Study Abroad

MBA in the UK: Colleges, Programs, Fees, Eligibility, Placements

28 October, 2024

Ranjana Singh, Lead Admission Consultant, IMS Venturi

The United Kingdom, home to over 395 universities, stands as the world’s second-largest education hub, attracting thousands of international students every year. With its globally recognised degrees, especially in business and management, the UK offers Indian students a gateway to prestigious careers and entrepreneurial success. Among the various programs, pursuing an MBA in the UK is one of the most coveted, renowned for its quality, global recognition, and comprehensive curriculum. In this blog, we will explore everything Indian students need to know about pursuing an MBA in the UK.

mba in the uk

MBA in the UK – Highlights

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 (INR 35.9 lakhs)
MBA in UK average salary	£50,000 (INR 51.6 lakhs)
Employability rate	above 95%

THIS BLOG INCLUDES:

Why MBA in the UK for Indian Students?
Try Out The Most Reliable Study Abroad Expert
Popular Specializations
Popular Intakes in UK
Top Universities for MBA in UK for Indian Students
Other Universities
Eligibility Requirements for MBA in UK
Other Requirements
Finance Your Study Abroad Dream With IMS Venturi
Cost of Studying for MBA in UK
Cost of Living in the UK
Low-Cost MBA in UK for Indian Students
Application Process for MBA in UK
Popular Scholarships for MBA in UK for Indian Students
MBA in UK with Work Placement
MBA in UK without Work Experience
MBA in UK for Indian Students without GMAT
MBA in UK: Visa and Salary
Jobs After MBA from UK
Post-Study Work Permit in UK
PR After MBA in UK
FAQs

Why MBA in the UK for Indian Students?

The United Kingdom is one of the world’s leading economies. The universities are created with an essential focus on imparting the students with the right skills and knowledge of a particular field. When it comes to studying in the UK for higher education, various key aspects make it an amazing choice, especially for a master’s degree in business and administration. Here are the significant features that make the UK a prominent option to pursue an MBA:

World-Class Education: UK universities are known for their high academic standards. MBA programs here offer a balanced mix of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. They often feature lectures and workshops from industry leaders, providing students with invaluable insights into the business world.

Shorter Duration: Most MBA programs in the UK are one-year courses, allowing students to gain an internationally recognised degree in a shorter time than in other countries. This is especially beneficial for those looking to return to the workforce quickly.

Strong Industry Connections: UK universities maintain robust ties with industries, offering students opportunities to network with professionals and attend events that can lead to internships and job placements.

Scholarships and Financial Aid: The financial aspect of studying abroad is a concern for many students. Fortunately, many UK universities offer scholarships that can significantly reduce the cost of pursuing an MBA.

Popular Specialisations for MBA in the UK

Here is an extensive list of some of the best and top-rated MBA specialisations that aspirants can choose from to study MBA in the UK:

Quality Management
Sports Management
International Business
Human Resource Management
Digital Marketing
Data Science
Project Management
Retail Management
Finance
Healthcare
Accounting
Pharmaceutical Management
Fashion Designing
Foreign Trade
Hotel Management
Healthcare Management

Popular Intakes for MBA in the UK

Here are some of the most popular intakes in the UK:

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

Top Universities for MBA in the UK for Indian Students

Here is a detailed list of some of the best universities offering an MBA in the UK, according to the QS World University Rankings: MBA Rankings 2024.

University	Duration	QS World University Rankings 2024	Average Tuition Fee
London Business School	15-21 Months	4	£58,600
University of Oxford (Said Business School)	1 Year	18	£59,490
University of Cambridge (Judge Business School)	1 Year	9	£57,000
Imperial College Business School	1 Year	20	£53,500
Warwick Business School	1 Year	36	£40,450

Other Universities

Here are some other universities that are offering some of the best programs and specialisations in MBA in the UK:

Durham University Business School, Durham University
Aston Business School, Aston University
Nottingham University Business School, Nottingham Trent University
Bath School of Management, University of Bath
Brunel Business School, Brunel University London
Exeter Business School, University of Exeter
Adam Smith School of Economics and Finance, University of Glasgow

Eligibility Requirements for MBA in the UK

Students must meet the basic eligibility requirements mentioned below to be considered for admission to a business course in the United Kingdom:

Completion of secondary education studies at a level comparable to that of the United Kingdom
Provide the necessary school records, academic transcripts, and certificates.
Obtain an appropriate IELTS / TOEFL or any other ELP Test scores to demonstrate English language proficiency.
A relevant three-year bachelor’s degree from a recognised university, which is equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree.
Some UK universities may require a minimum of two years of work experience.
Some colleges also accept applicants based on their GMAT/GRE ratings or scores.

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

Other Requirements

Completed application form
Statement of Purpose
Complete English essays
Recommendation letters or LORs
Completed Current professional resume
Student Visa
At least 2 Passport-sized photographs

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Cost of Studying for an MBA in the UK

MBA in the UK for Indian students is a 12-to-21-month intensive research-based programme that costs, on average, between £31,000 and £88,000. The total cost of studying in the UK ranges from INR 24 lakhs to INR 80 lakhs for an Indian student.

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

Low-Cost MBA in the UK for Indian Students

If you are thinking that an MBA in the UK is costly and maybe not a cup of your financial tea, then you just don’t have to drop your idea of studying in the UK. Here is another list of some of the renowned and famous universities in the UK that are providing low-cost MBAs to international students and rightfully fulfilling their dreams of pursuing an MBA in the UK.

