9 Best Countries to Study MBA Abroad in (2024)

Thinking about studying for an MBA in a foreign country, but not sure where to go? It can be a tough decision because there are many things to consider, like cost, quality of education, and future job opportunities.

Don’t worry; we’re here to help. In this blog, we’ll talk about the best countries to study abroad for your MBA. We’ll make it simple and clear, so you can easily understand and make the right choice.

In this blog, we will tell you about some of the best countries to study MBA abroad, a list of top business schools in the world, visa requirements for studying abroad, and much more.

Let’s begin!

What is an MBA?

An MBA full form “Master of Business Administration,” is a graduate-level degree program that focuses on business and management.

It’s designed to help students develop advanced skills and knowledge in areas like leadership, finance, marketing, and operations.

MBAs are often pursued by those students looking to enhance their career prospects, gain expertise in business management, or start their businesses.

The program typically covers a wide range of business topics and is offered by universities and business schools around the world.

Apart from your coursework, as an MBA student, you can also choose to focus on a specific part of business, like healthcare, finance, or starting your own business.

MBA programs are found at universities all over the world, and they come in different types.

Some are full-time, while others are part-time, which means you can study and work at the same time. There are also executive MBA programs, which are for people with lots of work experience.

You can attend classes in person or study online, depending on what works best for you. To get into an MBA program, you usually need a bachelor’s degree and some work experience.

The application process involves showing your test scores (GMAT or GRE), your academic records, letters of recommendation, and often an interview. MBA programs can be pretty competitive, so it’s important to prepare well.

If you are interested in a business career, an MBA can be a valuable investment. MBA programs provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in a variety of business settings.

Why study abroad for an MBA?

Studying abroad for an MBA offers several compelling advantages. Here are some of the key reasons:

•  Diverse perspectives: International MBA programs bring together students from all over the world. Having classmates from various countries and cultures means you can learn from people with different backgrounds and ideas.

• International exposure: Going to a foreign country for an MBA helps students learn about the world and think globally. This is important for doing well in today’s worldwide business environment.

• Networking opportunities: Going to another country to get an MBA degree will allow you to build your connections or a network with students as well as people from all over the world. This can help you to find new jobs and start your own business in the future.

• Different viewpoints: When you go to another country for your MBA, you get to learn from teachers and friends who come from all sorts of different places and have different cultures. This can help you see business and the world in a wider way.

• Trying new things: Going to a different country for an MBA can change your life. It lets you discover other cultures, visit new locations, and make new friends.

• Language Skills: When you go to a place where people speak a different language and study there, you can get better at that language. This can help you to communicate with local people and find a job in the world.

• Getting an MBA from a good foreign school can help you find good jobs in other countries. Big companies like to hire MBA graduates who have worked abroad.

• Personal Growth: When you go to study in another country, it encourages you to do things that might be a bit uncomfortable. This can help you become more self-reliant and learn more about yourself. It’s a chance to become stronger and tougher.

Benefits of studying an MBA from a top business school

Studying for an MBA from a top business school opens a window of opportunities for you ranging from career opportunities to building a global network. Here are some of the key benefits of studying MBA abroad from the top universities:

• Having an MBA from a good business school can help you make a lot more money. In 2022, the average starting salary for MBA grads in the US was $117,000, which is much higher than the $55,000 that most bachelor’s degree grads make when they start working.

• More career opportunities: Getting an MBA from a good business school opens up lots of job options.  You can work in banking, giving advice, finance, advertising, and more. Also, these schools have lots of past students who can help you get good jobs and move up in your career.

• Build leadership skills: MBA programs from the best business schools can help you to become better leaders in the future. They will teach you how to lead groups of people, make choices, and fix issues. These abilities are really important for doing well in any job related to business.

• Going to a good business school can help you get better job chances. These schools have connections with big tech companies, so when you graduate, there are chances to secure your job in one of the big countries.

• Top-notch business schools attract students from all over the globe. This means that when you graduate, you will have a big group of people from all over the world, and you can use these connections in their jobs.

Factors to consider when choosing a country to study MBA abroad

Here are some of the factors to consider when choosing a country to study MBA abroad:

• Cost of living: How much it costs to live in different countries can be very different. When you’re deciding where to study, make sure to think about factors like how much you’ll spend on university, a place to live, food, travel expenses, and other extra expenses you’ll need to pay for like books, stationary, etc.

