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10 Best Countries for MBA Abroad

10 Best Countries for MBA Abroad

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MBAs are some of the most prestigious degrees across postgraduate degrees in the business field. Pursuing an MBA means you get to advance academically and professionally. It means you increase your earning potential and qualify for several job roles in various industries.

An MBA is also highly regarded due to the numerous work opportunities an MBA graduate receives after graduation.

Often, the country and university where you earn your MBA play an important role in the future of your career. As a result, choosing where to pursue your MBA degree is quite a process and requires thorough research on the best countries and universities for MBA studies.

Here is a list of the best countries for an MBA abroad:

  1. The United States of America
  2. France
  3. Spain
  4. The United Kingdom
  5. Italy
  6. Canada
  7. Australia
  8. Netherlands
  9. Germany
  10. Switzerland

The United States of America (USA)


The U.S. rightly upholds its place at the forefront of the list of the best countries for MBA studies. The quality of MBA programs, the academic staff, facilities, and the student community are only some of the factors that attract thousands of students from all over the world to United States’ business schools.

What's more, U.S. universities offer plenty of MBA programs that you can choose from, be it full or part-time programs. Many universities offer online MBAs as well, so you can also benefit from the flexibility of MBA programs in the country.

Many students choose the U.S. for MBA studies because of the prestige that an MBA from a U.S. university brings. You can find some of the best universities in the world for MBA studies in the United States and thus benefit from varied career prospects after graduation.

Business schools in the United States offer excellent internship and placement opportunities, which will help you gain real-world experience and be ready for when you enter the job market.

Best Universities for an MBA in the United States:

Universities MBA Program Study Mode Duration Total Cost of Tuition
Stanford University MBA Full-Time 2 Years US$153,900
Harvard Business School MBA Full-Time 2 Years US$146,880
Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania MBA Full-Time 2 Years US$167,748
Executive MBA Full-Time 22 to 24 Months US$223,500
Columbia Business School MBA Full-Time 2 Years US$160,944
Executive MBA Full-Time 2 Years US$228,480
Yale School of Management MBA Full time 2 Years US$159,000
Executive MBA Executive 2 Years US$205,500
University of Chicago MBA Full-Time 21 Months US$77,841
Evening MBA Part-Time 2.5 - 3 Years US$7,784 per Unit Course
Weekend MBA Part-Time 2.5 - 3 Years US$7,784 per Unit Course
Executive MBA Full-Time 22 Months US$198,500
Massachusetts Institute of Technology MBA Full-Time 2 Years US$160,800
Executive MBA Part-Time 20 Months US$192,000

*Please remember that exact tuition costs can change, and it’s always important to contact the respective universities for specific information.

France


You can find France among the top five most popular countries for international students. Many features distinguish France from other study abroad destinations, but the main ones include the high-quality education, the outstanding MBA programs, and the fact that France is considered as a center of innovation and research.

MBA programs in France generally take one to two years to complete, and there are plenty of study modes you can choose, depending on your interests and needs.

Apart from studying, France makes an excellent place for living. You can find some pretty affordable cities to live in while pursuing your MBA and enjoy the country’s diverse and multicultural environment.

On average, the cost of living for international students is around €1,300 per month, but you can find ways to lower your costs. Some include living with roommates, in smaller cities, and being aware of your living lifestyle.

Best Universities for an MBA in France:

Universities MBA Program Study Mode Duration Cost of Tuition
HEC Paris MBA Full-Time 16 Months €80,000
Executive MBA Part-Time 15-18 Months €94,000
Trium Global Executive Part-Time 18 Months €204,000
INSEAD Business School Global MBA Full-Time 10 Months €97,000 to €98,500
Global Executive MBA Modular 14 to 17 Months €136,500
ESSEC Business School Global MBA Full-Time 12 Months €49,500
EMBA ESSEC &Mannheim Part-Time 18 Months /
Executive MBA Part-Time 18 Months €58,800 incl.tax
ESCP Business School MBA in International Management Full-Time 10-34 Months €50,500
Executive MBA Part-Time 18, 22, 30 or 34 Months €75,000

*Please remember that exact tuition costs can change, and it’s always important to contact the respective universities for specific information.

