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The number of international students pursuing an MBA in Europe is rising due to the high return on investment, with some programs reporting up to 90% ROI. Compared to countries like the USA, the visa process in Europe is simpler, making it an attractive destination for students seeking top-tier education.
While the USA has top schools like Stanford University, Europe offers a diverse curriculum in fields like digital transformation, sustainability, and innovation. Renowned schools like INSEAD and countries like Germany, which offer post-study work visas, provide excellent career opportunities.
This blog will cover the best business schools in Europe to help you make the right choice to study abroad.
Best Business Schools in Europe: Overview
European business schools offer flexible MBA durations, from 1-year executive programs to part-time courses lasting up to 3 years. Specializations like finance, marketing, and fashion open doors to career roles such as financial analyst and marketing manager in industries like e-commerce and fashion.
Here’s an overview of the best business universities in Europe.
Before looking at the top business schools in Europe, let’s first explore why studying a business degree in Europe is a great option.
Why Pursue Business Degree from Top Business Universities in Europe?
Europe is home to some of the world’s top business schools, with 5 of them ranking in the top 10 of the QS rankings for Business.
Institutions like the University of Oxford are renowned for their strong industry connections, high employability rates, and practical, hands-on courses, making a degree from these institutions highly valuable.
Here are the reasons to study at top business schools in Europe.
Top Rankings and Global Recognition: Europe is home to world-class business schools, such as HEC Paris, which ranks highly in the QS rankings.
Wide Range of Specializations: European business schools offer diverse specializations such as entrepreneurship, international business, and luxury brand management.
Strong Industry Connections: European business schools have strong partnerships with multinational companies. This provides students with opportunities for internships, live projects, and networking with industry leaders.
High Return on Investment: Business schools in Europe are known for providing a strong ROI, with many graduates securing well-paying roles in industries like banking, consulting, and e-commerce.
Post-Graduation Work Opportunities: Countries like France and Germany offer post-graduation work visas, giving you the chance to stay and gain valuable work experience in Europe.
After exploring the reasons to study at top business schools in Europe, let’s take a look at the institutions offering business degrees across the continent.
Top 10 Business Universities in Europe for International Students
Knowing about the top universities can help you plan better for entrance requirements, specializations, and future job roles. Institutions like Erasmus University are not only ranked among the best but also equip you with skills like critical thinking and leadership, which are highly relevant for employability in competitive global markets.
Here are the top business universities in Europe for international students.
Next, let’s take a look at the eligibility requirements for studying at the best MBA colleges in Europe.
Eligibility Criteria for Best Business Universities in Europe
Understanding the eligibility requirements is essential for a successful application. Typically, you’ll need a high school diploma with a GPA of around 3.0. Some top universities, like the University of Warwick, may also require GMATscores.
For international applicants, proof of English language proficiency through IELTSor TOEFL is necessary. Once you’ve received your confirmation, you can apply for a student visa.
Here are the eligibility requirements for admission to good MBA colleges in Europe.
Criteria
Sub-Criteria
Details
Academic Requirements
Educational Qualification
A bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution
GPA Score
Minimum 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Academic Transcripts
Official documents showing all completed courses and grades from your previous degree.
After reviewing the eligibility requirements, let’s take a look at the application process for studying at the best colleges for MBA in Europe.
Application Process for Business Schools in Europe
The application process is an important step in planning your studies abroad. It begins with submitting your application through the university portal, along with documents like academic transcripts and test scores such as the GMAT.
If you're an international applicant, you’ll need to provide proof of English language proficiency levels through tests like TOEFL. After receiving your admission confirmation, you can apply for a student visa before traveling.
Here are the application steps you’ll need to follow.
Step 1: Send Your Application: Complete your application for the MBA degree, including personal information, academic background, and any required essays or forms.
Step 2: Provide Required Documents: Submit the following documents as needed:
Academic transcripts
Proof of English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL)
Letters of recommendation
Statement of Purpose (if required)
Resume/CV (if required)
Standardized tests like GMAT (if asked)
Step 3: Attend an Interview: Some universities may need an interview. Be ready to discuss your background and reasons for the program.
Step 4: Track Your Application: Check your application status on the university portal and respond to any additional document requests.
