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An MBA in UK is one of the most popular courses among international students. Depending on the university, course type, and mode of study, the average duration of these courses is 1-2 years. Some of the best MBA colleges in UK include London Business School, Imperial College Business School, University of Cambridge, and Warwick Business School. The average cost of MBA in UK ranges between GBP 31,000 and GBP 90,000. The UK offers various MBA specialisations like finance, marketing, human resources, entrepreneurship, and healthcare. If you are also planning to study in UK for an MBA degree, you are in the right place. In this blog, you will find a comprehensive beginner’s guide on MBA in UK, fees, requirements, top universities, and so much more.
This Blog Includes:
- Why Study MBA in UK?
- Who Should Pursue MBA in UK?
- Types of MBA in UK
- MBA in UK Specialisations
- Popular Intakes in UK
- Best MBA Colleges in UK
- MBA Courses in UK with Fees for International Students
- Admission Process to Study MBA in UK
- Cost of Studying MBA in UK
- Career Scope and Salary After MBA in UK
- Scholarships Offered for MBA in the UK
- MBA in the UK With Work Placement
- MBA in the UK Without Work Experience
- MBA in the UK: Visa and Salary
- Post-Study Work Permit in the UK
- FAQs
| Particulars | Details |
| Name of the course | MBA in UK |
| Number of Colleges for MBA in UK | 150+ (approximate) |
| MBA in UK Average Duration | 1-2 years |
| MBA in UK Cost | GBP 31,000 and GBP 90,000 (approximate) |
| MBA in UK Minimum eligibility | A bachelor’s degree At least 3 years of full-time work experience GMAT, GRE, IELTS, TOEFL |
| Exam required for MBA in UK | GMAT |
| Top specialisations for MBA in UK | International business, management, finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, analytics, health administration, information management, operations management |
| Top Universities and Colleges for MBA in UK | London Business School Imperial College Business School Alliance Manchester Business School University of Oxford Warwick Business School |
Why Study MBA in UK?
Many international students prefer the UK to obtain an MBA degree. Its globally recognized programs, diverse networking opportunities, and exceptional career prospects make it an alluring choice. But it is the right choice for you? Here’s why you should study MBA in UK:
- studying in UK gives you globally recognized degrees in any field of your interest, enhancing your credentials worldwide.
- Most UK MBA programs are 1 year long, saving time and costs to complete education.
- Studying with students from all over the world gives you unimaginable networking opportunities.
- Many UK universities have partnerships with global corporations, offering better job prospects.
- Students get the chance to learn from industry experts.
Who Should Pursue MBA in UK?
Pursuing an MBA in the UK is an ideal choice for students wishing to advance their careers in business, management, entrepreneurship or other similar fields. These courses are engineered to prepare you for managerial positions at the world-leading companies. However, if you are uncertain, here are a few reasons that can help you decide who should pursue MBA in UK:
- Recent graduates who want to enhance their skills and knowledge about the business field
- People who are already working but are aiming for senior-level leadership roles
- Students who are entering the business field from a different industry.
Types of MBA in UK
MBA in UK is offered in various formats such as full-time, part-time, and executive. International students can choose any of these programs depending on their individual preferences and academic aspirations.
1. Full-Time MBA
A full-time MBA in UK is the traditional type that takes 1-2 years to complete. It is ideal for students who wish to pursue their studies full-time to get a comprehensive understanding of business principles.
2. Part-Time MBA
Part-time MBA programs in the UK are flexible courses that may take around 2-4 years to complete. Students who wish to continue their studies while working full-time often prefer to study part-time MBA.
3. Executive MBA
Executive MBA in UK is offered as a part-time course. These courses are the best option for students who want to advance their careers while working.
4. Online MBA
Online MBA programs allow students to earn their preferred degree from a reputed university anywhere in the world without attending on-campus classes. The curriculum of online MBAs is the same as traditional MBA programs. However, these courses are delivered through virtual learning platforms.
MBA in UK Specialisations
Universities in UK offer many specialisations in MBA for students to pursue their academic interests. These specialisations also help students get in-depth business knowledge in various fields, preparing them for high-level leadership positions.