Spain


Spain is home to a large number of business schools that rank high in global rankings for MBA studies. Many of these universities offer MBA programs in Spanish and English, thus allowing international students to choose between the two languages of instruction.

In Spain, you can pursue an MBA program full-time, part-time, and online. The cost of tuition remains high in some of the country’s most prestigious business schools, but the quality of education and career prospects after graduation make the investment worth it.

In addition to the high-cost MBA programs, you can also find pretty affordable business schools in the country. Many public and private universities charge affordable tuition fees, but deliver high-quality MBA programs.

Spain also has some of the best student cities in the world, which also house the country’s excellent universities, allowing you to enjoy the vibrant culture of the country while you complete your degree.

Best Universities for an MBA in Spain:

Universities MBA Program Study Mode Duration Cost of Tuition
IESE Business School MBA Full-Time 15 or 19 Months €99,500
Executive MBA Part-Time 19 Months €75,700
Global Executive MBA Part-Time 18 Months €126,735
ESADE Business School MBA Full-Time 12,15 or 18 Months €76,500
Executive MBA Part-Time 18-24 Months €65,600 to €67,500
The Esade Multinational MBA One Week Every 2 Months 14 Months US$ 75,000
IE Business School International MBA Full-Time 1 Year €78,000 to €82,300
Global Online MBA Part-Time 17,24 or 36 Months €50,000 to €51,000
Executive MBA Part-Time 20 Months €75,000 to €80,000
Executive MBA In-person Part-Time 16 Months €80,000
Global Executive MBA Part-Time 15 Months €80,000
IE Brown Executive MBA Part-time 15 Months US$141,500
EADA Business School Global Executive MBA Hybrid 14 Months €42,000
Executive MBA Part-Time 14 Months €38,500
International MBA Full-Time 10 Months €43,000
Bilingual MBA Full-Time 10 Months €43,000
Online MBA Part-Time 24 Months €25,000
ESIC Business and Marketing School MBA Full-Time 10 - 12 Months €26,900
Global MBA Full-Time 20 Months /
International MBA Full-Time 18 Months /
Executive MBA Executive 18 Months /

*Please remember that exact tuition costs can change, and it’s always important to contact the respective universities for specific information.

The United Kingdom (UK)


The U.K. is undoubtedly one of the most attractive locations for MBA studies. The number one factor that students appreciate the most are the world-renowned business schools in the country.

The teaching methodology and excellent educational infrastructure are only a few of the reasons that make the United Kingdom the best destination for MBA studies.

Apart from that, the high educational standards of U.K’s business schools make students even more eager to come and pursue their MBA studies in the country.

MBA graduates have an excellent employment rate, with a large number of graduates finding employment within three months of graduation.

As business schools in the U.K. hold quite an excellent reputation, employers in the U.K. and worldwide value their qualifications. This means that as an MBA graduate from a British business school, you become highly appealing as a candidate to both local and international employers.

Best Universities for an MBA in the United Kingdom:

Universities MBA Program Study Mode Duration Cost of Tuition
London Business School MBA Full-Time 15-21 Months £109,700
Executive MBA Full-Time 20 Months £119,900
Executive Global MBA Full-Time 20 Months US$218,079
Oxford Business School MBA Full-Time 1 Year £71,440
Executive MBA Part-Time 22 to 24 Months £106,540
1+1 MBA Full-Time 2 Years /
Imperial College Business School MBA Full-Time 12 Months £61,500
Weekend MBA Part-Time 21 Months £53,500
Executive MBA Part-Time 23 Months £63,400
Global Online MBA Part-Time 21, 24, 32 Months £45,700
Warwick Business School MBA Full-Time 1 Year £49,500
Executive MBA Part-Time 2 Years £49,000
Distance Learning MBA Part-Time 2 Years £35,650 (January 2023 Intake)
£37,400 (JunE 2023 Intake
Durham Business School MBA Full-Time 12 Months £35,000
MBA Online 2 Years £15,000 / year
Executive MBA Dual 18 Months /

*Please remember that exact tuition costs can change, and it’s always important to contact the respective universities for specific information.

