Doing an MBA from abroad is a big step, but many students feel like it’s not the end of their journey. Some people want to learn more, some want to get better jobs, and others want to switch their career path. That’s why many students look for courses after MBA in abroad that can help them boost their resume or build new skills.
An MBA abroad provides you with a versatile skill set to navigate the business world. To gain expertise in a specific domain, you may need to enroll in additional courses after your MBA.
There are so many options out there like PGDCA, CPIM, or even Data Science, Data Analytics courses. You can pick something based on what you like or where you see your future going. In this article, we have shared the best courses to do after MBA abroad, how much they cost, what jobs you can get, and which colleges offer them like University of Essex.
What to Study After MBA – Short-Term Courses
After MBA, which course is the best? There are many short-term options worth considering. They include:
Personality Development courses help you groom yourself while improving your public speaking abilities and confidence. Many students prefer to take these courses as part-time options while working after completing their MBA or just before they start working.
Systems Applications and Products (SAP) is one of today’s most popular courses. It boosts students’ overall abilities in using SAP more effectively, along with all its functions. All business sectors and industries use SAP to enhance the overall value of their offerings.
There are functional and technical short-term courses available to improve your employability with SAP.
Coding is another popular option. Students in almost all fields prefer it. This involves certificate or short-term diploma courses that teach you a whole new skill and one that can come in handy in the future.
Higher Studies After MBA Abroad- Courses Available
Wondering what to do after an MBA? It’s a common question among graduates aiming to take their careers to the next level. If you're looking to continue your academic journey, here are some of the top higher education options to consider after completing an MBA.
Financial Risk Management (FRM)
FRM certification perfectly complements your MBA in Finance degree. It analyzes deeply the risk management concepts specific to financial organizations, corporations, and investment firms.
Most financial institutions hire individuals with FRM degrees as they navigate highly volatile and complex markets. This certification helps you showcase a deeper understanding of risk management frameworks, regulatory compliance, and quantitative analysis techniques.
Having FRM certificate positions you as a valuable asset in the financial services industry, opening doors to exciting career opportunities. Thus, FRM is one of the most popular courses to pursue after an MBA if you are planning to pursue education abroad.
Cost of Doing FRM
FRM certification has two parts. Level 1 covers essential tools and concepts of risk management, while Level 2 emphasizes the application of these tools in different areas of risk management. The FRM Level 1 exam consists of 100 MCQs, whereas Level 2 consists of 80 MCQs. The exam fee for each part ranges between $800 and $1200.
Average Salary After FRM
Considering the US market only, the average salary of FRM-certified professionals is approximately $114,000 per year, depending on the role and experience level. The table below shows the average salary range for different roles after acquiring FRM certification:
Role
Average Salary
Quantitative Analyst
$118,803
Credit Risk Manager
$134,966
Risk Analyst
$74,125
VP- Risk Management
$150,000
Risk Manager
$120,183
Quantitative Analyst, Risk
$91,131
Senior Risk Manager
$130,603
Job Opportunities After FRM
The FRM certification opens the door to a great career in the financial risk management landscape. Here are some of the potential areas that you can pursue according to your choice, experience, and specialization:
Financial Risk Analyst
Market Risk Analyst
Regulatory Risk Analyst
Credit Risk Specialist/Analyst
Risk Manager
Chief Risk Officer
Corporate Risk Director
Top Universities/Colleges for FRM
There are several universities to study abroad that offer preparatory courses and resources for FRM preparation. Some of them are listed below:
If you are looking for courses after MBA in abroad and want to expand your business skills, a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) is the best option. The DBA program provides a deeper understanding of a specific domain. If you are interested in academia, a DBA program opens the door to teaching and research opportunities at business schools and universities.
Cost of Doing DBA
The cost of a DBA program varies depending on the location, university, and program format (full-time/part-time). Generally, the average tuition fee for a DBA is around $61,879 per year. Additional costs, such as living expenses, study materials, food, and travel, may also apply.
Average Salary After DBA
After completing a DBA, you can earn an average of $101,000 per annum. However, the salary of a business administrator depends on experience, organization, and location.
