Eligibility and Entrance Exams for MBA Abroad 2025
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A bachelor's degree from a recognized university and 2-3 years of work experience are the well-known MBA abroad eligibility. However, universities often have additional eligibility for MBA abroad programs that include language proficiency and good scores in exams like GRE, and GMAT. Understand in detail about MBA abroad, its eligibility and the exams required for admission process in this article.
Studying an MBA abroad is a long process that requires a student to fulfil certain eligibility criteria. Students need to understand the eligibility criteria for pursuing an MBA abroad. Apart from a strong academic background and good scores in exams like the GMAT and GRE, students need to have work experience of a minimum of 2 to 3 years. In this article, we have covered all the details of eligibility for MBA abroad studies for Indian students including country-wise information. Before proceeding with admission requirements, let us understand the benefits of studying MBA abroad.
Related Read: MBA vs MiM
Why Study MBA Abroad?
Every professional who wants to advance in his or her career thinks of pursuing an MBA at some point in his or her career. No student wishing to study for a Master's in Business Administration abroad will miss a chance to study at his or her dream college. Pursuing reputed MBA courses in foreign universities will bring you closer to your dream job. A job abroad will offer you higher earning potential or an attractive pay cheque.
Reasons to Pursue MBA from Abroad
There are several reasons why someone would get an MBA from abroad. Here are a few of the most common reasons:
- Popular MBA Universities Abroad: There are ample prestigious MBA universities abroad. Those who aim for the top 10 MBA colleges abroad and get through are exposed to a world of opportunities. However, considering the next top 20 MBA colleges abroad is equally a good option.
- Work Opportunities: An MBA from abroad can improve your chances of finding a job that pays more and offers more opportunities for promotion.
- Career Change: An MBA from abroad might be extremely helpful if you want to change jobs. Your degree may provide new abilities and information to aid your move.
- Enhances Personal Branding: Earning an MBA from a reputable foreign institution enhances your reputation among colleagues.
- Develop Managerial Skills: Earning an MBA from abroad will provide you with the leadership, collaboration, communication, and decision-making abilities necessary to manage teams and organisations effectively.
- Specialisation in Different Fields: MBA programmes can focus on a particular business discipline, such as marketing, operations, finance, or entrepreneurship.
Earning an MBA from abroad may be a smart career move and provide you with the contacts, know-how, and expertise to help you reach your professional objectives. In this article, we will cover various aspects of MBA outside India, including the answer to the question, “How to pursue MBA from abroad?”, top MBA courses in abroad, eligibility requirements for studying MBA outside India, specializations in MBA courses in foreign universities, scholarships for MBA courses outside India, and much more.
Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!
Other benefits of studying abroad:
- Career Advancement
- Excellent networking opportunities
Every business administration aspirant wants to attend the topmost business colleges and universities abroad. If you are mulling over the possibilities of an MBA outside India, be sure to weigh the benefits of this programme in the context of your education and professional aspirations. Be clear as to why you want to pursue it, what are your goals/dreams and how an MBA will help you achieve these.
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MBA from Abroad Eligibility and Requirements
How to pursue an MBA from abroad? A bachelor's degree from a recognised college is required by all the universities offering Master of Business Administration programs abroad. Some universities also have other requirements, such as work experience. However, not all educational institutions ask for work experience. Before applying, it is always good to check the eligibility criteria of the college to which you are seeking admission.
1. Academic Requirements
Reputed colleges prefer a full-time bachelor's degree from a recognised institute. We have also mentioned other academic requirements below.
- A bachelor's degree from a recognised university is the most basic requirement for getting into an MBA program.
- A GPA of 3.0 or above on a 4.0-point scale will still vary per university. (Use a free GPA Calculator to calculate your GPA in seconds)
2. Work Experience Requirements
The top universities offering MBA courses abroad desire substantial work experience. Although there are schools where an MBA is offered without work experience, relevant work experience is always an added advantage. Besides the academic record, foreign institutions look for candidates who can add value to their colleges and benefit most from their programs.
3. Application Requirements
Applying for an MBA in a foreign university is a big step for your professional life. A bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognised educational institution is mandatory for applying to an MBA programme. Some other application requirements are mentioned below.
- Resume
- Reference letters
- Essays (as demanded by the university)
4. Application Process
We have summarised the application process for you below. Also, look for colleges/universities at least 12 months before seeking admission.