• Quality of education: It can be different in different countries. To find a good university, you must do in-depth research about it. You can also check the Financial Times Global MBA Ranking or the QS Global MBA Ranking to see which schools are highly rated.

• When thinking about getting an MBA degree, it’s essential to look at job opportunities. This means checking if companies are looking for those students with MBA qualifications in the places you’re interested in.

You should also think about what kinds of jobs you can get with an MBA and how much money you can usually earn annually or monthly.

• Visa rules: If you want to study in another country, you’ll need to fulfill their visa requirements. Different countries have different requirements, so it’s essential to check what you need for the country you want to go to. Make sure you can get the right visa before you plan your studies there.

• Language can be a big issue. If you don’t speak the language of the place where you want to study for your MBA, you might have to learn it first by taking language classes before you can begin your MBA program. It’s important to communicate in their local language.

• Culture and lifestyle: Research about the way people live and what they do in a country. This can make a big difference when you’re deciding where to study and live.

Best countries to study MBA abroad

United States:

‍The USA is one of the best countries for MBA aspirants for Indian students. Studying for an MBA in the United States usually costs between 60 lakhs to 1 crore rupees on average.

It is a hub of some of the best and most renowned universities in the world like Harvard Business School, Stanford Graduate School of Business, and Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

These universities offer rigorous academics, world-class faculty, and extensive networking opportunities.

Living in the United States can be expensive, especially in big cities like New York and San Francisco. Getting a visa to enter the US can also be complicated and take a lot of time.

Here are some of the pros and cons of studying MBA in the US:

Pros:

• World-class business schools
• Strong job market
• Extensive networking opportunities

Cons:

• High cost of living
• Complex visa process

Post-completion of your MBA, you can stay in the United States for up to 3 years.

United Kingdom (UK)

Another destination preferred by Indian students is the United Kingdom. It is one of the cheapest countries to study abroad in front of countries like the United States.

It is home to many world-renowned business schools, such as:

•  Oxford Business School,
•  Cambridge Judge Business School, and
• London Business School. These schools offer high-quality academics, experienced faculty, and strong global reputations.

The UK job market is also very strong for MBA graduates. Many multinational companies have their headquarters in the UK, and there are many opportunities for MBA graduates to work in consulting, finance, and other industries.

The average cost of studying for an MBA in the UK in 2023 is between £35,000 and £58,000 (INR 35Lakhs to INR 58 Lakhs) per annum for international students. This includes tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs such as visas, health insurance, and travel.

Canada

Canada is a great option for students who are looking for a more affordable MBA.

Canadian business schools are also very well-respected, and MBA graduates from Canadian schools can work in Canada after graduation.

In Canada, if you have an MBA degree, you can find good jobs easily. You can work in finance, consulting, and other fields because there are lots of job options for MBA graduates.

Here are some of the pros and cons of studying MBA in Canada:

Pros:

• More affordable than the US
• Well-respected business schools
• MBA graduates can work in Canada after graduation
• Strong job market

Cons:

• Colder climate

The cost of MBA programs in Canada usually ranges from Rs. 25 to 60 lakhs and executive MBA courses are usually more expensive. In Canada, you can study different types of management, like general management, human resources, finance, and operations.

After the completion of an MBA in Canada, you can stay up to 3 years in the country.

Australia

Australia is another great option for students who are looking for an MBA.

Australia has several business schools that rank among the best in the world, including the Melbourne Business School, the Australian Graduate School of Management, and the Macquarie Business School.

Australia offers a high quality of life, with a relaxed culture, beautiful scenery, and a mild climate. This makes it a great place to live and study.

Here are some of the top MBA programs in Australia:

• Melbourne Business School MBA
• Australian Graduate School of Management MBA
• Macquarie Business School MBA
• Monash Business School MBA
• UQ Business School MBA
• University of Western Australia Business School MBA
• Australian National University MBA

The cost of studying MBA in Australia varies depending on the university and the type of program. However, the average cost of an MBA in Australia is around 16 lakhs to 50 lakhs per annum.

International MBA students in Australia are eligible for a post-study work permit for up to 25 months after completing their studies. This allows students to gain valuable work experience in Australia after graduation.

With a subclass 500 student visa in hand, you can stay up to 5 years and in line with your enrollment.