The table below shows the average salary range for different roles after acquiring a DBA certification:
Job Role
Average Salary
Management Analyst
$95,290
Market Research Analyst
$68,230
Chief Executives
$189,520
University Professor
$80,840
Economist
$113,940
Job Opportunities After DBA
The DBA program provides expertise in business administration and management, equipping you to handle real-world business problems. This gives DBA degree holders an upper hand in assuming top positions in renowned organizations. Here are some top job roles for a DBA degree holder:
Career Path
Roles
Academic Careers
- University Professor
- Academic Administrator
Corporate Executive Roles
- Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
- Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
- Chief Operations Officer (COO)
Consulting Careers
- Management Consultant
- Independent Business Consultant
Entrepreneurship
- Startup Founder
- Venture Capitalist
Non-Profit Leadership
- Executive Director
- Program Director
Public Sector Roles
- Economic Advisor
- Senior Policy Analyst
Research & Development
- Corporate R&D Manager
- Market Research Analyst
Top Universities/Colleges Offering DBA
Here are a few examples of prestigious universities offering DBA worldwide:
After completing your MBA in finance, the CFA program adds another credential to your qualifications. CFA certification demonstrates to organizations that you possess the skills necessary for financial analysis, portfolio management, and sound investment decision-making.
Cost of Doing CFA
Various factors must be considered when determining the cost of pursuing the CFA. The CFA Program costs include a one-time enrollment fee of $450. Each exam level has an early registration fee of $940 and a standard registration fee of $1,250. Additional costs may include study materials, exam rescheduling ($250), and travel and accommodation expenses.
Average Salary After CFA
The average salary of a CFA charter holder varies according to experience, location, and organization. On average, a CFA charter holder earns around $177,000. The table below shows the salary range and average salary according to the job roles after CFA certification:
Job Title
Salary Range (Per Annum)
Location
Financial Analyst
₹50,000–65,000/month
Canada
Analyst (eClerx)
Not disclosed
India
Odoo Business Analyst
Not disclosed
Kuwait
Manager – Financial Planning & Analysis
Not disclosed
Oman
Financial Business Analyst
Not disclosed
USA / Bengaluru (Hybrid)
Salesforce Business Analyst (Wipro)
₹15–30 LPA
Saudi Arabia
Business Data Analyst
Not disclosed
Costa Rica
Appointment Setter / Telemarketer
Not disclosed
Remote
Financial Analyst – FP&A (Pulsar Knowledge)
Not disclosed
Kuwait
Business Analyst – Credit Risk Analysis (Capco)
Not disclosed
India
Job Opportunities After CFA
The CFA designation opens the doors to diverse career options in the investment management domain. Here are some prominent job roles that you can pursue:
Financial Analyst
Analyst (eClerx)
Odoo Business Analyst
Manager – Financial Planning & Analysis
Financial Business Analyst
Salesforce Business Analyst (Wipro)
Business Data Analyst
Top Universities/Colleges for CFA
CFA is not a university-affiliated certification. The CFA institute provides a list of online prep providers to help the aspirants prepare for the exam. Some of them are listed below:
PhD in Management is a three- to five-year program that can be pursued after completing an MBA. It provides specialization in a particular topic and also opens up vast career opportunities in fields such as research, policy-making, academia, and administration.
Cost of Doing PhD in Management
The cost of pursuing a PhD in Management abroad can range from $27,000 to $94,500 per year, depending on the location, University, and specialization you choose.
Average Salary After PhD in Management
The entry-level salary of Consultants with a PhD degree in leading management consulting firms worldwide is $1,000. However, the earnings depend upon the location, organization, specialization, and experience of the professionals with a PhD in Management.
Job Opportunities After pursuing PhD in Management
With a PhD degree in management, you can explore different career pathways, such as:
CRMA (Certification in Risk Management Assurance) is a certification awarded by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). This certification is ideal for those seeking specialization in managing credit risk. If you are considering courses after an MBA abroad, earning a CRMA certification can be a strategic move for your career.
Having a CRMA certification after an MBA in Finance will enhance your expertise in risk mitigation strategies, loan portfolio management, regulatory compliance, and credit risk assessment, making your profile much stronger than other job seekers.
Cost of Doing CRMA
The cost of pursuing Certified Risk Management Assurance is $445.