- MBA in International Business
- MBA in Finance
- MBA in Marketing
- MBA in Entrepreneurship
- MBA in Analytics
- MBA in Health Administration
- MBA in Information Management
- MBA in Operations Management
- MBA in Sports Management
- MBA in International Business
- MBA in Human Resource Management
- MBA in Digital Marketing
- MBA in Data Science
- MBA in Project Management
- MBA in Retail Management
- MBA in Healthcare
- MBA in Accounting
- MBA in Pharmaceutical Management
- MBA in Fashion Designing
- MBA in Foreign Trade
- MBA in Hotel Management
- MBA in Healthcare Management
Popular Intakes in UK
The UK offers multiple intakes for international students, with the most popular being in January and September. Some universities also have May intakes, providing flexibility for students to start their studies.
| Intake | Starting Months | Application Deadlines |
| Fall/ Primary Intake | September | June- July |
| Winter/Secondary Intake | January/February | August-September |
| Summer/Least Intake | April/May | October-January |
Best MBA Colleges in UK
International students who wish to study MBA in UK have various universities to choose from. These institutions are known for providing state-of-the-art facilities and excellent education quality. Here is a list of the best business colleges and universities for MBA in UK:
| Best MBA Colleges in UK | QS World University Ranking 2025 |
| London Business School | NA |
| Imperial College Business School | 6 |
| Alliance Manchester Business School | 47 |
| University of Oxford | 3 |
| Warwick Business School | 7 |
| University of Cambridge Judge Business School | NA |
| Bayes Business School | 34 |
| Business School- Durham University | 21 |
| Cranfield School of Management | 12 |
| Saïd Business School (University of Oxford) | NA |
| Business School Durham University | NA |
| Business School, The University of Edinburgh | NA |
MBA Courses in UK with Fees for International Students
Students who wish to study MBA in UK have multiple options at their disposal. Many universities in the UK offer prestigious courses to cater to diverse requirements and educational needs. Here are some of the best MBA in UK courses with fees and duration.
| Course | University | Duration | Annual fee (in GBP) |
| Master of Business Administration (Human Resources) | University of Hertfordshire | Full-time: 1 year | 18,800 |
| MBA Manchester Full-Time MBA | University of Manchester | Full-time: 1-2 years | 49,000 |
| Executive Master of Business Administration, MBA | University of Greenwich | Full-time: 2 year | 21,000 |
| International MBA | Birmingham City University | Full-time: 1 year + 3 months | 19,020 |
| Global MBA | University of London | Full-time: 1-5 years | NA |
| Master of Business Administration | Queen’s University Belfast | Full-time: 1 year Part-time: 2 years | 28,000 |
| Master of Business Administration MBA (Global) | De Montfort University | Full-time: 1-2 years | 19,800 |
| Master of Business Administration MBA | Swansea University | Full-time: 1 year | 25,250 |
| Masters in Business Administration (MBA)MBA | University of West London | Full-time: 1 year + 3 months | 18,500 |
| The Exeter MBA | University of Exeter | Full-time: 1 year | 44,700 |
| Master of Business Administration | Nottingham Trent University | Full-time: 1 year | 24,500 |
| Master of Business Administration MBA | London Metropolitan University | Full-time: 1 year | 18,150 |
| MBA | The Open University Business School | NA | 21,430 – 24,440 |
| Master of Business Administration MBA | University of Sussex | Full-time: 1 year Part-time: 2 years | 27,300 |
| Master of Business Administration (MBA) | Richmond American University London | Full-time: 1 year or 16 months Part-time: 2 years | 17,325 |
| Global MBA | University of Portsmouth | Full-time: 1 year Part-time: 2 years | 18,100 |
| MBA Master of Business Administration | University of East Anglia | Full-time: 1 year | 26,950 |
| MBA Executive UK | University of Birmingham | Part-time: 2 years | Depends |
| Master of Business Administration (MBA) | University of Southampton | Full-time: 1 year | 33,900 |
Admission Process to Study MBA in UK
International applicants who are new to the UK education system may find it difficult to understand the requirements and application process. Different universities can have different requirements depending on the course and specialisation. Thus, it is best to keep an eye on the official university website to get the latest updates and detailed information. Here we have provided some general information to help you understand everything better.
