Study MS or MBA Abroad - Which is a Better Option after B.E/B.Tech?

Study MS or MBA Abroad After BTech: If you have done Engineering in India and wish to pursue higher education abroad, then this article is for you. You must have faced the dilemma of having to choose between an MS (Master of Science) and Masters of Business Administration (MBA). And why shouldn't you? The prospect of beginning a career in a foreign country along with earning in foreign currency is quite an attractive deal and both MS or an MBA can lead engineering graduates to these things.

There are a lot of students who have or are yet to complete their B.E/BTech and want to further obtain higher education abroad. However, many students get confused about the choice of courses. To help such students, all the aspects related to these two popular courses have been discussed here in detail:

MS vs MBA Abroad After B.E/B.Tech

Following are the major highlights to differentiate between MS and MBA degree programmes to study abroad:

All About Studying MBA Abroad after B.E/ B.Tech

MBA is one of the most popular courses among B.E/ B.Tech graduates looking forward to doing their Masters. The course can be studied in India as well as abroad. However, the requirements to study MBA abroad are different from that in India. Therefore, one must understand the difference thoroughly.

In this section, we will discuss every aspect of pursuing an MBA abroad after completing a B.E/B.Tech like the eligibility criteria, application process, exams scores required, etc.

Eligibility Criteria to Study MBA Abroad

The following are the minimum requirements to pursue MBA abroad:

• Academic Requirement: The applicant must be a graduate (in this case a B.E/B.Tech degree holder) from a recognised university. The Foreign Universities prefer those graduates who have a full-time degree, i.e. who have completed their graduation in a regular study mode. Masters or doctorate holders can also apply for MBA admission abroad.
• Work Experience Requirement: Most MBA-offering institutions/universities abroad demand applicants to have good exposure to the professional world. They do so because such MBA aspirants will not only add value to their institutions but will also draw maximum benefits from the MBA programme. Most of the top B-Schools abroad offering MBA demand a minimum of 3 to 4 years of work experience from the applicants so that when they complete their MBA studies, they become automatic choices for mid and senior management level jobs where higher salaries are offered. However, not all top B-Schools abroad demand work experience from the applicants.

Application Process to Study MBA Abroad

The application process for studying MBA abroad is quite time-consuming and an elaborate process. The entire application process is divided into three important steps, unlike an easy MBA application process in India.

Basic Details in Application

This is the objective part of the MBA application process where the applicants have to furnish their basic personal details name, bio-data, age, languages known, entrance test scores, academic grades, etc. Some foreign B-School MBA application forms also ask the applicants to mention their work experience whereas some demand a separate resume. This is the easiest part of the application process to study MBA abroad.

Essay

Through an admission essay, the applicants have to answer various questions like why they want to study MBA, their strengths and weaknesses, their career goals after completing MBA, etc. Based on these questions, the Admission Committee will gauge if the applicants are fit enough to join their MBA programme.

Recommendations

This is particularly for those institutions abroad which demand the applicants to have some work-ex. The applicants have to provide at least 2 to 3 (or more) recommendations from colleagues, managers, supervisors, etc with whom the applicants have/had a professional relationship where the applicants' potentials, skills etc will be mentioned. The recommendation format of each B-School abroad is different from the others.

Exams to Study MBA Abroad

This is another important aspect of MBA admissions in foreign countries. Primarily, there are two entrance exams - GMAT and GRE and the aspirants have to clear either of these to have a chance at getting into one of the top B-schools abroad. Earlier, only GMAT scores were accepted for MBA admissions abroad but now top foreign B-Schools are also accepting GRE scores for MBA admissions, which was earlier a de facto standard for MS programmes.

In addition to the aptitude tests mentioned above, the applicants have to also appear for a language proficiency exam like IELTS or TOEFL, which are the most popular exams accepted by almost all foreign universities.

MBA Interview

This is the final step of an MBA admission process in foreign B-Schools. Some B-Schools first go through all the submitted materials, i.e. essays, test scores, applications, recommendations, etc. and then decide if the applicants should be invited for an interview or not. The applicants are asked various types of questions like questions related to aspirations, careers, etc.

All About Studying MS Abroad after B.E/B.Tech

Joining an MS (Master of Science) course after having obtained a B.E or B.Tech degree from a reputed institution in India is a very good decision, and becomes an even better option if a graduate wants to pursue MS abroad. Unlike applying for MBA admission, where the maximum emphasis is given to obtaining professional work exposure, applying for an MS degree means the candidates want to prolong their ties with the technical discipline. There are several renowned institutions abroad that offer MS degree programmes and eventually place the students in leading organisations.

