Is an MBA Worth It for Business Owners in Singapore? Pros & Cons to Know

If you’re a business owner in Singapore, you may be considering ways to advance your entrepreneurial journey to the next level. Is an MBA for business owners worth it? The course may be a strategic fit to accelerate your career, although considering the time and opportunity cost is essential. 

With MBA employment rates at an all-time high in Singapore, particularly for graduates of leading institutions (93% in 2025), the same advantages may also apply to business owners. Here’s looking at how it may help you grow in your professional sphere and how upGrad will help you make an informed decision.

Source: TopMBA

Take your skills to the next level – Explore Online MBA Courses from Prestigious Global Institutions

Should Business Owners Do An MBA? Pros & Cons

Is online MBA worth it for business owners in Singapore? Let’s examine the same in more detail below. 

Considerations	What to Know
Time	Whether you can commit to the time required and the format (online or on-campus)
Cost	Whether you can afford the program
Network	Whether the course helps you network with peers and industry leaders
Skills	The core skills taught by the course, i.e. leadership, strategic thinking, cross-cultural communication, etc.
ROI	Whether the program will help you expand your operations and earn handsome ROI considering the budget
Alternatives	Bootcamps, workshops, industry-specific training

Here is a round-up of the major aspects worth noting in this regard.

Strategic & Financial Skills

• Pros- MBAs offer a deeper understanding of corporate valuation, risk modelling, capital budgeting, data-driven decision-making, etc. 
• Cons– The academic depth may not always lead to immediate and practical applications. Some business owners may already have these skills. 

Also read: Is an Online MBA in Finance Worth It In Singapore?

Network & Credibility

• Pros- An MBA course may give you access to a robust network. It may help you attract investors, skilled talent, and new opportunities.
• Cons– The quality and size of the network are heavily dependent on the reputation of the program.

Leadership & Talent

• Pros- The curriculum focuses on strategic thinking, leadership development and talent management. 
• Cons- Some people may prefer hands-on approaches rather than formal coursework. 

Also read: MBA in Education Management and Leadership

Growth & Pivot Options

• Pros- MBAs may give you the skills required to scale your venture, foray into new markets and even shift into other industries.
• Cons- The MBA specialisation may influence the growth and pivot options. Choosing based on long-term objectives is not always easy.

Time & Opportunity Cost

• Pros- Executive MBAs are often designed to lower time away from the workplace by dividing the course content into digestible modules.
• Cons-Regular full-time MBAs require a major time commitment, meaning you cannot actively supervise your business during this period. 

Cost & ROI

• Pros- Several MBA courses come with a strong ROI, and there may be major career acceleration for graduates. 
• Cons- MBAs are often costly, with many requiring considerable investments in living costs, tuition, and opportunity costs.

Also read: What are Some Good and Affordable Online MBA Programs Worldwide

Programme Fit

• Pros- Choosing the right format is vital- full-time, online, executive or part-time for aligning with your objectives.
• Cons- The wrong program may lead to poor ROI and overall dissatisfaction.

Also read: Full-time Vs. Part-time MBA In Singapore

Alternatives to MBA

Instead of a full-time MBA, business owners may also consider the following: 

• Specialised online courses and certifications 
• Industry-specific training programs 
• Bootcamps and workshops 
• Peer networks and mentorship

What Other Sources Commonly Say About MBAs for Business Owners

When it comes to an MBA for business owners, here are some common aspects gleaned from various sources.

• Structured Business Breadth- MBA programs offer formal training in core business areas like leadership, finance, marketing, strategy, etc. It may benefit those owners who do not have formal education in these areas. Some may come with personalised development, electives, and a practical focus with case studies.
• Networks & Alumni Access – These may be major levers, allowing graduates to access vast global networks for continuous collaboration and professional development. The support system and mentorship available may also be a big attraction.
• MBA Format– Full-time, part-time, EMBA, and online programs are available. You need to choose the one that suits your lifestyle.
• Costs & Opportunity Costs- Significant costs are there with EMBA or full-time programs, while they are slightly lower for part-time programs. Online MBAs may be more affordable. At the same time, the opportunity cost, i.e., the time given for coursework and assignments (that you cannot give to your business), also matters. 

Also read: 7 Must-See MBA Courses in Singapore to Master Business

How upGrad Helps Business Owners Make and Execute the Right MBA Decision

upGrad supports business owners in terms of maximising ROI before, during and after an MBA program. This is enabled through flexible learning formats, curated pathways, mentorship and practical projects that are immediately applicable. You can expect decision support, operator-first learning, a network of renowned universities to choose from, mentorship and community networking, positive business and career outcomes, and alternative courses to suit every need. 

Here are some courses worth considering: 

• MBA from Edgewood University
• MBA from Golden Gate University
• MBA from Liverpool Business School

FAQs on MBA Value for Business Owners