Best Countries for Indian Students to Study MBA Abroad

Pursuing an MBA perfectly positions you in the business world. As the global economy requires professionals that understand the market with a broader perspective, the demand for MBA graduates has increased. The challenges posed after the advent of globalisation have further pushed many across the world to pursue an MBA from a reputed foreign b-school.

With its ability to accelerate career prospects and let graduates thrive in a foreign community, pursuing an MBA programme abroad has become rather imperative than discretional.

According to GMACs Application Trends Survey Report 2019, four in five b-school candidates consider an MBA (79%), and two in three candidates enrol either in a full-time one-year MBA or two-year MBA (65%). It was also revealed that more than 90% of Fortune Global 100 and 500 companies were keen on hiring MBA talent with USD 115,000 being the median annual base starting salary at US companies. In 2020, the annual Application Trends Survey revealed a rise in Business Schools Applications.

Now that we have established that studying MBA abroad leads to an enriching experience, let us have a look at the five best countries to pursue an MBA.

Top 5 Countries to Study MBA: An Overview

Pursuing an MBA abroad allows you to earn an internationally recognised degree while simultaneously exploring job opportunities in countries where you can generate higher revenue and better your career. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) anticipates that after a recession, the amount of liquidity in the world would increase global traction, leading to remarkable growth in the year 2023. As a result, students who wish to begin their studies in 2022 should not delay in pursuing their goals. To help you decide where to pursue an MBA degree abroad, here are the top five countries with the most popular MBA courses, duration of the course and average tuition fees:

We have a dedicated team of study abroad counsellors who have guided many Indian students in choosing the top B-school while continuously assisting them throughout the entire MBA admission process abroad.

Why Should You Choose to Study MBA Abroad? 

An MBA is one of the most sought-after courses for degree holders. It increases potential and enhances skills required for positions in business and management. Here are some of the  advantages of being in one of the best countries to study MBA abroad.

Individuality Development

By relocating abroad and living there while studying, you might learn more about your own history and ideas. It will put your beliefs to the test since you will be exposed to a wide range of ideas, cultures, and lifestyles. Although some will see lasting change, others will develop or gain further stability. Interaction with locals and foreign students may broaden your understanding of different cultures, beliefs, and practices. You may become more autonomous, self-reliant, and confident in your personal and professional life by developing your viewpoint, worldview, and tolerance.

Business Skills

As an international student, you have the opportunity to participate in unique life experiences while also learning new skills that will strengthen your career. Participating in an immersive study abroad programme allows you to learn or become fluent in another country's language on social, intellectual, and professional levels. Furthermore, leadership styles typically differ between cultures or countries, and you may learn how to deal with varied leadership and business styles to better understand them.

Opportunity to Improve Your Communication

Because you will be studying in a dynamic, fast-paced, global atmosphere, your communication skills will become more adaptive, both in formal and informal conversations. You will certainly notice an increase in your self-assurance when studying abroad.

Several Specialization Options

One of the most significant benefits of studying an MBA abroad is a large number of specialities available internationally. As an applicant, you can select from a variety of disciplines and specialisations to pursue your MBA abroad. Among these numerous fields and expertise are:

• Strategy and Innovation

• Entrepreneurship

• Finance and Accounting

• Marketing via the Internet

• Financial Administration

• Digital Marketing

• Data Science 

• Business Analytics 

• Government Policy

Career Advancement

If you graduate from an internationally famous business school, you will surely have a greater chance of securing a senior management position at a well-known company. Most overseas MBA graduates work in senior/top management positions or start their businesses. An MBA from another country is the best way to go, whether you want to start a new career or advance in your existing one.

Potential Networking Opportunities

An aspirant studying in one of the best countries to study an MBA abroad has a variety of networking opportunities. A student in this situation will have the opportunity to network with classmates (who have a wide range of professional and personal experiences and backgrounds), professors and teaching staff, potential employers, and university alums who have an extensive understanding of their field/domain.

The extensive and well-established business network will enhance your career by allowing you to obtain all relevant information in the fast-paced business environment. It will improve your chances of capitalising on the most important opportunities.

Gain Competitive Advantage

Living abroad is the only way to develop a competitive advantage such as good cross-cultural communication, a global perspective, and an understanding of international norms, rules, and regulations. Students who study abroad usually stand out from the crowd of job applicants.

You will study and engage with individuals from all backgrounds and regions as an international student. As a consequence, everyone will bring their answers and points of view to the case study analysis, debates, and exercises that are required in business school. Additionally, studying in a nation with a developing economy or a difficult business climate helps you to get firsthand knowledge and learn to adapt promptly and calmly to unexpected or uncomfortable events.

A Plethora of Employment Opportunities

An MBA from a top university such as Stanford University, Wharton University, Harvard University, Oxford, UCL, University of British Columbia, and others is without a doubt the best option. You will receive the necessary exposure as well as a plethora of job opportunities from reputable firms like JP Morgan, McKinsey & Company, Apple, Google, Microsoft, Bain & Company, Goldman Sachs, Walt Disney, Meta, Microsoft, TATA, Reliance, Samsung, etc.

