By Business & Finance 
UCD Smurfit Executive Development has secured a top 10 position in the 2026 Financial Times Executive Education Rankings, maintaining its long-standing leadership in Ireland while reinforcing its global reputation for high-impact executive learning.
For the second year in a row, UCD Smurfit Executive Development achieved a top 10 ranking, across schools with the UK and Ireland listed as their primary location, for its Open Enrolment and Custom Programmes in the 2026 Financial Times Executive Education Rankings.
UCD Smurfit Executive Development firmly remains with an elite group of business institutions that are among the most recognised in the world.
In the Open Enrolment ranking, Smurfit Executive Development continued in the number one position in Ireland, marking the 10th year in a row in this position. The programme is listed as 7th in the UK and Ireland, and joint 59th globally. The School achieved its highest ever overall satisfaction rating of 9.47 out of 10, which places it at 42nd globally in this category.
In the Custom Executive Education rankings, the School is ranked 9th in the UK and Ireland, and 73rd in the world. The Custom programmes also saw an increase in satisfaction rankings.
Tim Wray, Director, UCD Smurfit Executive Development, said, “In an increasingly competitive and dynamic global rankings landscape, where new entrants and shifting positions among the world’s leading business schools are now the norm, our consistent presence among the top institutions reflects the strength, relevance, and quality of our programmes.
We are particularly proud that our Open Enrolment programmes have once again been ranked number one in Ireland, a position we have proudly held for the past ten consecutive years. This sustained recognition reflects our long-standing commitment to supporting leaders and organisations with world-class development opportunities that drive real and lasting impact.”
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