MBA in UK: Colleges, Eligibility & Fees for Indian Students

Choosing to pursue a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) in the UK is a journey many Indians hope to embark on. The UK is rapidly becoming a hotspot for Indian students seeking a quality education.

This blog will answer most of your questions regarding how to apply for an MBA, student visa requirements and UK MBA fees. This serves as a guide for Indian students wanting to study in the UK.

Why Study an MBA in UK?

According to a survey conducted by The WorldGrad, the UK ranks among the top destinations to study, along with the USA and Australia.

The United Kingdom is a name commonly put next to quality education. The country features a diverse culture and a large Indian community.

Apart from that, the UK is home to a large number of universities and colleges offering the MBA program. This is a highly effective course for any student looking to rise to the ranks in the field of business.

Best Universities in UK for MBA

Here are some top 10 MBA universities in the UK according to the QS World University Rankings 2024:

MBA in UK for Indian Students

So many students ask if it’s possible to do an MBA in the UK without GMAT. We have a list of UK universities where Indian students can do an MBA without GMAT.

• University of Reading
• University of Central Lancashire
• Birmingham City Business School
• Middlesex University
• Lancaster University Management School
• Durham University Business School
• Cranfield School of Management, Cranfield University
• Warwick School of Business, University of Warwick
• University of Edinburgh
• HULT International Business School- London

MBA in UK Eligibility Requirements

While the exact requirements to study an MBA course in the UK vary across institutes, a few remain uniform.

1) Proof of English Language Proficiency

Given that courses are all in English, students must prove their understanding of English. This is possible by taking one of two language exams:

• IELTS – International English Langauge Testing System 
• TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language

Universities set score requirements for the tests to determine the English proficiency of the student.

Want to know if you can study in the USA without SATs?

2) Educational Background

Indian students looking to pursue an MBA program in the UK are required to have an undergraduate degree. Preferably, the degree should be from a recognised institute.

Alternatively, some of the best MBA colleges in the UK for Indians consider work experience to be an optional requirement.

3) GMAT/GRE Score

The GMAT and GREs are standardised admission tests. They are most effective when attempting to gain admission into top business and management programs around the world.

Typically, a high score in either of these exams gives students a better shot at securing a place in their desired university. However, many universities still grant Indian students admission to MBA programs without GMAT and GRE scores.

4) Statement of Purpose

A statement of purpose or SOP is a personal statement or essay of around 500 words. This statement aims to answer a few questions surrounding the student and their ambitions.

A few questions it answers are:

• Why are they applying to that particular university?
• Why did they choose the MBA program?
• Plans after completing the MBA?

The SOP is an important requirement of studying for an MBA in the UK and should be perfected.

5) Recommendation Letters

A recommendation letter from a senior will be helpful to show the characteristics of the student. It will also work to boost the chances of obtaining a seat in universities that have a high number of admission requests.

6) Work Experience

Not all affordable MBA programs in the UK offering MBA courses may make work experience a requirement. This opens up more opportunities for Indians who lack work experience. However, the presence of work experience should be shown.

Fees to Study MBA in UK

The UK offers university options for everyone, regardless of financial status. Affordable MBA programs in the UK start from INR 13 Lakh and increase to INR 34 Lakh. Prestigious university MBA costs can even exceed INR 40 Lakh.

In the UK, MBA fees vary based on the university a student chooses. For Indian students, tuition fees matter as there is also the cost of living in the UK to consider.

The MBA is a 1-year program in the UK and, upon completion, provides students the ability to work. Indian students completing their MBA in the UK can work for 2 years automatically.

Apart from this, students are also eligible to work part-time while studying abroad. This will help to offset living expenses.

Cost of Living While Studying MBA in UK

Proving you have enough money to support yourself during your MBA program is a visa requirement. Failure to show this could result in visa rejection.

This requirement is in addition to UK MBA fees. For Indian students, living costs could become high, especially in popular cities like London. As a result, students can try sharing off-campus accommodation and using public transportation to reduce costs.

