Study MBA in the UK-Achieve Your Dreams
Earning a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in the United Kingdom stands out as a unique experience that blends tradition and contemporary, providing a world-class education, cultural enrichment, and a passport to a global network of opportunities. In this blog, we will take a journey through the world of MBA courses in the United Kingdom, investigating why it has become an increasingly appealing option for Indian students.
Key Highlights
| Feature | Details |
| Number of Universities offering MBA programs | 50+ (including prestigious institutions like Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London) |
| Average Course Duration | 12-21 months (full-time) |
| Average Cost of Studying (Tuition) per annum | ₹31 – ₹87 Lakhs (varies depending on university and program) |
| Average Cost of Living(per annum) | ₹12 – ₹24 Lakhs (varies depending on city and lifestyle) |
| Average Salary per annum (post-MBA) | ₹40 – ₹80 Lakhs (varies depending on industry, experience, and company) |
MBA in the UK- Eligibility
The following are the general eligibility requirements for Indian students applying for an MBA in the United Kingdom:
- A bachelor’s degree from a recognized university with a minimum grade point average of 55-65% (or equivalent).
- Most colleges require a GMAT or a GRE score, however, a growing number of universities are moving away from standardized test requirements altogether, focusing more on your professional experience, essays, and letters of recommendation.
- An overall IELTS score of at least 6.5, with no band lower than 6.0. TOEFL scores may be accepted by some schools instead of IELTS scores.
- A 3-year bachelor’s degree from India is generally accepted for MBA programs in the UK, as long as it is equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree. This means it should be from an accredited university and cover a similar level of academic rigor.
- While at least 2-3 years of full-time job experience is ideal, not all schools demand it.
Some of the best business schools in the United Kingdom may have extra prerequisites, such as a better GMAT score, greater work experience, or a strong academic background in business.
Study Gaps
The acceptability of study gaps for MBA programs in the UK can vary depending on several factors, including the university, program, and the length and reason for the gap. However, there are some general guidelines:
Short gaps (up to 2 years): Generally considered acceptable by most universities without requiring much explanation.
Medium gaps (2-5 years): May require explanation and justification, such as focusing on work experience, volunteering, or personal development.
Long gaps (5+ years): This may raise concerns for universities and require a strong justification and demonstration of continued academic ability and motivation.
Top 20 MBA Colleges in the UK and the Average Salaries of their Pass outs
While there are numerous MBA colleges in the UK, we have compiled a list of the top 20 colleges for reference.
| UK Rank | University | Global Ranking (QS 2023) | Tuition Fee (GBP) | Average Salary (GBP) |
| 1 | London Business School | 5 | £88,500 | £115,000 |
| 2 | Saïd Business School, University of Oxford | 16 | £71,540 | £100,000 |
| 3 | Judge Business School, University of Cambridge | 21 | £71,540 | £99,000 |
| 4 | Imperial College Business School | 22 | £74,800 | £98,000 |
| 5 | Warwick Business School | 27 | £44,500 | £97,000 |
| 6 | Cranfield School of Management | 33 | £49,000 | £96,000 |
| 7 | University of Edinburgh Business School | 35 | £42,000 | £95,000 |
| 8 | Alliance Manchester Business School | 38 | £43,000 | £94,000 |
| 9 | Durham University Business School | 51-60 | £35,500 | £93,000 |
| 10 | Strathclyde Business School | 51-60 | £37,000 | £92,000 |
| 11 | Lancaster University Management School | 61-70 | £34,831 | £91,000 |
| 12 | Cass Business School, City, University of London | 61-70 | £42,000 | £90,000 |
| 13 | Leeds University Business School | 61-70 | £35,000 | £89,000 |
| 14 | Nottingham University Business School | 61-70 | £34,500 | £88,000 |
| 15 | Bayes Business School, City, University of London | 71-80 | £36,000 | £87,000 |
| 16 | Royal Holloway, University of London | 71-80 | £29,500 | £86,000 |
| 17 | Aston Business School | 81-90 | £29,000 | £85,000 |
| 18 | University of Birmingham Business School | 81-90 | £30,000 | £84,000 |
| 19 | University of Liverpool Management School | 81-90 | £29,500 | £83,000 |
| 20 | University of Strathclyde Business School | 81-90 | £30,000 | £82,000 |
Top MBA Specialisations in the UK
- Finance: All 20 of the best universities offer MBA specialties in finance, which is one of the most popular specialties in the UK. Most finance MBAs find employment in investment banking, corporate finance, commercial banking, or asset management.
- Marketing: The top 20 universities in the UK all offer MBA specializations in marketing, which is another well-liked area of study. Most marketing MBAs find employment in sales, product marketing, digital marketing, or brand management.
- Management: The specialty of management spans a wide range of business disciplines, including general management, strategic management, and operational management. Most management MBAs find employment in a range of sectors and positions.
- International Business: This concentration focuses on the opportunities and challenges of conducting business on a global scale. International Business MBAs frequently work in worldwide marketing, export management, or international trade.
- Consulting: This area of expertise focuses on offering guidance and knowledge to firms on a variety of topics. Most MBAs in consulting work for consulting companies or the internal consulting divisions of major corporations.
Scholarships for Pursuing an MBA in the UK
A top UK university MBA degree can be an excellent way to advance your career and bring in a high income. However, the expense of an MBA can be out of reach, particularly for students from other countries. Fortunately, a variety of scholarships are available to aid Indian students in paying for their MBA programs in the UK.
Some of the most well-known MBA scholarships for Indian students in the UK are listed below:
- Chevening Awards: The UK government offers fully financed Chevening Scholarships to international students with leadership potential. You must be a citizen of a nation that qualifies for a Chevening Scholarship, have at least two years of professional experience, and possess a high level of academic achievement in order to be considered.
