However, the latest GMAC Prospective Student Survey shows that sustainability is rapidly moving up the ranks of student priorities. A significant 63% of respondents said it is important or very important for a school to actively incorporate sustainability into its academic experience.
One way students can ensure sustainability is embedded in their chosen school's values—while also benefiting from a clean, healthy environment—is by choosing to study at a school located in one of the world’s greenest countries.
Here are some study abroad options in the 10 most eco-friendly countries, according to the World Population Review, for business students seeking a sustainable study experience.
Methodology:
Before diving into the list of the greenest countries for business school students to study abroad, it’s important to understand how the World Population Review arrived at its ranking results.
First, what does 'greenest' actually mean? According to the World Population Review, it refers to “the level of environmental protection set forth by a country’s laws, public policies, and governmental services.”
To be recognized as one of the world’s greenest countries, a nation must implement practices that preserve and restore the natural environment, conserve resources, improve public health, and encourage economic growth without relying on fossil fuels. For example, promoting renewable energy is one type of 'green behavior that boosts a country’s standing.
The World Population Review uses the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) to measure each country’s level of sustainability. The EPI tracks performance across 58 environmental metrics, grouped into 11 issue categories such as Climate Change, Air Quality, and Waste Management. Each country’s scores are then combined into a single EPI rating ranging from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating stronger environmental performance.
Ultimately, EPI scores help countries determine how close they are to meeting their sustainability goals, while also serving as a guide for building a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future.
The greenest countries to study abroad: Top 10
10. Denmark
EPI Score: 67.7
Taking 10th place in the World Population Review is Denmark, with an EPI score of 67.7. Known for its Viking history and high quality of life, Denmark is also a leader in renewable energy. In fact, an impressive 88.4% of its net electricity generation came from renewables last year, making it an attractive destination for students interested in sustainability.
The Danish capital, Copenhagen, is home to the triple-accredited Copenhagen Business School (CBS), which offers a wide range of programs, including graduate, executive, and short-term study options. Responsible management and sustainability are central to the CBS Full-Time MBA, which carries the tagline: “Designed to accelerate your career and prepare you for sustainable business leadership.”
For business school students seeking to build careers in the renewable energy sector and the wider sustainability economy, Denmark offers both academic and practical opportunities at the forefront of change.
9. Switzerland
EPI Score: 67.8
With an EPI score of 67.8, Switzerland takes ninth place, just edging out Denmark. Home to the Alps and pristine lakes, it’s no surprise that the country ranks among the greenest in the world. Beyond its natural beauty, Switzerland has strong sustainability credentials, including progressive environmental policies, robust waste management systems, and commitments to renewable energy.
For ambitious business school students, Switzerland offers the perfect blend of a thriving economy and sustainability-driven innovation. Known for its world-class financial sector, the country is also a global hub for sustainable finance and impact investing, with many institutions leading the shift toward greener practices.
Business school options are plentiful: HEC Lausanne, the University of St. Gallen School of Management, HIM Business School, Geneva Business School, Business School Lausanne, Rushford Business School, as well as campuses of EU Business School and IMD. Many of these institutions weave sustainability into their teaching.
©Henrique Ferrerira / Unsplash
8. Austria
EPI Score: 68.9
Austria is a country with a high standard of living and a strong commitment to sustainability. For example, its Renewables Expansion Law (EAG) aims to achieve 100% renewable electricity by 2030.
There are several Austrian business schools to choose from, including LIMAK Austrian Business School, IBS International Business School, and Lauder Business School.
With carefully maintained forests, vast meadows, alpine peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and national parks, there’s no shortage of nature for business students to enjoy between their studies—something that’s also vital for student well-being and mental health.
7. Norway
EPI Score: 69.9
Norway consistently ranks high in sustainability thanks to its careful management of natural resources. With nearly 100% of Norwegians having access to high-quality treated drinking water and a sophisticated wastewater system, the country also protects numerous freshwater ecosystems to preserve them for future generations.
At the academic level, sustainability is woven into business education. NHH—the Norwegian School of Economics—offers unique programs, including an Executive MBA specialization in Seafood Management, taught in English and designed for professionals in the resource-based seafood industry, with a strong sustainability focus.
