Executive MBA
CBS EMBA’s unique programme design and real-world applicability provides the platform for you to navigate a turbulent global business environment and become a leader in business who can steer your organisation to sustainable impact and success.
WHY THE CBS EXECUTIVE MBA
Cutting-edge knowledge
Our world-class faculty operate at the intersection between research and the business world, complementing their academic knowledge with constant engagement with businesses to provide real-world applicability to their teaching. Classes are interactive, discussion-based with a heavy emphasis on case-based learning.
Grow with your peers
Financial Times ranks CBS EMBA 7th in the world for Work Experience, showing the seniority and depth of experience of the class. With rich diversity among students across industry, sector, and professional background, you can step out of your own work environment and be inspired to see business challenges from new perspectives.
Immediate impact
You will develop a holistic understanding of how a business works across the entire general management spectrum. You will tackle real world assignments based on genuine organisational challenges to practice new-found skills and generate immediate impact within your organisation and beyond.
Global outlook
With modules taking place in four cities globally, you will have the opportunity to learn about new business practices and new ways of working around the world, seen through the lens of the unique Nordic approach to sustainable management. These new perspectives will inspire your evolving leadership style.
Strategic mindset and agility
Our curriculum tackles the most pressing business challenges - from AI to geopolitics, and from sustainability to digitalisation, the
CBS EMBA turns disruption into your edge. Whether you aspire to the C-suite or broader leadership roles, the programme equips you with the strategic insight to thrive across your organisation - both vertically and horizontally.
Flexible & personalised
Designed for busy executives. the CBS EMBA lets you share your journey. Complete the journey in two years, or take a stepwise approach by progressing through four shorter Executive Certificates each with their own focus.
Learn the language of transformation
Executive MBA Information Meeting - 20th of August 2026
From 17.00 to 19.00 we invite you to visit our campus or participate virtually to learn more about the CBS Executive MBA and what life as an EMBA at CBS is like. You will be introduced to the programme by the Associate Dean of the Executive MBA programme, Professor Jesper Rangvid, and examples from the classroom by an EMBA Professor. Additionally, an EMBA graduate will share their experience.
BECOME AN AGILE AND RESILIENT LEADER.
WE EDUCATE NEXT-LEVEL LEADERS
STAY AHEAD
A WIDER VIEW
“The CBS Executive MBA programme has been a transformative journey that refined my executive leadership and strategic decision-making skills. It challenged me to navigate complex dilemmas, fostering my ability to tackle 'wicked' problems with confidence. The diverse network of ambitious colleagues I've connected with has not only led to lifelong friendships but has also enriched my perspective as a leader. ” Aleksandra Heleniak
Governance Director, Novo Nordisk, Class of 2024,
Financial Times Global Executive MBA Ranking
The CBS Executive MBA programme continues to excel in the Financial Times Global Executive MBA Ranking 2025 maintaining its position as one of the top Executive MBAs in the Nordic region.
CBS EMBA is recognised as #7 Globally for 'WORK EXPERIENCE’ in the Financial Times Global Executive MBA Ranking, highlighting the exceptional quality of the professionals, ensuring that networking and collaborative learning opportunities are the best in the world.
Graduates enjoy an impressive 48% average salary increase three years post-graduation.
In 'Research Rank' the programme is #33 based on faculty articles in respected academic journals.
SCANDINAVIAN EXCELLENCE
How we do business
Scandinavian businesses are renowned across the globe for their management style and culture. They deliver creativity, innovation and growth in a world that is increasingly fast-paced and data-driven. They consider the impact of business on society and on its people to be as important as profits. They seek out and thrive in diversity, unlocking the added potential it brings to teams and organisations.
CBS is founded on these values and our executive education is about more than just career acceleration. It is about inspiration, collaboration and building sustainable business practices now and for the future. EMBA participants learn how to tangibly approach sustainability, drive innovation and building resilience within their roles and organisations.
Intimate and interactive
The Scandinavian way is also part of what defines the classroom interaction and teaching environment of the Executive MBA. CBS EMBA students will be part of an intimate learning environment with robust and open discussions.
