we would like
to give them a global perspective of the
different functions of the organization
beyond their educational background
their past experience Global for us is
the fact that we have students from more
or less all around the world also Global
means that we take them to different
locations where we have campuses outside
of France
four study trips for their Learning
Journey students come to our program
because they've kind of hit a wall
professionally because they have great
skills but not enough skills to take
them further up that career ladder they
need new tools updated knowledge to get
further a lot of them come because they
want to develop leadership competencies
the program is like a springboard to
take them onto their next level but
maybe even into a very very different
direction they come out of the program
with a very transformed mindset because
they come in thinking they want one
thing and they leave doing something
completely different professionally and
that's just wonderful
[Music]
thank you
[Music]
The SKEMA Global EMBA is the ultimate international classroom and provides a global learning experience at all levels. With participants coming from all continents, each cohort is made up of around 90% international profiles. Not only does it make for very dynamic class discussions; it also creates in-depth mutual understanding—of each other and of the global business environment.
Part of this global approach implies that our participants can follow the programme from everywhere. Our “hybrid” online and in-person approach allows them to learn both through live online classes and experience different aspects of global business environments during our four in-person residential weeks on six of SKEMA’s campuses. It also means that we have been able to develop a dynamic and globally active alumni network, throughout the world.
[Music]
the global emba is a blended program the
participants can follow the different
courses online but we also give them the
opportunity to meet all together four
times in four residential weeks study
trip is really to enable our
participants to experience how business
functions in different environments
we have done some residential weeks in
France this is the one from Canada in
Montreal and then the next one is going
to be in Brazil it's a mix of networking
and collaboration with my peers the
content path with a teacher the visits
of the business and of course a lot of
party they form friendships this is the
third residential week but now it's more
like a friendship
today we are visiting Metro Logistics
and we welcome them to this Dynamic site
and we do various types of activities
from transport warehousing to e-commerce
packaging it helps to illustrate all the
different concepts that I've been trying
to present to their theoretically over
the last few days practically I I saw
the process of delivery and the whole
Supply Chain management process from the
from the zero to the door of the
warehouse and how they actually deliver
the product to the faster and end user
and we met also with a HR manager of
aircon that it's always a great
opportunity to be able to talk with
people who are taking from time to think
about management about how a company
should be steered I guess that enriching
both for them and for us
[Music]
In all our courses, whether custom, delivered one-to-one or in a group setting, we place a particular emphasis on learning by doing. We focus on developing or honing skills so they can quickly be put to good use in the workplace.
The Executive MBA is a registered, state-approved training programme (RNCP level 7 in France; RNCP code: 34678. This registration in the French RNCP directory of professional certifications confirms that the qualification is state-recognised in France and that the training is adapted to the job market.
The Executive MBA is recognised by the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research as a master's degree (Bac +5, i.e. 5 years of higher education).
SKEMA's expert trainers
SKEMA Business School's expert trainers are selected according to four key criteria:
- professional experience as an expert in their field;
- a diverse background, working in France or abroad in multiple roles with a variety of responsibilities, for prominent companies in their industry;
- proven proficiency in teaching high-level professionals;
- expertise recognised by our Executive Education clients.
- A course leader is designated for all diploma and certificate courses. They oversee the programme, with feedback from the client, the learners and the faculty members. They guarantee the quality of the course delivery.
SKEMA Business School's quality certifications
SKEMA Business School is an internationally-recognised school which has earned a number of certifications, accreditations and accolades.
SKEMA was one of the very first schools to have obtained the brand-new global "EFMD Accredited Programme" label in November 2019, for its Global Executive MBA programme. The team of EFMD auditors underlined that this programme boasts all the advantages of SKEMA's "glocal" model:
- a unique multicultural dimension thanks to the school's seven campuses;
- an understanding of the challenges inherent in the globalisation and digitalisation of the economy;
- the internationalisation of the course's cohort, content and delivery.
SKEMA Executive has been listed in the French Datadock directory since 21 June 2017. This directory lists training providers that meet the quality standards required by the French state. SKEMA thus meets all the required quality criteria. Our school is referenced with all French bodies providing funding for professional development.
As a recognised non-profit private higher education establishment providing a public service (EESPIG label), SKEMA is exempt from the French Qualiopi certification. The French state deems that the accreditation processes applicable to higher education establishments are sufficient to ensure quality standards are met. SKEMA is considered to have met the quality certification requirement according to paragraph II of article L.6316-4 of the French Labour Code.
SKEMA Business School boasts other accreditations and certifications and has secured a place in both French and international rankings.