Eligibility Criteria for MS Admissions Abroad

Those who wish to apply for MS admission in foreign countries, need to possess a graduation degree in either of the following education format -

• 10+2+4 year Bachelor's degree

• 10+3 year diploma+3 year bachelor's degree

• 10+2+3 year bachelor's degree (in this case B.Sc)+2 year masters degree (in this case M.Sc)

Application Process for MS Admission Abroad

Before beginning to apply for MS admissions abroad, the applicants must make sure that they have all the required documents in scanned format. The list of documents required has been mentioned below. The applicants have to then upload all their relevant documents on the official website of the institution in which they want to take admitted. After uploading all the documents, the applicants have to deposit the MS admission application fee and wait until the university responds after verifying the documents.

Documents Required to Apply for MS Admission Abroad

While applying for MS admission at a foreign university/institution, the applicants have to ensure they have the following documents ready in scanned format -

• Copy of a valid identity proof/passport

• All academic documents

• Transcript

• Statement of Purpose

• Copy of the online application form

• Curriculum vitae

• Letter of recommendation (2 x Nos)

• Language Efficiency Test certificate (IELTS, TOEFL etc)

• Video presentation

Exams to Study MS Abroad

The MS aspirants have to clear GRE for the best shot at getting admission to one of the top MS universities abroad. Aspirants can also get admission into the MS programme with an average GRE score provided several other things are well-constructed like a well-drafted MS application etc. In addition to GRE, the aspirants also have to qualify for a language efficiency test like IELTS, TOEFL, etc. if they wish to pursue MS studies from a reputed foreign university/institution.

MS or MBA Abroad - Which is the Better Course to Opt for After Engineering?

The answer to this question lies in your goals.If you wish to make progress in the field of engineering or engineering-related sectors, the best option for you would be an MS degree. If you are one of those who do not wish to elongate your ties with technical courses and instead want to work on your skills like management, and leadership, among others, then MBA from a reputed foreign university is the course for you.

Nothing should come between you and your necessities or ambitions to lead you to your higher education degree. Try not to opt for something which will pay you well in future unless it is exactly what you want from your life. Everything has its pros and cons and you must consider both very carefully before deciding whether MS or MBA is a better option for you to pursue abroad after your engineering.

Popular Universities to Pursue MBA Abroad

Popular Universities to Pursue MS Abroad

Check the list of Popular universities to pursue MS abroad:

How to Choose Between an MBA and MS Abroad After BTech? 

Finally, it all comes down to one question: 'What exactly do you want to accomplish with your life?', when choosing to study MS or MBA abroad after BTech or BEng. If you can answer this question honestly and strive towards your objective, you will be ok. If you want to focus on engineering as your primary passion and work in an engineering-related field, conduct engineering research, or teach engineering as a vocation, an MS or even an MTech degree is an excellent choice.

However, if you want to gain skills in leadership and management, how to manage people effectively, and how to make rational business decisions, you should pursue an MBA degree. Before enrolling in an MBA degree, most foreign universities require students to have at least two years of prior work experience. In this situation, a BE degree plus two or three years of work experience followed by an MBA makes sense. If you are undecided about the course to take, consider the following questions:

• Do you have the patience to work someplace before going overseas for an MBA?

• Are you prepared to make significant expenditures for an MBA degree abroad, as most MBA courses are pricey, particularly at some of the most prestigious B-schools abroad?

• Are you willing to give up your technical skills? If not, an MS or MTech degree would be perfect for your future profession.

• Are you eager to do research? If so, you should pursue an MS or MTech degree abroad.

Engineers with suitable postgraduate degrees and related research experience are in great demand. Engineering is a vast field with chances in manufacturing, oil and petrochemicals, autos, computer technology, communications, infrastructure, and many other areas. MBAs can also provide experience in a variety of disciplines such as finance, marketing, sales, human resources, and administration. There are MS graduates who pursue an MBA to advance in their field, but there are only a few graduates who choose to pursue an MS.

Though both MS and MBA are postgraduate degrees that can help you improve your abilities and knowledge after completing a BTech or BEng, what you intend to achieve with either degree is what matters the most.

Those with an analytical and technical bent of mind are more suited for MS and MTech programmes, whereas those with entrepreneurial and management talents are better suited for an MBA. So, let your objectives and needs guide your higher education degree selection. Do not choose a route only to follow the crowd. Do not waste your time studying anything that will not help you get a job or make a good decision for your future! 

Having said that, keep in mind that each path offers advantages, and the world needs a diverse range of people to thrive. Engineers, financial analysts, and stock brokers are all needed! There is no right or wrong answer when deciding between an MS and an MBA; it is always about what works best for you.

If you have questions related to higher education abroad, please write to us at abroad@collegedekho.com to get in touch with one of our admission experts directly.