Professors become facilitators, guiding the conversation to encourage broad participation and interaction. This close network becomes your peers and your inspiration to support you through the learning journey.
Lifelong Learning
Applying a Scandinavian approach to business means that leaders never stop learning, growing, and trying new things. The EMBA is not just about the time you spend spend studying. When you invest in the programme, you invest in lifelong learning. Our Alumni Society is commited to creating opportunities for you to meet and share ideas; it will broaden your network and facilitate new relationships that can benefit you professionally as well as personally.
NEXT INTAKE: SEPTEMBER 2026
Be inspired by EMBA stories.
Learn more about the Executive MBA through participant and alumni testimonials, key insights from professors and partners and helpful information from the admissions team.
Building strategic confidence in an uncertain world with an EMBA from CBS
In a world marked by complexity and constant change, strategy is about more than grand plans. According to Professor Marie Louise Mors, it requires analytical…
Fresh perspectives: How an EMBA can add an extra career dimension
From technical expertise to strategic leadership – how an EMBA transformed one executive’s approach to business and opened new opportunities for growth.
The future of work sets new demands: How leaders can prepare themselves for a new era
Artificial intelligence and a new geopolitical reality will shape organisations and businesses. These challenges call for a different and more forward‑looking…
Bjørn Zabell: Empowering Global Leadership Through CBS EMBA
Bjørn Zabell’s journey through the Copenhagen Business School (CBS) Executive MBA (EMBA) programme exemplifies how a strategically designed EMBA, combined with…
YOUR LEADERSHIP & DEVELOPMENT
Executives with strong strategic knowledge and leadership skills are able to lead businesses through disruption.
Influence & Impact
Build resilience
Drive change
Real world-applicability & career impact
Create ROI from day one.
Using examples from real life, we let you apply your learnings directly to your role and your organisation. Projects and assignments, and in particular the final Integrated Strategy Project (the Thesis), allow you to identify a specific issue within your organisation that needs attention, analyse it and create a strategic solution and implementation plan.
So not only will this mean your newfound skills are more likely to stick, your organisation will see immediate ROI on their sponsorship.
Boost your salary.
The Financial Times Global Executive MBA Ranking 2025 reveals that CBS Executive MBA alumni increased their salaries by an average of 48% in the three years since graduating from the programme.
Meet your personal career goals.
As a CBS EMBA participant, you will have one-to-one access to our experienced CBS MBA Career Manager. You will be able to tailor-make your experience to receive help with career planning, goal setting, development opportunities and personal branding and networking. And you can also gain insight on how to leverage your EMBA in your current organisation. In the Financial Times ranking, CBS EMBA was ranked 39th in the world for Career Progress.
Get global insight.
Travelling abroad to study specific modules will give you first-hand knowledge about how businesses operate in some key international business hotspots. Gain an understanding of the culture and logistics of working with companies based in these and other global locations.
Develop trusted networks.
Increase your company's network thanks to the broad range of fellow participants and alumni you will meet. These are your business opportunities of the future.
10/10
10/10 participants say the CBS EMBA contributed to advancing their career (*CBS EMBA exit survey).
“In terms of leadership, it has prepared me much more. I’m now aware of the risks and the challenges involved in any business decision and that there aren’t always black and white decisions. You may believe that managers should have all the answers, but at Copenhagen Business School we learned through rigorous debate that there were often many shades of grey and that there were tools and mechanisms that you can employ to navigate the best way forward.” Mila Varela Chouciño
Head of Labour Relations, A.P. Moller - Mærsk
Value to the organisation
Invest in your organisation
Programme structure that makes a difference
Becoming invaluable assets
LEARN MORE
Valuable connections
When you meet your CBS EMBA class, you will not just be saying hello to your fellow participants, you will also be joining the prestigious and most extensive MBA network in Scandinavia.
Creating lifelong relationships with peers from across the world that you will trust and grow with will put you at an advantage when business opportunities and challenges arise.
