MBA in UK – Top Universities, Fee, Eligibility, Intake, Scholarships
Pursuing an MBA in UK is a great decision, considering the handsome future prospects of these courses. There are several advantages of choosing to do an MBA in UK, including the shorter duration of programs (most programs can be completed in just a year). This will help you graduate faster, enabling you to save a lot of time, energy, and money, while being able to start working earlier. UK is home to reputed universities, many of which have close ties with global conglomerates and industry leaders, offering opportunities to build relationships and network with these entities to boost future career prospects.
UK MBA universities are highly ranked globally, with 9 universities finding a place in the top-100 MBA Rankings for 2025. This ensures quality education along with globally-recognized degrees that are highly valued by employers. Another advantage is the comparatively lower costs of MBA programs in the UK. You can build a lucrative future career in the flourishing UK job market while gaining from hands-on learning experiences with practical training and internships. One other advantage is the country’s cosmopolitan and multicultural environment, with a large population of international students. Let us look closely at some of the key aspects related to pursuing an MBA in the UK.
MBA in UK Highlights
| Total Number of Colleges | Details |
| Cost | £30,000- £100,000 per year |
| Intake | September, January, May |
| Specialization | General Management, Finance, Accounting, Entrepreneurship, Marketing |
| Exams Required | GMAT (or GRE in some cases) and English language proficiency tests |
| Language Proficiency Requirements | like IELTS or TOEFL |
Types of MBA in UK
- General MBA Programs- These courses usually take up to 12 months for completion, if full-time and part-time courses take around 24 months. Optional modules available for customization may include marketing, accounting, entrepreneurship, finance, economics, and more.
- Executive MBA Courses- These are short-term programs for people with more professional/business experience. These programs allow aspirants to work full-time while pursuing their courses, although they may take longer to complete as a result.
- Specialist MBA- These are for those who have specific business segments to pursue. Some fields include healthcare, international business, finance, marketing, etc.
- Distance Learning MBA- Online or distance learning MBAs offer flexibility to pursue these courses online at lower costs, while doing away with the need to relocate or travel. These courses may require around 20 hours every week on average with regular lectures, group sessions, tutoring, online resources, and seminars.
Top 10 MBA Colleges in UK
Eligibility Criteria to Pursue MBA in UK
- Professional experience if required (may be 2-3 years)
- UK first class or 2:1 honors degree or equivalent qualification
- GMAT or GRE scores if required
- English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL/Oxford ELLT/C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency/PTE/Trinity ISE)
MBA in UK Student Visa
| You must provide your present passport or other valid travel documents | A CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) is required from your university | Valid ATAS certificate is necessary in some situations |
| English language proficiency proof | Tuberculosis test results are necessary | Written consent for application from financial sponsor |
| Proof of funds for course fee and living costs |
How Much Does It Cost for MBA in UK?
- The cost of an MBA in UK varies according to the university.
- It is usually between £30,000- £100,000 per year.
- For example, Oxford (Said) charges £83,770 while Cambridge (Judge) charges £74,000.
Cost of Living in UK
- Accommodation- £554-848 per month
- Utilities- £80-140 per month
- Food and Groceries- £116-155 per month
- Entertainment and Dining Out- £80-150 per month
- Transportation- £54-103 per month
- Mobile bill- £18 per month
Work Permit after you Pursue MBA in UK
- The Graduate visa allows you to stay in the country for two years after completing your studies
- You can work full-time in this period without any employer sponsorship required. You may also start a business or be a self-employed professional
Eligibility Criteria for Work Permit
- You should have studied in the UK with a student visa to be eligible
- You are currently in the UK
- You have studied a UK postgraduate or bachelor’s degree or any other eligible program for a minimum period of time
- Your education provider has informed the Home Office about the successful completion of your course
MBA Scholarships for UK
| Institution | Scholarship |
| Durham MBA Full-Time Scholarships | Available for all full-time MBA offer holders as discounts on tuition fees. Amounts vary between £18-20,000. |
| Brunel University of London Full-Time MBA Scholarship | £8,000 tuition waivers are available for a year and aspirants should have offers to study at the institution. |
| University of Edinburgh MBA Scholarships | Available for full and part-time MBA applicants, with amounts of £5,000 and upwards. |
| University of Birmingham Business School Purposeful Leader MBA Scholarships | The scholarship is for exceptional aspirants demonstrating positive innovation and change, with amounts of up to £15,000 as a tuition fee discount. |
| Lancaster University Management School MBA Leadership | The scholarship is based on an interview and grades, with the amount up to £16,000. |
Career Prospects
- Business school graduates in the UK enter multiple sectors after completing their studies
- These sectors include consumer products, technology, finance, government, consulting, and non-profit
- Many work in senior management roles in finance, sales, and marketing, along with taking up consultancy work
Salary after MBA in UK
- Project Manager– £35-85,000 per year
- Operations Manager- £29-108,000 per year
- Chief Executive Officer (CEO)- £66-175,000 per year
- Management Consultant- £44-119,000 per year
- Senior Product Manager- £64-112,000 per year
- Chief Operating Officer (COO)- £72-166,000 per year
- Business Development Manager- £26-70,000 per year
- Finance Manager- £38-72,000 per year
- Marketing Manager- £28-60,000 per year
- Sales Director- £50-134,000 per year