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

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Cyril Zachariah
Updated on May 12, 2023 11:32 AM IST

MS and MBA are the two most promising course options at the Masters level. The scope of both courses is vast but varied. Check which among the two-courses is best for a B.E/ B.Tech graduate.

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:

Parameters

MS

MBA

Course Name

Master of Science (MS)

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Popular Specialisations

MS Computer Science, MS Mechanical Engineering, MS Civil Engineering, MS Physics, MS Data Science etc.

Finance, Marketing, International Business, Supply Chain Management, Human Resource, Operations etc.

Duration

1- 2 years

1, 1.25, 1.5 or 2 years

Academic Requirements

Graduate in Science/ Engineering

Graduate in any stream

Test Requirements

GRE, IELTS/ TOEFL

GMAT/ GRE, IELTS/ TOEFL

Average Fees

Varies country wise

Estimated fee: 15- 45 Lakhs

Varies country wise

Estimated fee: 20- 45 Lakhs

Scope

Engineering Field, Research-Based Work, Teaching

Management Role, Business, Entrepreneurship

Top Universities

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Imperial College London

National University of Singapore (NUS)

University of Toronto

Technical University of Munich

Harvard University

INSEAD

London Business School

University of Cambridge

HEC Paris School of Management

Do You Want to Know the Best Courses to Pursue after B.Tech?

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 -

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

University

MBA Courses Offered

Course Fee (INR)

Adelphi University, USA

Global MBA

34,55,099

Hofstra University, USA

Flexible MBA

21,03,816

Coventry University, UK

Global Financial Services MBA

15,60,697

Cleveland State University, USA

M.B.A MBA

14,41,822

California State University - Fresno Campus

MBA

15,40,019

University of Birmingham, UK

MBA International Business

26,78,332

University of Lincoln, UK

MBA  14,78,720

California State University, USA

MBA

9,29,783

University of Massachusetts, USA

MBA

17,23,437

New Jersey Institute of Technology, USA

MBA

21,65,286

Middlesex University Dubai

MBA

21,38,000

Griffith College, Ireland

MBA in International Business

11,85,100

University of New Hampshire, USA

MBA

Online MBA

32,61,400

14,97,408

University of Glasgow, UK

MBA

25,57,261

Pace University, USA

International Business, MBA

MBA in Strategic Management/MBA in Human Resources Management/MBA in Entrepreneurship

MBA in Marketing Management

15,11,588

20,61,914

28,48,053

Popular Universities to Pursue MS Abroad

Check the list of Popular universities to pursue MS abroad:

University

MSCourses Offered

Course Fee (INR)

University of South Florida

 
MS in Computer Science/MS in Engineering Management/MS in Industrial Engineering (MSIE)
MS in Entrepreneurship in Applied Technologies / MS in Finance
MS in Biology - Cell & Molecular Biology

11,09,727

8,63,137

California State University - Fresno Campus

 
MS in Engineering (Electrical Engineering Option)/MS in Engineering (Computer Engineering Option)/ MS in Physics
MS in Computer Science/MS in Mechanical Engineering/MS in Civil Engineering (M.SE)/MS in Biology/ MS in Chemistry
MS in Clinical Rehabilitation & Mental Health Counseling

10,49,887

9,89,835

12,42,593

Colorado State University, USA

MS in Computer Science / MS in Construction Management / MS in Physics / MS in Mathematics

MS in Biomedical Sciences

16,76,643

16,51,332

University of South Florida, USA

 
MSin Marketing/ MS in Computer Engineering/MS in Physics/ MS in Chemistry/
MS in Engineering Management/MS in Industrial Engineering (MSIE)/MS in Electrical Engineering/
MS in Computer Science/MS in Entrepreneurship in Applied Technologies/MS in Finance/
MSin Mechanical Engineering/MS in Civil Engineering(M.S.C.E.)/MSin Biomedical Engineering (M.SB.E.)

MS in Business Analytics / Information Systems

MS in Biotechnology (M.SB.)

MSin Management

MS in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology

MS in Microbiology

MS in Biology - Cell & Molecular Biology

11,09,727

 

 

21,36,359

15,53,703

19,42,093

22,38,80

10,66,123

86,31,37

Western Michigan University, USA

MS in Data Science/MS in Computer Engineering/MSin Biological Sciences

MSin Statistics

MS in Engineering Management/MS in Civil Engineering/MS in Manufacturing Engineering

16,95,219

14,38,419

15,41,153

University of Bristol, UK

MSNuclear Science and Engineering

MS Economics, Finance and Management/MS Accounting, Finance and Management

MS Economics

MS Environmental Policy and Management

MSEngineering Mathematics

MS Advanced Microelectronic Systems Engineering/MS in Advanced Computing

MSby Research in Computer Science

22,18,080

24,21,404

17,37,496

20,05,514

21,71,870

20,05,514

21,44,144

New Jersey Institute of Technology, USA
 
MS in Computer Science/MS in Data Science/ MS in Information Systems/MS in Engineering Management/
MS in Business and Information Systems/ MS in Biomedical Engineering/ MS in Mechanical Engineering/
MS in Computer Engineering/ MS in Electrical Engineering/ MS in Cyber Security and Privacy/
MS in Industrial Engineering/ MS in Biology/ MS in Chemical Engineering/ MS in Applied Physics/
MS in Engineering Science/ MS in Chemistry/ MSin Bioinformatics/MS in Architecture

MS in Software Engineering/MS in Computing and Business

MS in Civil Engineering

MSin Management/MS in Environmental Engineering

19,44,149

 

 