Undertaking your EMBA is just the beginning of your journey with CBS. Upon graduation you become part of a prestigious network of Scandinavia’s largest MBA network, with access to distinguished business professionals across the globe, and access to continued lifelong learning opportunities provided by CBS.
Lifelong learning
When you invest in the programme you invest in lifelong learning. Our Alumni Society is committed to creating opportunities for you to meet and share ideas. Alumni have access to library resources and many make a commitment to stay engaged with the CBS community.
The Alumni Society meets regularly to keep up-to-date with business developments, to expand the network, and to simply bring fellow former and current MBA/EMBA participants together. The CBS MBA Alumni Society will broaden your network and facilitate new relationships that can benefit you professionally as well as personally. The value of a high-calibre network should never be underestimated.
NEXT INTAKE: SEPTEMBER 2026
RECOGNISED. RESPECTED. REWARDED.
The CBS Executive MBA belongs to an exclusive group of global business schools that hold a triple accreditation from the awarding bodies AMBA, EQUIS and AACSB. This sets us apart from our peers and ensures that an Executive MBA degree from CBS is recognised, respected and rewarded globally.
#7 in the world for ‘Work Experience’
9.08 out of 10 for Overall Satisfaction
48% salary increase on average
Global Rankings and Accreditations
The Association of MBA, AMBA
In 2007, CBS became the first university in Denmark to receive accreditation from the AMBA, underlining its international credibility and status. The number of MBA qualifications available worldwide is now in the thousands, but only a small percentage of these would achieve accreditation if they were submitted to AMBA’s rigorous international criteria.
Accreditation by the Association of MBAs identifies programmes as the best there is. In a crowded and complex market, the AMBA accreditation provides a reliable list of meticulously tested programmes and ensures that students' investments are rewarded with the finest business education available. Visit https://www.associationofmbas.com/
European Quality Improvement System, EQUIS
CBS has been accredited by EQUIS since 2000. The EQUIS accreditation is awarded to business schools based on general quality, taking into account the business school's level of internationalisation. EQUIS assesses institutions as a whole. It assesses not just degree programmes but all the activities and sub-units of the institution, including research, e-learning units, executive education provision and community outreach.
https://efmdglobal.org/accreditations/business-schools/equis/
The Association to Advance Collegiate School of Business, AACSB
In August 2011, CBS was the first school in Scandinavia to receive the AACSB accreditation. The accreditation standards are used as the basis to evaluate a business school’s mission, operations, faculty qualifications and contributions, programmes, and other critical areas. AACSB accreditation ensures students and parents that the business school is providing a top-quality education. It also ensures employers that AACSB-accredited business school graduates are ready to perform on day one.
Additionally, AACSB accreditation provides many benefits to the faculty and staff at its accredited schools by attracting higher quality students, providing greater research opportunities, and allowing for global recognition.
www.aacsb.edu
The Global Alliance in Management Education, CEMS
CEMS is a strategic alliance of leading business schools and multinational companies. Its first mission is to set a global standard of excellence for pre-experience Master’s in management. Founded in 1988 in Europe, CEMS provides the global league of leaders on the pre-experience Master’s market and it cannot be equalled in terms of reputation of its members: 28 world-class academic institutions collaborate together with over 70 corporate partners and 4 NGOs to offer international, postgraduate students a unique blend of high quality education and professional experience.
www.cems.org
Partnership in International Management, PIM
PIM, Partnership in International Management, is a consortium of leading international business schools, founded in 1973. Each member institution represents the highest degree of excellence in the fields of business administration and management, demonstrates leadership in their geographic region and delivers an MBA or a graduate-equivalent degree in management. www.pimnetwork.org
A MODULAR PROGRAMME FOR THE SEASONED PROFESSIONAL
The CBS EMBA has been designed for professionals seeking to strengthen agile leadership, build resilience, and sharpen strategic thinking. The programme progresses from understanding your organisation to driving growth through market insight, and finally to integrating core business disciplines for sustainable, strategic and long-lasting impact.
