Entrepreneurship may come naturally to a few, but for most, it’s a skill that can be nurtured, taught, and strengthened. Across Europe, universities and business schools are stepping up their game to equip students with entrepreneurial know-how, offering specialised programmes, startup incubators, funding opportunities, and access to influential alumni networks.
For this article, we’ve compiled a list of the 30 best universities and business schools in Europe for aspiring entrepreneurs. Each institution featured here stands out for its commitment to entrepreneurship education. The list is presented by country in alphabetical order for easy reference.
Denmark
Copenhagen Business School is a business-focused university based in Frederiksberg, with more than 21,000 students, 670 full-time academic staff, 220 PhD candidates, and 650 administrative employees. It offers a broad selection of programmes at undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and executive levels, with instruction available in both English and Danish.
Students interested in entrepreneurship can pursue the Master’s in Organisational Innovation and Entrepreneurship. In addition, CBS runs an entrepreneurship platform that brings together research, teaching, and engagement with business leaders. This platform helps strengthen links between academic knowledge and entrepreneurial activity within Denmark and across the Nordic region.
France
Edhec Business School is a leading French institution with campuses in Lille, Nice, Paris, London, and Singapore. Known for its strong academic foundation and applied research, EDHEC offers a wide range of business programmes, including Bachelor’s, Master’s, MBA, and executive education courses, with a focus on preparing students for international careers in business and finance.
Ranked among the top 10 business schools in Europe by the Financial Times, EDHEC places a strong emphasis on entrepreneurship and innovation. The school offers a Master’s in Entrepreneurship and Innovation and supports early-stage ventures through the EDHEC Entrepreneurs incubator. Students benefit from mentoring, access to investors, and a dynamic alumni network that includes a growing number of successful founders.
EMlyon Business School is a long-established institution with a strong focus on entrepreneurship and innovation. Headquartered in Lyon, it also has campuses in Paris, Saint-Étienne, Shanghai, Mumbai, and Casablanca, offering students international exposure and a global perspective on business education.
Ranked 11th in Europe by the Financial Times in 2024, Emlyon is renowned for its entrepreneurial focus. The school offers a Master of Science in Global Innovation & Entrepreneurship, designed to equip students with the skills to lead innovative ventures. Additionally, Emlyon’s incubator supports students in launching startups, providing mentorship and resources to transform ideas into successful businesses.
Essec Business School is a prestigious French institution specialising in business and management education, founded in 1907. With campuses in Cergy (near Paris), La Défense, Singapore, and Rabat, ESSEC offers a global perspective and a diverse learning environment.
Entrepreneurship and innovation are central to ESSEC’s mission. The school supports aspiring entrepreneurs through initiatives like the MSc CENTRALE-ESSEC Entrepreneurs programme, which combines academic coursework with practical experience in venture creation. Additionally, ESSEC Ventures, the school’s incubator, has facilitated the launch of numerous startups by offering mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities.
HEC Paris Business School is a leading business school specialising in management education and research. It offers a wide portfolio of programmes, including Master’s degrees, an MBA, PhD, Executive MBA, the TRIUM Global Executive MBA, and both open-enrolment and customised executive education courses. The school has a faculty of 115 professors and serves over 4,000 students, alongside more than 8,500 professionals participating in executive training annually.
Recognised as one of the top three business schools in Europe by the Financial Times and consistently ranked among the global top 10 for its MBA programme in 2024, HEC Paris maintains a strong focus on entrepreneurship and innovation. Its alumni have founded more than 5,000 startups worldwide, reflecting the school’s deep entrepreneurial impact. Notable graduates include Céline Lazorthes, founder of Leetchi Group, and Stanislas Niox-Château, co-founder of Doctolib—underlining HEC’s active role in shaping the global startup landscape.
INSEAD is an international business school with campuses in France, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, and San Francisco. Each year, the school welcomes around 1,300 participants across its MBA, Global Executive MBA, and specialised Master’s programmes—such as the Executive Master in Finance and the Executive Master in Change—as well as its PhD programme.
Its ‘Entrepreneurship at INSEAD’ initiative provides one of the most comprehensive collections of entrepreneurship courses among top institutions. The INSEAD Centre for Entrepreneurship (ICE) complements this with a Startup Bootcamp, Entrepreneurs-in-Residence programme, venture competitions, and a wide range of support structures for aspiring founders. To date, INSEAD alumni have founded over 4,000 startups globally, underscoring the school’s global reach and impact in the entrepreneurial space.
Established in 1819, ESCP Business School is recognised as the world’s oldest business school. With campuses in Paris, London, Berlin, Madrid, and Torino, it embodies a distinctly European identity while offering a global perspective on management and entrepreneurship. The school delivers a wide range of programmes across its campuses, combining academic theory with practical exposure to international business environments.