21,71,951

19,07,990

21,65,286

University of Sunderland, UK

MSFinance and Management/MS Psychology/MS in Tourism and Hospitality/
MSHuman Resource Management (CIPD Accredited)

10,16,620

Manchester Metropolitan University

MS International Human Resource Management with CIPD/MS in Data Science/MS in Finance

MS in International Tourism and Hospitality Management

MS in Marketing

MS International Business Management

MS in Data Science/MSin Finance

 

14,78,720

13,86,300

15,71,140

15,24,930

14,78,720

 

Lancaster University, UK

MS in Computer Science

MS Management

MS Logistics & Supply Chain Management/ MS Human Resource & Knowledge Management/
MS Economics/MSFinance/ MS Advanced Marketing Management

MS Biomedicine

 

 

17,46,738

16,17,350

19,40,820

16,52,470

 

 

Dublin City University

MS in Finance/ MS in Digital Marketing/ MS in International Accounting and Business/
MS in Management (Strategy)/MS in Accounting/MS in Human Resource Management

MS in Biomedical Diagnostics

13,54,400

11,00,450

University of Debrecen, Hungary

MS Computer Science

MS in Public Health

MSChemistry

MS Mechatronics Engineering/MSin Animal Husbandry Engineering
MSin Molecular Biology

4,60,850

5,67,200

5,31,750

6,02,650

Technological University Dublin, Ireland

MS in Energy Management

MS in Supply Chain Management

MS in Computing (Advanced Software Development)/MS in Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance & Biotechnology

MSin Strategic Management/MS in Technology and Innovation Management/ MS in Accounting

MSin International Banking & Finance

MS in Finance

MS in Electronic and Communications Engineering/MSin Applied Cyber Security

12,27,425

10,58,125

18,41,138

11,42,775

26,37,870

10,32,210

12,27,425

Middlesex University Dubai

MS in Robotics/ MSin Banking and Finance/MSin Investment Management/
MS in Cyber Security and Pen Testing

MS inCorporate and Marketing Communications/MSin Corporate and Marketing Communications

13,90,900

16,03,500

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.

Still Have Doubts About the Choice of Course?

FAQs

What is the salary for an MS graduate from abroad?

The salary for an MS graduate from abroad differs on the basis of the specialisation. However, students can expect an average salary of USD 70,000 per year if they choose the US as their study abroad destination. In the case of the UK, students can expect a salary of GBP 50,000, while those in Canada and Australia can expect around CAD 85,000 and AUD 80,000 respectively. 

Can I apply for MS from abroad after a three year B.Tech?

Yes, you can apply for MS from abroad after a three year B.Tech. Students who wish to pursue MS from abroad have to earn a three or four-year Bachelor’s degree in STEM courses and since B.Tech is a degree in Technology, students can pursue MS. It is important that the B.Tech degree includes subjects relevant to the chosen MS specialisation.

Can I apply for MBA from abroad after B.Tech?

Yes, you can apply for MBA from abroad after B.Tech. It is one of the most popular courses chosen by B.Tech graduates to pursue abroad. International students who wish to pursue a career in fields related to business and management can apply for an MBA degree. Some of the top b-schools abroad include London Business School, INSEAD, Judge Business School, Said Business School, HEC Paris, etc. 

Is it worth applying for MBA after B.Tech?

Yes, it is worth applying for MBA after B.Tech. MBA is among the specialised degrees which help graduates land lucrative jobs and climb the corporate ladder faster. It is also among the highly employable profiles, and pursuing it as a Master's course after B.Tech shall help students in making themselves marketable. However, one should not choose to study MBA abroad merely because of the possibility of earning a higher salary.

How long will it take to complete my MS from abroad after B.Tech?

It will take about one and a half to three years to complete your MS from abroad after B.Tech. MS is a post-graduate degree which involves a practical training period after the theoretical part of the course is over. A blend of theory and practical aspects of the course last from one and half years to three years while theoretical studies alone last for at least one year.

Which MBA specialisation is better after completing B.Tech?

While all MBA specialisations are highly competitive across the world, choosing the ideal one after B.Tech would depend on the scope and curriculum of the specialisation. The MBA specialisations available for students to pursue MBA  abroad include finance, marketing, HRM, IB, operations, etc. Students can decide on a specialisation that is relevant to their BTech subjects, and which fits their goals and dreams.

How much does an MBA graduate from abroad earns?

MBA graduates from abroad can easily earn an average annual income of at least INR 40 lakh. The breadth of knowledge that MBA graduates from abroad bring to the table makes them suitable for leadership positions, especially in handling teams from diverse functional areas. Their versatile skillsets and profiles result in high annual incomes that may go as high as INR 75 lakhs.

Who earns more, an MBA or an MS graduate?

An MBA graduate earns comparatively more than an MS graduate. This is due to the work profile that the graduates have to fill in on getting a job. MBA graduates deal with important organisational management and business strategies, which get them high stakes in an organisation’s success. Hence, they earn higher annual incomes than MS graduates.
 

What is the stay back period for MS graduates in US?

The stay back period for MS graduates in US is at least one year. Some MS programmes come under STEM courses, whose graduates enjoy some of the longest stay back periods abroad, including the US. MS graduates who receive degrees in a STEM course in the US can apply for STEM OPT which allows eligible students to get a 24-month extension of their post-completion OPT. 

Is it possible to do MBA after MS?

Yes, it is possible to do MBA after MS. However, it will be a lengthier pursuit for any student as both courses last for at least 1.5 years. Students can apply for admission to an MBA course while they are enrolled in an MS course. Alternatively, MS graduates who are currently in employment can also apply for MBA courses to upgrade their skills and employability.

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