Italy


Many individuals have known Italy as the best country for art and design schools for many years now. Lately, Italy has also gained recognition for the quality of its business schools as well, some of these schools also leading the list of the best business schools in the world.

Italy is also becoming a preferred destination for MBA studies because of the low cost of tuition and the English-taught MBA programs.

Besides the academic part, Italy is an excellent choice for tourism as well. You can find world-class cities to visit, colosseums and castles, and most importantly, some of the most tasty foods worldwide.

Another reason to study in Italy is that you get to meet the diverse student community at Italian business schools and make lifelong friends. You also get to meet locals with whom you can practice and learn the Italian language.

Best Universities for an MBA in Italy:

Universities MBA Program Study Mode Duration Cost of Tuition
SDA Bocconi MBA Full-time 1 Year €65,000
Executive MBA Weekend or Modular 18 Months €52,000
Global Executive MBA Modular 18 Months US$110,000
Bologna Business School Global MBA Full-Time 12 Months €35,000
Executive MBA Part-Time 16 Months €25,600
Hybrid MBA Flexible / €18,400
MBA Evening Part-Time 13 Months €16,800
MBA Weekend Part-Time 16 Months €18,400
MIB Trieste School of Management MBA in International Business Hybrid (Full and Part-Time) 12 Months / Full-Time
Customized / Part-Time
€25,000
Executive MBA Part-Time 23 Months €26,500
Executive MBA in Business Innovation Part-Time 22 Months €30,000
POLIMI Graduate School of Management International MBA Part-Time 12 to 24 Months €37,000
International MBA Full-Time 12 Months €39,000
Executive MBA Part-Time Roma Part-Time 12 to 24 Months €37,000
Flex EMBA Part-Time 12 to 24 Months €37,000
Executive MBA Part-Time Part-Time 12 to 24 Months €37,000
International Flex Executive MBA Part-Time 12 to 24 Months €37,000
Executive MBA Serale Part-Time 12 to 24 Months €37,000

*Please remember that exact tuition costs can change, and it’s always important to contact the respective universities for specific information.

Canada


The Canadian government has been constantly working to bring international students to the country. It continues to work towards improving the quality of its education, the facilities in which students develop academically and professionally as well, and it ensures that students can easily transition from university to the job market after graduating from the university.

With these efforts, Canada has managed to establish itself as home to some of the top business schools across the globe.

Besides the highly reputable business schools, Canada has an excellent student body and academic staff. The quality of the student body comes from the rigorous admission process to MBA programs, which ensures that only the best and most ambitious candidates become part of the Canadian business community.

Best Universities for an MBA in Canada:

Universities MBA Program Study Mode Duration Cost of Tuition
The University of Toronto (Rotman School of Management) MBA Full-Time 2 Years CA$138,441
Morning and Evening MBA Part-Time / CA$136,410
Global Executive MBA for Healthcare and the Life Sciences Full-Time 18 Months /
Rotman-SDA Bocconi Global Executive MBA / 18 Months /
Schulich School of Business MBA Full-Time 16 to 20 Months CA$112,250
MBA Part-Time 36 to 40 Months CA$112,250
Executive MBA Flexible 18 Months CA$127,333
Queen's University - Smith School of Business MBA Full-Time 12 Months CA$104,100
Executive MBA Part-Time 16 Months CA$105,000
Western University - Ivey Business School MBA Full-Time 1 Year CA$123,500
Accelerated MBA Full-Time 8 Months CA$72,300
MBA Direct for HBAs Full-Time 8 Months CA$72,300
Executive MBA Part-Time 15 Months CA$117,000

*Please remember that exact tuition costs can change, and it’s always important to contact the respective universities for specific information.

