The UK has a long-standing reputation as one of the best places in the world for higher education in Business Administration. Pursuing an MBA in UK can be a worthy choice for those students who want to enhance their careers both at the graduate level and postgraduate level. There are various schools available with over 16 universities making it among the top 100 globally.
Many respectable schools like Saïd Business School within Oxford University campus, Judge Business School found at Cambridge University and Imperial College London provide students with the best possible education. Also, these programs give international students exposure to global markets, especially those from India.
This article will share information on top-ranked universities in the UK, admission requirements, and opportunities you can expect after graduating from MBA universities in UK.
Highlights: Key Features
| Intakes | Fall, Winter, Summer |
| Cost of Study | £35,000 up to £60,000 (INR 35,50,516 to INR 60,83,082) per annum |
| Required Exams | Three years of full-time work experience A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent Satisfactory GMAT score (Some institutes might not need this) English proficiency (IELTS 6.0-6.5, TOEFL, PTE, etc) |
| Top Universities | London Business School, University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, University of Manchester, |
| Cost of Living | £12,000 to £18,000 per year |
| Top Funding Sources | Scholarships, loans, part-time jobs |
| Languages Spoken | English, Welsh |
| Best Student Cities | Manchester, Glasgow, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Bristol, and Coventry |
Why Study an MBA in UK?
The United Kingdom has become a premier destination for MBA education. The combination of and a dynamic business environment makes the UK an ideal choice for students. Here are some reasons why MBA universities in UK are the best:
- Global Reputation: UK schools rank as the best in the world when it comes to business education. There is no doubt that among the best MBA programs are within institutions such as the London Business School, Oxford Saïd, and Cambridge Judge.
- Shorter Duration: The relatively shorter span of UK MBA programs is one of their strongest selling points. A number of UK colleges run semester-long MBA programs which last for a year. It means that one can earn a degree of this caliber in a short duration without any compromise on the education standard.
- Diverse Student Body: In terms of student population, UK universities are very cosmopolitan and international in nature. British MBA students come from a plethora of countries and work experience. Such diversity enriches the learning experience in a multicultural environment.
- Strong Industry Links: UK MBA courses are affiliated with many professions. These relationships present themselves through guest seminars by the executives. Such strong industry ties enrich the content of the MBA program and make it relevant to the real world.
- Post-Study Work Opportunities: The graduate route visa is a big plus for international MBA seekers from the UK government. Since the graduate visa permit allows the students to remain in the UK for 2 years post their course for job purposes.
- Financial Assistance: UK universities offer various forms of financial support to international students. Many institutions provide merit-based scholarships, while others offer specific funding opportunities for students from particular countries or backgrounds.
Read More: MBA in HR in UK
Top 10 MBA Universities in UK
International students can benefit from the UK’s teaching methods and available resources. The UK universities offer a wide range of programs and several other benefits. These are the top 10 MBA colleges in UK.
London Business School
London Business School (LBS) consistently ranks first among the nation’s top business schools. Located in London, LBS offers prestigious MSc, MBA, and EMBA programs. With over 45,000 alumni spanning 150 countries, LBS offers many networking opportunities. The multicultural environment features students from over 70 nationalities.
| Category | Details |
| QS Ranking | 3 |
| Location | London |
| Website | www.london.edu |
| Program Options | MBA, Executive MBA, Masters in Finance, Masters in Financial Analysis, Masters in Management, PhD |
| Course Duration | Full-time MBA: 15-21 months, 1-year MBA |
| Requirements | Undergraduate Degree, IELTS 7.5, TOEFL (iBT) 110, GMAT 600-780, Minimum 3 Years Work Experience |
| Average Fees Per Year | Full-Time MBA: INR 1,01,17,000 Executive MBA: INR 1,12,18,000 |
| Scholarships | BK Birla Scholars Programme, The Service and Society Scholarship |
Cambridge University
Cambridge’s cutting-edge MBA program blends modern academic theory with professional practices. This university emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and experiential learning. The program is designed to provide a comprehensive business education that integrates rigorous academics with practical business experience. One of its key strengths is its deep connection to the broader Cambridge ecosystem. S, students get all the benefits of resources and alumni.
