Many international students and young professionals consider taking a Master’s of Business Administration (MBA). In fact, it’s been the most popular graduate degree in the United States since 2010!
Common benefits of taking an MBA include building your knowledge in specific business areas, becoming eligible for more senior positions, and learning how to think creatively about industry trends and opportunities. An MBA can help set you up for success, especially as a businessperson or entrepreneur. But before you invest in an MBA degree, here are a few things you should know.
Thinking of becoming an international MBA student? Our postgraduate application process guides for Canada, Ireland, the United States, or the United Kingdom can help ensure your application stands out.
What is an MBA?
A Master of Business Administration degree, also known as an MBA, is an internationally recognized degree which focuses on key skills for senior business and management executives. The first MBA program was offered by Harvard University in 1908. In the century since, it has become one of the world’s most popular professional degree programs.
This credential is most often offered in English and usually takes two years to complete as a full-time student. However, it’s possible to enrol in a single-year MBA program, provided you’re prepared for an accelerated, intense study journey. You may also complete an MBA as a part-time student. Or, if you’re mid-career and have management experience, an executive MBA program (EMBA) might be a better fit.
What Are Some MBA Admission Requirements?
While we’ve shared some general MBA admission requirements below, specific requirements may differ by institution, or even from program to program. As you narrow down your options, be sure to check individual MBA admissions pages for a full list.
Are you ready to pursue an MBA? Most degree candidates require:
- An undergraduate degree from a recognized institution.
- Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE) results.
- Some programs require a minimum undergraduate GPA, often an average of at least 3.0 or B in the final two years of undergraduate study.
- Relevant work experience (often 3–5 years).
- If neither the applicant’s undergraduate studies nor their relevant work experience were in the language of instruction, proof of language proficiency via IELTS, TOEFL, or other approved language assessment.
Applicants may also need to provide:
- Personal essays or video interviews
- A statement of interest
- A recent resume
- Two or more reference letters
- Official academic transcripts
Note: Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee you a seat in the program. Entry into popular MBA programs can be very competitive.
Learn about the differences between the GMAT and GRE, and who should take each test.
What Classes Do MBA Students Take?
Pursuing an MBA can give you a much wider understanding of the modern business world. You’ll develop that understanding in classes like:
- Accounting
- Business Communication
- Business Ethics
- Corporate Social Responsibility
- Digital Transformation
- Economics
- Entrepreneurship
- Financial Management
- Human Resources Management
- Leadership and Organizational Behavior
- Marketing
- Sustainability
Thinking about studying an MBA in the UK? These top-ranked academic institutions in the UK could be a great choice.
Why Get an MBA?
Everyone’s reasons to pursue an MBA are a little different. It might be your path to higher earning potential, or the first step toward a career in a new field. Here are some popular reasons that international students decide to take an MBA program.
Strengthen Your Leadership Skills
Students who enrol in an MBA program are generally bright, driven, and assertive people. These folks can be inspiring classmates, but challenges may arise during group projects if everyone wants to be the team captain. By working through project roadblocks and finding suitable compromises, you’ll gain effective leadership and conflict resolution experience.
Ultimately, working in a group during class can help you build stronger communication skills and motivational skills. Completing an MBA also provides you with credibility in the eyes of potential employers. It shows other industry professionals your dedication to the industry and your expansive range of knowledge.
Build a Global Network
Your classes will be led by highly-qualified instructors and filled with like-minded individuals who also want to become innovators and leaders. Plus, many MBA degrees attract a truly global audience. In 2024, between 35% and 98% of the MBA classes at the world’s top 20 business schools were international students!
By taking an MBA, you’ll challenge yourself, while learning from your peers and building cross-cultural communication skills. This network of fellow students could be incredibly useful to you whether you’re looking for a new job or someone to brainstorm ideas with as a co-founder. Plus, through formal opportunities like work placements and informal opportunities like events and alumni networks, the institution you attend can connect you with established professionals in your community and beyond. Other alumni can become angel investors, mentors, business partners, and more, and your status as fellow alumni can open doors to opportunities which might not be available otherwise.
Expand Your Career Opportunities
Many international students pursue an MBA to become eligible for new careers. And, having an MBA gives you a better chance of securing a leadership role with a higher salary. In fact, a 2022 Graduate Management Admissions Council survey found that the average starting salary for an MBA graduate was US$120,000—more than US$40,000 higher than an average bachelor’s degree holder.
If climbing the corporate ladder isn’t for you, that’s okay. Many students who pursue an MBA plan to apply what they learn to build their own company. There’s a historic precedent here: many Fortune 500 CEOs and founders are MBA grads. This is not to say earning an MBA will guarantee you’ll build a top-tier company right after graduation! However, this degree can still open many doors from a networking angle while teaching you key skills: from pitching to funding networks to marketing your start-up.
Your enhanced skill set can also benefit your current employer. If you’re considering an MBA degree because it will qualify you for a more senior role at your company, think about discussing your studies with your direct leader. Some companies will support their employees’ upskilling, and offer benefits like partial leave or funding toward the course.
There are lots of great reasons to pursue an MBA degree: it can fast-track your career, prepare you for starting your own company, and connect you to a global network of driven professionals. Is it in your future as an international student?
If you’re ready to start searching for a study program that suits your academic and career goals, ApplyBoard’s free platform can connect you with MBA programs in five top study destinations. Get started today!