Australia


If you are wondering what makes Australia a favorite study destination for MBA studies, consider the excellent career prospects after earning an MBA in the country. What makes Australia so good in terms of career prospects available are the numerous investments in the education system, the study facilities and recruitment of the excellent teaching staff.

Australia offers lucrative salaries to MBA graduates, and the living costs in the country are affordable. Tuition costs might be higher than the average costs, but you can still find affordable business schools that provide high-quality MBA programs.

Another advantage of pursuing an MBA in Australia is that you become qualified to practice your profession in different countries of the world because of the internationally recognized degrees awarded by Australian business schools.

Best Universities for an MBA in Australia:

Universities MBA Program Study Mode Duration Cost of Tuition
Macquarie Graduate School of Management (MGSM) MBA Part-Time 1.5 - 2 Years AU$60,000
Global MBA Part-Time 1.5 Years AU$40,800
Melbourne Business School MBA Full-Time Up to 2 Years AU$99,630
MBA Part-Time 2+ Years AU$4,650 per Subject
Executive MBA Part-Time 18 Months US$111,600
Senior Executive MBA Part-Time 18 Months US$135,900
University of New South Wales (UNSW) MBA Full-Time 12 Months / 24 Months Extension AU$81,720
MBAX (Social Impact) Part-Time 2-6 Years AU$62,280
MBA (Executive) Blended 2-6 Years AU$77,760
Online MBA Full-Time 1.7 Years AU$56,075
University of Sydney MBA Full-Time 18 Months /
MBA Part-Time 2-3 Years /
The University of Adelaide - Adelaide Graduate School of Business MBA Full-Time 12 Months AU$67,500 for Domestic Students 
AU$74,988 for International Students
Online MBA Part-Times 2 Years AU$4,746 per course

*Please remember that exact tuition costs can change, and it’s always important to contact the respective universities for specific information.

Netherlands


The Netherlands is an incredible country with numerous attractive regions for MBA studies. You can find several internationally-accredited business schools in the country and exciting MBA job opportunities.

MBA graduates also enjoy high salaries in the Netherlands, with the average salary being €58,560 per year. The highest salary potential for MBA graduates in the Netherlands reaches an average of €120,000 per year.

In terms of MBA studies, the Netherlands offers programs of the highest quality and a highly international study environment. In terms of living conditions, the Netherlands offers a high quality of life.

You can find the country at the top list of the best countries for environmental quality, personal security, and well-being. Its universities ranking high in international rankings for their MBA programs only adds to the excellent reputation that the Netherlands holds.

Best Universities for an MBA in the Netherlands:

Universities MBA Program Study Mode Duration Cost of Tuition
The Rotterdam School of Management International MBA Full-Time 12 Months €57,000
Executive MBA Part-Time 18 Months €57,500
Global Executive MBA Part-Time 21 Months €64,000
Cologne-Rotterdam Executive MBA Part-Time 24 Months €54,500
Amsterdam Business School Amsterdam MBA Full-Time/ Part-Time 12 Months /
Executive MBA Part-Time 24 Months /
MBA Big Data & Business Analytics Part-Time 2 Years €45,000
MBA in Healthcare Management Part-Time 2 Years /
Maastricht University School of Management MBA Full-Time 1 Year €28,500
Executive MBA Part-Time 2.5 Years €28,500
Online MBA Part-Time 2.5 Years €25,000
Nyenrode Business University MBA Full-Time 1 Year €39,000
Executive MBA Part-Time 2 Years €54,000
Tias Business School MBA Full-Time 1 Year €40,500
Global Executive MBA Part-Time 19 Months €75,000
Executive MBA Part-Time 24 Months €51,475

*Please remember that exact tuition costs can change, and it’s always important to contact the respective universities for specific information.

