Best Countries for Indian Students to Study MBA Abroad

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Subhashri Roy
Updated on Jun 15, 2023 12:29 PM IST

Want to have a remarkable MBA experience abroad but confused between the various countries that offer good MBA programmes? Here are the five best countries to study MBA abroad paired with the most popular b-schools. 

Best Countries to Study MBA Abroad - Check Business Schools, Fees & Ranking

Pursuing MBA abroad has become an increasingly popular choice for students seeking to enhance their business acumen and expand their global network. Studying abroad for an MBA offers a unique opportunity to gain an international perspective, immerse oneself in diverse cultures and access top-tier educational institutions renowned for their business programs.

The US, UK, Canada and Australia are among the top countries for pursuing an MBA, offering excellent educational institutions, diverse cultures and post-study work opportunities.

Many countries recognize the value of international students and strive to retain their talent after graduation. Post-study work opportunities enable MBA graduates to gain practical experience and apply their knowledge in a professional setting. These opportunities often lead to long-term career prospects or even pathways to permanent residency. 

 In this article, we will explore some of the best countries to study an MBA abroad, highlighting the benefits they offer in terms of education quality, post-study work opportunities, and overall student experience.

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 2023 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:

Country

Popular MBA Courses/Specialisations

Tuition Fees (in INR)

US

Accounting, Business Analytics, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Information Systems

(20-24 Months)

1,14,14,199 to 1,20,25,940

Canada

Finance, Operations, Marketing, Human Resources,General Management

(12-24 Months)

30,33,062 to 68,48,286

Australia

General MBA, Accounting, Global Trade, Tourism Management, Finance

(12-24 Months)

21,55,549 to 48,02,542

Germany

Consulting, E-commerce, Finance, Technology, Marketing

(12-24 Months)

20,43,800 to 34,96,997

UK

Hospital Administration, Arts Management, Finance and Accounting, Consulting, Marketing

(13-21 Months)

38,97,830 to 84,70,504

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.

Get FREE Expert Advice to Study MBA 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 the 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, enormous scope for networking, and faster career progression, among others. Statista, an online portal for statistics, pointed out that MBA graduates in the USA can expect a starting salary of approximately 115,000 US dollars.

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:

University Name

Course Duration

Fees in INR (Approx.)

Harvard University

2 years

1,11,70,692

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

2 years

59,60,000

University of Pennsylvania

20 months

1,23,79,221

Stanford University

2 years

56,40,000

Columbia University

2 years

58,40,000

Auburn University

17 months

25,03,928

University of South Florida

18 months

24,86,832

George Mason University

20 months

41,11,833

Arizona State University

2 years

77,43,642

University of New Hampshire

1 year

37,59,876

MBA in Canada

Canada became the world's leading destination for international 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.

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. 

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:

University Name

Course Duration

Fees in INR (Approx.)

University of Toronto

19 months

38,80,000

University of British Columbia

2 years

54,90,000

McGill University

20 months

25,40,000

University of Montreal

12 months

29,00,000

University of Western Ontario

12 months

65,95,141

Queens University at Kingston

12 months

64,46,518

University of Alberta

20 months

16,00,000

McMaster University

20 months

65,50,000

Saint Marys University

16 months

18,73,453

York University

16 months

69,51,217

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 2022.

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:

University Name

Course Duration

Fees in INR (Approx.)

University of Melbourne

2 years

51,53,467

University of New South Wales

16 months

42,24,000

Monash University

2 years

52,06,538

University of Sydney

18 months

29,32,867

The Australian National University

18 months

24,41,000

The University of Queensland

1 year

46,13,484

RMIT University

NA

26,27,849

The University of Western Australia

12-18 months

33,35,089

Curtin University

2 years

24,16,518

Deakin University

18 months

16,98,270

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:

University Name

Course Duration

Fees in INR (Approx.)