Ranked 5th in Europe by the Financial Times and listed among the top 30 MBA programmes worldwide, ESCP places a strong emphasis on entrepreneurship. The school offers a Master’s in Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Innovation, as well as an Executive Master’s in Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurial Leadership. Through various initiatives—including incubators, accelerators, and entrepreneurship-focused electives—ESCP supports students in developing entrepreneurial skills and launching new ventures within a diverse, cross-border ecosystem.
Germany
Technical University Munich is one of Germany’s top research institutions, serving around 42,000 students. Known for its scientific excellence and innovation-driven approach, TUM fosters entrepreneurship through integrated programmes and support services.
Ranked among the top 30 universities worldwide by Times Higher Education in 2025, TUM supports founders through its TUMentrepreneurship initiative, Venture Labs, and the TUM Entrepreneurship Centre. To date, nearly 2,000 startups have emerged from TUM, reflecting the university’s strong commitment to entrepreneurial education and venture support.
The Universität Mannheim is renowned for its excellence in economics, social sciences, and business studies. Its Business School, housed within the historic Mannheim Palace, offers a range of programmes including Bachelor’s, Master’s, and MBA degrees, all designed to provide a strong academic foundation and practical skills for the global business environment.
Entrepreneurship is a key focus at the university, supported by initiatives such as the Mannheim Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (MCEI), which offers courses, coaching, and networking opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs. Additionally, student-led organisations like thinc! Provide incubator programmes and mentoring to help students develop and launch their own startups.
WHU Otto Beisheim School of Management is a private business school with campuses in Vallendar and Düsseldorf. It offers a focused portfolio of programmes, including Bachelor’s degrees, a Master’s in Management, a Master’s in Finance, a full-time and part-time MBA, and the Kellogg-WHU Executive MBA. The school is recognised for its academic rigour and strong ties to the business community.
Ranked among the top 20 business schools in Europe by the Financial Times, WHU has built a strong reputation for entrepreneurship. It hosts the annual IdeaLab! – a student-led conference that brings together founders, investors, and industry experts. Its alumni include notable entrepreneurs such as Oliver Samwer, co-founder of Rocket Internet, and Robert Gentz, co-founder of Zalando.
Ireland
Trinity Business School, part of Trinity College Dublin, is an internationally oriented institution offering a full range of business programmes across undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive levels. Founded in 1925, the school combines academic research with industry engagement and maintains a strong focus on developing practical business skills.
Ranked among the top 30 business schools in Europe by the Financial Times in 2024, Trinity Business School has built a reputation for fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. Its Master’s in Entrepreneurship equips students with the tools and experience needed to launch or support new ventures, blending academic content with hands-on learning in a dynamic business environment.
Italy
Politecnico di Milano is a leading scientific and technological university in Italy, known for training engineers, architects, and designers. The university places a strong emphasis on research excellence and educational innovation, fostering collaboration between academia and industry through applied research and technology transfer.
Its entrepreneurship offering includes Master’s programmes such as “Innovation and Entrepreneurship” and “Entrepreneurship and Startup Development.” These programmes are designed to equip students with practical skills and strategic insight to develop new ventures or drive innovation within existing organisations. Politecnico also collaborates with other top European universities, offering students access to a wide network of academic and industry partners.
SDA Bocconi School of Management offers a wide range of programmes, including full-time and Executive MBAs, specialised Master’s degrees, and executive education. The school, founded in 1971, is internationally accredited by AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS, reflecting its global standard in business education.
Ranked among the top 10 business schools in Europe and home to the 4th best MBA programme in the world according to the Financial Times, SDA Bocconi places a clear emphasis on entrepreneurship and innovation. Through initiatives like the Master in Imprenditorialità e Strategia Aziendale (MISA) and corporate entrepreneurship tracks, the school prepares students to launch ventures or lead innovation in established organisations.
Netherlands
Delft University of Technology is one of the Netherlands’ most prominent institutions, with a strong focus on engineering, science, and innovation. With eight faculties and over 30 English-language Master’s programmes, TU Delft plays a key role in advancing technology and scientific research for societal benefit. It is regularly listed among the top 100 universities in the world.
Entrepreneurship at TU Delft is integrated across disciplines, with entrepreneurship courses available as electives for MSc and PhD students. Those pursuing technology-based ventures can opt for the Master Annotation Entrepreneurship programme. In collaboration with YES!Delft, the Valorisation Centre, and Delft Enterprises, the Delft Centre for Entrepreneurship (DCE), connect students, researchers, and entrepreneurs, forming a vibrant innovation ecosystem that supports startup creation and growth.
