International student guide to pursuing MBA in finance in the UK

By Ben
Updated on Apr 8, 2024
International student guide to pursuing MBA in finance in the UK

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Out of the 500,000 international students who visit the United Kingdom for higher education, over 120,000 are MBA aspirants. A master’s in business administration comes with great benefits and scope, attracting students from various parts of the world to the UK.

International students find the UK as one of the top study destinations to pursue business courses, especially an MBA, to get an excellent academic experience, gain hands-on training, and explore various job options after graduation.

In this article, you will get a detailed view of pursuing an MBA in finance in the UK. From the scope of education to career opportunities, this guide will cover all the information you need to consider before pursuing the postgraduate business program.

MBA aspirants! Here’s your chance to study at your desired destination! Apply now.

MBA in finance in the UK: Key highlights

Course-typeFull-time
Course duration1-4 years
Course entry requirementAn international student with an undergraduate degree in business administration or a related business program.
English proficiencyIELTS: 6.0-6.5, TOEFL: 90, PTE: 59, Duolingo: 105-120
Entrance examGMAT: Above 600
Work experiencePostgraduate degree: Relevant work experience for at least two years.
Top universities for MBA in finance in the UK
  • University of Edinburgh
  • Nottingham Trent University
  • University of Hertfordshire
  • University of Derby
  • University of Sunderland
  • Coventry University
  • Bangor University
Fees range£20,000 - £115,000
VisaUK Student Visa

Data updated as of February 2024

Which course in the UK is right for you?
Answer a few questions, and let our AI tool help you find the best courses!

Scope of pursuing an MBA in finance in the UK

  • Business administration helps you understand the essential factors of a business, like finance, operations, marketing, and resource management.
  • An MBA in finance develops your technical and analytical skills to make financial decisions.
  • The courses develop and improve financial and business skills like strategic thinking, problem-solving, communication, organisation, and leadership.
  • The business administration, finance, and management sectors are fast developing in the global market, paving the way for high-paying job opportunities for international students.
  • Educational institutions in the UK are globally recognised for providing excellent business education. The country is an ideal option for international students pursuing an MBA in finance as the program offers the required skills and knowledge, along with hands-on experience, to excel in the field.
  • The country is also a widely preferred study destination for its high living standards. The country is praised for its excellent healthcare and public services for international students.
  • The UK is a country with a high employment rate. International students are open to plenty of job opportunities in the country.

Also read: What should you research before moving to the UK?

MBA finance subjects in the UK

  • Financial accounting
  • Operations management
  • Principles of finance
  • Financial management
  • Financial accounting and analysis
  • Business law
  • Cost and management accounting
  • Business economics
  • Strategic cost management
  • Capital market and portfolio management
  • Economics for business and finance
  • Managerial finance

Also read: UK higher education system explained

International student eligibility to pursue an MBA in finance in the UK

Educational institutions in the UK have set eligibility criteria for international students to evaluate if they are eligible to pursue the course. Before applying for an MBA in any institution abroad, ensure your profile fulfils the requirements before submitting your application.

MBA in finance in the UK eligibility

Eligibility factorStandard requirement
Educational qualificationAn international student with an undergraduate degree in business administration or a related business program.
English proficiencyIELTS: 6.0-6.5, TOEFL: 90, PTE: 59, Duolingo: 105-120
Entrance examGMAT: Above 600
Student visaUK Student Visa

Data updated as of February 2024

Note: The eligibility criteria differ with every MBA finance program, university, and location. Check the university course page to understand the requirements and prepare your application.

Also read: Which UK student visa do I need?

What is the MBA finance in the UK fees?

The educational expenses for international students pursuing a master’s in business administration in finance can be affordable or expensive, depending on the university.

The average annual fee for studying an MBA in finance in the UK is between £20,000 and £115,000.

Also read: Cost of studying in the UK for Indian students

Top universities for MBA in finance in the UK

University nameQS World University Rankings 2024
University of Birmingham84
Bangor University481
Coventry University571
Nottingham Trent University595
University of Greenwich671-680
University of Hertfordshire851-900
University of Derby1001-1200

Data updated as of February 2024 |Source: QS World University Rankings 2024

1. University of Birmingham

QS World University Rankings 202484
Courses availableMBA Global Banking and Finance
Fees£30,450
Available intakesFall 2024, Fall 2025
Acceptance rate13.54%

Data updated as of February 2024

2. Bangor University

QS World University Rankings 2024481
Courses available
Fees£18,300
Available intakesFall 2024, Fall 2025
Acceptance rate69%

Data updated as of February 2024

Which course in the UK is right for you?
Answer a few questions, and let our AI tool help you find the best courses!