| Category | Details |
| QS Ranking 2025 | 6 |
| University Type | Public |
| Location | Cambridge, UK |
| Website | www.jbs.cam.ac.uk |
| Program Options | MBA, Executive MBA, Master of Finance, Master of Accounting, PhD |
| Course Duration | Full-time MBA: 12 months, 1-year MBA |
| Requirements | Undergraduate Degree, IELTS 7.5, TOEFL (iBT) 110, GMAT 630-740, Minimum 3 Years Work Experience |
| Average Fees Per Year | MBA: INR 63,55,000, Executive MBA: INR 78,97,000 |
| Scholarships | Dean's Impact Scholarship, Imperial Excellence Scholarship |
Oxford (Said)
Said Business School at Oxford University is a premier institution. The school offers an intensive MBA program with several internship opportunities. Due to the University of Oxford’s household name, students benefit from access to resources and networks. The school has a strong global alumni network of successful professionals across various industries.
| Category | Details |
| QS Ranking 2025 | 3 |
| University Type | Public |
| Location | Oxford, United Kingdom |
| Website | www.sbs.ox.ac.uk |
| Program Options | Full-time MBA, Executive MBA |
| Course Duration | Full-time MBA: 1 year, Executive MBA: 21 months |
| Requirements | Undergraduate Degree, IELTS 7.5, TOEFL (iBT) 110, GMAT 690, GRE 160 (Verbal and Quantitative), Minimum 3 Years Work Experience |
| Average Fees Per Year | Full-time MBA: INR 65,83,000, Executive MBA: INR 1,02,30,000 |
| Scholarships | Academic Future Scholarship, Adara Foundation Scholarship |
Imperial College Business School
Imperial College Business School offers both part-time and full-time MBA programs. Their intensive and holistic MBA program provides specializations in management and entrepreneurship. The school is distinguished by its strong emphasis on integrating business with technology and innovation. Located in London, students benefit from proximity to the city’s financial district. Imperial College Business School is also well-known for its research in finance, innovation, and healthcare management.
| Category | Details |
| QS Ranking | 4 |
| University Type | Public |
| Location | London |
| Website | www.imperial.ac.uk/business-school |
| Program Options | Full-Time MBA, Executive MBA, Weekend MBA, Global Online MBA |
| Course Duration | Full-Time MBA: 1 year, Executive MBA: 23 months, Weekend MBA: 21 months, Global Online MBA: 24 months |
| Requirements | Undergraduate Degree, IELTS 7.0, TOEFL (iBT) 100, DET 125, GMAT 600, GRE 156 (Verbal) 158 (Quantitative), Minimum 3 Years Work Experience |
| Average Fees Per Year | Full-Time MBA: INR 59,35,000, Executive MBA: INR 63,82,000, Weekend MBA: INR 52,82,000, Global Online MBA: INR 42,90,000 |
Warwick Business School
Warwick Business School is ranked 1st in the UK and 17th worldwide by The Economist for its MBA program. The school is for both professionals and full-time students. Consistently ranked among the top business schools in Europe, Warwick Business School is among the best universities in UK for MBA. Its strong corporate connections give valuable internships and job placement to students.
| Category | Details |
| QS Ranking | 4 |
| University Type | Public |
| Location | London |
| Website | https://www.wbs.ac.uk/ |
| Program Options & Duration | Full-Time MBA, Executive MBA, Distance Learning MBA |
| Couse Duration | Full-Time MBA (1 year), Executive MBA (2 years part-time), Distance Learning MBA (2 years) |
| Requirements | Undergraduate Degree, IELTS 7.0, TOEFL (iBT) 100, DET 125, GMAT 600, GRE (156 Verbal, 158 Quantitative), Minimum 3 Years Work Experience |
| Average Fees Per Year | Full-Time MBA: INR 74,22,000 |
| Scholarships | Changemaker Scholarship, RHODES Scholarship (External) |
Manchester (Alliance)
Established in 1965 as one of the UK’s first two business schools, Alliance Manchester Business School is an integral part of the University of Manchester. The school offers experiential learning which focuses on real-world projects. Their Global MBA program provides international exchange opportunities.
| Category | Details |
| QS Ranking | 5 |
| University Type | Public |
| Location | Manchester |
| Website | https://www.manchester.ac.uk/ |
| Program Options | Full-Time MBA, Global MBA, Global Executive MBA, Kelley Manchester Global MBA |
| Course Duration | Full-Time MBA: 18 months, Global MBA: 24 months (part-time), Global Executive MBA: 18 months (part-time), Kelley Manchester Global MBA: 24 months |
| Requirements | Undergraduate Degree, IELTS 6.5, TOEFL (iBT) 90, PTE 59-65, GMAT 550-700, Minimum 3 Years Work Experience |
| Average Fees Per Year | Full-Time MBA: INR 47,74,000, Global MBA: INR 31,13,000, Global Executive MBA: INR 40,99,000, Kelley Manchester Global MBA: INR 67,45,000 |
| Scholarships | Inspirational Leadership Scholarship |
University of Edinburgh Business School
The University of Edinburgh Business School offers prestigious MBA programs. As a top choice for international students, it provides extensive research-based learning opportunities. The school is known for its strong emphasis on research and innovation in business practices. Located in Edinburgh, a UNESCO World Heritage city, students benefit from a rich cultural experience while studying.
