MBA programs in the United Kingdom last 12 to 21 months and cost between 31,450 and 87,900 pounds (approx 29 Lakhs to 81 Lakhs INR). Around 130 business schools in the United Kingdom offer MBA programs with concentrations in economics, health administration, international business, and other fields. The criteria for an MBA in the United Kingdom are less severe than in other nations such as the United States and Canada.
A suitable bachelor's degree, GMAT scores, and job experience are required for admission to MBA programmes at B-schools in the United Kingdom. In order to study MBA in the United Kingdom, you must have a bachelor's degree with a grade point average of 60% or above. While a GMAT score is preferred, several colleges offer MBA programmes without it. Some colleges in the United Kingdom accept students who have no prior job experience and wish to study MBA.
Because the cost of an MBA from one of the premier business schools in the UK is so expensive, income expectations are equally high. MBA students in the United Kingdom may expect to earn up to 100,000 GBP (97 LPA) each year.
MBA in UK: Top Business Schools
Let's start with a look at some of the top-ranked universities in the United Kingdom that offer MBA programmes. The best B-schools in the UK based on The Financial Times Business School Rankings (2021), their programme costs, and the time it takes to finish the programme are listed below.
Universities |
FT Rankings 2021 |
Total Program Fees |
London Business School |
2 |
£92,735 |
Cambridge Judge Business School |
16 |
£59,000 |
Said Business School |
17 |
£65,520 |
Alliance Manchester Business School |
30 |
£45,000 |
Warwick Business School |
32 |
£43,950 |
Imperial College Business School |
44 |
£54,500 |
Cass Business School |
61 |
£46,000 |
Durham University Business School |
74 |
£33,500 |
Lancaster University |
96 |
£33,000 |
University of Edinburgh Business School |
100+ |
£34,200 |
University of Central Lancashire |
100+ |
£16,200 |
Birmingham City University |
100+ |
£15,900 |
University of East London |
100+ |
£15,720 |
University of Bedfordshire |
100+ |
£16,325 |
University of Bolton |
100+ |
£13,950 |
Apart from these, the UK has over 100 business schools providing a variety of MBA programmes. From the United Kingdom, you can enrol in full-time general MBA, executive MBA, speciality MBA, or distance/online MBA programmes.
Why Study MBA in UK?
International students consider a variety of factors while deciding where to study, including faculty, programme content, placement rate, industry growth, and so on. This course guideline will provide comprehensive details on how to shortlist among the universities you should prefer, how to apply, expenses, scholarships, and employment for MBA in the United Kingdom. Let's look at why the United Kingdom might be one of the best MBA locations for international students.
- Students at the best business schools in the UK may design their own programmes and study subjects of their choice.
- Around ten UK institutions are ranked in the FT business school rankings for 2021.
- As per the Chartered Management Institute, 78 percent of managers are always on the lookout for qualified employees.
- There is a scarcity of qualified new managers in the United Kingdom. The UK economy requires 1.9 million skilled managers with innovative methods right away.
- At the end of September 2018, Indians accounted for 55 percent of tier 2 skilled worker visas.
- In the United Kingdom, the Executive MBA and MBA are the highest-paying degrees, with annual salaries of 133,000 GBP and 116,000 GBP, respectively.
MBA Admissions in UK
For students from other countries this will be an amazing opportunity to acquire managerial skills during the course of work. MBA degree in UK will be taught using the English most of the time, which means it's a big challenge for international students to acquire the business and oratory techniques in these classes. The process for applying to top-ranked schools in the UK will require basic academic documentation and exam results.
The eligibility requirements to be eligible for the MBA in the UK for admission to the top business schools is covered in this article.
It is important to note that the mere satisfying the minimum criteria for admission does not guarantee admission to MBA courses at the best B-schools within the UK. The scores of your competitive exams and the management and leadership skills portrayed in LORs, SOPs, Personal Statements and resumes make up your application's overall portfolio.
