Key takeaways
- European MBA programmes provide a comprehensive curriculum and a wide range of specialisations that are aligned with the latest industry trends. This allows you to choose from various in-demand courses that are aligned with your career goals.
- Most European business schools focus on interactive learning and personalised attention in their teaching methods. As a result, you gain in-depth academic exposure along with hands-on experience.
- The MBA programmes emphasise a global outlook, allowing you to succeed in international business environments. You can build strong international networks by utilising the support and resources of the business schools.
- Post-study work policies allow you to gain valuable work experience and enhance your career prospects. These options provide the flexibility and support for transitioning to suitable professions.
Indian students are increasingly considering Europe as their study abroad destination for professional courses such as an MBA. European business schools are renowned for their academic excellence, career-focused courses, and strong international exposure.
In this article, we’ll take you through more details about the MBA in Europe for Indian students. Keep reading!
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Table of Contents
- Why consider Europe for your MBA?
- Best destinations in Europe for Indian MBA aspirants
- Eligibility criteria for admission to an MBA in Europe
- Application process for MBA in Europe
- Cost of an MBA in Europe
- Scholarships for Indian MBA students in Europe
- Post-MBA job opportunities and work visas in Europe
- Life as an Indian student in Europe
- Final thoughts
- Frequently asked questions
Why consider Europe for your MBA?
An MBA from Europe provides you with the competitive edge for a successful management career internationally. Here are the top reasons why you should consider Europe for your MBA.
- Wide range of courses
- Personalised attention
- Affordable tuition fee
- Global outlook
Wide range of courses
The MBA courses in European business schools are diverse in their content and are updated with the latest in the industry. You can choose from a wide range of courses and specialisations based on your career goals.
Personalised attention
Many business schools in Europe encourage small class sizes so that each student actively participates in learning. This ensures that you gain personalised attention and a solid academic foundation.
Affordable tuition fee
European business schools are more affordable compared to business schools in other study abroad destinations, such as the USA. Apart from this, there are various scholarship opportunities you can utilise to reduce your financial burden.
Global outlook
MBA programmes in Europe are designed to provide you with a global perspective on business operations. In addition, the diverse student crowd on the campuses and the strong industry connections of the business schools support you in developing an international network.
Best destinations in Europe for Indian MBA aspirants
Europe has many prestigious universities ranked among the best in the world, offering MBA courses across diverse disciplines. Here are the best destinations and universities in Europe for Indian MBA aspirants.
| Country | Best MBA universities | City | Typical Program Duration |
| UK | London Business School, Imperial College, Brunel University of London | London, Uxbridge | 12–24 months |
| France | INSEAD, HEC Paris, Paris School of Business | Paris, Fontainebleau | 12–24months |
| Spain | IE Business School, IESE Business School, EU Business School | Madrid, Barcelona | 12–18 months |
| Germany | ESMT Berlin, Mannheim Business School, Frankfurt School of Finance, Berlin School of Business and Innovation | Berlin, Mannheim, Frankfurt | 12–15 months |
| Switzerland | IMD Business School, University of St Gallen, ETH Zurich, BHMS Business and Hotel Management School | Lausanne, St Gallen, Zurich | 12 months |
| Netherlands | Rotterdam School of Management, Navitas | Rotterdam | 12 months |
Eligibility criteria for admission to an MBA in Europe
The eligibility criteria for admission to an MBA in Europe vary based on the institution. However, there are certain requirements which are common across most institutions. You must hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent with good academic records.
Most MBA schools require you to demonstrate English language proficiency through tests such as TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. Further, GMAT / GRE scores are also required in many business schools. Some universities conduct an admission test for MBA, which you must clear to be admitted.
Work experience is also a part of the selection criteria in many business schools. You might have to provide a full-time work experience proof of 2 to 3 years. Executive MBA programmes may require longer work experience.
Note: The minimum age requirement is 21 years.
Application process for MBA in Europe
Here are the steps you should follow to apply for an MBA in Europe.
- Research and identify the MBA programmes and business schools you wish to apply to.
- Review the eligibility criteria of the business school and ensure that you meet the same.
- Collect the necessary documents, which include academic records, English language proficiency scores, a letter of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a CV.
- Visit the website of the university.
- Fill out the application form, upload the documents, and pay the application fee.
- Submit the application.
- Wait for the response from the university.
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Cost of an MBA in Europe
The cost of an MBA in some of the best European business schools ranges from EUR 30,000 to EUR 120,000 per year.