| Category | Details |
| QS Ranking | 15 |
| University Type | Public |
| Location | Edinburgh |
| Website | https://www.business-school.ed.ac.uk/ |
| Program Options | Full-Time MBA, Part-Time Executive MBA |
| Course Duration | Full-Time MBA: 12 months, Part-Time Executive MBA: 27 months |
| Requirements | Undergraduate Degree, IELTS 7.0, TOEFL (iBT) 100, PTE 70, GMAT 600, Minimum 3 Years Work Experience |
| Average Fees Per Year | Full-Time MBA: INR 37,40,000, Part-Time Executive MBA: INR 36,15,000 |
| Scholarships | MBA Leadership Scholarships, MBA Merit Scholarships |
Cranfield School of Management
Cranfield School of Management is a part of Cranfield University. It is well-known as a world leader in management education and research. Its MBA program is designed to enhance business and management practices. The school is particularly known for its strengths in logistics and leadership development. With a practical approach to education, Cranfield uses real-world business problems and solutions. The school is an ideal choice for students who want to advance their careers in management.
| Category | Details |
| QS Ranking | 28 |
| University Type | Public |
| Location | Cranfield, Bedfordshire, England |
| Website | https://www.cranfield.ac.uk/som |
| Program Options | Full-Time MBA, Executive MBA |
| Course Duration | Full-Time MBA: 12 months, Executive MBA: 24 months |
| Requirements | Undergraduate Degree, IELTS 7.0, TOEFL (iBT) 100, PTE 68, GMAT 680, Minimum 3 Years Work Experience |
| Average Fees Per Year | Full-Time MBA: INR 40,47,000, Executive MBA: INR 28,02,000 |
| Scholarships | Cranfield MBA Director's Scholarship, Cranfield MBA Scholarship for Women |
Bayes Business School
Bayes Business School is a part of the City, University of London. It is one of the best MBA colleges UK. The MBA program at Bayes prepares students for the next step in their careers. The school offers invaluable links to international businesses and successful alumni. This can be a significant help for students after graduating. Bayes is well-known for its expertise in finance and insurance programs. So, if you want to build a career in these fields, doing an MBA from this university will be the best decision for you.
| Category | Details |
| University Type | Public |
| Location | London |
| Website | www.bayes.city.ac.uk |
| Program Options | Full-Time MBA, Executive MBA, Modular Executive MBA |
| Course Duration | Full-Time MBA: 12 months, Executive MBA: 24 months (part-time), Modular Executive MBA: 24 months (part-time) |
| Requirements | Undergraduate Degree, IELTS 7.0, TOEFL (iBT) 100, PTE 68, GMAT 600, Minimum 3 Years Work Experience |
| Average Fees Per Year | Full-Time MBA: INR 48,78,000, Executive MBA: INR 53,96,000, Modular Executive MBA: INR 52,93,000 |
| Scholarships | Global Women's Leadership Scholarship, Chevening Scholarships |
Durham University Business School
Durham University Business School is one of the top business schools in the UK. It offers specialized programs in entrepreneurship, consultancy, and technology. As part of one of the UK’s oldest and most prestigious universities, Durham Business School combines heritage with the latest business education. Durham also offers global opportunities through exchange programs with partner institutions worldwide.
| Category | Details |
| University Type | Public |
| Location | Durham City |
| Website | www.durham.ac.uk/business |
| Program Options | Full-Time MBA, Durham-EBS Executive MBA, Online MBA |
| Course Duration | Full-Time MBA: 12 months, Durham-EBS Executive MBA: 18 months, Online MBA: 24 months |
| Requirements | Undergraduate Degree, IELTS 7.0, TOEFL (iBT) 102, GMAT Minimum 600, Minimum 3 Years Management Experience |
| Average Fees Per Year | Full-Time MBA: INR 36,32,000, The Durham-EBS Executive MBA: INR 41,50,000, Online MBA: INR 15,57,000 |
| Scholarships | Executive Dean's Scholarship, Achievement Scholarship |
Cheapest MBA Colleges in UK
These programs provide an opportunity for students to gain a valuable business education and build their careers. These institutions offer MBA programs at relatively lower fees.