The Erasmus University Rotterdam is a highly international institution with strong ties to the city of Rotterdam and its surrounding region. Known for its focus on economics, management, medicine, law, and the social sciences, the university offers a range of Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes, including degrees in Business Administration taught by experts in entrepreneurship and management.
Recognised among the top 20 business schools in Europe in 2024 by the Financial Times, Erasmus University also promotes international exposure through exchange programmes and partnerships with other leading European institutions. Its alumni network includes influential figures such as Jeroen van der Veer, former CEO of Royal Dutch Shell, highlighting the university’s impact on leadership and business innovation.
The University of Amsterdam is one of Europe’s largest and most comprehensive universities, with approximately 30,000 students, 5,000 staff members, and a budget exceeding €600 million. It has built a strong international reputation for both fundamental and applied research across a wide range of disciplines.
In the area of entrepreneurship, UvA offers a dedicated Master’s in Entrepreneurship, developed in collaboration with Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. The programme is complemented by initiatives such as the annual UvA Startup Market, where students showcase their ventures and connect with investors and the startup community. The university’s entrepreneurial spirit is reflected in its alumni, who include the co-founders of successful startups such as Virtuagym and Lepaya.
Spain
Esade Business School is a globally oriented academic institution with campuses in Barcelona and Madrid, focused on advancing innovation and social impact through education and research in management and law. The school integrates academic excellence with ethical leadership, aiming to foster meaningful change across society and the business world. They have been the launchpad for over 1,600 startups.
Ranked among the top 20 European business schools in 2024 by the Financial Times, Esade offers a Master’s in Innovation and Entrepreneurship and runs various initiatives through the Esade Entrepreneurship Institute. These programmes provide students with the tools, networks, and support to develop new ventures and contribute to a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem.
IE Business School is an international institution dedicated to educating business leaders through programs grounded in global focus, entrepreneurial spirit, and a humanistic approach. Its faculty of over 500 professionals teaches a diverse student body representing more than 90 nationalities. The school offers a range of programs, including its International MBA, which features specialised labs such as the Startup Lab. This lab immerses students in an incubator-like environment, preparing them for the IE Venture Lab or to launch their own ventures post-graduation.
In the 2024 Financial Times rankings, IE Business School was placed 10th among European business schools. Its Global MBA program was ranked 20th worldwide. Additionally, IE’s Global Online MBA has consistently secured the top position globally, reflecting the school’s commitment to innovative and flexible business education.
IESE Business School is an internationally recognised institution committed to developing responsible leaders with a global outlook based in Barcelona. Its programmes aim to provide a broad, strategic perspective on business while fostering personal and professional growth. The school integrates entrepreneurship throughout its curriculum, encouraging students to apply innovative thinking in a wide range of industries and contexts.
Ranked as the best business school in Europe by the Financial Times and fourth worldwide for its MBA programme in 2024, IESE places entrepreneurship at the core of its educational model. Around 30% of IESE graduates launch their own ventures within five years, and alumni entrepreneurs have collectively raised over €1 billion in funding, reflecting the school’s influence in shaping the European startup landscape.
Sweden
KTH Royal Institute of Technology is one of Europe’s foremost technical universities, widely recognised for its strong focus on engineering, technology, and innovation. With over 13,000 full-time students, 1,700 PhD candidates, and around 3,600 staff, KTH plays a key role in advancing Sweden’s knowledge economy and nurturing future innovators. According to Dealroom, close to 1,600 startups have emerged from its alumni, underscoring its role as a key driver of innovation and entrepreneurship in Sweden.
Among its academic offerings is a well-established Master’s programme in Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management. This programme is designed to equip students with the skills to identify opportunities, develop business models, and lead innovation-driven projects, making KTH a strong choice for aspiring tech entrepreneurs.
The Stockholm School of Economics is a leading business school in the Nordic region, offering Bachelor’s, Master’s, MBA, PhD, and executive education programmes. All courses are taught in English, and the school is EQUIS-accredited and a member of CEMS, reinforcing its international outlook and academic standards.
Entrepreneurship is actively supported through initiatives like the SSE Business Lab, which has helped launch over 300 startups, including Klarna and Voi. The school also runs the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Business Creation and collaborates with the Stockholm School of Entrepreneurship to offer cross-disciplinary innovation programmes.
Switzerland
The Institute for Management Development (IMD) is a globally recognised institution based in Lausanne, specialising in executive education, leadership development, and business transformation. Ranked among the top business schools in Europe, IMD is known for its focus on real-world impact and close engagement with international business leaders
Entrepreneurship is integral to IMD’s mission. The school supports entrepreneurial initiatives through its Social Entrepreneurship Initiative and the IMD Entrepreneurship Community (ACE), which connects alumni with innovators, investors, and industry leaders. These platforms provide resources and networks to foster innovation and drive positive societal change.