- Course/ country selection
- Profile Evaluation
- Select a few universities where you are going to apply
- Start collecting the necessary documents
Read: How to Apply to Universities Abroad: Complete Series
5. Exams for MBA Abroad
To be admitted to an MBA abroad, candidates must take standardised exams like the GMAT and GRE. Find more details below:
GMAT
As an eligibility requirement for an MBA abroad, the GMAT exam is required by most MBA colleges abroad. More than 2,400 MBA and MIM colleges accept GMAT scores. When it comes to the GMAT cut-off for top B-Schools, most of them require a GMAT score of 700+. However, a GMAT score of more than 650 can fetch you a decent MBA college abroad. As for the GMAT pattern, the current version of the GMAT exam or GMAT Focus exam consists of Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning and Data Insights.
GRE
The GRE exam was usually taken to study MS abroad. However, it has also gained traction and importance as an eligibility exam for MBA abroad. Almost all the top MBA colleges abroad accept GRE scores. GRE consists of Analytical Writing, Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning.
6. English Language Proficiency Tests
Language proficiency exams are accepted for MBA admissions abroad. Some of these ELP test scores include:
As the exams vary based on the choice of course and university, candidates should know which exam to take for which course to study abroad.
MBA from Foreign vs MBA in India
Even though there are numerous top-rated MBA colleges in India, students still choose to study Master of Business Administration (MBA) abroad. There are numerous reasons why Indian students prefer to study abroad. Usually, more than 2 lakh students appear for the CAT exam in India. Compare this with the number of seats in IIMs, which is just over 4,000. So, it is not just the stiff competition but also the array of opportunities foreign education offers students. Apart from this, Tier 2/3 MBA colleges in India have an outdated curriculum that is not in sync with the present-day industries' demand. This is where foreign institutes have the upper hand. An international MBA is more practical-oriented and collaborative. Almost all B-schools are open to sharing the diversity of their student enrolments. At an international educational institution, one learns to experience a diverse culture. Check out in detail - MBA From India or Abroad?
MBA Specializations
As there are different industries, the demand for specific skill sets also increases in understanding the challenges of that particular industry. Also, it is a big career decision for you, so, one should be careful while choosing the MBA specialization.
Usually, the first year of the MBA programme is dedicated to core courses to build a strong foundation of all the concepts. In the second year, one chooses to specialize in a particular field.
- Marketing
- Human Resources
- Finance
- Information Systems
- Consulting
- Entrepreneurship
- Operations Management
Read more on MBA specializations here:
Top Universities & Colleges for MBA Abroad
Every Business Administration aspirant wants to be enrolled in the topmost business colleges and universities abroad. As one of the most sought-after courses, various reputed institutions overseas offer an MBA.
| Top MBA Colleges in the World |
QS Global MBA Rankings 2025 |
|---|---|
| #1 |
|
| #2 |
|
| #3 |
|
| MBA at MIT Sloan, US |
#4 |
| #5 | |
| MBA at HEC Paris, France |
#6 |
| MBA at Cambridge Judge Business School, University of Cambridge, UK |
#7 |
| #8 |
|
| MBA at IE Business School, Spain |
#9 |
| MBA at IESE Business School, Spain |
#10 |
| MBA at INSEAD, France |
#11 |
| MBA at The Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University, US |
#11 |
| #13 |
|
| MBA at UCLA Anderson School of Management, University of California, US |
#14 |
| MBA at Booth School of Business, The University of Chicago, UK |
#15 |
| #16 |
|
| #17 |
|
| MBA at Imperial College Business School, Imperial College London, UK | #18 |
| #19 |
|
| MBA at Esade Business School, Spain |
#19 |
| MBA at SDA Bocconi School of Management, Italy | #20 |
Applicants looking for admission at any of these top MBA universities abroad can first refer to their admission requirements, deadlines, intake, fees and scholarships and then proceed with the applications.
Popular Destinations for MBA from Abroad
It is difficult to determine the best country for an MBA, as various factors must be considered. The US, the UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, and Singapore are some of the most popular destinations for MBA studies. It is important to choose the place to study wisely before applying. Choosing the right programme that meets your requirements is an important step. However, for those who are convinced to apply to the topmost universities and colleges abroad, the challenge would be to find out the ideal institution.
Also Read: Top 5 countries to study MBA abroad
Scope of MBA from Abroad: Top Companies
Many MBA graduates have one goal while pursuing their degree - to work abroad. After spending huge money on studying MBA, it makes financial sense to work abroad. Apart from this, it also gives them exposure to working in a completely different setup. Is it worth doing an MBA abroad? An MBA from abroad from a good college can open opportunities for you. And if you have studied at a top college like Harvard or Oxford, you have excellent career opportunities. Also, most overseas MBA programs allow students to stay back, so, they can work and get job experience. This is a great opportunity not just in terms of managing finances but also to give you significant work experience abroad.