University of Mannheim

12-15 months

33,25,178

Technical University of Munich

2 years

16,48,000

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitt Mnchen

2 years

NA

WHU - Otto Beisheim School of Management

12 months

34,21,845

Freie Universitt Berlin

12-24 months

NA

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:

University Name

Course Duration

Fees in INR (Approx.)

London Business School

15-21 months

90,39,916

University of Cambridge

1 year

57,51,389

University of Oxford

1 year

66,43,728

The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)

1-3 years

95,04,414

University of Warwick

1 year

38,15,017

Imperial College London

1 year

55,75,922

University of Manchester

12 months

43,86,652

Aston University

12 months

27,29,472

City University London

12 months

47,65,800

Cranfield University

13 months

39,16,306

Studying an MBA abroad offers a transformative experience that combines high-quality education with the chance to broaden horizons and establish a global network. Each country has its unique advantages, so prospective students should consider their career goals, preferences, and immigration policies when choosing the best destination for their MBA journey. With the right choice, international students can unlock a world of opportunities for personal growth, professional development and long-term success in the dynamic field of business.

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.

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FAQs

Is it better to pursue MBA abroad or in India?

It can be said that it is better to pursue MBA abroad than in India. Pursuing an MBA from a foreign university can open doors to a wide range of job prospects and a global perspective. The benefits of enrolling in an MBA programme abroad include increased earning potential, networking opportunities, the ability to set up your own business, and learning about an MBA specialisation depending on interest.

What are the requirements for pursuing an MBA abroad?

Here is the list of requirements for pursuing an MBA abroad:

Which country is the cheapest to study MBA abroad?

Portugal is the cheapest country to study MBA abroad. This is because international students enrolled at a qualifying university in Portugal can benefit from fully funded grants, low tuition fees, and government scholarships. However, students should keep in mind that fees will differ based on which university they choose.

Is MBA free in Germany for Indian students?

Yes, one can say that MBA is free in Germany for Indian students. Germany is the only country that offers a no-tuition MBA programme with a high-quality education to international students. However, no tuition courses are available at public institutions only. An MBA at a private college in Germany can cost up to INR 25 lakhs.

What is an average salary of an MBA graduate from a foreign university?

The average salary a student can earn after completing an MBA degree from a recognised B-school abroad is substantially more than that of an MBA graduate from an Indian university. An MBA graduate can expect to earn over USD 60,000 (INR 45 lakhs) per year after pursuing an MBA abroad.

What is the duration of a full-time MBA program in the USA?

The duration of a full-time MBA program in the USA is two years. Many business schools in the United States also offer one-year MBA programmes. Aside from that, every business school will provide evening or weekend MBA sessions to candidates interested in pursuing a part-time MBA.

What are the highest paying jobs after MBA abroad?

Some of the highest-paying jobs after an MBA abroad are Business Development Manager, Marketing Manager, System Manager, Data Processing Manager, Product Manager, Project Manager, Business Analyst, and Analytics Manager. Remember these types of roles are highly dependent on the specialisation and the university a student attends.

Can I pursue MBA abroad after completing my CA?

Yes, you can pursue MBA abroad after completing your CA but you must have worked for more than four to five years after earning your CA to be eligible for an MBA programme. To qualify for an MBA course in foreign universities after CA, students must have completed 12 + 3 years of education. This means that students who did not complete a bachelor’s degree or any other degree previous to CA will not be eligible to apply.

Are there any MBA Scholarships available for Indian students to study abroad?

Yes, there are a lot of MBA scholarships available for Indian students to study abroad. These are merit-based and need-based scholarships like the Harvard MBA Scholarship, Stanford MBA Scholarship, Chicago Booth Scholarship, Wharton MBA Scholarship, and Columbia Business School MBA Scholarship. 

Is GMAT compulsory for MBA abroad?

Yes. A majority of top universities in the world require GMAT or GRE for MBA admission. Some lesser-known institutions and business schools, such as New York Institute of Technology, Columbia Business School, Schulich Business School, Pace University, DeGroote Business School, and others, accept GMAT waivers for MBA applicants.

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