MBA in UK Eligibility
In order to pursue an MBA degree in the UK the general requirements for admission to the majority businesses schools are summarized in the following paragraphs:
Academic Requirements |
A UG degree with a 2:1 mark equal to 50-60 percentage (some schools might require higher scores) |
GMAT Score |
Required for the majority of schools with 600or more (minimum) Avg. the Class of 2019 from various B-schools from 640-730 |
Work Experience |
Not always required However, I would suggest to be at least 2 years old (minimum) 5-6-7 years (average for the class of 2019 from diverse B-schools) |
Language Proficiency |
IELTS: 6.5+ TOEFL: 95+ |
Resume |
Copy of the CV that has been updated |
LOR |
1 to 3 Ideally professional or from a supervisor. If only one LOR is required, an academic LOR is not acceptable. |
Essay |
Personal statement/SOP of 500 words addressing topics such as short- and long-term professional aspirations, how an MBA would prepare you for the future, a description of one teamwork experience, and why you picked the school. |
Visa |
Student visas to study higher education within the UK |
Funds |
The evidence of your ability to finance your plan |
MBA Requirements
It is important to note that the MBA prerequisites in UK are the same across the majority of International students. The specific requirements for colleges that apply to MBA requirements in the UK are as follows:
What are the prerequisites for pursuing an MBA in the United Kingdom?
Making the decision to pursue an MBA is a big step, so be sure you understand all of the criteria before you start the application process. All business schools are different, but in general, candidates should have the following:
- A minimum of three years of full-time job experience is required.
- A bachelor's degree or its equivalent is required.
- GMAT (Graduate Management Admissions Test) (see below full detail)
- A minimum IELTS score of 6.0-6.5 is required.
The Graduate Management Admission Test, or GMAT, is required by a number of business schools. The GMAT assesses your skills in the following areas:
- Argument analysis is a type of analytical writing.
- Graphics and table analysis are examples of integrated reasoning.
- Ability to comprehend a passage and answer problems quantitatively
- Critical thinking and sentence repair are both verbal skills.
The GMAT is unusual in that if you answer questions correctly, you will be given more difficult questions that are worth more points. Incorrect responses will be followed by easier questions with lower scores.
MBA with no GMAT UK
For those who want to pursue an MBA without the requirement of a GMAT score in the UK You can seek out business schools that will accept applicants without having a GMAT score or opt for an alternative all-time MBA program that doesn't include GMAT as an admission prerequisite. A few of the schools in UK which will accept all-time MBA applications with no GMAT include:
- University of Central Lancashire: Applications to the MBA program are done by meeting the requirements of language proficiency and UG admission requirements, and having a minimum of work knowledge.
- Warwick School of Business: International applicants might or may not require the GMAT score when applying. Although the likelihood of being required to submit an GMAT score is very high but that doesn't mean that this is the only requirement to be met. However, if you are asked for it, you have to provide at least 600 pointsor more.
- Birmingham City Business School: The school offers an international MBA as a full-time program and does not need international students to show an GMAT score to apply.
- Lancaster University Management School: It is required that you submit either an admission essay or GMAT score. Therefore, you must pass the GMAT not the main admissions requirements.
- Durham University Business School: You could be required to provide an GMAT score in instances when the portfolio of the student or academic record is deemed inadequate by the school.
Other than the all-time MBA courses, students could also search for online MBA programs in which GMAT doesn't meet the only qualification as well as Executive MBA programs.
MBA with no work Experience in UK
A few of the Business schools that offer MBAs across the UK without any work experience are:
- University of Derby: Global MBA program requires that you meet academic and language requirements in order to enroll in the program.
- University of Northampton: Having the UG with second-class honors and a high level of English proficiency requirements is all that is required to get an full-time MBA from Northampton's University of Northampton.
- University of Greenwich: Work experience is not necessary in order to be considered for the international MBA programs at this school.
- Cardiff University MBA programs may be able to consider work experience you have if you have one, but they do not require it to apply for the course.
MBA at UK without IELTS
Certain colleges offer admission to students with no IELTS scores. Students must possess an English background to be eligible for admission. Students must show proof of greater than 60% proficiency in English in the classes 11 and 12 or possess an undergraduate education in English or a pre-sessional course in English that is available to students from abroad.
MBA in the UK with placements
Students who complete their Masters in the UK receive a specific understanding of the program they're completing. While this can increase the possibilities for employment opportunities, it could just not enough for you to get the job you've always wanted. There are some institutions that offer MBA in the UK with placements to help they can be more employable. Placements come in a variety of types and sizes. MBA in the UK with placements is divided into three kinds, which include internships year, placement years and Sandwich courses.
