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Subject guide

MBA courses for international students

An MBA is a career accelerator for people who already have a career. It is expensive and it is worth it when the school's network, brand and placement record match your goal. We help you avoid the MBA that costs £30,000 and changes nothing.

What a mba degree involves

The Master of Business Administration is a general management degree for professionals with work experience. Core modules cover finance, strategy, marketing, operations and leadership, followed by electives, a consulting project and often an international study trip. Full-time MBAs take one year in the UK and two in the US.

Why study mba abroad

  • Salary uplift and career change in one programme
  • Access to a lifelong alumni network
  • Leadership and strategy training that employers pay for
  • One-year formats in the UK, Ireland and Europe keep the cost down
  • Executive formats let you keep working

Best countries for mba

CountryWhyTypical annual tuition
United KingdomOne-year MBAs at Aston, Loughborough, Exeter, Glasgow; triple-accredited options£19,000 to £60,000
United StatesTwo-year MBAs with internships and the biggest brandsUS$60,000 to US$160,000 total
CanadaRotman, Ivey, Schulich; PGWP after graduationCA$45,000 to CA$130,000 total
FranceINSEAD, HEC, ESSEC, one-year formats€40,000 to €100,000
SpainIE, IESE, ESADE€40,000 to €100,000
IrelandUCD Smurfit, TCD; 2-year stay-back€35,000 to €45,000

Universities to consider

Entry requirements

LevelTypical requirement
Full-time MBABachelor's degree, 2 to 5 years of managerial or professional experience, IELTS 6.5 to 7.0, GMAT optional at most UK schools and required at top US and European schools.
Executive MBA5 to 10 years of experience including management responsibility; usually part-time or modular.

Careers

General managerStrategy consultantProduct leadOperations directorInvestment banking associateFounderMarketing directorProgramme manager

UK post-MBA salaries commonly £45,000 to £80,000 depending on the school and sector.

Scholarships and funding

Oasis does not award scholarships, but partner universities discount fees for strong applicants and several government schemes cover this subject. See the scholarship guide and our loan partners.

Fees and salaries are indicative for the 2026/27 cycle, change with exchange rates and policy, and should be confirmed with the university or the relevant government before you decide.

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Questions

MBA: what students ask

Do I need work experience for an MBA?

Yes, normally at least two years. Programmes that accept fresh graduates are usually MSc Management degrees relabelled.

Is GMAT compulsory?

Not at most UK and many European schools. Top US schools and INSEAD, LBS and HEC still expect GMAT or GRE.

How long is an MBA?

One year in the UK, Ireland and much of Europe; two years in the US and Canada; 18 months to two years part-time for executive formats.

What accreditation should I look for?

AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA. Schools with all three (the triple crown) are in the top one percent worldwide.

Can I get a loan for an MBA?

Yes. MBAs at accredited schools are among the easiest programmes to finance through education loans.

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