Deciding to study a Master of Business Administration-MBA is a big decision to take for aspiring international students. Is choosing an MBA at a business school abroad worth the time and financial investment as well as the demanding entry requirements? There are many benefits to moving overseas for MBA program instead of one in your backyard. Studying abroad is an opportunity to absorb yourself in a potentially thriving marketplace and to establish a network in that country, which may drive to business or employment opportunities in the future. Gaining an international network not only strengthens your professional circle abroad, but it could also improve your job prospects back in your country. There’s nothing quite like traveling to broaden your worldly horizons. By living and studying in an adopted country, you’ll gain an understanding and appreciation of another culture and its values. Worldly exposure is very attractive to employers, especially multinational companies that place a premium on international experience. Many students choose an MBA because they aspire to become entrepreneurs and study how to run a successful business. They have a concept and a big dream and want to know how to turn them into reality. An MBA curriculum will help you gain the knowledge and business practices that are needed to start a fresh business or improve an existing business grow and develop.

The admissions criteria applied in evaluating international applicants are necessarily the same as those for national citizens of your chosen country to study. The first and foremost eligibility Academic requirements for MBA is to have completed a basic bachelor’s level graduation degree. This could be an engineering degree (B.E, B.Tech), B.Sc, B.Com, B.A. or in any other discipline. A Masters or doctoral (Ph.D.) degree is also excellent. The two primary exams that international students will need are GMAT and GRE.  Two popular exams accepted by international business schools across the world are – TOEFL and IELTS. Both of them are similar in the sense that they cover reading, writing, speaking and listening. Essays are an incredibly vital part of the application process. More often than not, admission essays are asked by reputed MBA Universities abroad. Your MBA application may need you to complete as many as three to five admissions essays. Compositions may be in the style of a personal statement, or the business school may ask you to respond to a specific statement. Universities abroad, especially for their MBA program, want to pick the people who are the best fit to their ideologies. As such, it becomes vital for them to look at specific personality traits and markers.

A further requirement is evidence of significant professional work experience. Most MBA programs expect you to submit two to three letters of recommendation from people capable of commenting on your qualifications for business school.  Interviews are conducted by invitation only. The university will first analyze the candidate’s academic records as well as GMAT or GRE scores before inviting the candidate for an interview. MBAs are seen as a tool for career improvement or change. It’s rare that schools will accept a candidate immediately following completion of their undergraduate degree. To that effect, you’ll need to get at least one person who knows you well in a professional capacity to provide a reference letter. All application materials, including transcripts and recommendations, must be submitted online and in English.  You may also be required to submit official translated academic transcripts, and financial documents if applying for a student visa.

The US is one of the most popular business school destinations with the most number of prestigious B-schools in the world. The United Kingdom has continually been the favorite study abroad address among Indian students. London is one of the preeminent finance and banking hubs, and other cities of UK offer excellent opportunities in the services industry. Canada is a favorite destination for MBA as it guarantees much more than just good education. Its economy is thriving in sectors like oil & gas, mining, manufacturing, agriculture, and forestry. Australia is another popular study destination with Indian students, as this country offers affordable education opportunities with no compromise on quality. Singapore is a well-established stop for international education in the Asia-Pacific Region. It is one of the most economically viable options if you wish to pursue your education abroad. The business schools ordinarily take a few weeks to respond to applications. Most applicants receive their acceptance or rejection letter between February and April for the September intake. Studying abroad need meticulous planning, preparation, and a guided approach.