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MBA in UK for International Students

9 min read
Blog Summary Dive into MBA programs in the UK, offering international students diverse business education and global networking.
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MBA, a Master of Business Administration program, is designed to further educate business students in relevant areas such as human resources, operation management, and finance, among others. The fact that an MBA degree allows students worldwide to interact with successful, like-minded business people to achieve their goals sets MBA apart from any other degree.

MBA in UK for international students provides the perfect platform for students to build every aspect of their portfolio, from developing their leadership skills and exposure to great business opportunities to improving their networking skills. There are a lot of factors Sri Lanka students have to consider when planning to study MBA in the UK. That is where this article comes in.

MBA in UK Highlights

Studying MBA in the UK comes with many perks. Some of which include:

  • Getting top-notch quality education from some of the world's best universities.
  • Job security with a high salary. The average salary of an MBA graduate is higher than that of a regular master's degree.
  • Short graduation helps save time and sets your career in a great direction.
  • Access to world-class research infrastructure which provides you with the best resources to achieve your goals.
  • UK universities have some of the lowest fees for MBA degrees.
QS Ranking Universities for MBA 25
Duration 1-2 years
Work experience Minimum of 3 years
Exams IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, GMAT, GRE, etc.
English eligibility test waivers Available
Placements Available
Work permit Available
Post-study work permit Approx. 2 years
Scholarships Up to 50% can be availed on the tuition fee
Average Fees £34,800
MBA in UK average salary £50,000
Employability rate above 95%

Why Pursue MBA in UK

There are many reasons why you should pursue your MBA in the UK. First of all, you want a place where you can grow, connect, and get a great placement in the industry after your program, and an MBA in the UK gives you just that. Also, most business schools allow students to customise their programs and choose courses they feel will help their careers more.


  • As of 2021, about ten business schools in the UK were ranked among the Financial Times (FT) business schools. 
  • When you choose to pursue your MBA in any school, you will automatically shoot your career up. Your employability and your network connections will increase. 
  • Also, due to the short course duration of the UK MBA, the amount you pay as tuition fees reduces considerably. You will be getting the best for a lot less.
  • Generally, an MBA degree increases your credibility; now imagine what getting one from a reputable university in the UK will do. 
  • It will increase your recognition as well as standing significantly. 
  • There are many more perks to pursuing an MBA in the UK, but the benefits above are enough to convince you.

Types of MBA in UK for International Students

There are five major types of MBA in the UK, with each one impacting your career differently. Below are the different types of MBA in the UK.
  • One-year full-time MBA degree, which are degrees you complete within 11 to 16 months depending on when you start. The MBA is 11 months if you start in the September batch and 16 months when you start in January. This one-year MBA is quite intense and immerses you in the business school experience. Most students come with their experience with the MBA certificate as their main goal.
  • 2-year full-time MBA degree consists of 4 semesters spread out over two years. Although only two business schools have a two-year MBA program, they are London and Birmingham. Most business schools have one-year plus. With Manchester having 18 months MBA program. 2 years MBA degree offers students an unparalleled experience with access to social and professional clubs, career services, and many more.
  • Executive MBA is a program specially tailored for working professionals who can't afford to attend lectures frequently. Usually, lectures are held on weekends. The executive MBA curriculum focuses on the major business disciplines – strategy, management skills, leadership, and communication.
  • A part-time MBA Degree offers great flexibility and balance to help students achieve their goals easily. Lectures are mostly scheduled outside regular business hours. You can choose how many classes you want to take every semester.
  • Online MBA Degree, as the name suggests, Online MBA Degree allows you to take classes online. And because you don't have to be physically present in the lecture hall, you can take your classes at your own pace. And also spread the cost over a much longer period than other types of MBA degrees. The courses are taught via different formats such as recorded lectures, live web conferences, and classes that are always virtual.

Top MBA Courses in UK 

Below are top MBA courses you can study in the UK:

  1. MBA in general management
  2. MBA in Marketing
  3. MBA in Business strategy
  4. MBA in finance
  5. MBA in Human resources
  6. MBA in operations management
  7. MBA in accounting
  8. MBA in entrepreneurship
  9. MBA in consulting
  10. MBA in environmental management and sustainability

Study MBA in UK Requirements 

To study MBA in the UK, below are the UK Study requirements you need to possess to be considered for admission.

  • Academic requirements: You must have completed your undergraduate degree with a second class higher (2:1) degree. This is equivalent to about 60%, with some schools requesting even higher qualifications.
  • Language proficiency: you will be required to present either an IELTS with 6.5+ or a TOEFL of 95+.
  • GMAT experience: Most schools will require you to have a minimum of 600, with some requiring up to 730.
  • Work experience: although not mandatory, having a minimum of 2 years is a plus.
  • Statement of Purpose.
  • LOR: you will need about 2 to 3 letters of recommendation, either professional or academic. However, if only one LOR is required, you prefer to submit a professional one.
  • CV/Resume: you will have to submit an updated copy of your CV.
  • Essay: You also need to provide a detailed statement of purpose and cover questions like describing teamwork experience, short and long-term career goals, and why you chose the course.
  • Proof of funds: you need to show that you can finance your education and living expenses in the UK.
  • Student visa: You will need to get a UK student visa to be able to pursue your MBA in the UK.