Germany

Germany is a great option for international MBA students on a budget, as tuition fees are free for public universities. Germany is also home to several world-class business schools, such as the WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management, the ESMT Berlin, and the Mannheim Business School.

Getting a master’s degree in business in Germany doesn’t cost as much as it does in the United States or the United Kingdom. It’s cheaper here.

One of the biggest advantages is that many MBA programs in Germany are taught in English, making it easy for you to complete your course in your preferred language.

Here are some of the top companies in Germany that hire MBA graduates:

• Siemens
• Volkswagen
• BMW
• Daimler
• Deutsche Bank
• BASF
• SAP
• Allianz
• Munich Re
• Bayer
• ThyssenKrupp
• Continental

The average cost of studying for an MBA in Germany in 2023 is between €10,400 and €49,500 per year (INR 9.1 Lakhs to INR 43.4 Lakhs). This includes tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs such as visas, health insurance, and travel.

However, the cost of an MBA can vary significantly depending on the university, the type of course, and the length of the program. For example, tuition fees at top business schools such as the Mannheim Business School and the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management can be upwards of €40,000 per annum.

Public universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees for MBA programs, but students do need to pay a semester fee of around €200-1,400 per semester. Private universities, on the other hand, charge tuition fees that range from €10,400 to €49,500 per year.

France

France is a great place to go for your MBA because it has a strong economy, really good business schools, and living there isn’t too expensive.

Studying for an MBA in France has some great advantages:

• Top-notch business education: France has excellent business schools like HEC Paris, INSEAD, and ESSEC Business School. They offer MBA programs that get you ready for success in the global business world.
• Reasonable tuition costs: MBA programs in France don’t cost as much as those in the United States or the United Kingdom, so they’re budget-friendly.
• Strong job opportunities: France has a strong economy and many big international companies. So, if you get your MBA here, you’ll have good job options in France and other countries too.
• Diverse and multicultural setting: France is a diverse place with people from different backgrounds. That makes it a cool spot to do your MBA and learn about various cultures and business methods.

Here are some of the best business schools in France for MBA studies:

• HEC Paris
• INSEAD
• ESSEC Business School
• ESCP Business School
• EDHEC Business School
• EMLyon Business School
• Audencia Business School
• Grenoble Ecole de Management
• Toulouse Business School
• Rennes School of Business
• SKEMA Business School

Here are some of the top companies in France that hire MBA graduates:

• LVMH
• L’Oréal
• Airbus
• Carrefour
• TotalEnergies
• AXA
• BNP Paribas
• Crédit Agricole
• Société Générale
• Michelin
• Orange
• Renault

The average cost of studying an MBA in France in 2023 is between INR 27.5 Lakhs to INR 85.7 Lakhs per year. This includes tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs such as visas, health insurance, and travel.

However, the cost of an MBA can vary significantly depending on the university, the type of course, and the length of the program. For example, tuition fees at top business schools such as HEC Paris and INSEAD can be upwards of €90,000 per annum.

HEC Paris (Tuition fees): 

January 2024: €90,000

September 2024: €98,000

INSEAD (Tuition fees):

Tuition fees for the August 2024 Intake: €99,500

Tuition fees for the January 2025 Intake: €103,500

Spain

Spain is a great place to go for an MBA. Here are some of the key benefits:

• Spain offers excellent business education with highly regarded schools like IESE Business School, IE Business School, and Esade Business School. These schools have MBA programs that prepare students well for success in the global business world.

• The cost of tuition for MBA programs in Spain is reasonable, especially when compared to top destinations like the United States and the United Kingdom. The average costs range from Rs.15 lakhs to Rs. 70 lakhs.

• Spain also has a strong economy with many major international companies, which means there are plenty of job opportunities for MBA graduates, both in Spain and worldwide.

• Additionally, Spain boasts a high quality of life with beautiful weather, stunning beaches, and a rich culture. It’s a fantastic place to live and study.