Step 5: Apply for Your Student Visa: Once selected, apply for a visa by providing the following:
The acceptance letter from the university
Visa application form (specific to the country)
Proof of financial support
Visa application fee (varies by country)
Passport-size photographs
Visa application fee payment confirmation
Next, let’s discuss the curriculum for top business schools in Europe.
Course Details for Best Colleges for MBA in Europe
MBA programs in Europe include core subjects like finance and marketing, along with specializations such as entrepreneurship and supply chain management. This prepares you for roles like operations manager in industries like consulting.
Students also have access to internshipsand co-op programs, allowing them to apply their knowledge in practical settings and gain valuable workplace experience.
Here are the curriculum details for top business universities in Europe.
Now, let’s explore the costs associated with studying MBA at top business universities in Europe.
Cost of Pursuing a Degree From Top Business Universities in Europe
Tuition fees typically account for 30% to 50% of the total cost of studying abroad, depending on the country and university. The tuition fees in Europe are generally around 30% to 40% lower than those in the US, making it a more affordable option for international students.
Note: The INR conversion is based on the current exchange rate.
Apart from the tuition fee, you need to account for living costs like accommodation and food. Let’s explore these costs.
Cost of Living in Europe
The cost of living depends on your lifestyle choices and place of residence, and includes expenses for accommodation, food, and clothing. For instance, the cost of living in Germanycan amount to €11,904 (INR 11.9L), whereas in Ireland, it is approximately £15,000 (INR 15L).
Here’s the detailed breakdown of cost of living abroad in Europe.
Country
Annual Cost of Living (Average)
Cost of Living (INR)
United Kingdom
£13,800
INR 16.1L
Germany
€11,904
INR 11.9L
Ireland
€15,000
INR 15L
France
€8,400
INR 8.4L
Italy
€7,200
INR 7.2L
Note: The INR conversion is based on the current exchange rate.
Students can apply for financial aid, such as scholarships, to reduce the cost of studying MBA from business schools in Europe. Let’s take a closer look at these options.
Scholarships for Students to Study at Best MBA Colleges in Europe
Students planning to study an MBA have options like study loans available, but scholarships are the best way to reduce costs by 30% to 100%. Many country-specific scholarships exist, such as the Chevening Scholarship in the UK and DAAD Scholarshipsin Germany.
Below are some internal and external scholarships for students.
Internal Scholarships
Internal scholarships are awarded by the university, typically in the form of tuition fee reductions or financial grants. For example, the Oxford Saïd Future Leaders Scholarships provide financial aid up to £40,000 (INR 46.7L) for MBA students.
Eligibility: All MBA students at Oxford University.
Benefits: Up to £40,000 (INR 46.7L) as financial aid towards tuition fees.
HEC Paris MBA Scholarship for Excellence
(HEC Paris)
Merit-based
Eligibility: Candidates enrolled in the MBA program.
Benefits: Up to 50% reduction in tuition fees.
IE Business School Dean’s Award
(IE University)
Merit-based
Eligibility: MBA students with a minimum GPA of 3.8/4.0.
Benefits: Up to 70% reduction in tuition fees.
Apart from university-specific internal scholarships, you can also apply for external ones. Let’s explore them in detail.
External Scholarships
Beyond university scholarships, you can explore external ones, typically offered by the government. Indian applicants can apply for the Charpak Scholarship, which covers the living costs and visa fees for a master's degree in a French University.
Eligibility: International students from countries in the Global South.
Benefits: Full tuition, monthly living expenses of €934 (INR 93.9K), child allowance, and health insurance.
Charpak Scholarship
External merit-based
Eligibility: Indian/OCI student 30 years or younger, having completed a bachelor’s from an Indian higher education institute.
Benefits: Monthly living allowances of €860 (INR 86.5K), visa fee waiver, and discounted meals at €1 (INR 100.6).
Now, let’s discuss the job opportunities available for students after studying at the best MBA colleges in Europe.
Job Opportunities After Studying in Top Business Schools in Europe
MBA graduate salaries vary by country and university. For instance, the average salary after an MBA in Germany ranges from €70,000 to €85,000 (INR 70.3L - INR 85.4L). Similarly, graduates from top universities like INSEAD have an average salary of $113,700 (INR 97.4L).