- Commonwealth Masters Scholarships: The UK government provides international students from developing nations with fully financed scholarships through the Commonwealth Masters Scholarships program. You must be a citizen of a Commonwealth nation, have at least two years of professional experience, and have a high academic record to qualify for a Commonwealth Masters Scholarship.
- Inlaks Scholarships: The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation offers fully funded scholarships to Indian students who wish to pursue postgraduate education overseas, including MBA studies. You must be an Indian citizen, have at least two years of job experience, and have a high academic record to qualify for an Inlaks Scholarship.
- Felix Scholarships: The Felix Trust provides fully financed scholarships for Indian students from disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue postgraduate education overseas, including MBA programs. You must be an Indian citizen with at least two years of work experience, be from a low-income background, and be an Indian citizen to be eligible for a Felix Scholarship.
- GOA Education Trust Scholarships: The GOA Education Trust offers partially funded scholarships to Indian students who wish to pursue postgraduate studies overseas, including MBA programs. You must be a resident of the state of Goa, be an Indian citizen, and have at least two years of work experience in order to qualify for a GOA Education Trust Scholarship.
There are many other scholarships available for Indian students who want to study MBA in the UK in addition to these. While some of these scholarships are provided by specific colleges, others are provided by nonprofit corporations.
We advise checking the websites of the following organizations to learn more about MBA scholarships offered to Indian students in the UK: British Council India, EducationUK India, and specific UK universities
For further information on the scholarships offered to Indian students in the UK, see this article https://eduler.in/scholarship-in-uk-for-indian-students/
Work Permit after studying MBA in UK
For Indian students, obtaining an MBA from a prestigious UK university can lead to a plenty of job prospects. The UK government has recently made it simpler for international students, particularly those who have studied MBA programs, to remain and find employment in the UK following graduation.
PSWV: Post-Study Work Visa
International students who have earned a degree from a UK university are able to stay and work in the country for two years after they graduate thanks to the Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV). All overseas students, regardless of their country, are eligible for this visa.
For the PSWV to be available to you, you must:
- Need to have completed a qualifying degree while holding a Tier 4 (General) student visa from a UK university that is recognized by the UK Border and Immigration Agency (UKVI)
- If you’re staying in London, have a maintenance fund of at least £1,265 per month, or £1,015 per month if you’re staying elsewhere.
Once you have received the PSWV, you are eligible to work in any position, regardless of industry or level of expertise. The PSWV can also be used to launch a business in the UK.
Skilled Worker Visa
You can apply for a Skilled Worker Visa if you plan to work in the UK for a period of time longer than two years after earning your MBA. If you meet specific criteria, this visa can be extended indefinitely and permits you to work in the UK for up to five years.
You must meet the English language requirement and have a job offer from a UK company who is a licensed sponsor in order to be eligible for a skilled worker visa. The job offer must be for a skilled occupation on the UK Shortage Occupation List (SOL).
- You must be paid the minimum wage, which is presently £25,600 annually, or the prevailing wage for the position being offered, whichever is higher.
Permanent Residency in the UK after Graduation
Graduating or completing your postgraduate studies in the UK opens up exciting possibilities, including the chance to build a permanent life in this vibrant country. The UK’s Graduate visa allows you to stay and work in the UK for up to two years after completing your studies, giving you valuable time to establish yourself in your chosen career and explore your options.
After successfully working in a skilled role for at least five years, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), also known as permanent residency. This grants you the right to live and work in the UK without restrictions, paving the way for a fulfilling life in this welcoming nation.
Here are some key benefits of obtaining permanent residency in the UK:
- Freedom to live and work: You are no longer subject to visa restrictions and have the same rights as UK citizens to live and work in the country.
- Access to social benefits: You become eligible for public healthcare and other social security benefits available to UK residents.
- Family reunification: You can sponsor your family members to join you in the UK.
- Travel flexibility: You can travel freely to and from the UK without requiring additional visas.
- Pathway to citizenship: After meeting specific requirements, you can apply for British citizenship and become a full citizen of the UK.
Student Visa Conditions and Costs for Indian Students in the UK
You must apply for a student visa if you are an Indian student who wants to study in the UK. International students who have been accepted to a reputable educational institution in the UK are given student visas.
Student Visa Requirements
You must fulfill the requirements listed below in order to be qualified for a student visa:
- You must have received admission to a reputable university in the UK.
- You need to have enough cash on hand to cover your expenses while studying in the UK.
- You need to have a current passport.
- You must submit to a TB test, if necessary.
- You must prove that you plan to leave the UK after your studies are finished.
Student Visa Costs
A student visa costs £363 for Indian nationals. There will also be a healthcare surcharge that you must pay. The price of the healthcare premium is based on the length of your visa.
Accommodation Options for Indian Students
When Indian students head to the UK for higher studies, they have a variety of options for accommodation. University halls of residence, run by the universities themselves, can be a great way to meet other students and feel part of the university community. These are often guaranteed for first-year students and offer various facilities like meals and laundry services. Private student halls, which are owned by companies, offer more flexibility and often provide modern amenities. Shared houses and flats can be a cheaper option, but require sharing common areas like kitchens and bathrooms. For a more immersive experience, homestays offer the chance to live with a British family and experience local culture firsthand. Ultimately, the best option depends on your budget, personality, and desired level of independence.
Homestay:
- Cost: £5,000 – £10,000 per year (includes meals)
- Pros: Immerse in local culture, home-cooked meals, good for language skills.
- Cons: Less independence, may have house rules, further from campus.
