Reflecting on pursuing an MBA degree from a top study destination? Don’t think twice! An international MBA degree reshapes your outlook on life. The blend of global exposure, a diverse cultural setting and valuable networking opportunities creates one of the best decisions you can make for your career and future.

Why Study for an MBA Abroad 

Global Exposure: Studying for an MBA degree abroad gives students global exposure through interacting with diverse cultures and perspectives.  

Networking Opportunities: An MBA from abroad will allow you to build relationships with your classmates, roommates, faculty and other people from your neighbourhood. This broader exposure will unlock potential networking opportunities. 

Career Prospects: Receiving an MBA from abroad opens doors to different industries. From studying different consumer products to running your own startup, you get to experience different career prospects. Even if you apply to positions that are not directly related to your background, an international MBA degree can lead you to CXO or other entrepreneurial roles.

Top Destinations for MBA Programs  

The UK: The UK is known for its prestigious institutions for pursuing an MBA including University of Oxford and London Business School.  

Australia: Australia is known for its renowned universities offering flexible options like RMIT University and EDITH Cowan University.  

Canada: Offers a variety of MBA programs from universities like Toronto University and the  University of British Columbia.  

USA: USA is home to renowned universities offering MBA programs including Harvard and Stanford University.  

Ireland: It is known for its affordable and high-quality education in institutes like University College Dublin and Trinity College.  

New Zealand: Provides affordable MBA programs with a focus on innovation and leadership.

Available MBA Specialisations Abroad 

Finance 

An MBA in finance majorly focuses on financial management and investments. While specialising in finance, students learn about managing finances, assessing financial risks, analysing markets and crafting financial strategies for markets.  

Marketing 

An MBA in marketing is a great choice for students with a focus on branding, advertising management and product development. This specialisation helps businesses create strong brand identities and build customer relationships. It imparts expertise in the fields of entertainment, media, promotions, advertisement, sales, etc. 

Human Resource Management 

HRM is the most popular MBA specialisation that allows students to have in-depth knowledge about business administration, human resources, and business strategy. Popular courses for this specialisation include negotiation, managerial finance and business law. 

Operations Management 

MBA in Operations Management is degree teaching students how to develop analytical skills and crafting models or systems by using math. This specialisation tells students how to improve the quality of products while reducing product costs. Students take courses like mathematical modelling, data logistics, analysis and operations strategy. 

General Management 

An MBA in General Management develops skills of critical thinking, problem-solving and risk management. These skills are needed in every field of the world. However, courses like Economics for Managers, Organisational Behaviour, Project and Quality Management and Marketing Management make it prominent.  

Consulting 

This specialisation helps students with business understanding and human relations. MBA in Consulting majorly focuses on students with good communication and evaluation action skills. It combines courses like Ethics, Business Communication, Negotiation and Consulting.  

Engineering Management 

This specialisation is perfect for the students with roots in engineering, focusing on engineering concepts and practices. It teaches different courses like Innovation, Leadership, Product Development, Manufacturing Methods and Experience Design. It will lead to job opportunities in organisations to improve performance. 

Entrepreneurship 

For students aspiring to start their own venture or to take charge of a family business, an MBA in Entrepreneurship is the ideal choice. This specialisation provides essential skills in business development, venture funding, and startup scaling. It helps students with startup ecosystems, business consulting and business expansion.  

Technology Management 

This specialisation is perfect for students who are more into technology and business strategies. It combines business strategy with technological advancements. A career in this field may lead you to tech companies and IT consulting with roles as product manager, IT director, digital consultant and chief technology officer.

Admission Requirements for MBA Abroad 

Take a look at the requirements that need to be covered to pursue your MBA from abroad. 

Academic Requirements: A minimum of 16 years of education or your bachelor’s from a recognised university.  

Work Experience: The minimum work experience required to pursue an MBA from abroad is between two to five years. It depends on the chosen university. 

Language Test: For non-native speakers, it is vital to pass IELTS or any other English language proficiency test in all destinations.

Cost of Studying an MBA Abroad 

Countries 

Annual Fee 

UK 

GBP 30,000 – 90,000 

Australia 

 AUD 35,000 – 100,000 

Canada 

CAD 30,000 – 90,000 

USA 

USD 50,000 – 120,000 

Ireland 

EUR 20,000 – 50,000 

New Zealand 

NZD 30,000 – 60,000 

 *Please note that all costs are indicative. 

 Top Universities Offering MBA Programs 

University  

Country 

QS Ranking 

THE Ranking 

The University of Oxford 

United Kingdom 

3 

2 

The University of Cambridge 

United Kingdom 

5 

5 

London School of Economics and Political Science 

United Kingdom 

=50 

10 

University of Melbourne 

Australia 

13 

40 

The University of Queensland 

Australia 

=40 

65 

University of Toronto 

Canada 

25 

24 

University of British Columbia 

Canada 

38 

29 

Massachusetts Institute of Technology 

United States 

1 

1 

Stanford University 

United States 

6 

3 

Harvard University 

United States 

4 

7 

Trinity College Dublin 

Ireland 

87 

100 

University of Auckland 

New Zealand 

65 

151-171 

University of Waikato 

New Zealand 

235 

151-171 

Career Opportunities 

Many students may not fully realise the value of an international MBA degree. However, earning an MBA from abroad can truly open a world of opportunities for your future! This expansive field offers a wide range of prospects. After specialising in areas such as finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, or technology management, you’ll have abundant paths to choose from: 

  • Investment Banker 

  • Marketing Research Analyst 

  • Business Analyst 

  • Brand Strategist 

  • Product Manager 

  • Marketing Manager 

  • Data processor 

  • Business Consultant  

You can find these opportunities in departments like healthcare, consultation firms, technology and some government organisations.  

Choose your MBA degree from any country and any university and let it gear up your career. If you are confused about the right specialisation and university for you, book your free session with one of IDP’s certified counsellors to guide you along the way. 

FAQs 

What is the average cost of studying for an MBA abroad? 
The overall average cost of studying for an MBA abroad range between $50,000 to $120,000 per year for the entire program.  

Which MBA degree has the highest salary? 
Business analytics, marketing, finance and Information technology are considered among the highest-paid MBA degrees.