TERM 1: Understanding the organisation
Courses: Financial and Managerial Accounting, Reflexive Leadership, Corporate Sustainability, Digitalisation
TERM 2: Navigating the external landscape
Courses: Economics and Financial Markets, Leadership and Organisational Behaviour, Marketing, Supply Chain Management
TERM 3: Driving strategic impact
Courses: Corporate Finance, Leading Change, Strategic Management, Corporate Entrepreneurship
TERM 4: Personalise your EMBA with a Concentration
Digitalisation & AI
Giving you practical tools to drive change in the digital economy.
Learn to embrace innovation and harness the capabilities of digital technology to inform your strategic thinking and transform every area of business.
You will discuss the threats of disruption, new market entrants and global platform companies as well as learn how to use data to lead the way forward, how to motivate and manage a digital workforce, and how to act to prevent and control the damage of cyber attacks such as we have seen hitting large businesses in recent years.
Course examples: Digital Platforms, Artificial Intelligence in Organisations, Innovation Strategies in a Digital World, Digital Delivery Models
Governance & Sustainability
Understand the importance of corporate governance and sustainability for the leader of the future.
We will explore the need for strong leadership in understanding business risks and opportunities in an age of sustainability; compliance management and the importance of an ethical approach; the need to design production and supply systems in a more sustainable way as well as the need for leveraging finance and investing to expand long-term business contributions to a sustainable economy.
Course examples: Corporate Governance, Sustainable Corporate Governance, Sustainable Operations, Sustainable Finance
Entrepreneurship
Valuable tools for start-ups and established companies facing transformation.
Understand key aspects of the entrepreneurial journey along with frameworks and methods to help manage the inevitable uncertainty.
You will learn how to use design thinking to help articulate and map your entrepreneurial vision as well as how to create a value-driven business model, engage stakeholders in the process and build a platform strategy to shape the market around your innovation. We will use applied, hands-on projects and work through common challenges with innovation-driven start-ups in the entrepreneurship lab.
Course examples: Entrepreneurial Strategy, Platform Strategy, Entrepreneurship Lab, Engaging with Innovation Ecosystems
Finance
Understand how companies finance their operations and investments while simultaneously controlling risks and fulfilling the expectations of their stakeholders.
We will look at how entrepreneurs finance start-ups and how organisations raise funds both inside and outside of organised markets; the ways to control strategic and financial risks; how to value your own or another company; and how you can seize upon the opportunities provided by international financial markets.
Course examples: Private Equity & Venture Capital, Risk Management, Valuation & M&A, International Financial Management
Integrated Strategy project (Master thesis)
The journey culminates in your Integrated Strategy Project. You will be assigned two advisors (one academic and one external) and become part of a sparring group of 4 - 5 classmates where you identify a key strategic challenge within your organisation. Drawing on insights and tools from across the programme, you will design a strategy and implementation plan that creates tangible impact - delivering lasting value for your organisation and for your own development as a leader.
“Before, I found it hard to understand why we couldn’t get things moving, because it’s easy to sit at the other end of the business and not understand why things aren’t coming together. Now, I have a better appreciation and understanding of what it takes for the C-suite and a company to move the needle. That’s how I approach problems today.” Louise Vang Edwards
Head of Engineering, VP at COWI, Class of 2025
Programme content - a closer look
This is the programme for the current cohort.*Please note that changes to the curriculum may occur.
TERM 1
TERM 2
TERM 3
TERM 4: Concentration + Master thesis
LEARN. DEVELOP. LEAD.
“Accounting is the language of business, and my goal is to ensure that every EMBA participant - regardless of background - feels confident using financial insights to make strategic decisions. By applying real-world case studies and interactive learning methods, we can make accounting not just understandable, but indispensable. ” Bjørn N. Jørgensen
Professor, Financial and Managerial Accounting
THE STEPWISE APPROACH
Turning knowledge into practice
The different subject areas normally run over several classes, which provides the opportunity for you to put what you have learned in the classroom into practice, and then come back for the next class with the professor with insights into what has worked and what has not. This can then be shared and challenged in classroom discussions by other participants. Following every course there is an assessment, which will be designed in order for you to apply your learnings from the course in relation to your own work place. This brings your learning immediately to life and ensures immediate applicability in a real-life business setting.
