UVic MBA in Sustainable Innovation ranked #1 in Canada for third consecutive year, rises to #6 globally

UVic’s Gustavson School of Business continues to earn international recognition for its leadership in sustainable business education. Its MBA in Sustainable Innovation has maintained its position as Canada’s top-ranked program while advancing to #6 globally in Corporate Knights’ 2026 Better World MBA Ranking. The results reflect Gustavson’s commitment to preparing business leaders to address complex global challenges through innovative and sustainable approaches.

“This recognition speaks to more than the strength of our MBA program; it reflects the values that guide everything we do at Gustavson,” says Dean Bruno Silvestre. “We are committed to rethinking how business can contribute to a sustainable and inclusive world. These values extend well beyond our MBA classroom, informing our approach to transformative education, impactful research and meaningful engagement, and inspiring the next generation of responsible business leaders.”

Corporate Knights evaluated 179 business schools based on the sustainability content of their core courses and the impact of their alumni, measured by the number of recent graduates employed by organizations making positive environmental or social contributions.

“We’re looking to find out what’s genuinely being embedded in these programs,” says Althea Reyes, senior research analyst at Corporate Knights. “Are the schools truly offering sustainable business education, regardless of the latest headwinds?”

The rankings also recognize Gustavson's undergraduate business education. The school's Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) program placed seventh among Canadian business schools in Corporate Knights' Better World undergraduate ranking.

“This recognition reflects our commitment to embedding sustainability into everything we do and preparing business leaders to tackle complex global challenges through financial, environmental and social responsibility,” says Cheryl Mitchell, academic director of the MBA in Sustainable Innovation. “We are continually evolving our approach, incorporating new themes such as regeneration and Reconciliation to help graduates drive innovation and lead the transition to more sustainable and regenerative business models.”

Corporate Knights recognized Gustavson’s collaborative, interdisciplinary approach to learning, which brings together students from diverse professional backgrounds to solve complex challenges. It also highlighted graduates who are leading sustainability initiatives, launching consulting businesses and advancing projects that address issues such as food waste and mining emissions, demonstrating the program’s real-world impact across industries.

The MBA in Sustainable Innovation combines real-world business experience with a focus on sustainability and responsible leadership. Through hands-on consulting projects, case studies, global competitions and immersive learning trips, students gain insight into how leading businesses are addressing complex challenges. Graduates leave prepared to put new ideas into action and help shape a more sustainable future.