Want to Study Finance in the UK? Here are the Top Programs for Students from Canada

Yes, an MBA from the UK is internationally recognized by employers according to the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS).

With an MBA, you can pursue a career path in different fields. The most common specializations are:

• Finance

• Consulting

• Marketing

• Advertising

• Technology

Other areas of focus include:

• Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals

• Retail and Consumer Goods

• Supply Chain Logistics

• Human Resources and Recruitment

Here are the different kinds of postgraduate MBA programs you can pursue in the UK as an international student.

Full-Time, General MBA Program

Duration: 1 - 2 years.

Overview: Requires 3 years of work experience. Heightens your skills and knowledge to improve career prospects.

Executive MBA Program (EMBA)

Duration: 1 - 2 years.

Overview: Designed for business professionals with an existing career looking to accelerate and hone their expertise. This program typically has flexibility to accommodate work schedules.

Specialist MBA

Duration: 1 - 2 years.

Overview: Program with a specific business focus designed to heighten expertise in your field of choice.

Part-Time MBA Program

Duration: 2-4 years

Overview: Ideal for students who are looking to complete their studies while working or can benefit from additional flexibility in their program.

Not necessarily. There are several schools in the UK that do not require a GMAT for their program. However, there are many top schools where a GMAT score is mandatory. It’s in your best interest to consult your school’s program page for more information. You can also speak to a trained education counsellor to find out more about requirements based on what you have studied in Canada.

The top accreditation for business schools and MBA programs fall under three common institutions and are based on strict standards and thorough research. A school’s accreditation is an important part of selecting your MBA program because it verifies the quality of education and the long-term competitiveness of the program.

The internationally recognized accreditation for MBA programs is as follows:

• AMBA (UK) - Verifies that the MBA program has met criteria based on high levels of teaching, learning, curriculum, student, alumni and employer interaction, career development and employability.

• AACSB (US) - Evaluates schools based on strategic management, student success, thought leadership, and positive impact on society including diversity and inclusion.

• EQUIS (Belgium) - Provides an overall signal of the business school’s viability, quality, and commitment to continuous improvement.

A school that is triple accredited by the AMBA, AACSB, and EQUIS verifies an MBA program of exceptional standard.

Several business schools in the UK are ranked within the top 10 in the world. Here are the best MBAs in the UK according to the QS Top University Rankings, including which ones are recognized as target schools for recruiters of top banks and financial firms. You’ll also find information on the accreditation level of each school, including which ones hold a triple accreditation, which is only true for 1% of business schools in the world.

* UK finance target schools

Admission requirements to complete an MBA in the UK are very similar to Canada. Here’s what you will need to be admitted:

• GMAT - Score expires after 5 years, minimum 600 on average

• IELTS score - Overall of 6.5, no score lower than 6.0

• Undergraduate degree or equivalent experience

• At least 3 years of full-time work experience

• Valid tier 4 student visa

On average, MBA tuition fees in the UK for international students will cost between CAD $24,300 and $215,500. This depends entirely upon your program and institution. For example, the London School of Business MBA currently has a tuition fee equivalent to CAD $224,800. You should always consult your school of choice for their specific costs for that year. It also helps to check with an education counsellor before making any decision.

Your cost of living will vary depending on several factors, such as your day-to-day lifestyle, location, and type of accommodation. As noted by The British Council, Canadian students studying in the UK can expect to pay between CAD $28,800 - $31,200 every year in London, and CAD $19,200 - $31,200 per year everywhere else in the UK.

Canadian students can explore funding for their studies in the UK via some of the following opportunities:

• Chevening Scholarships

• British Council UK Scholarships

• Scottish Government Scholarships

• UK and Wales Scholarships

• Student Action for Refugees Scholarships

• Displaced Student Opportunities UK

• Commonwealth Scholarship Commission

As an international student studying in the UK, it is highly recommended that you look at your school’s scholarships and funding page to see what’s available to you during your MBA. Here are some of the top MBA scholarships available from UK business schools for Canadian students:

• The Skoll MBA Scholarship

• The Cambridge MBA Bursaries

• The Cranfield MBA Diversity Scholarship

You may also be eligible for scholarships available to Canadian residents studying abroad:

• Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholarships

• Mitacs Accelerate International

• Mitacs Globalink Research Award

• EDC International Business Scholarship

Lastly, take advantage of IDP Canada’s Find a Scholarship tool. You can explore UK MBA scholarships for international students here.

As a Canadian, you will be required to apply for a tier 4 student visa to pursue your MBA in the UK. The fee for your application is CAD $928. If you require a priority or super-priority level of service, you will see a higher cost.

According to the Government of UK’s British Council, here’s how to apply for a student visa in the UK:

1. Receive your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). You will also receive an associated reference number which will need to be included in your application.
   

2. Apply within 6 months of your CAS. Pay your visa application fee and collect all necessary documentation, including a valid passport.
   

3. Consider reaching out for professional support. The visa process can be complicated, especially if you are balancing full-time work. There is professional help available, thanks to IDP Canada’s British Council-certified counsellors, to guide you through your visa application as well as other aspects of studying abroad.
   

4. Note any other additional fees. This can include your Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), as well as a fee equivalent to CAD $1,500 per year of study in the UK. To consult any applicable fees that you may have to pay, use the UK Visas and Immigration fee calculator.
   

5. Confirm your proof of language proficiency.

   You will need this for your visa application and your MBA program.

6. Submit your application. Ensure you have your accepted application before you begin your program.

With schools recognized for their world-renowned MBA programs and many universities boasting impressive accreditation and faculty of experienced researchers and professionals in business, the UK is an ideal place for domestic and international students from Canada looking to study abroad.

London is considered an international hub of business, and with the rise of Silicon Fen, the country’s equivalent to Silicon Valley, there’s no question why the UK is a top destination for prospective MBA students.

Need professional support in perfecting your MBA application for your dream school? Reach out to IDP Education’s student counsellors. Book a free call now.

If you have more questions about what it’s like to study in the UK, explore our resources.

An IDP counsellor can help you create a personalized study abroad plan that covers everything including:

• Applying and getting accepted

• Securing your Visa

• Arranging accommodations, banking, and health insurance

• Lining up any other service you may need to succeed.

Best of all, because of our partnerships in the UK, these services are offered by IDP at no cost to you!

Book your appointment with IDP Canada now!