Roles like Product Manager are high-paying, requiring skill sets such as strategic thinking and market analysis.
Here are the job roles after an MBA from top business schools in Europe.
Note: The INR conversion is based on the current exchange rate.
Now, let’s look at some top companies hiring graduates from top business schools in Europe.
Top Recruiters Hiring Graduates From Top Business Schools in Europe
An MBA degree from Europe opens up career roles like Business Development Manager, Financial Analyst, and Strategy Consultant in industries like finance and Information Technology. Companies like Amazon and Deloitte are eagerly hiring students for roles like Operations Manager and Project Manager.
Here are the top recruiters for MBA graduates from Europe.
Finally, let’s understand how upGrad can support you in your plans to study MBA from best MBA colleges in Europe.
How Can upGrad Help You Study in Good MBA Colleges in Europe?
Studying in Europe can be challenging due to the complexity of the process. upGrad simplifies the entire journey by offering expert support, ensuring your journey is smooth.
upGrad offers personalized guidance, helping you make confident decisions. You can get assistance with visa paperwork, scholarships, and targeted IELTS/TOEFL preparation. Additionally, career counseling and resume reviews ensure continuous success.
Begin your study abroad journey today. Book a 1:1 session with upGrad experts to receive personalized guidance on eligibility, finances, and the application process for a successful experience!
FAQs
How do European business schools compare to U.S. ones in terms of academic exposure?
European business schools are known for their diverse academic exposure, often offering more specialized programs than many U.S. counterparts. Schools in Europe, like INSEAD and London Business School, provide a global perspective with their international student body, strong alumni networks, and cross-cultural learning experiences.
Are there opportunities for international students to stay and work in Europe after graduation?
Yes, European countries offer post-graduation work visas. For example, Germany provides a one-year job-seeking visa after completing a degree, allowing graduates to find employment. France offers a similar scheme with up to two years for non-EU graduates.
What benefits do one-year MBA programs in Europe offer for career transitions?
One-year MBA programs in Europe, such as those offered by INSEAD, are perfect for professionals seeking to switch industries quickly. These programs allow students to return to the workforce faster while reducing the overall cost of education. The average salary increase for graduates from one-year European MBA programs is around 50%.
How do European business schools cater to students with non-business backgrounds?
European business schools like IE Business School and the University of St. Gallen offer preparatory courses or foundational programs to help students from non-business backgrounds. These programs build core business skills such as finance, marketing, and leadership, leveling the playing field for students with different backgrounds.
How important is knowing multiple languages when applying to European business schools?
While many European business schools offer programs in English, knowing multiple languages can enhance your experience and career prospects. Around 50% of business schools in Europe, including top institutions in France and Spain, encourage proficiency in at least one other language.
What are the most popular specializations offered at European business schools?
European business schools offer a wide range of specializations, with the most popular being Finance, Marketing, and Entrepreneurship. Additionally, programs in Sustainable Business, Digital Transformation, and Luxury Management have gained traction in recent years.
What role do entrepreneurship programs play in European MBA schools?
Entrepreneurship programs are crucial for promoting innovation and new business creation. For example, INSEAD's Entrepreneurship Accelerator and the London Business School's Incubator Program provide students with mentorship from successful entrepreneurs, access to funding networks, and opportunities to pitch ideas to investors.
What are the advantages of studying in a city with a strong business ecosystem, like London or Paris?
Cities like London and Paris offer proximity to a wide range of global companies, promoting networking and internship opportunities. London is home to over 1,000 global firms, while Paris is a hub for luxury and tech industries. Studying in these cities provides access to a growing job market.
How can I balance my studies with a social life while attending a European business school?
Balancing studies with social life is achievable in European business schools, which offer a range of extracurricular activities, from sports clubs to cultural events. About 60% of European MBA students participate in these activities, which enhance networking and personal growth.
What kind of internships or real-world business experience do European business schools provide?
European business schools offer internships in top global firms like Siemens, Bosch, and L'Oréal, focusing on industries like consulting, finance, and technology. On average, 90% of MBA students at top schools like HEC Paris and IESE complete internships, giving them real-world experience.
Do European business schools offer any exchange programs or global exposure?
Yes, European business schools offer exchange programs with universities across North America, Asia, and South America. These programs allow students to gain global exposure and insights into international business practices.