Types of Job Profiles / MBA Abroad Jobs and Career Opportunities
MBA demand will be there whether it is a boom or a downturn. People with exemplary business skills will get a chance to prove their talent.
- Finance: One of the most sought-after careers includes working in corporate finance. One can work as a Financial Consultant, Financial Analyst, Finance Manager, or Finance Director. One can earn between $55,000 to $78,000 at an early career stage.
- Finance and Economics: Considered the hub of financial activities, the US offers enormous opportunities in Finance and Economics. Here, one can work as a portfolio manager, financial consultant, and director of operations. The salary ranges from $51,000 to $60,000 in the starting stage.
- Operations Management: Nowadays, there is a surge in demand for people with expertise in managing the line of operations in the manufacturing or services industry. The new methodologies and skills taught in MBA programmes help companies adopt new technologies and formulate strategies that maximize profits.
Country-wise Average Fees for MBA Abroad
Deciding which country is suitable for pursuing an MBA outside India is one of the toughest decisions the aspirant needs to take. One should always consider factors like quality education, total expenses, including tuition and living expenses, and ROI while selecting the country.
MBA Colleges in the US
Studying for an MBA in the US can cost you an average of INR 30.89 L (for 1st year), including tuition fees and living expenses.
| University |
Course Duration |
Tuition fee (Approx) (for 1st year) |
|---|---|---|
| 21 months |
$82,455 / INR 71,98,210 |
|
| 24 months |
$76,410 / INR 66,70,490 |
|
| 24 months |
$86,040 / INR 75,11,176 |
(Tuition fee source: official university websites) (exchange rate of 1 USD = INR 75.49)
MBA Colleges in the UK
Pursuing MBA in the UK can cost you an average of INR 23.19 L (for 1st year) including both tuition fees and living expenses. Also, one major factor that makes the UK different from other MBA destinations is that here duration for most of the MBA programs is one year.
| University |
Course Duration |
Tuition fee (Approx) (for 1st year) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 year |
£53,500 / INR 49,26,404 |
|
| 15 to 21 months |
£87,900 / INR 80,94,036 |
|
| 1 year |
£57,000 / INR 52,48,692 |
(Tuition fee source: official university websites) (exchange rate of 1 Pound = INR 92.08)
MBA Colleges in Canada
MBA fees in Canada can cost you an average of INR 25.93 L (for 1st year) including tuition fees and living expenses. MBA in Canada is comparatively cheaper than other popular study destinations.
| University |
Course Duration |
Tuition fee (Approx) (for 1st year) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 years |
C$59,450 / INR 31,98,409 |
|
| 2 years |
C$111,750 / INR 60,12,149 |
(Tuition fee source: official university websites) (exchange rate of 1 CAD = INR 53.80)
MBA Colleges in Australia
Annual MBA fees in business schools in Australia can be around INR 23.28 L (for 1st year) including tuition fees and living expenses.
| University |
Course Duration |
Tuition fee (Approx) (for 1st year) |
|---|---|---|
| 12 months |
AUD$89,500 / INR 43,75,519 |
|
| 2 years |
AUD$44,000 / INR 21,51,093 |
(Tuition fee source: official university websites) (exchange rate of 1 AUD = INR 48.89)
MBA Colleges in Germany
When it comes to pocket-friendly tuition fees along with quality education, one always thinks of Germany. It is home to the best MBA colleges in the world.
| University |
Course Duration |
Tuition fee (Approx) (for 1st year) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 years |
0 |
|
| 1 year |
€ 38,000 / INR 31,04,828 |
(Tuition fee source: official university websites) (exchange rate of 1 Euro = INR 81.71)
Note: Ludwig Maximilians University Munich (LMU) does not charge any tuition fee, however, students have to bear the other expenses approx. INR 1,17,410 for 1st year.
Scholarships to Study MBA Abroad
Arranging a huge amount of funds for studying MBA from abroad can prove to be a daunting task. Therefore, students often look for scholarships for MBA to fund their education.
- JN Tata Endowment for the higher education of Indians: This is not actually a scholarship but rather it is a loan that a student needs to repay within seven years of completing the graduation programme. However, the rate of interest charged is merely 2% and this is waived if the applicant repays it within the specified time. The amount of this endowment programme varies from INR 1.5 to 6 lacs.