Part-time format
The part-time nature of the CBS Executive MBA has been designed for professionals to work towards their MBA degree while remaining in employment. This requires, on average, between 3 to 5 days out of the office each month, or an approximate total of 75 days out of the office over the 2 year programme. This part-time format allows students to immediately implement their learnings into their daily work. Beyond classroom time, EMBA students are expected to complete fairly substantial course work outside the classroom, including pre-readings and assessments. The CBS Executive MBA is a transformational and rewarding experience, but it also requires a whole-hearted commitment of time and energy from students.
The EMBA class outlook
One of the standout features of the Executive MBA at CBS is the network and classroom of peers that will be by your side for the two-year learning journey. This group of high-achieving and experienced classmates will challenge and inspire you to reach new heights in your professional and personal development.
Experienced
The CBS EMBA cohort are seasoned professionals with an impressive depth of business knowledge, with 16 years of work experience on average. CBS is ranked 7th in the world by Financial Times in the EMBA Rankings 2025 for 'Work Experience,' illustrating the seniority and credentials that the class brings. Engaging with such a group will spur you on to develop your own confidence and leadership skills.
Diverse
The classroom brings together professionals from diverse backgrounds, with the class evenly spread across different industries and functions. The highly interactive classroom environment allows students to see business challenges from a totally new angle.
Supportive
The CBS Executive MBA classroom acts as a supportive environment where classmates can step outside of their own organisation and try new approaches to business problems, without the consequences that can be present in a workplace environment. Classmates champion one another through the journey and provide a support network to learn and improve.
“Summing it all up, the biggest gain was the ability to see the big picture and understand the business more clearly. f specific courses, I can point to accounting and adaptive leadership that have aided me in this journey at the Port of Roenne, but it is the sum of overall development that toy go through during the EMBA education that makes a difference from just taking short courses ad hoc. I now have an extra gear to elevate myself and piece everything together. ” Jeppe La Cour
Chief Commercial Officer, The Port of Roenne, Class of 2023
Questions?
NEXT INTAKE: SEPTEMBER 2026
Admissions criteria
Admission to the CBS Executive MBA programme is highly competitive and our selection process is rigorous to secure only the highest calibre of participants. We assess each candidate on his or her current and potential abilities, and our admissions committee looks for evidence of academic excellence as well as professional achievements.
Your current role and job responsibilities combined with your commitment to studying will be closely examined during the admissions process.
Profile assesment
Before you begin the detailed process of applying, you may want to know if the programme is right for you. We are available to help with this critical step. Please send your resume and we will set up a meeting to evaluate your profile beforehand and make recommendations, as well as discuss any questions and concerns. Please email our EMBA Admission Managers to book a meeting or learn more.
When you are ready to apply, you will receive access to the online application portal where you can begin the formal application process. Completing a Profile Assessment is essential in order to be granted access to the Application Portal.
Do you have what we are looking for?
To join our leading Executive MBA programme, you will need the following:
- A bachelor degree or similar qualification from a university or business school* (An undergraduate degree or a Graduate Diploma in Business Administration – HD)
- A minimum of three years of managerial experience in projects, budgets, processes, or people over a continuous period
- Support from your organisation (financial support is encouraged but not obligatory)
- English language proficiency
- Open-mindedness, with a global perspective and commitment to diversity and inclusion
- Enthusiasm for learning and willingness to contribute in the classroom
* Applicants who have not gained a bachelor degree are expected to possess professional knowledge of business economics, macroeconomics, and statistics at a level equivalent to part 1 of the HD programme.
Admission process
Application form
You will need the completed application form, including:
- 2 recommendation letters (ideally one of these will be from your immediate line manager or equivalent)
- 6 short essay questions
- Copy of your diploma/academic certification and academic transcripts
- CV
- Signed copy of Terms & Conditions letter
Upon submission of your application, the CBS EMBA Admission Board will assess your application and decide whether to invite you for the admission test and interview. This decision will usually be made within 1-2 weeks after application submission.