3. Coventry University

QS World University Rankings 2024571
Courses availableMBA Finance
Fees£22,550
Available intakesFall 2024, Fall 2025
Acceptance rate32%

Data updated as of February 2024

Also read: MBA in UK universities with professional placements

4. Nottingham Trent University

QS World University Rankings 2024595
Courses availableMBA Finance
Fees£21,000
Available intakesFall 2024, Fall 2025
Acceptance rate22%

Data updated as of February 2024

5. University of Greenwich

QS World University Rankings 2024671-680
Courses availableMBA Finance
Fees£19,975
Available intakesFall 2024, Fall 2025
Acceptance rate71%

Data updated as of February 2024

6. University of Hertfordshire

QS World University Rankings 2024851-900
Courses availableMBA Finance
Fees£17,950
Available intakesFall 2024
Acceptance rate70%

Data updated as of February 2024

7. University of Derby

QS World University Rankings 20241001-1200
Courses availableMBA Global and Global Finance
Fees£15,450
Available intakesFall 2024, Fall 2025
Acceptance rate80%

Data updated as of February 2024

Top universities for general MBA in the UK

While there are only a handful of universities that offer an MBA in finance, there are several business institutions in the UK that offer a general MBA. These master’s business administration programs have finance as one of their core subjects, helping students gain knowledge and skills in finance.

Top general MBA universities in the UK

University nameQS World University Rankings 2024
University of Cambridge02
University of Oxford03
Imperial College London06
UCL09
London Business School10
University of Edinburgh22
University of Manchester32
King’s College London40
University of Warwick67
University of Leeds75
University of Glasgow76
Lancaster University122

Data updated as of February 2024

Top QS Ranking universities for MBA in finance in the UK 

1. University of Cambridge

QS World University Rankings 202402
Courses availableMaster’s in Business Administration
Cost of studying£69,000
Available intakesFall 2024
Acceptance rate21%

Data updated as of February 2024

2. University of Oxford

QS World University Rankings 202403
Courses availableMaster’s in Business Administration
Cost of studying£78,510
Available intakesFall 2024
Acceptance rate17.5%

Data updated as of February 2024

3. Imperial College London

QS World University Rankings 202406
Courses availableMaster’s in Business Administration
Cost of studying£67,500
Available intakesFall 2024
Acceptance rate11%

Data updated as of February 2024

4. UCL (University College London)

QS World University Rankings 202409
Courses available
  • Master’s in Business Administration
  • MBA in Global Management
Cost of studying£42,500-£45,500
Available intakesFall 2024
Acceptance rate30%

Data updated as of February 2024

5. London Business School

QS World University Rankings 202410
Courses availableMaster’s in Business Administration
Cost of studying£115,000
Available intakesFall 2024
Acceptance rate20%

Data updated as of February 2024

6. University of Edinburgh

QS World University Rankings 202422
Courses available

Master’s in Business Administration

(Full-time, Executive, and Online)

Cost of studying£34,005-£40,900
Available intakesFall 2024
Acceptance rate47%

Data updated as of February 2024

7. University of Manchester

QS World University Rankings 202432
Courses available
  • Master’s in Business Administration
  • Global MBA
  • Global Executive MBA
Cost of studying£32,000-£48,000
Available intakesFall 2024
Acceptance rate76%

Data updated as of February 2024

8. King’s College London

QS World University Rankings 202440
Courses availableExecutive MBA
Cost of studying£49,900
Available intakesFall 2024
Acceptance rate13%

Data updated as of February 2024

9. University of Warwick

QS World University Rankings 202467
Courses availableMaster’s in Business Administration
Cost of studying£53,750
Available intakesFall 2024
Acceptance rate14%

Data updated as of February 2024

Also read: International student life in the UK

10. University of Leeds

QS World University Rankings 202475
Courses availableMaster’s in Business Administration
Cost of studying£36,500
Available intakesFall 2024
Acceptance rate77%

Data updated as of February 2024

11. University of Glasgow

QS World University Rankings 202476
Courses availableMaster of Business Administration
Cost of studying£37,500
Available intakesFall 2024
Acceptance rate74%

Data updated as of February 2024

12. Lancaster University

QS World University Rankings 2024122
Courses available
  • Master’s in Business Administration
  • Executive MBA
  • Cyber Security Executive MBA
Cost of studying£36,000-£39,000
Available intakesFall 2024
Acceptance rate18.69%

Data updated as of February 2024

Career opportunities for MBA finance graduates in the UK

An MBA in finance offers various high-paying employment options for international students in the UK.

The average annual salary of a Financial Analyst in the UK is £40,000.

Fresh graduates earn around £37,000, while experienced employees earn up to £65,325 per year.

Top career options for MBA finance graduates in the UK

  • Financial Analyst
  • Financial Advisor
  • Auditor
  • Financial Manager
  • Equity Analyst
  • Account Manager
  • Credit Manager
  • Financial Consultant
  • Risk Manager
  • Investment Banker

Your dream of pursuing an MBA is only a click away! Connect with Edvoy and apply for the upcoming intake today!

Frequently asked questions

Is MBA finance in the UK worth it?

Pursuing an MBA in finance comes with various perks for international students. The course program offers excellent education, a diverse culture, resources and facilities, and remarkable career growth after graduation.

How much does an MBA in finance cost in the UK?

It costs £20,000 to £115,000 for international students to study MBA finance in the UK.

How long is an MBA in finance in the UK?

An MBA in finance lasts between one to four years.

What do you need for an MBA in finance in the UK?

Here are the eligibility requirements to pursue an MBA in finance in the UK.

Educational qualificationAn international student with an undergraduate degree in business administration or a related business program.
English proficiencyIELTS: 6.0-6.5, TOEFL: 90, PTE: 59, Duolingo: 105-120
Entrance examGMAT: Above 600

Which MBA is highly paid in the UK?

Some of the highly paid MBA specialisations are finance, human resources, marketing, international business, and global management.

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