Study MBA
Elevate your career with an international perspective in business—explore global markets and diverse management practices through an MBA program abroad.
Decoding The Hype Around MBA Study Abroad Programs
Whether you aspire to climb up the corporate ladder to gain a C-suite position or give life to your entrepreneurial dream, a study in MBA is your stepping stone. Of course, the MBA degree on its own cannot guarantee your professional success, unless you step up your efforts to pick up crucial business skills and have the drive to create value. The degree will, however, help you get a hang of how businesses are run globally, diving into the various management concepts such as organizational behavior, finance and accounting, strategy, marketing, and so on.
Level of Qualification
A study in MBA or Master of Business Management is a graduate-level qualification with a duration varying between 10 months to 3 years, depending upon the program type. Gaining entry into the top-tier B-schools globally is highly competitive but after successful completion of the program, the world will be your playing field with opportunities galore.
Skills Learnt
The skills that you learn during your MBA include entrepreneurship skills, strategic decision-making, leadership and people management, communication skills, networking and data analytics. These skills are relevant to every business operation worldwide, and can help you grow in any profession, should you decide to shift focus from business.
Topics covered
The core topics that you would find in almost every MBA curriculum are the fundamentals of business and its environment, management principles, organizational behavior, finance and accounting, microeconomics, strategy, and business ethics and law. These subjects are the pillars that hold together any organization and are crucial to its thriving.
Specializations to choose from
An important element of a study in MBA is the specialization that you choose based on your interests and career goals. Traditionally students chose to pursue one of the management functions – marketing, finance, human resources, operations, and information technology. However, as the process of conducting business beyond borders grows more complex, newer areas to specialize in MBA have emerged, namely, international business, business analytics, investment banking, healthcare management, retail management, consulting, social entrepreneurship, digital marketing, and so on.
Methodology Used
The methodology used in B-Schools is primarily interactive and experiential, encouraging critical thinking, and leading to the development of problem-solving skills of future business leaders. In an intensive MBA curriculum, you would learn through case studies and simulated real-world scenarios, engage in meaningful projects or internships with real businesses, attend workshops and participate in case competitions with other MBA students.
Is Getting An MBA Abroad Worth It At All?
Yes, totally! An MBA degree does not just give you the necessary exposure to all aspects of business such that you can run your own. It also preps you with professional skills like teamwork, decision-making, analytics, etc., that are essential for advancement in any field. And when you study MBA abroad, these skills multiply manifold to set you up for a global career. Let us find out the benefits that you can get out of MBA study abroad programs.
While pursuing MBA in foreign countries, you will study and live with a diverse group of students from varied academic and professional backgrounds, besides interacting with the learned academia. This challenges your prior knowledge and experience constantly and in turn, helps you adapt to a life-long cycle of learning and development. This is a crucial lesson that you will learn in MBA courses abroad that will equip you with the insights to handle change in the dynamic business world.
While you study MBA abroad, you will get the opportunity to experience how businesses are run in a foreign environment. This exposure will enhance your knowledge about global business operations, equipping you with the best management practices.
You do not just hone your networking skills while pursuing an MBA abroad. You also put your skill to use by networking actively amongst fellow students, alumni, academicians and guest speakers at your school to explore potential career opportunities and professional development post-qualification.
MBA, considered to be the most-in-demand graduate qualification, enhances your earning potential manifold. Pursuing MBA courses abroad opens up overseas employment opportunities, which leads to your earnings taking a giant leap over what you could expect in your home country.
Turn your Study Abroad Dream to Reality
Eligibility Conditions for An MBA Abroad
Basic Requirements
Typically, to study MBA abroad, you must hold an accredited undergraduate degree. You could pursue your Bachelor’s in any discipline including science and technology, or humanities. However, studying related subjects like economics, business and commerce, etc., does help in tackling the MBA coursework.
Standardized Test Scores
Standardized test scores such as GMAT and GRE are required for MBA abroad at institutions in the USA, Canada, and Australia. However, other popular destinations like the UK, France or Ireland do not list the tests as mandatory requirements for MBA courses abroad.