Application Process for MBA in the UK

The application process is quite elaborate but straightforward. 

Below are some essential elements you need for a successful application process.

  1. Choose your desired MBA program.
  2. Get your academic transcripts and other important documents ready.
  3. Be serious with your GRE and GMAT scores.
  4. Get an updated resume at hand.
  5. Ensure you have a professional statement of purpose
  6. Your recommendation letters are essential.
  7. Ensure you have the language proficiency skills
  8. Prepare for the admission interview.
  9. Always check the deadlines for application and relevant fees.

Best Universities in UK to Study MBA Course

Below is a table of some of the best universities in the UK for MBA. The things considered include the QS ranking, fees, and duration. Let's proceed.

Universities

QS Ranking

Exams Accepted

Fees in £

Duration

London Business School (LBS)

93

IELTS

87,900

15 – 21 months

Oxford Business School

89.3

IELTS 7.5

63,000

12 months

Cambridge Judge Business School

-

IELTS 7.5

GRE

59,000

12 months

Imperial College Business School

-

IELTS

53,500

12

Warwick Business School (WBS)

-

IELTS 7

GRE

GMAT

43,950

12

Alliance Manchester Business School

-

IELTS 6.5

GRE

GMAT

44,000

18 months

Edinburgh Business School

-

IELTS 7

32,500

12 months

MBA Course Tuition Fees in UK

MBA in the United Kingdom for International students is a 12- to a 21-month intense research-based programme that costs between £31,000 and £88,000 on average.

University

Fees in GBP

University of East London

15,720

University of Exeter

30,000

University of Suffolk

16,380

University of Wales

15,000

University of Wolverhampton

14,215

 

 

How to Study MBA in the UK with Scholarships

It is expensive to study abroad, especially for a globally recognised degree like an MBA. What would your reaction be if you found out that you could use scholarships to help pay for your studies? As a result, we've compiled a terrific list of successful MBA scholarships in the United Kingdom, which are offered by prestigious and top business schools and other companies throughout the country.

Scholarships

Award value

The Chevening scholarship

Fully funded

Strathclyde Business School

 £7000 - 15000

Oxford business school alumni fund scholarship

£20,000

Cambridge Judge Business School

£10,000 – 25,0000

Brunel Pathway college

£6000 

What are the UK Universities Offering Low-Cost MBA

Below are UK universities offering low-cost MBA

  1. University of Worcester
  2. University of Wales Trinity Saint David
  3. University of Bolton
  4. York Saint Jon University
  5. London Metropolitan University
  6. London South Bank University

MBA in the UK without GMAT

Many universities allow Sri Lanka students to study their MBA without a GMAT score. These schools instead focus more on your work experience, letter of recommendation, and essay, among other things. Accelerated MBA, a fast-tracked MBA program, is one such degree offered without a GMAT score. Some universities also allow part-time students to study their MBA without GMAT.

MBA in the UK without work Experience

Although work experience is an excellent part of an MBA degree, some universities will consider other forms of work experience to give you admission. For example, internships you have done, pre-graduation work experience, and volunteering work experience.

 

 

Jobs after MBA in the UK

The UK has a readily available market. Getting a career in the UK after an MBA program is not a challenging task. There are many lucrative openings for you. Graduates earn highly competitive salaries. Some popular jobs after an MBA program include

  • Product specialist
  • Financial sales graduate scheme
  • Research analyst
  • Commercial Manager
  • Business management program

What is MBA Degree Salary in UK

As mentioned before, MBA degree graduates get a good salary increase. Executive MBA graduates earn the highest pay with over £90,000 annually. 

  • Project managers get between £34,000 to £74,000 annually, and finance managers rake in anything between £34,000 to £67,000 annually.

Work permit after MBA in the UK

MBA students can stay back and search for suitable work after graduation under the newly introduced UK 2 years post-study visa law. And it doesn't take much time at all. Under the post-study visa, you don't even need a job to get it. However, you will need an appointment to stay in the UK once the post-study visa expires.

 

 

The UK is one of the easiest countries to gain admission to study for an MBA for Sri Lanka students. Although there are few scholarship options, the little ones are highly competitive. But the experience and exposure it offers students are unmatched. So, if you can afford it, choose the UK.

AECC Global is one of the world's leading educational consultancies with versatile expert professionals who are ready to help you with any queries you may have. Contact us so we can be of assistance to you in your journey of fulfilling your dream.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the UK an attractive destination for international students pursuing an MBA?
The UK offers a rich academic heritage, globally recognized MBA programs, cultural diversity, and proximity to Europe, making it an appealing choice for international MBA aspirants.
Which UK universities are well-regarded for their MBA programs?
Universities like the University of Oxford, London Business School, and Imperial College Business School are known for their prestigious MBA offerings.
What are the typical admission requirements for international students applying to MBA programs in the UK?
Admission requirements often include a bachelor's degree, work experience, GMAT or GRE scores (varies by program), references, a personal statement, and English language proficiency (usually assessed through IELTS or TOEFL).
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