MBA in the USA

You will be surprised to know that the MBA has its roots in the USA. It originated in Boston, Massachusetts in the early 20th Century. While Harvard gave life to MBA, it slowly spread across other US universities, and now, it has taken over all major foreign universities in the world.

US universities offering MBA programmes stand aside for reasons such as practical experience and guidance from experts, a multicultural environment, the enormous scope for networking, and faster career progression, among others. Statista, an online portal for statistics, 2019, pointed out that MBA graduates in the USA can expect a starting salary of approximately 115,000 US dollars. According to the Open Doors Report 2019, India has been sending the highest number of MBA applicants to the US, second only to China.

Students who cannot pursue a full-time MBA course have the option to opt for part-time MBA programmes. In fact, the part-time MBA programme is in great demand among international students. According to reports, in 2013-2014, about 37% of students were enrolled in a part-time MBA programme in US universities and attended classes in the evening or on weekends.

Top USA Universities Offering MBA

Check out a list of top USA universities for Indian students to pursue MBA:

MBA in Canada

In 2019, Canada became the world's third-leading destination for international students, with a whopping 642,000 foreign students, as reported by CIC News. This accounted for a 13% rise from the previous year in the number of international students hosted by the country, according to IRCC data.

In the QS Global MBA rankings 2020, a total of 240 universities were featured, out of which 18 are Canadian universities. Most universities amongst these are ranked high for the high rate of return on investment, graduation outcomes, diversity and post-degree employment. From top universities to a thriving job market, Canada is credited with a number of merits for becoming one of the top study destinations for an MBA. In 2019, the US News & World Report ranked the country 7th in the world for Entrepreneurship and Open for Business.

Also, with a recent promise to welcome more than 1.2 million immigrants over the next three years (2021-2023), visa regulations are less restrictive as compared to that of the US. The country also makes sure that international students are offered a good number of work opportunities, both on-campus and off-campus, along with a good quality of life.

Top Canadian Universities Offering MBA

Check out a list of top Canadian universities for Indian students to pursue MBA:

MBA in Australia

Australia has been witnessing significant growth in foreign student numbers in the past few years. In 2019, it registered a double-digit growth with a total of 720,150 students enrolled in programmes across various areas. Studying in the field of business and management in the country is considered top-notch for several reasons, one of them being the positioning of 11 Australian b-schools in the top 200, according to QS Global MBA Rankings 2020.

Most MBA programmes offered at Australian universities are internationally recognised and have global accreditation from the AACSB and EQUIS. In addition, the country's multiculturalism, a blend of practice and theory, development of specialised skill sets, and opportunities to widen your professional network, among others, make Australia a great destination for MBA aspirants.

With the launch of the Graduate Management Association of Australia (GMAA) in 1978, not only is the value of an MBA highly promoted and enhanced every year but management students in the country are also being recognised and provided with opportunities to interact with industry professionals.

Top Australian Universities Offering MBA

Check out a list of top Australian universities for Indian students to pursue MBA:

MBA in Germany

One of the biggest advantages of studying MBA at German universities is that Germany is not just the largest economy but also the strongest, according to Investopedia. A strong economy attracts and guarantees a stable influx of both domestic and foreign graduates in the field of business and management.

Germany's geographic location, crossing Western and Eastern Europe, acts as a great advantage for potential customers and entrepreneurs, paving the way for new businesses, growth in technology startups and more innovation across various industries.

Besides, the country's education system comprises renowned academicians with advanced expertise in the business world, thereby, adding more value to a German MBA. The immigration laws in the country further allow students to get an 18-month residence permit and look for jobs that meet their requirements.

Top German Universities Offering MBA

Check out a list of top German universities for Indian students to pursue MBA:

MBA in the UK

With 27 UK universities named in the QS Global MBA Rankings 2021, the country is likely to show up on your list of shortlisted countries for an MBA. The London Business School comes at the top of the country list at the sixth position, along with 9 more universities in the top 100 in world rankings.

Most international students opt for an MBA at UK universities for their close links with industry, wide scope of networking, relatively lower tuition fees, global recognition and career services during and after graduation.

Being a key consideration for prospective b-school students, the ROI for MBAs at UK universities is high. Students earn between USD 80,000 and USD 180,000 within three years of graduation.

Top UK Universities Offering MBA

Check out a list of top UK universities for Indian students to pursue MBA:

While these are the top five countries for Indian students to study MBA abroad, several others, such as Ireland, Singapore, and the Netherlands, attract a large number of foreign students each year. It is worth noting that most B-schools in other countries also provide online and part-time degrees for working professionals.

Hope this helps you in getting some clarity on which country would be the best fit for you to pursue an MBA abroad. For any queries, write to us at abroad@collegedekho.com.