United Kingdom
The Imperial College Business School is a globally renowned institution consistently ranked among the top 10 universities in the world. Specialising in science, engineering, medicine, and business, the university is dedicated to advancing knowledge and finding solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Its cross-disciplinary approach encourages collaboration between research, industry, and society.
Within Imperial College Business School, the Master’s in Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Management is tailored for students aiming to launch ventures or drive innovation in established organisations. The programme blends academic theory with practical experience, benefiting from Imperial’s broader innovation ecosystem and close ties with London’s vibrant startup scene.
London Business School is consistently ranked among the top 10 business schools globally and is recognised for its excellence in research and executive education. With campuses and programmes in London, New York, Hong Kong, and Dubai, LBS attracts students from over 130 countries, preparing them to navigate and lead in complex global markets.
Entrepreneurship is a key focus area at LBS. The school offers dedicated initiatives such as “The Entrepreneurial Edge” programme, the Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and the LBS Entrepreneurship Club. These platforms provide students with the opportunity to develop business ideas, connect with investors, and engage in the wider startup ecosystem.
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is a world-leading university specialising in the social sciences, located in the heart of London, founded in 1895. It offers over 40 undergraduate and more than 140 postgraduate programmes across disciplines such as economics, politics, sociology, and management. In 2025, LSE was named University of the Year by The Times and The Sunday Times, surpassing Oxford and Cambridge in UK rankings.
The LSE Generate initiative provides year-round support to students and alumni through funding, mentorship, and accelerator programmes. The school also offers specialised programmes like the MSc in Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship and the Executive MSc in Social Business and Entrepreneurship, equipping students with the skills to launch and scale ventures that address global challenges. According to a study by Dealroom, over 4,000 startups have been created at LSE.
UCL – University College London was founded in 1826, and it is one of the UK’s most prestigious and research-intensive universities. Located in central London, UCL offers a broad range of programmes across disciplines and fosters a diverse, global academic environment. In 2025, it was ranked 22nd in the world by Times Higher Education, reflecting its continued excellence in education and research.
Entrepreneurship is an integral part of UCL’s ecosystem. The UCL School of Management offers an MSc in Entrepreneurship, while UCL Innovation & Enterprise supports student founders through mentoring, funding opportunities, and the Hatchery incubator at BaseKX. Over the past five years, UCL has supported the creation of over 2,400 startups, raising more than £355 million and creating over 1,900 jobs.
The University of Cambridge is one of the world’s most prestigious research institutions, comprising 31 Colleges and over 150 departments, faculties, and schools. With a mission to advance education, learning, and research at the highest international standards, Cambridge has long been a centre of academic excellence and innovation.
Entrepreneurship plays a significant role in the university’s ecosystem. Cambridge offers a Master’s in Entrepreneurship through the Cambridge Judge Business School and supports founders through the Cambridge Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning. The university’s alumni network includes the co-founders of notable tech companies such as DeepMind, Improbable, and PROWLER.io, reflecting Cambridge’s influence on the global startup landscape.
The University of Edinburgh is a leading academic institution in Scotland, known for its commitment to research excellence and addressing contemporary business challenges. Through its Business School, the university prepares future leaders to navigate a rapidly evolving global economy shaped by technological change, economic uncertainty, and resource constraints.
As part of its focus on innovation, the university offers a Master’s in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. The programme equips students with the knowledge and practical tools needed to pursue careers in business development, startup management, and venture creation, making Edinburgh a strong choice for those aiming to launch or grow entrepreneurial initiatives.
The University of Manchester is globally recognised for its excellence in teaching and groundbreaking research. With 25 Nobel Prize winners among its current and former staff and students, the university has a long tradition of innovation, pioneering achievements such as splitting the atom and discovering graphene.
In the field of entrepreneurship, the university has supported the creation of 1,692 startups. They offer a Master’s in Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship, providing students with the skills to turn ideas into viable business ventures. The university also supports a thriving entrepreneurial community through “Manchester Entrepreneurs,” a student-led organisation that fosters creativity, collaboration, and leadership among future business innovators.
The University of Oxford is one of the world’s most renowned academic institutions, attracting 22,000 students from over 140 countries. Its diverse and intellectually rich environment fosters a global perspective, making it a dynamic place to study and conduct research across disciplines.
Oxford is also recognised as one of Europe’s most entrepreneurial universities, leading the UK in university spin-outs with over 200 companies founded to date. Students have access to a wide range of entrepreneurial resources, including the “Building a Business” lecture series, startup incubators, innovation challenges, and the Oxford Foundry. Initiatives like Enterprising Oxford further support students in turning ideas into impactful ventures.
Read the orginal article: https://www.eu-startups.com/2025/05/top-30-europes-best-universities-and-business-schools-for-aspiring-entrepreneurs/
