MBA Applications

Master of Business Administration is a course that offers tremendous professional growth by allowing individuals to enhance their managerial abilities, strategic thinking capabilities, and leadership skills. MBA is one of the most popularly pursued degrees among professionals who are willing to establish a career in the business market. Its potential for lucrative salary packages attracts individuals to this path.

The rate of employability among Indian graduates in Business Administration went up to 71% in 2024 as compared to 47% in 2021, which shows an increase in demand for the course.

Why Should I Study MBA Abroad?

Many candidates who have completed their UG course and/or have acquired some work experience, try to move abroad to pursue their MBA.

Pursuing an MBA from abroad offers candidates advantages like:

Excellent networking opportunities with international professionals

Using cutting-edge technologies and resources

Exposure to global practices

Opens a wide range of career opportunities.

However, applying for an MBA program in a renowned foreign B-school is no easy feat. Candidates need to choose a business school where they can pursue an MBA in their desired discipline, sit for an entrance examination, keep their documents ready, and prove their eligibility to be accepted into a renowned management school.

In this article, we will discuss the MBA application process so that aspiring candidates willing to study MBA abroad know where to begin. Read on to find out.

Steps for MBA Application Abroad

Let us simplify the MBA application process and make it easier:

Pick a Business School of Your Choice

To begin with, look for a business school in your desired country that offers an MBA course that aligns with your interests.

Prepare your Documents

Although the requirement for documents may vary from one business school to another, the basic requirements usually remain the same. Prepare the following documents:

Formal transcripts as proof of your UG degree.

Degree certificate.

A resume.

Letters of Recommendation.

Statement of Purpose.

Scores of exams like GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, IELTS, etc.

Also, keep your other documents like passports and other ID proofs handy.

Appear for the Entrance Exam

To apply for an MBA, you will have to take some standardized tests.

While some universities accept GMAT scores, others accept GRE scores. The scores are a vital screening tool and important for proceeding with the MBA application process. The scores obtained in GMAT/GRE remain valid for 5 years from the day they are obtained.

Apply to your Chosen University

Business schools accept MBA applications through their official website. Although some requirements may be different for different universities, the basic requirements remain the same.

Based on the business school you have chosen, adhere to the important dates related to the MBA application like the deadline for document submission, language proficiency test date, and GMAT test date.

Prepare for the Interview

After you have applied and submitted all your documents, prepare for the interview. You need to make your best presentation in order to be accepted into the business school of your choice.

Your interview should display your leadership abilities and entrepreneurship skills, and your personality should show why you are culturally fit for the examination. Make sure that what you present in the interview aligns with what the business school is looking for.

Wait for the Business School’s Decision

Based on your performance in all the rounds, the business school will finally decide whether you will be allowed into their MBA program.

Get Your Student Visa

Candidates willing to pursue an MBA course abroad have to apply for a student visa. The procedure may, however, be different for different countries. While some countries accept the application for visa online, others require the candidates to visit the respective country’s embassy.

Documents required for student visa application:

Passport

Passport photo

Acceptance letter issued by the business school

Proof of how a candidate is planning to manage finances during the tenure of study

In some cases, candidates may also have to submit:

Academic transcripts

Health insurance evidence

Proof of language proficiency through exams like IELTS or TOEFL

Letter explaining the intent why the candidate wants to pursue MBA in the chosen country

Student Visa Details in Different Countries

Study in Top MBA Schools Abroad

Choosing the right university from where you should pursue your MBA is crucial as it paves the way for a bright future. Listed below are the top 5 MBA schools that are renowned globally:

Tips for a Stellar Resume Preparation

Your resume is a reflection of your education and work experience, therefore making resume preparation an important step of your MBA application process. It offers all the information about you at a glance. Therefore, make sure it is kept crisp, concise, and to the point.

Follow these practices to make your resume stand out:

Tip 1:

Your resume should contain the following information about you:

Contact information

Objective/Summary

Work experience

Education

Technical skills

Achievement/awards

Tip 2:

Decide a structure for your resume. It should be easy to navigate.

Tip 3:

Describe in your “Objective” section how you serve as a valuable asset to an institute’s MBA cohort. Your objective should align with the keywords of the application.

Tip 4:

Write your skills, educational qualifications, and your work experience in bullets. This makes them easy to identify.

Guide to Writing a Good SoP

An SoP is an important aspect of an MBA application process that can set a candidate apart from other peers.

An SoP includes everything ranging from an applicant’s prior work experience, personal experiences, long-term objectives, and motivations for seeking an MBA. Have a look at the best practices for writing a good SOP:

An SoP should highlight a candidate’s goals, experiences, and motivation.

It should show how informed and interested a candidate is about the university’s ongoing programs, initiatives, and research.

Candidates should highlight how their skills and background make them eligible for the program.

Candidates should state their professional goals and align them with how an MBA course can help them achieve the goals.

The SoP should be informative yet brief and direct.

It should be proofread well before submission. Candidates should use short sentences and paragraphs to enhance readability.

Hope this guide to the MBA application process has helped you get an idea about how you should embark on the journey of pursuing an MBA abroad and pave the way to a bright career.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is an MBA beneficial?

Ans: Yes, an MBA teaches learners managerial and leadership skills which prepares them to work in a competitive environment. This way, an MBA prepares learners to assume top roles in companies.

How many recommendations for MBA applications?

Ans:  Although not all MBA applications require a letter of recommendation, some applications require at least two letters of recommendation in support of the candidate.

Can I drop my MBA after 1 year?

Ans: Yes, you may drop your MBA after 1 year. However, your paid fees will not be refunded to you.

How to start SoP for an MBA?

Ans: To write an MBA SoP, you will have to write an introductory paragraph telling the selectors what prompted you to apply for the MBA at their university. You should also tell in brief about your educational or professional background.

Is graduation necessary for an MBA?

Ans: Yes, to proceed with an MBA application process, candidates should hold a graduation degree with a minimum of 50% aggregate (45% for reserved categories).