A Student’s Guide to Studying an MBA Abroad: Top Countries, Eligibility [2023]

As the number of candidates hoping to pursue education abroad jumped from 76% to 81%, Indian learners are apparent in their choices- applying for MBA abroad being one of them! Applying for a full-time MBA in abroad can be very challenging when you don’t know the right steps to navigate.

While an MBA degree cements your chances of obtaining exceptional career opportunities, getting started can be one tough nut to crack. In order to pursue the right program in the right location, doing a fair length of prior research is imperative.

Let’s take you through the initial steps and help you explore how you can study MBA abroad, starting right from scratch!

What’s an MBA?

An MBA, fully known as Masters of Business Administration, is an extension programme after graduation, comprising a detailed curriculum of marketing, management, finance and much more. An MBA is the world’s most popular program that teaches you about business and its variations, leveraging in-demand tools for best-in-class content. Acquiring an MBA strengthens your resume and provides a career boost that can ease your life in the long run.

Opting for an MBA abroad for Indian students is the best choice a learner can make to obtain knowledge and exposure. Although India has many colleges renowned for their MBAs, like the reputed IIMs, having an MBA degree from their origin school, like the Harvard Business School, rewards you with greater subject proficiency and authenticity. Hence, if you are looking for the right MBA abroad for Indian students, ensure pursuing one in the top-ranked nations.

Top-ranked Countries for MBA

The top-ranked countries to pursue MBA in abroad are:

1. United States of America

The United States of America claims the topmost position when it comes to the nations offering leading MBA courses. Being the place of inception for the MBA program under the reputed Harvard Business School, this nation provides its learners with the topmost educational prowess and work opportunities. Apart from Harvard, the US soil is also home to more than half of the best business schools on the planet. Studying for an MBA here has its advantages. Students have the facility of good infrastructures, the best internship offers and the reach to new-age equipment.

2. The United Kingdom

The United Kingdom is arguably the hotspot of education among students. London is like a hub which has attracted students from every sector and field, including MBA students. It could be due to the high salaries and good placements it offers that the country has become an attractive destination for studies. Some of the most popular business schools here are the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge and the London Business School (LBS).

3. Germany

Germany is a name we don’t often hear on lists, but this country has built its reputation by nurturing top-class business schools that offer leading MBA programs. Germany offers the best education with cheap costs or no cost at all. Germany has tried its best and abolished tuition fees at Public Universities so that money doesn’t become a problem for education.

More than 70% of MBA enrollments in this country are from international students, and India has a high percentage. Germany, being the largest national economy in Europe, offers high salaries and good placements to MBA aspirants. Some of the most renowned MBA colleges here are Mannheim Business School, Frankfurt School of Finance and Management and the University of Cologne.

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4. Australia

Australia is another top-notch country popular among international students. An English-speaking country with nice weather and an affordable cost of living, Australia is home to many business schools, some like the Melbourne Business School and Australian National University (ANU).

The MBA degree from Australia is like a universal pass which can be used in any country you want to work for. The Australian government is famous for its luxurious commodities and provides its students with the best infrastructure, equipment and placements.

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5. Canada

With the Canadian economy at an all-time high, the country is becoming a popular destination to pursue MBA abroad for Indian students. According to the QS rankings of 2023, Canada holds 6 of the top 100 business schools offering MBA courses. Some of these schools are the University of Toronto – Rotman School of Management, Queen’s Smith School of Business and the Desautels Faculty of Management.

Compared to the USA, UK and Australian packages.

Eligibility

The MBA in abroad eligibility criteria differ in all countries. Some require work experience, while others don’t. However, the basic eligibility criterion among all colleges for an MBA program is a bachelor’s degree from a recognised institute.

• In a country like the United States of America, students are required to have a bachelor’s degree and a Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) examination certificate to be eligible for MBA courses.
• For the UK, the requirements are different. A  student must have a bachelor’s degree, a GMAT certificate, and work experience of a minimum of 3 years to affiliate a course here.
• To study in Canada, you must have a bachelor’s degree, a GMAT score, relevant work experience, two recommendation letters, an admission interview and an English exam which they will conduct.

Following the changing eligibility requirements, it is comprehensible how prior research is necessary when applying for MBA in any country abroad since the requirements keep changing.

MBA Eligibility Examination: GMAT

Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is an exam essential for admission in any country abroad with MBA courses. Almost 2,00,000 aspirants take this exam every year, but only 6% score more than 720, implying its complexity. The total marks go up to 800, and a competitive score is considered to be between 650 – 700. A score of above 700 will get you to the best business schools abroad.

The criteria to enter the Harvard Business School is 729 marks, followed by other universities like MIT, Columbia Business School, Dartmouth Tuck and many more with scores of 720+. If you wish to study abroad with a GMAT certificate, your range of marks should be between 700 – 750 to apply to the best schools with comfort. If lower marks are acquired, chances would still exist, but it will be a brawl for your position.

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Most in-demand MBAs in Foreign Countries

MBA programs are available in various course durations and specialisations, adding worth to your credentials with the applied curriculum. Let’s take a look at some of the leading specialisations.

• MBA in Human Resource Management (HRM)
• MBA in Data Science
• MBA in Business Analytics
• MBA in Finance
• MBA in Entrepreneurship
• MBA in Supply Chain
• MBA in Risk Management
• MBA in International Business
• MBA in Leadership
• MBA in Marketing

The list comprises some of the most popular MBA programs with respect to catalysing future growth and a sea of lucrative opportunities. Leading education platforms like upGrad offer MBA courses with varying specialisations, enabling learners to navigate their field of choice with the right course.

Jobs With an MBA Degree

Completing an MBA from a reputed institute dramatically boosts an individual’s career and shows people unimaginable success in their lives. From domestic to global markets, jobs for skilled MBA holders are always available, offering lucrative benefits and work satisfaction across domains. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular and high-paying jobs post-MBA in abroad.

Top MBA Skills

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Conclusion

In conclusion, learners aiming to pursue an MBA in abroad should know that there are various options when it comes to following the right path. By comparing your options and fulfilling the eligibility criteria, applying MBA abroad for Indian students is pretty easy. All you need is to explore your way through countless options available just a click away.

One such option is upGrad’s MBA with Specialisation by Liverpool Business School. This 18-month-long program is equipped to educate learners across the globe with in-demand management skills and offer peer networking opportunities to acquire exceptional opportunities.

In order to develop world-class business acumen among aspirants, the program comprises industry-specific skills offered by the leading faculty of Liverpool Business School. Whether you are a fresh graduate or a working professional hoping to upskill, this course is perfect to complement your career aspirations with projects, mentorships, consistent career support and a strong curriculum led by industry experts.

Enrol now and enjoy an immersive learning experience with upGrad!