If you’re already in the midst of your career and are interested in climbing the ladder out of middle management, it might be time to head back to school. More and more executives are taking the time to earn an MBA, and the benefits of doing so are numerous, including increased salary, promotions, new job offers and global networks of other top professionals in your field. Before you start sending off applications, however, it can pay off (literally) to do your research regarding which program is best for you. To give you a hand in the process, we’ve put together this post, dedicated entirely to Executive MBA programs across Europe.

While the U.S. is the historic homeland of the MBA, there are many programs on the other side of the pond that rival the prestige, job offers and post-graduation salary rates of top American schools, particularly when it comes to programs targeting executives. Take a look at the breakdown below for insight into the most sought after Executive MBA programs in Europe. While each of these programs ranks among the top in the world, the list here is ordered according to geography, rather than solely by rank.

• University of Oxford, Saïd Business School – Oxford, United Kingdom

The Executive MBA offered at Saïd Business School is ranked number 1 in the UK by the Economist and is located in one of the fastest growing business schools in the world. SBS is fully integrated into Oxford, allowing students access to all of the great resources of the world-class institution.

• London Business School – London, United Kingdom

Though LBS is one of the most expensive business schools in Europe, it is also ranked among the best in the world, and its global alumni network is rivaled by almost none. Moreover, students can choose between London and Dubai as their home city for studying.

• IE Business School – Madrid, Spain

This world-renowned program allows high-level managers to earn a prestigious MBA without taking time off by using primarily distance learning. There are also in-person modules, which take place in Spain, Singapore, Brazil and the United States.

• ESADE Business School – Barcelona, Spain

This EMBA focuses specifically on leadership and ethical and social responsibility. ESADE graduates tend to have salaries in a higher bracket than those from competing institutions, helping ESADE to maintain its reputation as a very selective and prestigious institution.

• INSEAD – Fontainebleau, France

EMBA students at INSEAD have the unique opportunity to study in three distinct areas of the world (France, Singapore and Abu Dhabi) over the course of a module-based program. INSEAD focuses specifically on global leadership, which is reflected in its highly diverse student body.

• Université Paris-Dauphine – Paris, France

Université Paris-Dauphine was the first French university to earn Equis accreditation. The Paris-Dauphine EMBA is highly group-oriented, with a focus on human values, ethics and sustainable management.

• SDA Bocconi School of Management – Milan, Italy

The EMBA at SDA Bocconi is the only one on this list requiring fluency in two languages (Italian and English) as a component of admission. As the highest ranked program in Italy and well respected around the globe, SDA Bocconi is a great choice for anyone interested in studying in Italy.

• ESMT European School of Management and Technology – Berlin, Germany

The EMBA program at ESMT is comprised exclusively of mid to senior-level managers. Students engage in a field seminar and choose their own electives, allowing for a specialized degree relevant to their field.

• Copenhagen Business School – Copenhagen, Denmark

CBS is consistently ranked among the top business schools in the world. Their EMBA program engages students with five diverse tracks, creating a highly structured and rigorous academic program. Moreover, there are three distinct ways in which one can earn an EMBA at CBS, making this highly respected program one of the most flexible in Europe.

• Aalto University – Helsinki, Finland

Aalto University’s EMBA program consistently ranks at the top amongst Nordic institutions, while also maintaining a competitive global reputation. With a focus on linking the latest research with top management techniques, Aalto University’s EMBA is a great fit for academically minded executives.

If you’re considering an EMBA but are wondering about its benefits, take a look at this Forbes article to help you make a decision. If you are interested in studying but don’t see a program on this list that fits your profile, head to INOMICS to find the right program for you! Moreover, keep an eye out for upcoming posts on MBA programs around the globe!

Photo credit: Garrett Coakley