Here are the tuition costs for MBA programmes in some of the best business schools in Europe.
| Business School | Tuition fee (EUR) |
| Cambridge Judge Business School | 87,000 |
| London Business School | 140,000 |
| University of Ljubljana School | 25,000 |
| Nova School of Business and Economics | 40,000 |
| Luiss Business School | 35,000 |
| Aalto University School of Business | 39,000 |
| Emlyon Business School | 45,000 |
| Mannheim Business School | 45,000 |
| Copenhagen Business School | 50,000 |
Source: Business Because
The cost of living in Europe varies based on the city. On average, you can expect anywhere between EUR 600 to EUR 2,000 per month. Popular urban centres such as Paris or Berlin may be more expensive than smaller towns.
Scholarships for Indian MBA students in Europe
Indian students can apply for several scholarships to pursue an MBA in Europe. The popular ones are listed below.
| Scholarship | Country | Amount/coverage | Key eligibility |
| Chevening Scholarship | UK | Full tuition + accommodation and other expenses | Leadership, 2+ years of work experience |
| GREAT Scholarships | UK | £10,000 | Indian students with UK university offers |
| Cambridge MBA Scholarships | UK | Varies | Academic excellence, financial need |
| Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship | Europe | Up to USD 100,000 | Indian citizens who completed an undergraduate programme, strong academic record |
| National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) | Global | Tuition fees, maintenance allowance, travel expenses, contingency allowance | Indian SC/ST/OBC/EWS; ≤35 years; family income < INR 8 lakh |
| JN Tata Endowment Loan Scholarship | Global | Up to ₹10 lakhs | Indian nationals under 45, postgraduate studies |
| Erasmus+ Program | Europe | Varies (tuition or living costs) | International students in participating programmes |
| DAAD Scholarship | Germany | Covers tuition, living expenses | International students pursuing master's or MBA |
| Eiffel Scholarship | France | Tuition, monthly allowance | International students in master's or MBA programmes |
Post-MBA job opportunities and work visas in Europe
Europe has a thriving job market with diverse opportunities for management graduates in fields such as finance, marketing, operations, and technology. The internship opportunities during MBA programmes complement your academic learning and support your career prospects.
You can pursue challenging roles with the potential to reach top positions with lucrative salaries. The multinational corporations in Europe provide an inclusive and multicultural environment and offer plenty of career development opportunities.
Sectors such as investment banking, risk management, marketing strategy, project management, and product development provide numerous opportunities for management graduates.
European countries have favourable post-study work visa policies for Indian MBA graduates to gain work experience after completing their course. The United Kingdom provides a Graduate Route post-study work visa, allowing you to work for up to two years after the course.
France offers Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour, a post-study work visa, providing you with the opportunity to stay back for up to 2 years. Germany provides a Job Seeker Visa, an easy post-study work visa option allowing you to stay back up to 18 months.
Life as an Indian student in Europe
Indian students find Europe a vibrant, warm, and multicultural place with plenty of opportunities for personal growth. You can explore diverse cultures and languages and gain global perspectives.
Most universities encourage you to build connections and maximise your overall growth. There are active Indian student associations in many universities, which makes you feel at home and provides you with networking opportunities. In addition, the student support systems at the universities support you to overcome the cultural adjustment shock.
Europe has excellent transport links, making it easy to explore places. You’ll find many restaurants and grocery stores with plenty of options for Indian food. Moreover, Europe is generally a safe place and has a welcoming atmosphere.
You can easily find part-time jobs to support your finances. With proper budgeting, you’ll find Europe a welcoming and affordable destination for your studies with abundant opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Final thoughts
Europe is a popular study abroad destination for Indian students to pursue an MBA. With diverse specialisations, personalised attention, and extensive practical exposure, the MBA programmes in Europe equip you with the skills to succeed in a management career. The strong industry connections of these business schools, along with the extensive international network, ensure that you gain a global outlook.
Indian students like you can benefit from the multicultural environment and favourable post-study work visa opportunities that offer ample personal and professional growth prospects.
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Frequently asked questions
Is GMAT/GRE mandatory for all MBA programmes in Europe?
No, GMAT or GRE is not a mandatory requirement for MBA programmes in Europe. Many business schools provide waivers if you have strong academic records or work experience.
Are scholarships available for Indian students?
Yes, Indian students have many good scholarship opportunities available to support their MBA studies in Europe. Some of the popular scholarships include Chevening Scholarship, GREAT Scholarships, and Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship.
What are the post-study work options in Europe after an MBA?
European countries provide favourable post-study work options, like the UK's Graduate Route Post-Study work visa and Germany’s Job Seeker Visa. These visas provide you with the opportunity to extend your stay and gain work experience after completing your course.
How much does it cost to do an MBA in Europe?
The cost of pursuing an MBA in Europe varies based on the university you choose. However, on average, the tuition fee in European business schools can range from EUR 30,000 to EUR 1,20,000 per year.
Can Indian students settle in Europe after their MBA?
Yes, Indian students can settle in Europe after completing their MBA from European business schools. You can take advantage of the post-study work visa and later try for permanent residency.
