Key takeaways
- Studying for an MBA abroad provides you with global exposure and widens your perspective on international business practices. You’ll also gain rich cultural exposure and people management skills.
- MBAs from foreign universities are highly valued due to the academic quality, international reputation, and global career prospects.
- Foreign universities provide access to international job markets through internships, placements, and other opportunities. They also have excellent industry connections and an extensive alumni network.
- Popular specialisations include Finance, Marketing, Human Resources, Project Management, Cyber Security, Data Science, and more.
- Top MBA programmes from foreign universities provide you with industry-relevant skills to excel in the dynamic international markets.
MBA programmes abroad are becoming a popular choice for Indian students due to the international exposure and career opportunities provided by these courses. In this article, we’ll take you through the popular MBA specialisations abroad for Indian students. Keep reading!
Let us explore the popular MBA specialisations abroad. Talk to our experts.
Table of Contents
- Why study an MBA abroad?
- Best countries and universities for studying an MBA
- Top MBA specialisations for Indian students abroad
- Factors to consider when choosing an MBA specialisation abroad
- Cost of studying an MBA abroad
- Eligibility requirements and application process
- MBA abroad without GMAT
- Scholarships for studying an MBA abroad
- Career opportunities after an MBA abroad
- Final thoughts
- Frequently asked questions
Why study an MBA abroad?
Studying for an MBA abroad offers several benefits for Indian students. Here are the key advantages:
- Global perspective
- Higher salaries
- Access to international job markets
- Extensive networking opportunities
Global perspective
Studying abroad widens your cultural exposure and provides the right platform for your overall growth. It enhances your global perspective and understanding of business practices in various countries.
Higher salaries
MBA degrees from foreign countries are highly valued in the job market due to their academic depth and industry-relevant specialisations. Studying for an MBA abroad ensures lucrative salaries.
Access to international job markets
Most of the universities abroad focus on your employability. During your studies, you can take up placements and internships and access the international job market.
Extensive networking opportunities
Foreign universities are the right platform to develop extensive networks. You can use the time at the university to attend workshops, events, and more, and establish professional connections.
Excited to know more about popular MBA specialisations abroad? Talk to our experts.
Best countries and universities for studying an MBA
There are several countries with reputed universities offering top-quality MBA programmes with in-demand specialisations. Here are the best countries and universities for Indian students to study an MBA abroad.
| Country | Best universities/Business Schools | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| USA | Harvard Business School, Stanford Graduate School of Business, MIT Sloan, Kent State University, Troy University | Strong alumni network, STEM MBA options, Silicon Valley access |
| UK | London Business School, Imperial College, Aston University, Kingston University | Prestigious business schools, leadership focus, and excellent professional network |
| France | INSEAD, HEC Paris, Paris School of Business, ESSCA School of Management | Best European schools, industry-relevant courses |
| Canada | Rotman School of Management, Ivey Business School, Trent University, Navitas | Excellent job prospects, multicultural environment |
| Australia | Melbourne Business School, University of Sydney, Kaplan ANZ, Southern Cross University | High-quality, post-study work options, multicultural environment |
| Germany | Mannheim Business School, ESMT Berlin, EU Business School, Berlin School of Business and Innovation | Affordable tuition fee, strong industry connections |
Top MBA specialisations for Indian students abroad
Choosing the right specialisation for your MBA is important for your career growth. Each specialisation has unique opportunities and specific career paths. Here are the popular MBA specialisations you should consider.
| MBA specialisations | Programme highlights |
|---|---|
| Management | Focuses on leadership, strategic planning, and team management. |
| Finance | Covers corporate finance, risk management, and investment analysis. |
| Project Management | Focuses on planning, executing, and delivering complex projects and ensuring efficiency. |
| Human Resources (HR) | Managing human resources, talent acquisition, employee engagement, and labour laws. |
| International Business | Focus on global trade, international marketing, and a diverse business environment. |
| Entrepreneurship | Developing start-up strategies, venture funding, and business plan development. |
| Operations Management | Covers supply chain management, quality control, and logistics optimisation. |
| Strategy | Focuses on corporate strategy formulation, competitive analysis, and long-term business planning. |
| Healthcare Management | Focuses on healthcare systems and hospital administration. |
Emerging specialisations to study abroad
With the evolving global business landscape, there’s a demand for MBA graduates specialised in emerging business and technological concepts. These specialisations equip you with the skills needed to handle technological advancements and global challenges. Here are the best emerging MBA specialisations you should be aware of.
| Emerging MBA specialisations | Programme highlights |
|---|---|
| Business Analytics | Focuses on data-driven decision making, statistical analysis, and predictive modelling, which are essential for modern business growth. |
| Digital Marketing | Covers digital marketing strategies such as SEO, SEM, social media marketing, and customer engagement. |
| Artificial Intelligence | Focuses on AI applications in business processes, automation, and data science integration. |
| Data Science | Covers big data analysis, data visualisation, machine learning, and business intelligence. |
| Cyber Security | Prepares you for managing information security risks, cyber threat mitigation, and digital privacy policies. |
Factors to consider when choosing an MBA specialisation abroad
While choosing an MBA specialisation, it’s important to ensure that the course of study aligns with your aptitude and career goals. Besides, the country and university you choose are also significant factors for the best outcome.
