Pursuing an MBA in UK is a popular choice for Indian students. It is because of the country’s respected academic environment and top universities like London Business School, University of Oxford, and University of Cambridge. These top MBA colleges in UK offer courses that combine theoretical learning with practical experience.
To pursue an MBA in UK, you generally need a bachelor’s degree, 2-3 years of work experience, English language proficiency, and often GMAT or GRE scores. Some schools, however, are flexible with entrance exams if you have significant work experience. MBA tuition fees in the UK range from £10,000 to £45,000.
MBA graduates in the UK have many job opportunities, with top companies like HSBC, EY, and McKinsey hiring them. They can expect salaries between GBP 44,704 and 102,573 per year, with the potential for higher earnings based on experience and specialization. With the help of this blog, you will be able to make an informed career choice regarding an MBA in UK.
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MBA in UK: Highlights
Pursuing an MBA in UK is a top choice among Indian students. The academic vibe that the United Kingdom has to offer is really praiseworthy. The UK is home to some of the most popular MBA colleges in the world. The table below shows the important highlights you need to know regarding pursuing an MBA in the UK.
Name of the Course | Master of Business Administration (MBA) |
Course Level | Postgraduate |
Top Colleges | London Business School, University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, The London School of Economics and Political Science, etc |
Exams Required | GMAT, GRE, and language proficiency tests |
Average Salary | GBP 44,704 to 102,573 per year |
Now that you have an overview of pursuing an MBA in the United Kingdom, let’s have a look at the eligibility requirements.
Eligibility for Pursuing an MBA in UK
Looking for an answer on “How to apply for an MBA in the UK?” Here is your answer to it! It should be noted that simply meeting the minimum criteria does not guarantee admission to MBA courses at the best B-schools in the UK. For an MBA in the UK, the general selection criteria for most business schools are as follows:
- Bachelor’s Degree: Most UK universities require applicants to have a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification from a recognized institution. The degree does not necessarily have to be in business or management, but it should be from a recognized institution.
- Professional Experience: Most MBA programs in the UK require a minimum of 2-3 years of full-time professional work experience. This requirement ensures that students bring practical insights and experiences to the program.
- English Language Proficiency: Non-native English speakers usually need to provide proof of English language proficiency through tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, etc.
- GMAT/GRE: Some universities require applicants to submit GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) or GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) scores. However, many UK institutions have waived this requirement or consider it optional, especially if you have significant work experience or a strong academic background.
- Personal Statement/Essays: A personal statement or a series of essays outlining your career goals, reasons for pursuing an MBA, and how the program aligns with your aspirations.
- Letters of Recommendation: Generally, 2-3 letters of recommendation from employers or academic mentors who can attest to your professional achievements and potential.
These were some of the general eligibility requirements for pursuing an MBA in UK. However, the requirements may change based on the different universities and colleges.
For more information, check out the blog Study in UK.
Best Colleges for an MBA in UK
There are several universities in the UK for pursuing an MBA. These universities offer world-class universities and modern infrastructure. Following is some of the top colleges in the UK for pursuing an MBA:
Top MBA Colleges in UK | QS WUR 2024 (Business & Management) |
London Business School | 03 |
University of Oxford | 06 |
University of Cambridge | 08 |
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) | 12 |
The University of Warwick | 26 |
Imperial College London | 29 |
The University of Manchester | 39 |
Aston University | 66 |
Lancaster University | 72 |
Swansea University | 78 |
These colleges in the United Kingdom are popularly known for their MBA and related management courses. These rankings are based on the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024 and can change with time.
Students also read: Colleges in UK
MBA in UK without GMAT
To get an MBA without a GMAT score in the UK, you can either look for business schools that accept students without a GMAT score or take an alternative full-time MBA program that does not have the GMAT as an entry requirement. Some of the business schools in the UK that accept full-time MBA applications without a GMAT are:
- The University of Central Lancashire: Applications for the MBA program can be made if you are language-eligible, UG-eligible, and have basic work experience.
- Warwick School of Business: International applicants may or may not require a GMAT score when applying. Although the probability of getting a GMAT score is high, this does not mean that it is the minimum requirement that must be met. However, you will need to submit a minimum score of 600+ if asked.
- Birmingham Business School: Offering a full-time international MBA, it does not require international students to have a GMAT score when applying.
- Lancaster University School of Management: You are required to either have an admissions essay or a GMAT score. Therefore, passing the GMAT is not the primary eligibility criteria.
- Durham University Business School: You may be required to submit a GMAT score in cases where the student’s portfolio or academic qualifications are deemed insufficient by the university.