Participant and client satisfaction
Each programme is followed by a satisfaction survey. We pay particular attention to:
- the rate of overall satisfaction (88% on average in 2019/2020);
- the teaching methods;
- practical implementation in the workplace;
- the rate of recommendation via the Net Promoter Score® or NPS (excellent score of 56 in 2019/2020, demonstrating that our clients promote the brand and our courses).
For custom courses, regular performance reviews are conducted by a committee throughout the duration of each programme.
“The programme has been such a rewarding experience on both a professional and personal level. It has helped me develop an understanding of complex business concepts whilst broadening my perspective about life in general and global cultural issues. Through our meetings with local experts in different countries, I gained insights into how business is being conducted in a globalised economy.”
“The SKEMA Global Executive MBA was pivotal in helping me realise a project that was close to my heart: to create my own start-up in Australia. The programme gave me the knowledge, skills and confidence to consolidate my business plan. Through SKEMA Ventures, a service available to programme participants and designed to help you launch your entrepreneurial project in global contexts, I got in touch with Business Angels and received help in my pitch and Business Plan review. I launched my Nathalie Taquet company in 2019.”
“The SKEMA Global Executive MBA is a truly comprehensive, enriching and challenging programme. It provided me with invaluable tools to work successfully in an international environment. After graduating I went ahead to negotiate the first-ever government-to-government contract between The Netherlands and Norway. I am now a project manager and the Norwegian representative of a large joint project between the two nations.”
Rankings
Rankings
5 th
Best Executive MBA worldwide
19 th
Best Executive MBA, in Europe
4 th
Best Executive MBA in France
They talk about it
Testimonials
Since graduating, the impact on my career has been profound. I’ve taken on more strategic roles, confidently managing complex projects and leading diverse teams. The insights I gained into global business practices have allowed me to navigate challenges with a broader perspective and make more informed decisions. Personally, the programme instilled a deep sense of resilience and adaptability, enhancing my ability to thrive in uncertain situations.
The Global EMBA journey was insightful in every way, offering a deep dive into strategy, leadership, design thinking, and multicultural experiences. It was also highly challenging, as I attended all the residential weeks, visited SKEMA’s global campuses, and engaged with local communities, including major firms, startups, and incubators.
This programme isn’t for everyone, but if you’re determined to achieve your goals and advance your career, it’s an absolute must. You simply have to do it.
I completed this programme during the busiest period of my career. If I could manage it, anyone with the determination to succeed can, no matter how demanding their schedule might be.
Admission
Each year sees many candidates apply to join the SKEMA Business School Executive MBA programme. Here is what candidates need to know about the admission criteria and enrolment process.
Financing
The Executive MBA is a high-end training programme aimed at managers and experienced professionals. There are different financing solutions available to those wishing to take the programme.
Tuition fee : € 60,000
Early Bird Offer: benefit from a €6,000 reduction from November 25th, 2025 to February 13th, 2026 for any enrolment
Please note a processing fee of €120 is required at the time of applying.
To finance an Executive MBA, there are several solutions available to students either through the French government or directly through SKEMA Business School.
Scholarships
SKEMA offers several types of scholarships to finance the Executive MBA programme.
- Women in leadership.
- Excellence scholarship: for high-potential candidates who can prove their career progression.
- Global and international diversity: for those who can prove genuine international exposure in their work.
- Entrepreneurship: for entrepreneurs or those wishing to start their own business.
For further information, please contact the Recruitment Team for our Global Executive MBA, executive.mba@skema.edu.
CPF (French training fund)
The EMBA programme is eligible for state funding through the CPF (CPF code: 330007) and ATpro. The CPF is a French training fund available to 25 million eligible individuals, both employed and unemployed, to help finance continuing professional development over the course of their working life.
If necessary, SKEMA can help you prepare your application.
For more information, please contact the Recruitment Team for our Global Executive MBA, executive.mba@skema.edu.
Lendwise
Lendwise is a UK-based specialist loan provider regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) of the UK.
It offers flexible education loans designed specifically for postgraduate and executive education programmes, including the SKEMA Global Executive MBA (GEMBA).
Eligibility
Lendwise loans are available to international candidates who have received an offer of admission to the SKEMA GEMBA.
Please note that residents of France are not eligible to apply.
Eligibility and interest rates depend on factors such as:
- Country of residence and/or nationality
- Credit history and financial profile
- Current and future earnings potential
Please note that eligibility may vary by country, and not all applicants may qualify.
Visit the following site to find out more: https://lendwise.com/borrow/education-funding/univesity/skema-business-school/
Faculty
Contact us
If you would like to speak directly to our Admissions team
executive.mba@skema.edu
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