Here are the key factors you should consider while choosing an MBA specialisation abroad:
Reputation of the programme
An MBA is a professional course with a demanding course schedule. Choose a reputed MBA programme from universities that are renowned for their course content and placements. Recognised business schools provide global experience and industry-relevant specialisations that can shape your career significantly.
Campus experience
An enriching campus experience is essential for your overall development. Ensure that you choose an institution with a dynamic campus and excellent access to the local economy. This ensures your personal development, professional networking, and also supports you in gaining hands-on experience.
Programme duration and specialisations
The duration of full-time MBA programmes ranges between 1 and 2 years, while part-time programmes and accelerated MBA programmes have different course durations. While selecting a programme, consider its duration and flexibility so that it's aligned with your career goals. The specialisation should also be selected after a careful review to ensure that it adds value and gives you a competitive edge.
Alumni network
Many competitive MBA programmes offer a wide international alumni network, which can support your career goals. Investigate the programme's alumni network and industry connections so that you can secure good internships and jobs.
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Cost of studying an MBA abroad
Here’s the approximate cost of studying for an MBA in various study abroad destinations:
| Country | MBA tuition fees |
|---|---|
| USA | USD 65,000 - USD 90,000 |
| UK | GBP 45,000 - GBP 1,40,000 |
| Canada | CAD 30,000 - CAD 60,000 |
| Australia | AUD 50,000 - AUD 80,000 |
| Germany | EUR 10,000 - EUR 50,000 |
| France | EUR 30,000 - EUR 95,000 |
Eligibility requirements and application process
The eligibility requirements vary based on the university. However, there are certain common eligibility requirements applicable to most study abroad destinations. Most institutions require a good academic track record. You must hold an undergraduate degree from a recognised institution. Some universities ask for a GPA score of around 3.0. Competitive scores such as GMAT and GRE are also required.
Many MBA programmes give preference to work experience. You should also have good IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE scores to demonstrate your English language proficiency. Apart from these, universities also ask for Recommendation Letters and Statements of Purpose.
Note: Since the eligibility criteria differ across universities, verify the criteria of the university you are applying to on its website.
How to apply for an MBA abroad
Here are the steps Indian students should follow to apply for an MBA abroad:
- Research and shortlist the universities. Consider all aspects such as teaching quality, affordability, and career prospects.
- Prepare and attempt the necessary tests such as GMAT, GRE, IELTS, and TOEFL.
- Collect the necessary documents in advance.
- Visit the relevant websites of the institutions you are applying to.
- Complete and submit the application form along with the required documents.
- Attend the interviews.
- If accepted, you’ll receive the offer letter.
Visa process
You can apply for the student visa once you receive the acceptance letter from the university/college.
Visit the embassy’s official website and review the requirements for a student visa. Collect the necessary documents, which include a passport, proof of funds, academic records, and passport-size photos.
Fill out the visa application form accurately and pay the application fee. Attend the visa interview as required.
Let us guide you in applying for popular MBA specialisations abroad. Talk to our experts.
MBA abroad without GMAT
You can pursue an MBA abroad without a GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) score.
Even though many business schools require a GMAT score, there are several recognised institutions that consider profiles without it. They focus more on your hands-on experience and research contributions.
Here are the universities you can apply to without a GMAT score:
| Country | Universities/business schools offering an MBA without GMAT |
|---|---|
| UK | University of Birmingham, University of Liverpool, Durham University, University of Strathclyde, Middlesex University |
| USA | MIT Sloan School of Management, UCLA Anderson, Babson College, London Business School, Columbia Business School, NYU Stern School of Business |
| Canada | University of Toronto, Lakehead University, Ivey Business School, Vancouver Island University |
| Australia | Melbourne Business School, University of South Australia, RMIT University |
| Germany | Technical University of Munich, Frankfurt School of Finance and Management, University of Kiel |
| France | Paris School of Business, HEC Paris |
Scholarships for studying an MBA abroad
Studying abroad involves significant costs, including both the tuition fee and the cost of living. There are several scholarships offered by the Indian government and other private institutions to support you financially during your student life. This will reduce your financial stress and allow you to focus on your studies.