Internships are specialized tasks that are offered for the benefit of money, and are restricted in working hours. The duration of internships can range from 6 weeks and 6 months. Different colleges must offer internships as a element of their course. These are called"placement years. The sandwich courses are typical in UG courses in which students are required to complete a specific year, which is connected to the subject they're studying in their course.
There are a few top universities offering MBA in the UK with placements are listed below:
College Name |
Course Duration |
Placements |
Anglia Ruskin University |
24 months |
1 year integrated |
Birmingham City University |
16 Months |
4 Month Internship |
University of Brighton |
2 Years |
1 Year Integrated |
University of Greenwich |
2 Years |
11 month Integral |
Leeds Beckett University |
18 Months |
Not Mentioned |
Middlesex University |
15 Months or 24 Months |
3 Months or 12 Months |
University of Sunderland |
The 18-month and 24-month versions are available. |
1 Year Integrated |
University of Worcester |
1 Year |
6 Months |
MBA in UK Costs
It is a common occurrence that, when the demand for MBAs increases that the price of an MBA in the UK will increase. International students have to make informed choices about the most suitable business school. The total MBA cost in UK costs can be split into two major sections
- Costs for pre-arrival
- Cost for postage
In the case of pre-arrival fees, students must manage their finances according to the requirements of different areas such as UK student visa applications fees, application fee, and travel tickets. Post arrival costs include fees for tuition as well as the cost of living in the UK while studying. The cost of attending an MBA in the UK covers the total costs of tuition incurred by students, as well as the cost for living expenses in UK up to the end of the program.
MBA in UK Cost: Pre- Arrival
Costs for pre-arrival, which is are also referred to as pre-departure expenses, covers expenses such as exam fees or application fee and visa fees, among others. These are one-time costs which an international student has to bear long before they arrive in their chosen destination for study, UK.
Categories |
Cost(GBP) |
TOEFL Fees |
200 |
IELTS Fees |
200 |
PTE Fees |
150 |
VISA Application |
322 |
Total |
872 |
Cost of Living in UK
This article outlines the complete details of the structure of eating, housing, and personal expenses for one in a month-to-month basis during their stay within the UK. Living costs is contingent on the type of accommodation chosen for in UK as well as the lifestyle of the cities one lives in and so on.
Particulars |
Cost of a month in the Average( expressed in pounds) |
Rent |
450 |
Food |
200 |
Mobile Phone |
30 |
Internet |
40 |
Stationery Items |
40 |
Clothing |
75 |
Laundry |
25 |
Transportation |
45 (monthly card) |
Miscellaneous |
25 |
Total |
930 |
Thus, the annual average expense of living and studying in the UK amounts to approximately 11,880 GBP per year, which brings the total cost of studying or living within the UK to approximately 32,310 GBP per year for international students.
The costs of living within the UK is for an Indian student studying for an MBA in the UK which includes the cost of tuition for the program, ranges from 60 Lakhs up to 1.11 Cr. Achieving the MBA in India is estimated to cost around 3 to 0.30 Lakhs per year (2-year program 6- 60 Lakhs). One of the questions that come up when you consider the amount you will need to study in the UK is how you will finance yourself. Scholarships are that allow you to study in the UK to help ease your financial strain.
Cheap MBA Colleges in UK
University |
Fees (GBP) |
University of Bedfordshire |
16,250 |
University of Bolton |
13,950 |
University of East London |
15,720 |
University of Suffolk |
16,380 |
Cardiff Metropolitan University |
10,500 |
University of Wales, Trinity St. David |
15,000 |
MBA in the UK with scholarships
It is a major cost for international students who want to pursue an MBA within the UK. Even with the higher cost of tuition students choose this course because of its internationally recognized degree. Once they have earned their degree, graduates can be employed wherever across the globe. International organizations provide financial aid for international students studying in the UK for postgraduate studies. There are a few scholarships available to study MBA in the UK and the benefits of it are listed below.
- Commonwealth Masters Scholarships- Travel grant, tuition fees (partial), basic expenses
- Commonwealth Fellowship Plan- full tuition fees
- Global Study Awards- PS10,000
- Inlaks Scholarships: tuition fees
- Chevening Scholarships: tuition costs as well as a monthly stipend costs for travel, costs for visa application
- Excellent Scholarship and tuition is paid in full.
