Eligibility and Entrance Exams for MBA Abroad 2025

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.

Why Study MBA Abroad?

Every professional who wants to advance in their career thinks of pursuing an MBA at some point. No student wishing to pursue a Master's in Business Administration abroad will miss the opportunity to study at their 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 might pursue an MBA abroad. Here are a few of the most common reasons:

1. 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. 
2. Work Opportunities: An MBA from abroad can enhance your chances of securing a job that offers higher compensation and more opportunities for advancement.
3. Career Change: An MBA from abroad can be extremely helpful if you're looking to change careers. Your degree may provide new skills and knowledge to support your transition.
4. Enhances Personal Branding: Earning an MBA from a reputable foreign institution enhances your reputation among colleagues.
5. 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.
6. 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 can be a smart career move, providing you with the contacts, knowledge, and expertise to help you achieve 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.

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.

Related Read: MBA vs MiM

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 some schools offer an MBA without requiring 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. The following are some additional application requirements.

• 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 645+. However, a GMAT score of more than 645 can secure you admission to a decent MBA program 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:

• IELTS
• TOEFL
• PTE
• Duolingo

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

Although there are numerous top-rated MBA colleges in India, students still choose to pursue a 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 outdated curricula that are not in sync with the demands of present-day industries. This is where foreign institutes have the upper hand. An international MBA is more practical and collaborative in orientation. Almost all Business Schools are open to sharing the diversity of their student enrollments. At an international educational institution, one learns to experience a diverse range of cultures.

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. Additionally, it is a significant career decision for you, so it is essential to be cautious when choosing an MBA specialisation. 

Typically, the first year of the MBA programme is dedicated to core courses, which build a strong foundation in all the key concepts. In the second year, one chooses to specialise in a particular field.

• Marketing
• Human Resources
• Finance
• Information Systems
• Consulting
• Entrepreneurship
• Operations Management

Read more on MBA specializations below:

MBA in Finance Abroad	MBA in Marketing Abroad
MBA in International Business Abroad	MBA in Human Resources Abroad

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
MBA at Stanford Graduate School of Business, US	#1
MBA at The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, US	#2
MBA at Harvard Business School, US	#3
MBA at MIT Sloan, US	#4
MBA at London Business School, UK	#5
MBA at HEC Paris, France	#6
MBA at Cambridge Judge Business School, University of Cambridge, UK	#7
MBA at Columbia Business School, US	#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
MBA at Haas School of Business, UC Berkeley, US	#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
MBA at Yale School of Management, Yale University, US	#16
MBA at Stern School of Business, New York University, US	#17
MBA at Imperial College Business School, Imperial College London, UK	#18
MBA at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, UK	#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

Determining the best country for an MBA is challenging, as several factors must be taken into account. The US, the UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, and Singapore are some of the most popular destinations for MBA studies. It is essential to choose a suitable place to study before applying. Choosing the right programme that meets your requirements is an important step. However, for those who are convinced to apply to the top universities and colleges abroad, the challenge is to find the ideal institution.

Also Read: Top 5 countries to study MBA abroad

Scope of MBA from Abroad

Many MBA graduates have one goal while pursuing their degree: to work abroad. After spending a substantial amount of money on an 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 worthwhile to pursue an MBA abroad? An MBA from a reputable college abroad can open up 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 only in terms of managing finances but also to gain 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. Individuals with exceptional business skills will have the opportunity to showcase their talents.

• Finance: One of the most sought-after careers is 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 individuals with expertise in managing the operational line in the manufacturing or service industry. The new methodologies and skills taught in MBA programmes help companies adopt new technologies and formulate strategies that maximise profits.

Country-wise Average Fees for MBA Abroad

Deciding which country is suitable for pursuing an MBA outside India is one of the most challenging decisions an aspirant needs to make. One should always consider factors such as quality of education, total expenses (including tuition and living costs), and return on investment (ROI) when selecting a 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)
Stanford Graduate School of Business	21 months	$82,455 / INR 71,98,210
Harvard Business School	24 months	$76,410 / INR 66,70,490
Tuck School of Business- Dartmouth College	24 months	$86,040 / INR 75,11,176

 

MBA Colleges in the UK

Pursuing MBA in the UK can cost you an average of INR 23.19 L (for 1^st 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)
Imperial College Business School	1 year	£53,500 / INR 49,26,404
London Business School	15 to 21 months	£87,900 / INR 80,94,036
University of Cambridge	1 year	£57,000 / INR 52,48,692

 

MBA Colleges in Canada

MBA fees in Canada can cost you an average of INR 25.93 L (for 1^st 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)
Rotman School of Management (U of T)	2 years	C$59,450 / INR 31,98,409
Ivey Business School- University of Western Ontario	2 years	C$111,750 / INR 60,12,149

MBA Colleges in Australia

Annual MBA fees in business schools in Australia can be around INR 23.28 L (for 1^st year) including tuition fees and living expenses.

University	Course Duration	Tuition fee (Approx) (for 1st year)
Melbourne Business School, The University of Melbourne	12 months	AUD$89,500 / INR 43,75,519
Monash Business School, Monash University	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)
Ludwig Maximilians University Munich (LMU)	2 years	0
Frankfurt School of Finance & Management	1 year	€ 38,000 / INR 31,04,828

 

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 1^st 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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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
MS Business Analytics	12 / 24 months	Business Analytics comes under the category of the STEM degree
Management Information Systems (MIS)	2 years	Colleges ask for work experience to give admission to an MIS program
Master of Engineering Management (MEM)	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 strike a balance between 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 students will make a well-informed choice when selecting their course. Please visit the official university or college webpage for more details.

Candidates looking to study abroad can contact our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors for assistance with university applications. Candidates can also submit their comments in the section below.

If you still have doubts regarding the Master's in Business Administration abroad, then we have given a list of FAQs for more.