Generally, Indian students require anywhere between INR 1 and 1.25 Lakh per month for living costs. Do note that the final living expenses will be based on lifestyle choices.

Asking for student discounts will also go a long way in bringing down living expenses in a foreign country. Also, working on a part-time basis while studying is a way to earn a bit of money.

Take a look at the trending part-time job opportunities in the UK in 2024.

How to Choose the Right MBA College in UK?

Choosing the right college to study MBA in the UK is an important decision. It can change your life as it will impact future career options based on the skills and knowledge you gain. There are a few factors that can help you choose an MBA college:

• Location 
• Tuition fees
• Opportunities for scholarships/financial aid 
• Average cost of living in the area
• Transportation costs

Students can narrow down their search by considering each of the factors listed above.

Scholarships to Study MBA in UK

Investing in an MBA in the UK can be a big deal, but many scholarships are available for talented students. UK universities and the government offer scholarships to help reduce the financial burden and attract the best. These can cover tuition fees, living expenses or both. They are usually awarded on merit based on academic achievements, professional experience, leadership potential and diversity. When applying for an MBA, by actively searching for UK scholarships for Indian students, you can increase your chances of getting funded and make your MBA more achievable.

Jobs after MBA in UK

The type of job and salary you can get after an MBA in the UK depends on the university you attend and your specialisation.

Many top companies hire MBA graduates in the UK, including:

• HSBC
• EY (Ernst & Young)
• McKinsey
• IBM
• Hamleys
• Accenture
• Microsoft
• J.P. Morgan Chase & Co.
• PwC

Graduating from the top business schools in the UK will get you higher salaries and better jobs in the market. Here are some salary details for graduates from these top business schools:

Source – University websites

Study in the UK with The WorldGrad

The WorldGrad is an esteemed education provider catering to Indian students looking to pursue higher education in the UK. We offer Indian students an opportunity to experience an affordable education in the UK.

Partnering with globally ranked universities in the UK, we offer the Global Year 1 Program.

The WorldGrad Benefits for You:

• SAT/GRE/GMAT waivers available
• Exclusive scholarships worth INR 10 Crore*
• Benefit from our 2X higher visa success rate
• Get unlimited 1-1 academic support from highly qualified international teachers
• Avail up to 48 months of PSWR on completion of a degree, depending on the country

*T&C Apply

Conclusion

MBA in the UK for Indian students creates an opportunity to follow their academic dreams. For Indians, it creates a chance to experience a world-class experience from a student’s perspective.

To make sure everything comes into place, Indian students must know the colleges and universities, their tuition fees, and other finer details. With a clear idea of UK MBA fees for Indian students, a well-informed decision can be made!

MBA in UK FAQs

Q1. Which university is best for MBA in the UK?
A1. Some of the best business schools for MBA in the UK include London Business School, Saïd Business School, Judge Business School, Imperial College  Business School, Manchester Business School and Bayes Business School.

Q2. How to get a scholarship for an MBA in the UK?
A2. Many UK universities offer scholarships for international students. Check the official university website for scholarship details and apply. There are also a few private scholarships available, such as the British Chevening Scholarship, the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarship, the Rhodes Scholarship, and the GREAT Scholarship.

Q3. Is work experience necessary for an MBA in the UK?
A3. Yes, work experience is necessary for an MBA in the UK at least 2 years.

Q4. Is an MBA in the UK worth it?
A4. Yes, an MBA in the UK is worth it. It offers global recognition, access to top companies, and the potential for high salaries. Plus, you’ll gain valuable international experience and networking opportunities.

Q5. Do you need GMAT for MBA in the UK?
A5. No, you don’t always need a GMAT score for an MBA in the UK. Many universities offer MBA programs without requiring the GMAT, especially for candidates with significant work experience or strong academic backgrounds.

Author: Stanley Lazarus Chelli

Stanley is our seasoned writer known for his deep knowledge of the ed-tech industry. He delivers insightful and impactful content that resonates with readers. Beyond his exceptional writing abilities, he is a die-hard petrolhead with a profound love for the automotive industry. Additionally, Stanley is a soon-to-be professional keyboardist.