Thinking of doing your MBA abroad? But you have no idea which country to choose between the USA and UK? They do seem similar but there are key differences that can help you make your decision.
Trying to make a decision as big as this can be overwhelming and if you have done your initial research, you must know that the US and the UK are the top two study abroad destinations when it comes to pursuing an MBA degree, but when it comes to choosing one destination you need to find out which of the two will suit your requirements the best.
So, without further ado, let’s discuss the key differences between MBA in the UK and the USA.
World Ranking
Both countries attract thousands of international students because of the top-tier education they provide. However, if we go by the FT Global MBA Ranks 2022, we will find more US business schools in the top ten and only one business school in the UK in the top ten list.
| Top Business Schools in Usa | Top Business School in Uk |
| Business School in USA in the top ten list by FT Global MBA Ranks 2022: | Business School in UK in the top ten list by FT Global MBA Ranks 2022: |
Eligibility
When choosing a study abroad destination it is very important to check the eligibility criteria. Though the eligibility criteria may vary from university to university, the general criteria that is followed are:
MBA in the UK
| MBA in the USA
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The UK has more flexibility when it comes to its eligibility criteria than the USA. Most American institutions maintain strict GMAT requirements and only allow students to choose their colleges based on those scores. The GPA and GMAT scores that European institutions accept, however, range widely since they pay more attention to the quality of the application and the applicant’s experience. It is best to check the school you are planning to apply for. There are schools in both countries that also offer MBAs without prior work experience
Mode of Education
In the UK, the mode of education takes on the classical curriculum, in which the focus is on theory rather than practical experience. You are only required to focus on the subject area you opt for. While pursuing MBA in the USA, gives students the option to get hands-on practical experience and the flexibility to explore other subjects.
Duration
| MBA in the UK | MBA in the USA |
| 12 to 21 months, usually of 12 months/one year | 2 to 3 years |
The duration is one of the reasons why an MBA in the UK attracts global attention. Unlike other countries, including the USA where the usual duration of an MBA is 2 years, the UK’s one-year program seems more ideal for professionals who are in a hurry to resume or start their career. However, in a two-year program, students can complete their internship while studying, which can give them an extra edge in their future careers.
Cost of Living and Education
| MBA in the UK | MBA in the USA | |
| Cost of Education | £35,000 up to £58,000 for a 12 to 21 months program | Over $60,000 per year |
| Cost of Living | In popular cities like London over £1500 In smaller towns, £700to £1200 per month can be enough | $2061 |
In the list of the most expensive countries in the world, the UK ranked 12th while the USA ranked 8th. And if we look at the duration of the MBA in both countries, we can see that the cost of living will be less expensive in the UK than in the USA. Also, the cost of education is less expensive in the UK, as the MBA program is typically of one year, which makes it ideal for students who are on a budget.
Work Visa and Immigration Policies
The US has stricter policies when it comes to providing visas to international students and the competition is fierce when it comes to getting into UK universities. In conclusion, your chances of getting into either of the countries are more or less the same.
It is important to note that:
| United Kingdom | United State of America |
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Job Prospect and Salary
MBA graduates are one of the most sought-out individuals around the world and have a strong job market, it doesn’t just prepare you to tackle any management position but also offers good work opportunities. Chances of employment after you study in the USA are very attractive. And in the UK, the job prospects are good enough too. The average salary of an MBA graduate is:
- The average MBA salary in the USA was $137,890
- The average MBA salary in the USA was £96,103 ($116,000)
While working as a student in the USA has a catch, international students in the USA can only work on-campus and in specified training programs during the first academic year while on an F-1 and M-1 visa. While in the UK, you can work up to 20 hours per week during the school term and more than 20 hours while on vacations both on and off campus.
In the End
While both countries have a plethora of opportunities, the right destination for you depends upon the program and university you choose. We hope the information we provide helps you paint a clear picture of what you want and which destination you should pursue an MBA in.