- Columbia Business School: The Board of Overseers China & India Fellowships: This fellowship is awarded every year to students from India and China and the funds can be renewable for the second year as well. These are awarded to students who have excelled in academics and professional careers.
- Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship: The Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship is awarded to Indian students who require financial assistance to pursue an MBA at Stanford. Within two years of completing the MBA programme, students who availed of this scholarship need to come to India and work for an Indian organization.
- Rhodes Scholarship- MBA: The Rhodes Scholarship is awarded to outstanding students from around the world to study at the University of Oxford. The Rhodes Scholarship is one of the oldest and most prestigious international scholarship programmes.
- OGS Scholarships for International Students – MBA: Since 1975, the Ontario government, in partnership with Ontario's publicly assisted universities is offering Ontario Graduate Scholarships (OGS). This scholarship is applicable to someone pursuing an MBA from Western University in Canada.
Courses Related to MBA
There are other courses for those who do not want to pursue an MBA. There are other courses related to business, finance, and management, which you can pursue if you are not interested in studying an MBA.
| Course Name |
Course Duration |
Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| 12 / 24 months |
Business Analytics comes under the category of the STEM degree |
|
| 2 years |
Colleges ask for work experience to give admission to an MIS program |
|
| 2 years |
Candidates require a Bachelor of Engineering to pursue MEM |
Also Read: MBA v/s MIM v/s MA in Management: Know the Difference
Try to maintain a balance in terms of the course fee, college brand name, finances, and post-study work opportunities.
Having covered the list of top colleges that offer an MBA abroad, we hope that the students will make a well-informed choice while choosing their course. Make sure to visit the official webpage of the university/college to get more details.
Candidates looking to study abroad can get in touch with our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors for assistance with university applications. Candidates can also write to us in the comments section below.
If you still have doubts regarding the Master in Business Administration abroad then we have given a list of FAQs for more.
Q: How long does Hertfordshire University take to reply?
Q: Is it difficult to get admission in the University of Manchester?
The University of Manchester acceptance rate is 27% for international students, which means admissions are highly competitive. Out of 100 applicants, only 27 are admitted to the university. This also shows that the university has particular standards for admission, and potential students should be prepared for admission. Early applicants can primarily benefit as it gives students a better chance of acceptance. Therefore, international applicants who wish to study at the University of Manchester must have a good acdemic profile.
Q: Is Hertfordshire University hard to get into?
With a 70% acceptance rate, the University of Hertfordshire is not hard to get into and follows easy selection criteria during admissions. This does not mean the university accepts all the students applying for different programs. The selection is based on academic performance, English language requirements, references, and many more. Some of the programs at Hertfordshire even demand an experience of 4-5 years. Students must fulfill the eligibility criteria to enroll in any programme at Hertfordshire University. In addition, students with average performance can showcase their relevant experience or extracurricular activities participation to increase their selection probability.
Q: Does the University of Essex require IELTS?
International students whose native language is not English must meet the University of Essex English language requirements to get admission. The university accepts IELTS scores as proof of English language proficiency. Mentioned below are the IELTS scores required for UG and PG admission at the university:
English Language Test | Score |
|---|---|
IELTS | Overall score of 5.5 to 8.0 with minimum of 5.5 to 7.5 in each section |
The university also accepts the score of other English language tests such as TOEFL and PTE for admission to undergraduate and graduate programs:
English Language Test | Score |
TOEFL iBT | Overall score of 72 to 114 |
PTE | Overall score of 59 to 84 with minimum of 59 to 80 in each section |
Also read: Required IELTS Score for UK Universities
Q: What is the acceptance rate of Hertfordshire University?
The University of Hertfordshire has a 70% acceptance rate, making it easy to get into and having simple admissions requirements. Academic achievement, English language proficiency, references, and many other factors are taken into consideration while making the selection. At Hertfordshire, some programs may require four to five years of experience. To enroll in any programme at Hertfordshire University, students must meet the qualifying requirements. In addition, students with average performance can showcase their relevant experience or extracurricular activities participation to increase their selection probability.
Q: Is Essex University good for an MBA?
Essex University is among the top business and management universities in the UK that offer quality education to international students. It ranks at 61 in the UK by the 'Complete University Guide' for Business and Management studies. The university offers an MBA programme at a low cost for international students. Applicants can complete the first year of education of the MBA programme from INR 17 L to INR 27 L. Therefore, yes the university is good for an MBA in the UK.
Check the list of Top Ranked MBA Universities in the UK
Q: What is the cost of an Essex MBA?