Graduate students can also consider BI Norwegian Business School (BI), a not-for-profit institution offering master’s, executive, and PhD programs.
6. Sweden
EPI Score: 70.3
Sweden is closely linked to sustainability worldwide, largely thanks to pioneering the first Environmental Protection Agency in 1967. Since then, Sweden has remained passionate about environmental issues, holding its place in the EPI top 10 for over a decade.
For those who want to study in the country’s capital, Stockholm, options include Stockholm Business School (SBS), which offers courses across business administration, as well as advertising and PR, with programs such as a Master’s in Marketing, Master’s in Banking and Finance, and Master’s in Accounting and Management Control.
There’s also the Stockholm School of Economics (SSE), which, in addition offers an Executive MBA program. The course was ranked 10th in the Financial Times EMBA 2024 list for its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) content.
©Skellefteå kommun / Unsplash
5. United Kingdom
EPI Score: 72.6
The UK achieves a strong EPI score of 72.6, ranking just above Sweden in the greenest countries to study abroad. With a legal commitment to reach net zero by 2050, the UK is steadily climbing the sustainability ladder.
Business school hopefuls are spoilt for choice here, particularly in London, where leading institutions include London Business School, Imperial Business School, ESCP Business School, Bayes Business School, Hult International Business School, and UCL School of Management, among others.
Beyond the capital, the UK offers access to a diverse range of natural landscapes. From the vast National Parks to the dramatic Lake District, the rolling hills of the Peak District, and the iconic chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters in East Sussex, students can escape city life and immerse themselves in nature—all just a short train ride away.
4. Finland
EPI Score: 72.7
Finland has built a strong international reputation for sustainability, with an ambitious national target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2035. The country’s breathtaking natural beauty, spanning vast forests, Arctic fells, and the Northern Lights, reflects why it takes protecting the environment so seriously.
At the heart of this ethos is Aalto University School of Business, located in Espoo, with a motto (“Better Business – Better Society”) that encapsulates its sustainability-driven mission.
Other options include the Helsinki School of Business, which offers an MBA in collaboration with the University of Northampton in the UK, giving students a dual international perspective.
The greenest countries to study abroad: Top 3
3. Germany
EPI Score: 74.5
Germany takes third place in the list of the greenest countries with an EPI score of 74.5, underpinned by ambitious climate policies such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 65% by 2030.
The country is home to world-class business schools, including Mannheim Business School, WHU–Otto Beisheim School of Management, ESMT Berlin, and Frankfurt School of Finance and Management.
Many of these institutions integrate sustainability into their programs—Mannheim offers a Master’s in Sustainable Business and Technology, while ESMT Berlin delivers short, intensive courses like Leading Sustainable Business Transformation.
©Roman Kraft / Unsplash
2. Luxembourg
EPI Score: 75.1
Luxembourg comes in second place with a score just above 75. One of its key sustainability highlights is the Luxembourg Sustainable Finance Initiative, a partnership backed by the Ministry of Finance to push forward green finance strategies.
When it comes to business education, students can look at the Luxembourg School of Business, which offers MBAs and executive programs in English, French, and German.
UBI Business School is another option, with its campus in the historic Wiltz Castle in northern Luxembourg—an inspiring backdrop for business education.
1. Estonia
EPI Score: 75.7
Taking the top spot is Estonia, with an EPI score of 75.7. Guided by its Sustainable Development Act and the Sustainable Estonia 21 strategy, the country embeds sustainability across economic, social, and environmental policies, making it a model for others to follow.
Its capital, Tallinn, is home to Estonian Business School (EBS), founded in 1988 and offering and Master’s programs in both English and Estonian.
With a mission to equip future leaders to create ventures that are not only profitable but also sustainable and socially responsible, EBS exemplifies how Estonia’s environmental priorities filter directly into its approach to business education.
Key takeaways:
⇨ The top 10 greenest countries are packed with exciting business school offerings, many with a sustainability edge that’s ideal for eco-focused students.
⇨ Estonia, home to the Estonian Business School (EBS), takes the first-place spot in 2025, making it the greenest country.
⇨ The top 10 greenest countries to study abroad in 2025 also include the likes of Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and the United Kingdom (UK).