Germany


Germany makes an excellent choice for MBA studies for a number of reasons. The most important reasons that bring international students to the country are, of course, the excellent quality of MBA programs, the low cost of tuition, and the opportunity to remain in the country after graduation.

The German government allows international students to remain in the country up to one year after graduation. During this period, each student can look for a job, and if successful, remain and work in the country as a business professional.

In Germany, you can find some of the world’s most prominent business schools. Some of these schools charge high tuition fees, but when compared to other developed countries, as well as taking into consideration the quality of MBA programs, the investment is worthwhile.

The affordable living cost is an additional factor that brings international students to the country. In Germany, you can live comfortably with around €860 per month as an international student.

Best Universities for an MBA in Germany:

Universities MBA Program Study Mode Duration Cost of Tuition
ESMT Berlin MBA Full-Time 15 Months €48,500
Executive MBA / 18 Months €59,500
Global Online MBA Flexible 24 - 60 Months €26,500
MBA Part-Time 24 Months €39,500
Frankfurt School of Finance and Management MBA Full-Time 12 Months €42,000
MBA Part-Time 21 Months €42,000
Executive MBA Part-Time 18 Months €49,500
MBA International Healthcare Management Part-Time 20 Months €39,500
MBA for Executives in Kinshasa Part-Time 18 Months €16,500
Mannheim Business School (MBS) MBA Full-Time 12 Months €42,500
Executive MBA Part-Time 18 Months €53,000
ESSEC & Mannheim Executive MBA Part-Time 18 Months /
WHU - Otto Beisheim Graduate School of Management MBA Full-Time 12 Months €40,500
MBA Part-Time 24 Months €46,000
Global Online MBA Online / Part-Time 24 / 36 Months €35,000
HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management MBA Full-Time 15-21 Months €39,500
MBA Part-Time 27-33 Months €39,500

*Please remember that exact tuition costs can change, and it’s always important to contact the respective universities for specific information.

Switzerland


Switzerland might be one of the most ideal countries to pursue an MBA. The country is home to some giant business companies which also have good cooperation with Swiss business schools.

Many Swiss business schools have agreements with such companies and send students to complete internships there. This cooperation can benefit you immensely, as you can impress a potential future employer during internships, work placements, or different seminars.

Keep in mind that Switzerland is also a European business hub, with several well-known companies based in the country, some being potential employers of MBA graduates.

Another advantage of pursuing an MBA in Switzerland is the great salary potential in the country. Among all countries in Europe, Switzerland might offer some of the highest salaries to its MBA graduates. On average, someone with an MBA degree in Switzerland can earn up to CHF 153,740 per year.

Best Universities for an MBA in Switzerland:

Universities MBA Program Study Mode Duration Cost of Tuition
University of St. Gallen MBA Full-Time 1 Year CHF 63,500
MBA Part-Time 2 Years CHF 73,500
Executive MBA HSG Executive 18 Months CHF 70,000
International Executive MBA HSG Executive 70 Days CHF 80,000
EMBA ETH HSG (EMBA X) Executive 59 Days CHF 110,000
Executive MBA HSG in Business Engineering Executive 83 Days CHF 59,000
IMD Business School MBA Full-Time 1 Year CHF 97,500
Executive MBA Modular Learning 15 Months CHF115,000
EU Business School MBA Full-Time 1 Year €25,850
MBA Part-Time 2 Year €25,850
University of Zurich Executive MBA (German/English) 3 Day Module 15 Months CHF 75,000
Executive MBA (English) 6 Day Module 15 Months CHF 75,000
Geneva School of Economics and Management Executive MBA Blended Learning 2 Years CHF 45,500

*Please remember that exact tuition costs can change, and it’s always important to contact the respective universities for specific information.

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