Average Salary After CRMA
The average salary of a Certified Risk Management Assurance professional is $121,000, but it depends on experience, location, and industry.
Job Role
Average Salary
Internal Auditing Manager
$99,272
Chief Audit Executive
$174,507
Senior Internal Auditor
$88,791
Senior Auditor
$104,500
Credit Risk Manager
$119,000
Job Opportunities After Pursuing CRMA
With a focus on credit risk management, the CRMA certification opens a wide range of career opportunities in the financial services landscape, including:
Internal Auditing Manager
Senior Auditor
Credit Risk Manager
Senior Internal Auditor
Chief Audit Executive
Top Universities/Colleges for CRMA
While the CRMA exam is not university-affiliated, several institutions prepare you for the exam. Consider the following options:
IIA (The Institute of Internal Auditors) provides CRMA study materials and resources for exam preparation.
Online Training Providers offer CRMA prep courses, study materials, resources, and training for the exam.
Financial Services Industry Associations provide CRMA prep courses or workshops for exam preparation for their members.
Project Management Professional (PMP)
If you have completed your MBA, have strong leadership skills, and are still wondering what to study after MBA, earning a PMP certification is a great next step. A PMP certification validates your skills in leading and managing processes, people, resources, and professional projects. There are currently around 1,400,000 PMP certification holders worldwide.
Cost of Doing PMP
To obtain a PMP certification, you need to qualify for the exam. The exam fee for members is $405, whereas for non-members, it is $575.
Average Salary After PMP
The average salary for project management roles ranges from about $54,000 for Project Coordinators up to approximately $108,000 for Product Owners annually.
Job Title
National Average Salary (per year)
Project Coordinator
$53,981
Portfolio and Program Manager
$90,542
Project Director
$94,685
Product Owner
$107,748
Project Manager Consultant
$83,158
Engineering Project Manager
$100,517
Job Opportunities After Pursuing PMP
These are a few job roles that you can pursue after a PMP certification:
Project Coordinator
Portfolio and Program Manager
Project Director
Product Owner
Project Manager Consultant
Engineering Project Manager
Top Universities/Colleges for PMP
The PMI (Project Management Institute) provides online PMP prep courses. Formal study courses are also offered by PMI chapters, and you can connect with Authorized Training Partners to prepare for the exam.
If you have completed your MBA abroad and are looking for an additional course in computer applications to boost your profile, a PGDCA is a great option. This diploma provides a general understanding of software, programming languages, computer applications, and more.
Cost of Doing PGDCA
A PGDCA can cost approximately between $3,078 and $29,220 per year, depending on the location and institution.
Average Salary After PGDCA
Here is the average salary for professionals with a PGDCA certificate:
Job Title
Average Salary (INR /year)
Front End Developer
INR 5,69,902
.NET Developer
INR 3,54,470
Full Stack Developer
INR 3,69,699
PHP Developer
INR 3,01,615
Python Developer
INR 2,67,487
Software Test Engineer
INR 8,06,909
Web Designer
INR 2,28,980
Job Opportunities After PGDCA
Earning a PGDCA after an MBA opens various career options, such as:
Front End Developer
.NET Developer
Full Stack Developer
PHP Developer
Python Developer
Software Test Engineer
Web Designer
Top Universities/Colleges for PGDCA
Check out some of the universities for PGDCA that you can consider for the course:
Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)
If you are looking for a lucrative career in supply chain management, obtaining a CPIM certification after your MBA is a great option. It is a globally recognized certification that opens the door to a career in logistics, supply chain, and material management.
Cost of Doing CPIM
The CPIM certification exam consists of two parts. Each part consists of 6 modules. You need to pass Part 2 of the CPIM within three years of passing the Part 1 exam to obtain the CPIM certification. The cost is $495 for APICS PLUS members and $690 for Core or non-members for each part.
Average Salary After CPIM
The average salary after CPIM certification ranges from INR 6L to INR 32L per year, depending on the job role.