Work Experience Requirement
Relevant work experience is however a constant requirement for study in MBA globally. While some institutions do specify the number of years of experience that you must have, most others don't. Most B-schools do not specify any GPA requirement either to study MBA abroad.
Types of MBA Study Abroad Programs
Full - Time
Full-time MBA Program – As the name suggests, these are immersive and intensive programs that require the complete focus of participants in a classroom environment. Full-time MBA programs can have varying duration, between one to two years. Most international students pursuing education on student visas prefer full-time study in MBA owing to their visa conditions.
Part-Time
Part-time MBA Program – These programs are suited for working professionals who wish to continue their study in MBA while running a business or being in a job. Usually, classes for these programs are held during the evenings or weekends to accommodate the work schedule of participants. The duration can range between 15 months to 3 years.
Global MBA
These are specialized MBA study abroad programs focusing on globalised business operations and management functions for individuals prepping to take up international leadership roles in organizations. Such MBA courses abroad often include opportunities to study in multiple countries thus instilling a global perspective.
Executive MBA
Also popularly known as EMBAs, these programs are specifically designed with a focus on leadership and strategic management. Participants are experienced mid to senior-level executives who wish to add more value to their existing roles and advance their career trajectory through the study in MBA.
Dual/ Joint MBA
Quite a rage among young professionals, Dual degree programs allow interdisciplinary exchange of ideas and skills, through pursuing an MBA abroad and another degree concurrently. Dual Degrees prepares participants to take up broader roles in their careers. Popular Dual degrees are Master in Public Policy and MBA, MS in Engineering Sciences and MBA, JD and MBA, etc.
Online MBA Program
Pursuing education digitally from remote locations is slowly becoming the norm. It is convenient for participants to attend such programs from any corner of the world without having to go through complex immigration procedures and study as per their schedule. Usually working professionals opt to study in MBA online for career advancement.
Cost of attending MBA in Foreign Countries
The tuition fees to study MBA abroad will vary with destination and institution as well. Here we have listed the average tuition fees that you can expect to pay to pursue MBA courses abroad. Please note that these are indicative averages and the actual fee of MBA in foreign countries can be more than the quoted figures. It is advisable to check with individual B-Schools to find out the exact tuition for their programs.
Destination | Average Tuition Fees |
UK | £10,000 to £35,000+ |
USA | $50,000 to $100,000+ |
Canada | CAD 30,000 to CAD 60,000+ |
Australia | AUD 30,000 to AUD 80,000+ |
Germany | Low or no tuition fees at public universities; fees at private universities vary between €10,000 to €30,000 |
France | €20,000 to €40,000+ |
Ireland | €12,000 to €35,000+ |
New Zealand | NZD 30,000 to NZD 60,000+ |
UAE | AED 50,000 to AED 150,000+ |
Europe | Varies by country |
Program Length of MBA Courses Abroad
Generally, the duration of MBA in foreign countries is between 1 – 2 years. However, B-schools, in their endeavor to accommodate the aspirations and priorities of professionals, have initiated different programs to study in MBA with varying duration.
- UK – 1 -2 years
- USA – 2 years
- Canada – 13-24 months
- Australia – 18 months – 3 years
- Germany – 12 – 24 months
- France – 10 – 18 months
- Ireland – 1 – 2 years
- New Zealand – 12 – 18 months
- UAE – 12 – 17 months
- Europe – 11 – 36 months
Top Universities to Study MBA in Foreign Countries
UK
- London Business School
- University of Oxford
- University of Cambridge
USA
- Harvard Business School
- Stanford Graduate School of Business
- Wharton School - University of Pennsylvania
Canada
- Rotman School of Management - Univerity of Toronto
- Ivey Business School - University of Western Ontario
- Sauder School of Business - University of British Columbia
Australia
- Melbourne Business School - University of Melbourne
- Australian Graduate School of Management - University of New South Wales
- University of Queensland Business School
France
- INSEAD
- HEC Paris
- ESSEC Business School
Germany
- Mannheim Business School
- WHU Otto Beisheim School of Management
Ireland
- UCD Smurfit Graduate Business School
- Trinity College Dublin
New Zealand
- University of Auckland Business School
- Victoria University of Wellington
UAE
- Dubai Business School
- INSEAD Middle East Campus
Europe
- INSEAD
- IE Business School
Scholarships for MBA Courses Abroad
The cost of attending MBA abroad can be very steep. To reduce the burden on your finances, here are a few country-specific scholarship programs for MBA courses abroad you can consider.