The University of Essex MBA cost is vary from INR 17 L to INR 27 L for first-year. The university offers an affordable MBA programme to international students. The table below includes the complete first year cost of studying MBA program:
Fees components | Amount (for 1 year) |
|---|---|
Tuition & fees | INR 27,67,000 |
Hostel & Meals | INR 6,59,321 |
Insurance | INR 85,888 |
Total approximate fees | INR 35,12,209 |
Also read: MBA in the UK Cost
Q: How is Bangor University (UK) for MBA?
Bangor University (UK) offers an affordable MBA programme for international students. The below table includes the complete first-year package to study MBA program:
Fees components | Amount (for 1 year) |
Tuition & fees | INR 19,26,441 |
Hostel & Meals | INR 5,67,511 |
Total approximate fees | INR 24,93,952 |
Also read MBA in the UK Cost in 2024
MBA from Abroad FAQs
Q. Why study an MBA abroad?
A. Gaining exposure to different cultures, languages, and ways of thinking, as well as networking possibilities with professionals and students from around the world, are just a few advantages of studying for an MBA from abroad. Getting an MBA while studying abroad can also assist in getting global experience that can be beneficial. For students to broaden their skill sets and get ready for an increasingly globalised corporate environment, certain overseas universities provide specialised courses and one-of-a-kind chances. An MBA from a foreign university can also provide you with a competitive edge and improve your professional prospects.
Q. What is the eligibility for MBA abroad?
A. The following points provide an overview of the eligibility for MBA abroad:
- Bachelor’s Degree: You must have finished a bachelor's degree in any field or study that is connected to the specialisation in order to be eligible for an MBA abroad. The majority of universities demand a minimum GPA of 50% for undergraduate degrees.
- Work Experience: Some universities may also consider work experience as a requirement for admission. The amount of work experience required can vary depending on the school.
- Standardized Tests: Many MBA programs abroad require applicants to submit competitive GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) or GRE (Graduate Record Examination) scores. These standardized tests assess your analytical, verbal, and quantitative skills.\
- English Language Tests: English language proficiency is essential for studying an MBA abroad. Applicants may need to provide proof of English language proficiency through tests such as IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language).
- Application Documents: Most MBA programmes abroad application documents such as a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, admission essays, an updated resume, etc. These documents are extremely important for MBA admissions. It is advised that students write these documents with utmost sincerity and in a timely manner.
Q. Which country is the best to study MBA?
A. MBA is one of the most sought-after courses today but it is also important to evaluate why study MBA abroad. The kind of university and MBA program you attend also has connotations related to it, which can help open doors based on the university's reputation. There are various popular study destinations for studying an MBA like the USA, Canada, UK, and Germany. However, the USA is still the leader when it comes to offering an MBA. It is critical for students to evaluate various factors before deciding MBA courses in foreign universities. Some of these factors include post-study work options, career outcomes, top recruiters, career services, local economy, etc.
Q. Can I study an MBA abroad for free?
A. Getting a quality education does not always come cheap. Also, when one thinks of countries that offer world-class quality education to students from across the globe. However, there are universities that offer an MBA program at a reasonable tuition fee. Also, many colleges offer scholarships for pursuing MBA. To reduce the cost of studying an MBA from abroad, you may apply for scholarships and/or work part-time. It is advisable that you apply for scholarships and take their applications very seriously because if you happen to gain a significant scholarship amount, you may avoid working part-time and focus on your studies.
Q. What are the best universities to study an MBA abroad?
A. Studying an MBA abroad can give practical knowledge and better work opportunities for MBA graduates. Every MBA candidate wants to enrol in the topmost business college. You can read about the best colleges and universities to pursue MBA abroad. Some of the best MBA colleges in abroad include the Harvard Business School, INSEAD, London Business School, Judge Business School (University of Cambridge), University of Sydney Business School, Yale University, and Columbia University, just to name a few.
Q. What is the duration of an MBA outside India?
A. Traditionally, the MBA is offered as a two-year program by most universities. However, European B-schools particularly in the UK also offer a one-year MBA program. Candidates can choose between a one year and a two-year MBA course. A two-year MBA program also includes internships that are important to land a good job opportunity. An internship also gives MBA graduates practical work experience as well. It is advised that students check the course details thoroughly and make sure that they match their career aspirations and future goals.
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After applying to Hertfordshire University UK, the applicants are going to receive an initial decision about their application within 2-3 working days. After the submission of the application and documents, the applicants are required to pay their tuition deposit. Then, complete the Sponsorship interview and the financial declaration. International students are required to pay a deposit of £5,000 before registration. The balance can be paid in line with the liability dates related to the year and entry of the semester.