Eligibility Criteria
While the specific requirements to study MBA in UK may vary, here are a few things to know before starting the application process:
- Students need a 2:2 bachelor’s degree in their preferred field of interest.
- You need at least 3 years of full-time work experience, preferably in a managerial role.
- International students also need to take standardised tests such as IELTS and TOEFL to demonstrate English proficiency.
- You need a satisfactory GMAT score.
English Language Requirements
Because the scorecard for these tests is valid for two years, students should familiarise themselves with the university calendar and apply for admission carefully.
| Test | Average Score Required |
| IELTS | 6.0 – 6.5 |
| TOEFL | 80 – 90 |
| PTE | 56 – 61 |
Application Process
Once you are certain that you satisfy the eligibility criteria to study in UK, you can start applying at the top UK universities and colleges.
- Find a university and course that aligns with your academic interests.
- Ensure that you meet the basic eligibility criteria such as a 2:2 bachelor’s degree and work experience.
- Prepare all the required documents which may include your academic transcripts, visa, LORs, proof of funds, a copy of your passport, and so on.
- Go to the official university website to apply to any MBA course of your choice.
- Lastly, review all the documents and pay the application fee as displayed on your screen.
Documents Required
International students applying to UK universities must submit a few important documents as a part of their application.
- A copy of the passport
- A copy of the visa
- Proof of English language test results from IELTS, TOEFL or equivalent
- An offer letter from any UK university (in most cases)
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of funds
- Passport-size photographs
Cost of Studying MBA in UK
MBA in the UK for Indian students is a 12-21-month intensive research-based programme that costs on average between GBP 31,000 and GBP 90,000. For an Indian student, the total cost of studying in the UK ranges from INR 32 lakhs to INR 93 lakhs.
Cost of Living in the UK
| Kind of Expense | Cost in GBP and INR |
| Fees for Visa Application | 348 GBP (INR 35,834) |
| Housing | 500 GBP (INR 51,486) monthly |
| Transportation | 150-200 GBP (INR 15,445 to INR 19,844) monthly |
| Food | 150-200 GBP (INR 14,883 to INR 20,594) monthly |
| Clothing and Leisure | 50 GBP (INR 5,148) monthly |
| Telephone and Mobile | 50 GBP (INR 5,148) monthly |
Career Scope and Salary After MBA in UK
Pursuing an MBA in UK opens a wide range of career opportunities for international students. It allows them to prepare for senior-level roles across various industries by enhancing their leadership skills, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills. Graduates in this field can easily find suitable job roles in start-ups, companies, and entrepreneurship.