In addition to these full-time MBA programs, you can look for online MBA programs where the GMAT is not a minimum selection criterion or Executive MBA programs.
Fees for Pursuing an MBA in the UK
Usually, as the popularity increases, the cost of an MBA in the UK will be higher. International students make conscious decisions when choosing the best business school. Students need to manage their finances according to requirements in various areas such as applying for a UK student visa, application fees, and travel tickets.
There is another advantage of the shorter length of MBA programs in the UK, and that is the total cost of tuition and living costs is almost halved. The cost of an MBA in the UK can vary from college to college. Tuition fees can range from £10,000 to £15,000 (except for Oxford and Cambridge which can cost up to £45,000).
Suggested Reading: Cost of Studying in UK for Indian Students
Job Opportunities After an MBA in the UK
Ample amount of job opportunities opens for an MBA graduate in the United Kingdom. You get various job offers, but you must the best from the available options based on your interests and passion. Here is what you need to know about job opportunities after an MBA in UK:
- Stay Back Options: After your MBA, you can extend your stay in the UK through the Graduate Route, allowing you to search for a job. Once employed, you can further extend your stay with the Skilled Worker Visa.
- Top Recruiters: Leading companies hire MBA graduates from UK business schools. Notable recruiters include HSBC, EY (Ernst & Young), McKinsey, IBM, Accenture, Microsoft, and more.
- Specializations and Salaries: The type of job opportunities and salaries depend on your university and specialization. Finance, operations, marketing, business analytics, and human resources are popular fields. Salaries range from GBP 44,704 to 102,573 per year.
This is the information you might need regarding job opportunities after pursuing an MBA in UK. For jobs, you can refer to the blog Top 10 Part Time Jobs in UK for Indian Students.
Salary for MBA Graduates in UK
After completing your MBA from top UK colleges, you can earn up to INR 95 lakhs per annum in reputed organizations in India. For students who wish to stay in the UK after completing their MBA, there are some reputed UK educational institutions that offer their students sponsorship support to extend their Tier 4 visas. This will surely help in repaying your UK study loan and also save you the money you need to return to their country.
To attend a 12-month program in the UK, the UK student visa will be valid for 16 months. This will help you look for a job during the remaining four months, which will not leave you with the only option to rush back to your country. However, student visa regulations are constantly changing, which means you should always keep the most up-to-date information on them in mind.
Summing It Up!
Talking about the final verdict, pursuing an MBA in Uk is a top choice! You just need to stand on some eligibility norms and give your best in entrance exams. Leaving your hometown to study abroad is always a difficult choice, but you have to overcome it to achieve your dream of pursuing an MBA in the UK.
If you have questions, don’t hold them within yourself! It is better to seek assistance! Reach out to iDreamCareer! We have helped several young confused yet brilliant minds.
Here is our success story out of many:
With iDreamCareer’s guidance, Shreya pursued NEET preparation alongside US pre-medicine program applications due to her medical history. Her exceptional time management and unwavering commitment led to impressive acceptance offers and scholarships from renowned institutions like the University of Pittsburgh, Virginia Commonwealth University, the University of Connecticut, Temple University, Stony Brook University, Drexel University, and Wayne University. After careful deliberation, she selected the University of Pittsburgh to fulfill her aspirations.
Related Blogs to Explore
- Top 10 Courses in UK for Indian Students
- Masters in the UK
- MBA Universities in UK
- Studying MBA Abroad for Indian Students
FAQs
An MBA in the UK usually costs between £10,000 and £45,000, depending on the university. Top institutions like Oxford and Cambridge charge higher fees, while other universities offer more affordable options.
Yes, the UK is a great option for an MBA due to its prestigious universities, respected academic environment, and strong job market. Graduates benefit from excellent career opportunities, high salaries, and flexible visa options for post-graduation employment.
Yes, a UK MBA is valid in India. Employers in India recognize and value degrees from prestigious UK institutions. Graduates from UK MBA programs often secure high-paying jobs in top companies due to the degree’s global reputation and rigorous curriculum.
To pursue an MBA in the UK, you typically need a bachelor’s degree, 2-3 years of work experience, English language proficiency, and GMAT/GRE scores. Some schools may waive entrance exams for applicants with significant professional experience or a strong academic background.

Sushant, an accomplished content writer at iDreamCareer, has dedicated his life to the pursuit of writing since childhood. Having earned his education at the prestigious University of Delhi, he possesses a profound understanding of both arts and science in the field of education. Leveraging his professional experience, Sushant brings a fresh perspective to analyzing emerging trends in the realms of writing and education. His youthful mindset, coupled with a positive outlook, is geared towards enlightening students through the impactful delivery of wisdom and knowledge.
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