Top 5 places to study an MBA abroad

Earn a prestigious qualification, network with global leaders, and experience a new culture - all by studying your MBA overseas

While there are many prestigious business schools in the UK, earning your MBA is not only about education. The real-world experience and professional network can be just as valuable. These connections can open doors to new opportunities, provide mentorship, and foster long-lasting collaborations that propel your career forward.

Many of the MBA programmes are taught in English, making them more accessible for international students seeking an enriching educational experience abroad.

1. USA

Why study an MBA in the USA?

The United States has long been a leader in business education, consistently topping global rankings. By choosing to pursue your business studies in the USA, you'll immerse yourself in a network of peers and industry leaders, while earning a prestigious qualification that holds significant weight with potential employers.

How do business schools rank in the USA?

In the Financial Times (FT) Global MBA Rankings 2024, six of the top ten are based in the USA. The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania takes the number one spot, with Columbia Business School (3), MIT Sloan (6) and the Kellogg School of Management (6) also featuring.

What does an MBA cost?

While the MIT Sloan School of Management is the most expensive MBA programme in the world at $208,300 (£163,036), top-ranked institutions generally charge between $70,000 (£54,789) and $90,000 (£70,443). This still falls on the upper end of the scale for tuition, so planning your MBA funding is crucial if you'd like to study in the US.

Yocket, a website for overseas study guidance, estimates living expenses in the US range from $10,000 (£8,893) to $12,000 (£9,392) per year. Most programmes typically last two years.

Anything else I need to know?

In contrast to the one-year format common in Europe, MBAs in the USA typically take two years to complete. However, there are also accelerated one-year programs available.

A defining feature of the two-year programme is the internship you typically complete during the summer break after your first year. This internship allows you to gain valuable real-world experience and potentially land a job offer upon graduation, depending on your performance.

Find out more about studying in the USA.

2. France

Why study an MBA in France?

France is home to some of the best universities in the world and is recognised for introducing the MBA concept to Europe. Although the country is known for its reasonable tuition fees, studying in the capital city of Paris will likely result in higher living expenses.

How do French business schools rank?

Only INSEAD appears in the top ten of the FT Global MBA Rankings 2024, with eight schools in the top 100. French business schools are also featured seven times in the QS Top MBA Rankings 2024 top 100. While HEC Paris is a strong option - ranking 5th in the QS rankings and 12th in the Financial Times - INSEAD is the most prestigious school, placing second and fifth respectively.

What does an MBA cost?

HEC Paris' MBA costs €90,000 (£76,608) for the 16-month course. On top of that, you'll need to factor in living costs like accommodation, meals, books, and transport, which HEC Paris estimates to be around €24,825 (£21,136) per year. To help offset these costs, the school offers €1million (£851,600) worth of scholarships and funding annually for qualified students.

Tuition fees for INSEAD are €99,500 (£84,774) for a ten-month course.

Anything else I need to know?

Earning a general MBA in France can take anywhere from 12 to 24 months. You'll also have the opportunity to learn French, a language spoken in 29 countries and the third most common in Europe.

Find out more about studying in France.

3. Spain

Why study an MBA in Spain?

Many students are drawn to the country's rich culture and stunning landscapes. Beyond its academic offerings, Spain thrives as a major business hub, boasting three of the Mediterranean's busiest ports: Valencia, Barcelona, and Algeciras.

How do Spanish business schools rank?

IESE secured an impressive fifth place in the FT rankings and eighth in the QS top 100 list.  Following closely behind are two other Spanish institutions: IE Business School in Madrid (20th and 9th) and Esade Business School in Barcelona (17th and 19th).

What does an MBA cost?

Earning your MBA at IESE will set you back €105,000 (£89,428) over the two years of the programme. In comparison, the Esade General MBA programme comes in at €77,500 (£65,363).

Living costs will vary, in expensive cities such as Barcelona you can expect to pay around €741 (£631).

Anything else I need to know?

While MBAs in Spain can be completed in one year, many programmes also offer a two-year option. Keep in mind that Spain's job market is competitive, with the country holding the highest unemployment rate in Europe.

Find out more about studying in Spain.

4. Singapore

Why study an MBA in Singapore?

Singapore stands out as a top choice for pursuing an MBA, offering cost-effectiveness and courses taught in English. Additionally, some universities in Singapore offer the flexibility to study part time, requiring as little as 15 hours per week. This makes it an ideal option if you wish to immerse yourself in the local culture or work while studying..

How do Singaporean business schools rank?

There are six institutions in the top 100 of the FT Global MBA Rankings 2024 and one in the QS Rankings. In the top spot for both is the National University of Singapore (NUS) Business School at 27th and 26th respectively.

What does an MBA cost?

The NUS Business School MBA programme costs S$94,830 (£55,096) and that can be paid over several semesters. To further ease the costs, scholarships are available to eligible applicants.

Despite the glamorous lifestyle often associated with Singapore, the cost of living is surprisingly affordable. Expect monthly expenses to average around S$1,807 (£1,049), covering housing, food, and transport.

Anything else I need to know?

Singapore enjoys a well-deserved reputation for both its remarkably low crime rate and its sparkling cleanliness. This is achieved, in part, through a strict enforcement system. Chewing gum is banned, littering comes with a hefty fine, and a random drug-testing policy with zero tolerance helps keep things in check.

Find out more about studying in Singapore.

5. China

Why study an MBA in China?

With a population of over 1.4 billion people, China is home to the second-largest economy globally. Studying for an MBA in China offers access to a vast socio-economic landscape, providing unique opportunities to gain insights into the workings of an international business environment.

Full-time MBA programmes typically last 12-18 months, with plenty of scholarships available to support your studies.

How do Chinese business schools rank?

There are four business schools in the top 100 of the FT Global MBA Rankings 2024 and five in the QS Top MBA Rankings 2024. The China Europe International Business School (CEIBS) comes out highest on average placing 17th in the FT Global Rankings, and 38th in the QS rankings.

What does an MBA cost?

At CEIBS, the 16-month programme costs RMB 478,000 (£51,576) - including textbooks, Wi-Fi, and teaching materials - making it a more affordable option than many business schools in Europe.

Some MBAs in China can cost as little as RMB 100,000 (£10,790). To add to the affordability, dormitory housing at CEIBS costs just RMB 3,000 (£323) per month, with utilities like water, electricity, and air conditioning included.

Anything else I need to know?

While most MBA programmes in China are taught in English, consider learning some Mandarin during your stay. As the spoken language of the world's leading exporters, Mandarin can be a valuable asset for your business career, whether you remain in China or return home.

Find out more about studying in China.

Other destinations

In addition to the European countries of Germany, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, Canada and Australia are also highly ranked English-speaking destinations.

Discover more destinations for postgraduate study abroad.

Find out more

• Learn more about MBA courses.
• Discover which MBA to choose.
• Explore the Financial Times and QS global MBA rankings.