Certain specific to universities' MBA grants include:
University |
Scholarship |
Amount (GBP) |
Eligibility |
Imperial College London |
Imperial Women Scholarship |
Variable |
Female applicants that have a high and very well GMAT score. |
GMAT Excellence Award |
5350 |
750+ overall GMAT score |
|
Imperial Business Scholarships |
Variable |
Meritorious students |
|
London Business School |
BK Birla Scholarships |
Up to full fees |
Academic achievement while upholding BK Birla's history and principles. |
London Business School Fund Scholarship |
Up to full fees |
Professional and academic merit, as well as the capacity to participate to all sections of the MBA programme |
|
Cambridge Judge Business School |
St. Catherine’s Benavitch Cambridge MBA Scholarships |
10,000 |
GPA: 3.7 and MBA: 700 |
University of Edinburgh |
Victor H. Loewenstein Scholarship |
5000 |
Non-UK applicant |
As with some of the mentioned schools, other b-schools located in the UK offer MBA-specific scholarships for international students. Check out the college's website for more information on the similar.
Scope of MBA in the UK
Students from abroad choose MBA to study in the UK as the most suitable career option for two major reasons. One is the higher ROI and the second is its brief time. In a single year, an MBA student can earn greater amounts. Even the loan was granted, with an enormous salary it is simpler for students to pay the loan. After Brexit, UK organizations generally prefer applicants from China and India. There are a variety of high-paying positions across UK. UK that are available to MBA graduates. Some of which are listed below, along with the salaries offered.
MBA in UK ROI
According to financial times the percentage rise in the earnings of MBA graduates from renowned businesses schools within the UK are the following:
Universities |
Present Salary Increase* |
London Business School |
105 |
Cambridge Judge Business School |
95 |
Said Business School |
103 |
Warwick Business School |
78 |
Alliance Manchester Business School |
103 |
Cass Business School |
93 |
Imperial College Business School |
64 |
Durham University Business School |
107 |
University of Edinburgh Business School |
68 |
The difference in alumnus' pay before and after the MBA
Below is a graphic image that represents the average annual earnings of MBA students from the top business schools in the UK and the tuition costs they pay:
The graph below shows the ROI of students who are pursuing MBA in the UK
MBA in UK Jobs
Job Designation |
Annual Average Salaries (GBP) |
Assistant BD Manager |
131,000 |
BD Manager |
184,000 |
General Manager |
173,000 |
Manager |
204,000 |
Project Manager |
134,000 |
Planning Director |
202,000 |
Some of the most reputable companies that recruit to get an MBA within the UK include Amazon, Apple, Bain and Company, Boston Consulting Group, JP Morgan, McKinsey, Citigroup, Goldman Sachs along with Morgan Stanley. With a salary at the level mentioned the tuition costs or the investments that international students make will be repaid within a very short timeframe from the time of starting the position.
MBA in the UK vs MBA in Canada and MBA in the USA
Achieving MBA in the USA could be the dream that comes to life when studying MBA in Canada offers the advantage of making it easy to get a PR.
The next question is: why should you study an MBA at a university in UK? Here's a list of comparisons that will assist you in making a better decision.
Criteria |
MBA in UK |
MBA in USA |
MBA in Canada |
Costs from Top Colleges |
29-81 Lakhs |
1.3-1.6 Cr |
24-67 Lakhs |
GMAT requirements for FT programs |
Some colleges have exceptions to the mandatory requirement, but some do not. |
Mandatory |
Some colleges have an exception to this rule. |
Cheapest MBA Courses Cost |
4-8 Lakhs |
10+ Lakhs |
9-11 Lakhs |
Work Experience |
Not Mandatory but Preferred |
Mandatory |
Mostly Mandatory |
Immigration and Work Permit |
Immigration Friendly |
It is difficult to move to |
Highly accommodating to immigration |
Salary increases up to |
105% |
128% |
85% |
As the popularity of UK as a place to study increasing the amount of MBA students studying in the UK has also increased. UK is not just equipped to offer you an accelerated MBA degree, but also the opportunity to take your dreams on a runway flying high.