| Job Profile | Average Annual Salary (in GBP) |
| Business Consultant | 42,964 – 47,564 |
| Investment Banker | 30,000 – 48,011 |
| Entrepreneur | 49,238 – 54,724 |
| Management Consultant | 70,000 – 110,000 |
| Human Resources Manager | 42817 – 49,717 |
| Marketing Manager | 40,000 – 47,989 |
| Financial Analyst | 42,500 – 60,000 |
Scholarships Offered for MBA in the UK
There is a multitude of scholarship opportunities available for Indian students wanting to pursue an MBA in the UK. Below we have compiled a list of top scholarships you can choose from to fund your chosen MBA programme:
- The Oxford and Cambridge Society of India Scholarships– University of Cambridge
- Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship
- Chevening Scholarship
- University of East Anglia Scholarship
- Education Grants by Tata Trusts Academy Senior Fellowship
- Inlaks Scholarships
- The Gates Cambridge Scholarships
- Go Clean Scholarship
- Brokerfish International Student Scholarship
- The Financial Sumo Educational Scholarship Program
- Global Study Awards
- Hornby Scholarship
- Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarship
- GREAT Scholarships
MBA in the UK With Work Placement
While an MBA degree can help you get a better job, there is no assurance that it will help you get your dream job when you are ready to start working full-time. However, research has shown that combining an MBA program with industry work placements – such as internships or sandwich courses – provides students with the added benefits they need to obtain a head start in their careers. As a result, below is another list of some of the top universities in the UK that provide MBA courses along with work placements to aspirants:
- University of Greenwich
- University of West London
- University of Leicester
- Coventry University
- Royal Holloway, University of London
- Sheffield Hallam University
- Edinburgh Napier University
- University of Central Lancashire
- University of Northampton
- University of East London
- University of South Wales
- Cardiff Metropolitan University
MBA in the UK Without Work Experience
A significantly high number of recent graduates are willing to enter management to build great careers. Although universities across the globe prefer students who have prior work experience for their MBA courses, here is a list of some famous UK universities that are providing MBA in the UK for Indian students without work experience:
- Coventry University
- Leeds Beckett University
- University of Northampton
- University of East London
- Anglia Ruskin University
- Bedfordshire University
- Cardiff Metropolitan University
- University of Derby
- Staffordshire University
- University of South Wales
- University of Greenwich
- University of West London
- University of Central Lancashire
- University of Teesside
- York St John University
- Liverpool John Moores University
- Glyndwr University
- University of Sunderland
MBA in the UK: Visa and Salary
The UK Student Visa would be valid for 16 months if you were to study MBA in the United Kingdom and join a 12-month program there. This will aid you in your work search for the remaining 4 months, ensuring that you do not have to rush back to your home country. However, since the regulations governing student visas are constantly changing, you should always use the most up-to-date information available.
After completing an MBA from one of the top UK colleges, you could earn up to INR 85 lakhs to INR 1 crore per year in reputed Indian companies. Students who wish to remain in the UK after completing their MBA will apply for sponsorship from some prestigious UK institutions to extend their Tier 4 visa.
Post-Study Work Permit in the UK
The Post Study Work Visa (PSWV) is a temporary visa that gives overseas students a chance to live, study, and work in any post or career path once they finish school. This post-study work visa route in the UK is open to anybody, including students of Indian descent with valid immigration status in the UK. All students studying in a UK Higher Education Provider-approved institution are eligible for the Graduate Route.
This action is being done in response to the UK’s desire to retain the best students from all over the world and to assist them in discovering job prospects in the country. International students can now stay in the UK for 2 years after graduation and 3 years after completing their PhD program after the new work permit.
FAQs
The biggest advantage of pursuing the shorter 1-year MBA programmes in the UK is that the overall costs including the tuition fees and living expenses are also reduced. There are also many low-cost MBA courses in the UK that one can opt for. The tuition fee for an MBA in the UK can differ from around £10,000-£15000 and can be higher for top business schools of universities like Oxford and Cambridge.
Pursuing an MBA from UK’s world-renowned business schools is extremely beneficial as you can gain global exposure, learn from top industry leaders as well and attain an internationally recognized degree!
Yes, GMAT is absolutely important to pursue an MBA in UK. Howeve, there are many universities and colleges in the UK that do not require a GMAT score for their admissions into MBA courses. Some of these include the Durham University Business School, City Business School, Lancaster University Management School, and Warwick Business School, amongst others. For those applying without GMAT, additional emphasis is put on the rest of their candidature like academic records (CGPA), SOP, work experience, LORs, etc.
There are different full-time and part-time MBA programmes available in the UK that one can choose from. The most common courses include 1-year MBA programmes while the maximum duration can stretch up to 2 years for an MBA degree as well.
For an MBA in the UK, most universities require you to take the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test), although some may accept the GRE (Graduate Record Examination). Some universities may waive this requirement if you have relevant work experience or a strong academic background. Be sure to check specific university requirements before applying!
General MBA requirements in UK for international students include a bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution, a good GMAT/GRE score (if required), proof of English proficiency (like IELTS or TOEFL), and relevant work experience (usually 2-3 years). You’ll also need to provide letters of recommendation (LORs), SOP, and a personal statement.
Interesting Reads
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