United Kingdom
- The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships: Administered by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) for students who are citizens/ permanent residents of Commonwealth countries and wish to study taught Master’s in the UK. Most of the scholarships are fully funded and you need to apply through the CSC official portal.
- The Chevening Scholarships are fully-funded awards to undertake any Master’s program at a UK university. To be eligible, candidates must be a citizen of a Chevening-eligible country, have at least two years of prior experience, and have been accepted unconditionally into a PG program at a UK university.
USA
- Forte Foundation Fellowship Program is for female students with exceptional leadership qualities and of diverse backgrounds, enrolled at one of the participating B-School’s full-time, part-time, dual, or online MBA degree programs. Nomination for the fellowship is through the B-school you enroll at. Besides the financial benefits, Forte Fellows will have access to the foundation's resources and network.
- The Fulbright Foreign Student Program, administered through binational Fulbright Commissions/Foundations or U.S. Embassies, is for international students who wish to pursue graduate studies in the USA. The eligibility and selection procedure vary by country.
Canada
- Canada Graduate Scholarships (CGS) is for high-calibre scholars of Canadian origin who are pursuing a full-time master’s or doctoral program in the country. Selection is based on academic excellence, research potential, and personality traits.
- Ontario Graduate Scholarships (OGS) is a merit-based program for students pursuing graduate studies across disciplines at participating schools in the region. The award is disbursed for a minimum of 1 or a maximum of 2 academic years.
Australia
- Australia Awards Scholarship: Funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in the country, the aid is for international students signing up for full-time undergraduate/ postgraduate programs at participating Australian universities and TAFE institutions. The award covers full tuition fees, return airfare, one-time establishment allowance, bi-monthly allowance towards living expenses, health insurance, and support for supplementary academics and compulsory fieldwork.
- Melbourne Business School Scholarships: Among several scholarship programs, the Dean's International Management Scholarship is specifically for international students and offers full tuition fee coverage for full-time study in MBA.
Germany
- DAAD Scholarships for Master Studies across academic disciplines, funded by the German Federal Foreign Office are for students enrolled at a university in Germany, or for those who are studying in the country for one year as part of a Master's degree at their home university. The funding duration is 10 - 24 months and includes a monthly allowance of €934, health insurance, and travel allowance.
- ESMT MBA Scholarships are awarded to eligible students on the basis of their academic excellence, personal and professional achievements, leadership potential, and interpersonal skills. You may be considered for the award automatically, provided you meet certain criteria, while there are other application-driven scholarships wherein you can apply for up to three programs.
France
- The France Excellence Eiffel Scholarship, funded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs is for foreign students signing up for master’s or doctoral studies in select fields of studies including management in France. The application for the award is made by your host institution in the country on your behalf. For the MBA, the benefits include a monthly allowance of €1,181, travel allowance, insurance, etc.
- INSEAD MBA Scholarships support exceptional students joining the institution. With 150+ scholarship options, there are three types of awards - need-based, merit-based, and spot awards. The average award amount is €21,100.
Ireland
- The Government of Ireland International Scholarships are for international students with leadership potential in their chosen field of study. Managed by the country’s Higher Education Authority, the award covers a year’s study costs at Irish higher education institutions.
- UCD Smurfit MBA Scholarships are competitive awards based on the need or merit of international students. There are several programs that you can consider, including the Business & Finance Awards MBA Scholarship, the GMAT Excellence MBA Scholarship, the MBA Entrepreneurial Scholarship, and the Women in the MBA Scholarship. The first two awards cover 100% of tuition fees while the last two cover up to 50%.