Here are the best scholarships you can apply for to support your MBA studies abroad:
| Scholarships | Highlights |
|---|---|
| National Overseas Scholarship Scheme | This scholarship supports low-income students and students from reserved categories to pursue master's degrees, PhD, and post-doctoral courses abroad. It covers tuition fees, visa fees, book costs, living expenses, and medical insurance premiums. |
| Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters | Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's degrees are master’s programmes, and the EU provides funding to award scholarships to Indian students to pursue them. The scholarship covers the tuition fees, air travel, insurance premiums, and living expenses. |
| Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship | This is a merit and need-based Indian government scholarship supporting outstanding Indian students to pursue a master’s degree programme at selected colleges and universities in the US. It covers tuition fees, living expenses, and other associated expenses |
| Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarships | Inlaks scholarships are awarded for pursuing postgraduate, MPhil, or PhD courses and are applicable to a wide range of subjects. It covers your tuition fee, cost of living, and travel expenses. |
| Commonwealth Scholarships | Commonwealth Scholarships are awarded to students from Commonwealth countries to pursue a master’s or PhD. The scholarships cover tuition fees, cost of living, travel, and other expenses. |
| Felix Scholarships | The Felix Scholarship provides support to pursue postgraduate courses in the UK. It offers GBP 15,038 to cover living expenses. Apart from this, allowance is also provided for books, clothes, and travel. |
Career opportunities after an MBA abroad
An MBA from a foreign university offers high-flying career opportunities and access to international job markets. You can enjoy a rewarding and flexible career path with lucrative salaries.
During your studies, you can take advantage of the internship opportunities and the extensive networking potential of these universities. Most countries allow you to extend your stay after completing the course to look for suitable job opportunities.
The USA is a top destination for MBA graduates like you due to its strong economy and opportunities in diverse industries like consulting, technology, and finance. Canada has a robust job market and welcoming immigration policies. You can find good openings in sectors such as healthcare and finance. Other countries like the UK, Australia, and Germany also provide friendly immigration options and strong job prospects.
Choosing the right career path requires an understanding of the high-demand roles that MBA graduates can pursue. Here are the top ones.
| High-demand MBA roles | Job profile |
|---|---|
| Management Consultant | Advises companies on overall business strategies to improve operations and enhance growth. |
| Strategy Consultant | Helps companies develop long-term business plans to achieve competitive advantage. |
| Corporate Finance Manager | Manages a company’s financial planning and budgeting to ensure growth and sustainability. |
| Product Manager | Leads product development and ensures the successful launch of new products aligned with business goals. |
| Business Development Manager | Identifies and pursues new business opportunities and markets to drive revenue. |
| Supply Chain Manager | Oversees the supply chain process to optimise logistics and improve delivery times. |
| Operations Manager | Ensures efficient business operations, workflows, and productivity improvements. |
Final thoughts
Indian students are increasingly choosing to study an MBA abroad due to the global exposure, high-quality education, and excellent career prospects offered by foreign universities. Countries like the USA, the UK, Australia, Germany, Canada, and France are popular choices.
There are various career-focused specialisations offered in the MBA courses of these countries, which are sure to maximise your career prospects. You can apply for various scholarships to reduce your financial burden during your studies.
Let us help you enrol in popular MBA specialisations abroad right away!
Frequently asked questions
Which MBA specialisation is most preferred by Indian students abroad?
Indian students are keen on pursuing MBA courses abroad with specialisations in Finance, Marketing, Human Resources, Business Analytics, and General Management. These fields hold strong career potential and are aligned with the modern business landscape.
Which country is best for Indian students for an MBA?
Indian students prefer to pursue an MBA in several destinations, including the USA, the UK, Germany, Australia, and Canada. Each country offers its own set of advantages, and the best country depends entirely on your academic and career aspirations.
What MBA specialisation makes the most money?
The popular MBA specialisations that offer high salaries include Finance, Marketing, Business Analytics, Information Technology, and Healthcare. There are various other specialisations, such as Supply Chain Management and Entrepreneurship, which are also becoming popular for their excellent career prospects.
How long does it take to complete an MBA abroad?
A full-time MBA programme abroad takes 1 to 2 years to complete. There are also accelerated MBA programmes which you can complete in one year.
Is the GMAT mandatory for MBA admission abroad?
No, GMAT is not mandatory for MBA admission abroad. Many universities offer alternate entry routes and GMAT waivers.