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Here are some of the best business schools in Spain for MBA studies:

• IESE Business School
• IE Business School
• Esade Business School
• ESIC Business & Marketing School
• IESEG School of Management
• EAE Business School
• Barcelona School of Management
• Madrid Business School
• Ramon Llull Business School
• UIC Barcelona School of Business
• Deusto Business School

Here are some of the top companies in Spain that hire MBA graduates:

• Banco Santander
• Telefónica
• BBVA
• Repsol
• Iberdrola
• Inditex
• Acciona
• Ferrovial
• Amadeus
• Mapfre
• Naturgy

If you are considering studying MBA abroad, Spain is a great option to consider. It offers a world-class business education, affordable tuition fees, a strong economy, and a high quality of life.

Netherlands

The Netherlands is a great country to study MBA abroad. It has a strong economy, world-class business schools, and a relatively affordable cost of living.

In the whole country, there are more than 100,000 international students, and most of them, around 90%, study at management schools.

The Netherlands is appealing to people who want to study management because it has lots of job opportunities and big international companies.

Here are some of the best business schools in the Netherlands for MBA studies:

• Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam (RSM)
• Maastricht School of Management (MSM)
• Amsterdam Business School
• Nyenrode Business University
• TIAS School for Business and Society
• Utrecht School of Economics
• University of Groningen Business School
• Tilburg University School of Economics and Business
• VU Amsterdam School of Business and Economics

Here are some of the top companies in the Netherlands that hire MBA graduates:

• Unilever
• Philips
• Shell
• ING
• AkzoNobel
• Heineken
• Randstad
• KLM
• DSM
• ASML
• Aegon

If you are considering studying MBA abroad, the Netherlands is a great option to consider. It offers a world-class business education, affordable tuition fees, a strong economy, and a relatively affordable cost of living.

The average cost to study MBA abroad is from Rs 10 lakhs to 40 lakhs.

South Korea

South Korea is a popular destination for Indian students to study MBA abroad. It has a strong economy, world-class business schools, and a relatively affordable cost of living.

South Korea has several highly-ranked universities, such as Seoul National University, KAIST, and Yonsei University. These universities offer a wide range of programs, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees.

Here are some of the most popular programs for Indian students in South Korea:

• Engineering
• Computer science
• Business
• Management
• Economics
• Finance
• Marketing
• International relations
• Korean language and culture

Here are some of the top universities in South Korea for Indian students:

• Seoul National University
• KAIST
• Yonsei University
• Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH)
• Sungkyunkwan University
• Korea University
• Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST)
• Hanyang University
• Ewha Womans University
• Kyung Hee University
• Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Engineering (KAIST)

The average fee for an MBA program in South Korea is Rs 20 lakhs to Rs 40 lakhs.

Tips for choosing to study MBA abroad for Indian students

Picking the perfect MBA program in another country is a big decision that can shape your career and personal growth. To make sure you make the right choice, think about these tips:

• Know Your Goals: First, be clear about what you want from your MBA. Do you want a better job, to change industries, or to start your own business? Your goals will help you pick the right program.

• Accreditation: Check if the MBA program and the school it’s in are approved by trusted organizations. This means they meet certain quality standards and are recognized by employers.
• Specialization: MBA programs come in different types, like finance, marketing, or entrepreneurship. Choose one that matches your goals and interests.

• Location: Think about the country and city where you want to study. Consider things like living costs, language, culture, and job opportunities after you finish. Some cities are known for having strong business networks and job options.

• Rankings and Reputation: Look up MBA program rankings, but also check what people in your field think about the program. Sometimes, a higher-ranked program might not be the best for you.

• Curriculum: See what subjects and courses the program offers. Make sure they match your career interests. Also, check if they have any hands-on learning opportunities.

• Global Opportunities: Look for programs that offer chances to study abroad or work on global projects. This can be useful if you want an international career.

• Career Help: Check if the program offers support for finding internships and jobs, and see if they have a strong network of former students.

• Costs and Financial Aid: Consider how much the program costs, along with living expenses. Look for scholarships, grants, or loans. Think about how much you’ll gain from the program compared to what you spend.
• Application Rules: Learn about what you need to apply, like tests, work experience, essays, and recommendations. Make sure you meet these requirements and can submit a strong application.

• Visa Info: Know the visa rules for studying in the country you’ve picked. Some places offer post-graduate work visas that can help international students.

Conclusion

Choosing to study for an MBA abroad is a significant decision. Consider your goals, accreditation, specialization, location, and financial aspects. Studying abroad offers diverse perspectives, international exposure, networking opportunities, and personal growth. It’s a valuable investment in your future and career.