Job Title
Average
Supply Chain Manager
INR 900,000
Solutions Architect
INR 3,200,000
Supply Chain Planner
INR 1,200,000
Materials Manager
INR 2,896,552
Production Planner, Manufacturing
INR 1,400,000
Purchasing Manager
INR 1,130,500
Business Development Associate
INR 600,000
Job Opportunities After CPIM
A CPIM-certified professional can pursue the following job roles:
Supply Chain Manager
Solutions Architect
Supply Chain Planner
Materials Manager
Production Planner, Manufacturing
Purchasing Manager
Business Development Associate
Top Universities/Colleges for CPIM
Here are some of the Universities that offer CPIM Prep courses:
If you are looking for courses after MBA abroad and like to analyze data, obtaining a degree in Data Science and Data Analytics will be beneficial.
Cost of Doing Data Science and Data Analytics
A master’s degree in Data Science and Data Analytics can cost approximately $12,120 to $20,043 per year, depending on the institution and location.
Average Salary After Data Science and Data Analytics
The average salary of a Data Science and Data Analytics professional in India ranges from INR 6 LPA to INR 25.5 LPA, depending on the role, experience, and specialization.
All costs are updated to INR using the exchange rate of 1 GBP = INR 105.
Conclusion
After completing an MBA abroad, you can choose from several advanced courses to further your career. The most popular option is pursuing a PhD in fields like Business Administration, Management, Finance, Marketing, Operations, or Human Resource Management at top universities in the US, UK, Australia, and Europe.
To apply, prepare your academic documents, SOP, and letters of recommendation, and be ready for entrance exams like GRE or GMAT if required.
If you want help choosing the best courses after MBA in abroad, understanding eligibility, or preparing your application, connect with upGrad experts. They can guide you step by step and help you achieve your global career goals.
FAQs
What is a PGDCA and how can it benefit MBA graduates?
PGDCA (Post Graduation Diploma in Computer Applications) provides fundamental knowledge in computer software and programming, enhancing an MBA graduate’s technical skills and employability in IT-related roles.
How much does it typically cost to pursue a PGDCA abroad?
The cost ranges from approximately $3,078 to $29,220 per year, depending on the institution and country.
What are the common job roles available after completing a PGDCA?
Popular roles include Front End Developer, .NET Developer, Full Stack Developer, PHP Developer, Python Developer, Software Test Engineer, and Web Designer.
What is CPIM certification and who should consider it?
CPIM (Certified in Production and Inventory Management) is a globally recognized supply chain certification ideal for MBA graduates seeking careers in logistics, supply chain planning, and materials management.
What is the cost of CPIM certification exams?
The exam costs $495 per part for APICS PLUS members and $690 per part for non-members. There are two parts in total.
What are the average salaries for CPIM-certified professionals?
Salaries vary widely, ranging from INR 6 Lakh to INR 32 Lakh annually, depending on the job profile such as Supply Chain Manager, Solutions Architect, or Materials Manager.
Why should MBA graduates consider a degree in Data Science and Data Analytics?
Because these fields are in high demand and allow professionals to analyze data for business insights, leading to lucrative roles in tech and analytics sectors.
What is the approximate tuition fee for Data Science master’s programs abroad?
Tuition fees typically range between $12,120 and $20,043 per year, depending on the university and country.
What job roles are available after completing a Data Science and Data Analytics degree?
Roles include Data Scientist, Data Analyst, Machine Learning Engineer, Data Engineer, Business Intelligence Analyst/Developer, AI/ML Research Scientist, and Big Data Engineer.
Which top universities offer PGDCA, CPIM prep, or Data Science courses for international students?
Some top universities include MIT, Stanford, Carnegie Mellon University, Harvard, University of California Berkeley, Arizona State University, Michigan State University, University of Oxford, Imperial College London, and National University of Singapore.
Can I pursue a PhD after completing my MBA abroad?
Yes, pursuing a PhD in Business Administration, Management, Finance, Marketing, or related fields is a popular path for advanced specialization and research careers.
How can I get help selecting the best courses and preparing my application for studies abroad after MBA?
You can consult education experts or platforms like upGrad, who guide you through eligibility, application documents, SOP writing, and entrance exam preparations for your chosen course.
Sr. Content Writer & Study Abroad Expert |110 articles published
Kanika has 5+ years of experience as a writer and content developer. She has written for a wide range of industry verticals, including hospitality, restaurants, non-profits, finance, IT, HR, technolog...
Refer Your Friend & Earn upto ₹15000
Help your friend upgrade to a Global Career and earn rewards together.