New Zealand
- New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarships are funded by the government of the country to aid international students irrespective of their nationality. The award covers tuition, a monthly living allowance, a travel budget and health insurance.
- The University of Auckland International Business Masters Scholarship awards up to $32,000 towards international student tuition fees for attending the Master of Management or Master of Professional Accounting programs
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Scholarships are for incoming postgraduate students with a minimum GPA of 3.6 in the qualifying exam and also for continuing full-time master’s students with a minimum GPA of 3.7. Each group of awardees are eligible for semester fee remission at the rate of 20% and 15%, respectively.
- INSEAD Abu Dhabi Scholarship is exclusively for Emirati Nationals with demonstrated professional and personal achievements. The award can cover up to 100% tuition fees.
Europe
- Erasmus Mundus Scholarships are for participants in the Joint Master Degrees under Erasmus+. The award covers your participation costs, travel, visa and a living allowance.
- HEC Paris MBA Scholarships are merit-based awards that can cover up to 50% of the tuition fees of eligible students.
Career After an MBA in Foreign Countries
The diverse nature of MBA coursework is such that participants are exposed to every aspect of business operations. This allows MBA graduates the flexibility of moving into any area of business that suits their preferences or prior work experience. Applicants join MBA abroad program with an average work experience of 3 to 6 years. As such, it becomes easier for them to pursue leadership roles in business post-qualification. Their career options include Management positions like the CEO, CFO, COO, CMO, CTO, etc., Consulting roles to guide and mentor other businesses, and entrepreneurship by setting up their own business. The management function they choose to serve depends upon their study in MBA specialization and prior degree and experience. For example, someone with a technology background and an MBA specialization in IT can take up the role of CTO.
Although graduates are known to demand competitive salaries, the package they draw after an MBA abroad depends on several factors including location, industry and experience. A thorough research on graduate outcomes after an MBA at specific B-schools can reveal the latest and most accurate information.
Beyond Borders, Beyond Limits
Elevate Your Education with Global Opportunities! Unite with
Leading Advisors and an Empowered Study Abroad Community.
FAQs
Why Study Abroad With UniApplica?
UniApplica provides a comprehensive solution for all aspects of student needs, covering everything required for a successful academic journey.
Submitting a GMAT score not only makes your application competitive among thousands of other candidates applying for a seat, but it also makes a strong point about your commitment to study MBA abroad. So even if B-schools do not list GMAT as a pre-condition to an MBA application, make sure to give it a go to boost your candidature.
There are a few B-schools that may consider your application to study MBA abroad without any work experience provided you have an exceptional GPA and GMAT score, and demonstrate strong leadership potential and professional aptitude through your extracurricular and co-curricular activities. However, it should be borne in mind that prior work experience makes understanding MBA coursework and engaging in class activities easier.
Although language proficiency test score requirements vary from institution to institution, the generally accepted scores to study MBA in foreign countries are tabulated here.
- TOEFL iBT: 89 – 94
- IELTS: 6.0 or 6.5
- C1 Advanced: 142 to 210
- PTE Academic: 59 to 63
The documents that are generally required along with your application to study MBA abroad are:
- Identification documents
- Academic records/ official transcripts
- English Language Test Scores
- Standardized Test Scores
- Statement of Purpose/ Essays
- Letters of Recommendation (Professional)
- Proof of Adequate Finances
An online MBA abroad and a full-time in-person study in MBA deliver the same knowledge. Although traditionally full-time MBAs were valued more in the job space, however, with changing times, Online MBAs are also getting the same recognition as their full-time counterparts. The reason is that top-tier B-schools are lending their weight to the issue by offering degrees online. The University of Auckland is taking its MBA program the online route from 2024 onwards. Harvard Business School have high-quality online business programs that are well-accepted. Of course, the personal interactions and classroom rigour in a full-time MBA cannot be matched in an Online program, however, value-wise both are equivalent.