| Institution | Fees (in GBP) | Course Duration (Months) |
|---|---|---|
| Cardiff Metropolitan University | 6,950 | 12 |
| University of Bedfordshire | 11,250 | 12 |
| Glyndwr University | 11,000 | 12 |
| University of Suffolk | 11,790 | 12 |
| University of Bolton | 14,450 | 12 |
| Canterbury Christ Church University | 14,500 | 12 |
| Leeds Beckett University | 15,000 | 12 |
| University of Wales, Trinity St David | 15,000 | 12 |
| De Montfort University | 16,500 | 12-15 |
Admission Requirements to study MBA in Top Universities
You must meet a comprehensive set of requirements to study at top MBA colleges in UK. These requirements ensure that the incoming class is talented and well-prepared for an MBA program. This criteria is crucial for prospective students, it is mentioned below:
Academic Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Degree | Full-time bachelor's degree from a recognized institute |
| GPA | 3.0 or above on a 4.0-point scale (varies by university) |
Work Experience Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Experience | Substantial work experience preferred |
| Note | Some schools offer MBA without work experience, but it's an advantage |
| Importance | Institutions value candidates who can add value and benefit from programs |
Also read – How can you study MBA in UK without work experience?
Application Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Degree | Bachelor's degree or equivalent from a recognized institution |
| Resume | Required |
| Reference Letters | Required |
| Essays | As demanded by the university |
Exams for MBA Abroad
| Exam | Details |
|---|---|
| GMAT | Required by most MBA colleges abroad; Accepted by 2,400+ MBA and MIM colleges Top B-Schools require 700+ score; 650+ can fetch a decent MBA college Current version (GMAT Focus) includes Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights |
| GRE | Gaining traction for MBA admissions; Accepted by almost all top MBA colleges abroad Consists of Analytical Writing, Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning |
English Language Proficiency Tests
| Test | Details |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5-7.0 |
| TOEFL | 100 |
| PTE | 68 |
Read More – What are the PTE requirements to study in UK?
Job Opportunities after MBA in UK
Studying at top MBA universities in UK can lead to many job prospects. Students’ comprehensive business knowledge and worldwide experience make them valuable assets in the global market. The following are some positions frequently held by UK MBA holders:
| Job Role | Average Annual Salary (in Euro) |
|---|---|
| Financial Controller | 99,804 |
| Business Application Analyst | 79,438 |
| Operations Manager | 77,362 |
| Business Strategist Analyst | 75,375 |
| Sales Manager | 70,542 |
| Human Resources Officer | 64,953 |
| Communications & Marketing Manager | 64,365 |
| Financial Analyst | 54,846 |
Read More: What are the best jobs for Indian students in UK?
Conclusion
For Indian students who want admission to an MBA in UK in 2025, the leading universities and colleges are packed with great opportunities. However, the application process and choosing the right program can be difficult. But you don’t have to do it alone. Seek help from Transglobal Overseas’ counseling services which will help you make informed decisions about MBA universities in UK. An expert’s input will launch your MBA journey on strong footing paving the way for a transformative experience in higher education. Contact us to book your consultation today.
How much does an MBA cost in UK?
In the UK, the price of an MBA ranges considerably based on the university, duration and location. Normally, fees start from £30,000 and go up to £80,000 annually. There are business schools that can charge higher fees.
Which university is better for MBA in UK?
Some of the highly ranked MBA universities in UK are London Business School, Cambridge Judge Business School, and Oxford Saïd Business School among others. Imperial College Business School, the University of Manchester as well as University of Warwick are also credible choices.
Who is eligible for MBA in UK?
You will need a bachelor’s degree from a recognized UK university with a minimum GPA of 3. (on a 4. scale) or equivalent. Additionally, GMAT or GRE scores can also serve as one of the requirements along with English language proficiency results such as TOEFL and IELTS. There could be some special demands for certain courses.
How long is an MBA in UK?
In the UK most full-time MBA programs last for a year. It depends on the university or specialization if they last more or fewer years.
Is an MBA better in the USA or UK?
The U.S. and U.K. provide exceptional MBA programs, but which is best will depend on your individual goals and preferences. The U.S. offers a variety of MBA programs compared to the United Kingdom, but the latter is known for shorter and more intensive courses especially focusing on international business.
Is the UK good for MBA?
The UK is a great place to study for an MBA. British institutions have always been known for their high standards, and this includes their school of business.
Is GMAT compulsory for MBA in UK?
Though a GMAT can be required to obtain admission into an MBA program within the UK it isn’t always necessary for one to do so and in other cases, there could be alternative requirements like GRE scores or other criteria such as work experience which vary among different universities. So, you should look up specific details of the program you are interested in.