Admission test
We recommend applicants to take the CBS internal admission test, which can be done either in person on campus, or online, at no cost to the applicant. This test has been designed specifically to reflect the requirements to succeed academically in an EMBA programme.
We do accept GMAT or the Executive Assessment as alternatives to the CBS internal admission test. GMAT or Executive Assessment scores are valid for up to 5 years from the original test date. Feel free to contact us to see whether your score meets our requirements.
Admission interview
The interview can be conducted either in person on CBS campus, or online, depending on the applicant’s preference and location. The interview will be 1 hour, conducted by a member of the CBS EMBA Admissions Board.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and we encourage you to apply as soon as you have made your decision.
Application deadlines
Please note that we accept applications on a rolling basis, but we recommend applying as early as possible to secure a seat.
For the September 2026 intake:
Application Round 1: 18 January 2026
Application Round 2: 29 March 2026
Application Round 3: 21 June 2026
Final Application Round: 7 August 2026
Financing your Executive MBA
The tuition fee for the CBS Executive MBA programme is DKK 442,000* payable in five instalments over two budget years.
When taking the step-wise approach known as the CBS Executive Certificates the cost is as outlined below and individual invoices, are issued in connection with sign up for each certificate:
- Executive Certificate – General Management (September start): DKK 108,000*
- Executive Certificate – Exploring Business Potentials (January start): DKK 127,000*
- Executive Certificate – Leading Strategic Execution (August start): DKK 133,000*
- Concentration of own choice (February-March) + Integrated Strategy Project (Thesis) (January + April-October): DKK 109,000*
*Fees exclude course textbooks, hotel accommodation and all flight tickets. For non-EU/EØS citizens an additional 17.200 DKK is charged (levied by the Danish government).
**Tuition fee is subject to change - in price and in the planning of the programme as needed.
For more information about the tuition fee and pricing structure, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Financing your EMBA via gross salary deductions
If you are employed in Denmark, you may be able to finance your EMBA through salary deductions at source (known as gross pay schemes, salary restructuring or flexible pay package).
With this scheme, the cost of tuition will initially be paid by your employer and subsequently come out of your gross salary before taxes.
More information on the gross salary deduction scheme can be found on the Danish Tax Authorities' homepage (only in Danish):
Bruttolønsordning (lønomlægning, fleksibel lønpakke) - skat.dk
Arbejdsgiverbetalt uddannelse - skat.dk
Company sponsorship
Executive MBA participants tend to be partially or fully sponsored through their employers. We do not require a formal declaration of support from your employer, but it is important to get your employer's approval particularly when it comes to taking time away from work.
The Executive MBA will provide many benefits for you as well as your employer. If you would like support to build a convincing business case we will be happy to help, providing you with compelling results and solid evidence based on past participant performance.
NEXT INTAKE: SEPTEMBER 2026
Meet us in-person
Visit us on-campus and experience our modern and state-of-the-art building, meet and discuss with our Admissions Managers and get a feel for the CBS Executive MBA experience.
Book an in-person meeting
Meet us online
Can't get to us? No problem - we are available to arrange a virtual face-to-face meeting instead.
Book an virtual meeting
Meet us on your home turf
We travel to attend fairs, conferences and other events located around the globe. Take the opportunity to meet with us on the road and learn more about the EMBA, the unique senior executive network you will gain access to and how the learning experience could propel your career to the next level.
*** new travel locations will be added soon.
Executive MBA Information Meeting - 11th of June 2026
From 17.00 to 19.00 we invite you to visit our campus or participate virtually to learn more about the CBS Executive MBA and what life as an EMBA at CBS is like. You will be introduced to the programme by the Associate Dean of the Executive MBA programme, Professor Jesper Rangvid, and examples from the classroom by an EMBA Professor. Additionally, an EMBA graduate will share their experience.