Universities	Average Tuition Fee for MBA in the UK (1 Year)
Bedfordshire University	£11,250 (INR 11.5 lakhs)
Canterbury Christ Church University	£12,900 (INR 13.2 lakhs)
University of Wolverhampton	£12,470 (INR 12.7 lakhs)
The University of Worcester	£11,400 (INR 11.6 lakhs)
University of Suffolk	£11,000 (INR 11.2 lakhs)
Leeds Beckett University	£11,300 (INR 11.5 lakhs)
University of Gloucestershire	£12,500 (INR 1279758)
University of East London	£15,000 (INR 15.3 lakhs)
Cardiff Metropolitan University	£9,000 (INR 9.2 lakhs)
University of Bolton	£12,500 (INR 12.79 lakhs)
Anglia Ruskin University	£16,500 (INR 16.7 lakhs)
University of Northampton	£15,000 (INR 15.25 lakhs)
University of Leicester	£20,000 (INR 20.34 lakhs)
University of West London	£15,000 (INR 15.25 lakhs)
Buckinghamshire New University	£10,500 (INR 10.68 lakhs)

Application Process for MBA in the UK

Just like any university across the globe, there is a set standard of documents and a specific procedure to complete the application procedure followed in the UK. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to complete the admission procedure to study MBA in the UK for Indian students:

Popular Scholarships for MBA in the UK for Indian Students

Studying abroad is costly, particularly for a globally recognised degree like an MBA. How would you react if you learned that you can use scholarships to help you pay for your studies? As a result, we’ve put together a fantastic list of successful MBA scholarships in the UK, which are offered by prestigious and top business schools and other organisations in the country.

Oxford and Cambridge Society of India Scholarship

Financial Sumo Educational Scholarship Program

Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships

Hornby Scholarship

Chevening Scholarship

Go Clean Scholarship

GREAT Scholarship

Commonwealth Scholarship

Inlaks Scholarships

GATE Scholarship

Rhodes Scholarship India

BrokerFish International Student Scholarship

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 for Indian Students without GMAT

Many aspirants must be wondering if there is any scope to pursue an MBA in the UK without a GMAT. Well, we have prepared a list of some renowned UK universities that offer MBAs in the UK for Indian students without GMAT!

- University of Reading
- University of Central Lancashire
- Birmingham City Business School
- Middlesex University
- Lancaster University Management School
- Durham University Business School
- Cranfield School of Management, Cranfield University
- Warwick School of Business, University of Warwick

University of Edinburgh

HULT International Business School- London

MBA in the UK: Visa and Salary

The Student Visa for the United Kingdom will 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 four 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.

Jobs After MBA from the UK

International students choose an MBA in the UK as a career path for two main reasons. The first is a larger return on investment, while the second is its short lifespan. Within a year, the MBA graduate can earn more money. There are numerous high-paying opportunities available in the UK for MBA graduates; some of the top specialisations, along with their average pay, are given below:

Specialisation	Job Profiles	Average Salary/Year
MBA in Banking and Finance in the UK	Finance Analyst \| Finance Consulting Manager \| Leveraged Finance Associate \| Financial Management Associate	45.59 lakhs- 1 crore
MBA Human Resource Management in the UK	Human Resources Manager \| Program HR Manager \| Practice Economics Manager \| Global Development Program Leader	41.45 lakhs- 75.44 lakhs
MBA Information Technology in the UK	Information Technology Manager \| IT Services Manager \| Solutions Architect Senior Manager \| IT Senior Associate	27.55 lakhs- 87.25 lakhs
MBA General Management in the UK	Consumer Strategy Manager \| Business Development Manager \| Risk Management Business Specialist \| Senior Manager	24.87 lakhs- 78.76 lakhs
MBA Marketing in the UK	Equity Portfolio \| Business Intelligence Manager \| Field Marketing Manager \| P&L Controller	22.96 lakhs- 1.43 Cr.

Top Recruiters

Some of the top recruiters of MBA graduates in the UK include:

Amazon
KPMG
Johnson & Johnson
HSBC
Deloitte
Morgan Stanley
McKinsey & Company
Microsoft

Post-Study Work Permit in UK

The Post Study Work Visa (PSWV) is a temporary visa that gives overseas students the 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.

PR After MBA in the UK

After completing 5 full years of a graduate job, you can apply for a permanent residence card in the UK. The candidate must have an “indefinite leave to remain (ILR) Visa” to become a permanent resident. A full-time job, a good code of conduct, and no criminal record will all help you secure an ILR visa in the UK.

The ILR visa application process might take up to 6 months. The following information is obtained for the ILR:

Signature
Name
Current passport
2 passport-size colour photographs
Digital prints of all the 10 fingers
Date and Place of Birth
Present Immigration Status
Present Studying or Working Status

MBA in the UK – FAQs

Q1. How much will it cost to do an MBA in the UK?

Ans. On average, a one-year MBA costs £10,000 to £15,000, with Programs at top business schools like Oxford and Cambridge costing up to £45,000. However, there is a range of colleges and business schools that deliver high-quality degrees at a significantly lower rate.

Q2. Is it worth studying MBA in the UK?

Ans. An MBA from the United Kingdom is a long-term investment in your career. It is unquestionably worth the money. An MBA from the United Kingdom will also broaden your horizons and strengthen your resume.

Q3. How difficult is an MBA in the UK?

Ans. The average GMAT score expected by top UK universities is a well-balanced 700, with the GMAT score range of top B-schools in the UK ranging from 600 to 780. However, there is no minimum GMAT score; students with a GMAT score of 530 or higher were admitted in 2011.