Study Business Administration Abroad
Explore in detail the best universities and programmes to study business administration abroad. Learn about the tuition fees, scholarships, career prospects and more to understand your opportunities.
When we analyse the professional profiles of the highest paid graduates five years out of the university, a variable constantly stands out, i.e. International Exposure. Your choice to study business administration abroad is an investment strategy that can boost your future earning potential significantly.
Exposure to the world’s financial markets and a network that spans continents, your choice to study business administration abroad will only be a “force multiplier” for your resume. As the job market becomes more saturated with qualified candidates, the question you should ask yourself is whether studying business administration abroad is a choice you can afford to miss.
Let us explore more about studying business administration abroad with expert guidance.
Best Countries to Study Business Administration Abroad
With the demand for skilled and qualified candidates increasing by the minute, here is a list of the best countries where you can study business administration abroad.
The United States (USA)
- Top-Ranked Institutions: From MIT to Wharton Business School, US universities take up the top spot for the top institutions to study business administration abroad, especially as per the latest QS and THE Subject Rankings.
- Practical Innovation: EducationUSA highlights that the US curriculum is designed to promote experiential learning by incubating startups and consulting for major organisations during the course.
The United Kingdom (UK)
- Quicker Graduation: Compared to other top destinations, the UK curriculum is designed to instil the necessary skills and understanding to future leaders and CEOs through programmes that take one-year for completion at the Master’s/MBA level.
- Global Financial Hub: With the global financial hub, London, located in the UK, aspirants have access to global financial giants for internships and job opportunities.
Canada
- Post-Graduate Work Permit: With the ability to stay back in the country for 3 years after graduation, earning your business administration degree in Canada can be significantly rewarding.
- Safe Economy: Canada is renowned for having a stable banking system and a growing tech sector, which can act as a ‘safe-haven’ for prospective business administration graduates.
Singapore
- Global Connectivity: Candidates earning a degree one of the top universities in Singapore often earn the skill to bridge Eastern and Western business practices, which is becoming an increasingly valuable skillset.
- Safety and Security: Recognised as one of the safest countries in the world with a high level of political stability, Singapore is one of the best choices for prospective students.
France
- Grandes Ecoles System: The elite Grandes Ecoles are renowned for their deep ties to the industry, Campus France states, compared to the public universities.
- English-Taught Programmes: Despite the language barrier, some of the best business administration programmes available in France are taught entire in the English language.
Top Courses to Study Business Administration Abroad
There are several different options to choose from when it comes to studying business administration abroad. Highlighted below are some of the popular business administration programmes available for international students at the top-ranking universities in the world.
| Programme Name | Description | Course Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Business Administration | A curriculum designed to help students specialise in finance, marketing, entrepreneurship and other aspects of business and management. | 3-4 Years |
| Bachelor of Science in Management | Designed to help students learn data-driven facts and decision-making over soft skills through topics like statistics and microeconomics. | 4 Years |
| Master of Business Administration (MBA) | A case or field-based curriculum where students learn business models through 500+ real-world business cases. | 2 Years |
| Master in Management (MiM) | Designed to provide insights into general management and specialised management with the help of internships. | 2 Years |
Top Universities to Study Business Administration Abroad
Universities and business schools across the globe have been renowned for their variety of business and management programmes and the high standards of the quality of education maintained to produce the next generation of great leaders and management that build organisations and businesses to outlast the challenges the world throws at them. Here is a list of the best universities to study business administration abroad.
| University Name | QS Ranking 2025: Business and Management | THE Ranking 2025: Business and Economics |
|---|---|---|
| Harvard University, Cambridge | #1 | #8 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge | #2 | #1 |
| Stanford University, Stanford | #3 | #2 |
| INSEAD, France | #4 | - |
| University of Cambridge, Cambridge | =5 | #6 |
| University of Oxford, Oxford | =5 | #4 |
| London Business School, London | #7 | - |
| National University of Singapore, Singapore | #8 | =10 |
| University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia | #9 | =10 |
| Bocconi University, Milan | #10 | - |
Eligibility Criteria to Study Business Administration Abroad
Universities and institutions across the globe, offering a business administration programme to international students, will set different admission requirements and processes to ensure the best and most deserving students. However, there are basic criteria and admission processes that all prospective students must complete.
Admission Requirements
Each institution will highlight its specific requirements to enrol the best candidates in its business administration programmes. Some of the admission requirements to study business administration abroad have been highlighted here.
- Minimum Academic Requirements:
- For Bachelor’s: Candidates must have achieved a minimum of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0 (minimum of 60% to 75%) during their high school years to qualify.
- For Master’s: Candidates must have achieved a minimum of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0 (minimum of 60% to 75%) in the Bachelor’s degree programme to qualify.
- Standardised Tests: Depending on the university/institution that an aspirant wishes to enrol in, they will need to submit valid and sufficient scores in the following tests:
- For Bachelor’s: For certain Canadian and US universities, candidates will be asked to submit valid scores in either SAT or ACT to improve their chances of enrolment.
- For Master’s: While most business schools will accept GMAT scores for graduate programmes in business administration, certain institutions also accept GRE scores.
- English Language Proficiency Test Scores: For most international students, especially those whose first language is any other than English, enrolling in an English-taught programme requires submitting valid scores in one of the following tests:
- IELTS Academic
- TOEFL iBT
- Duolingo English Test
- PTE Academic
- Cambridge English
- Statement of Purpose: Depending on the institution, applicants will need to submit a statement of purpose/essay/personal statement that outlines their reasons to pursue the specific programme at the specific institution. Candidates should take the opportunity to highlight how the programme aligns with their academic and career goals.
- Letters of Recommendation: Most universities will require candidates to submit a minimum of 2-3 recommendations written by faculty or supervisors who have experienced the academic/professional prowess of the candidate and can attest to the same on an official document.
- Work Experience: For select master’s programmes, such as an MBA, possessing valid documentation to prove the existence of valuable work experience can significantly help the candidature of an applicant.
- Resume/CV: In addition to the work experience, a properly designed resume and/or a CV can also help students stand out from the crowd.
Admission Process
The admission process to enrol in a business administration programme abroad will be unique to each institution. However, the general process would include the following steps:
- Apply Online: Apply to the desired programme online, usually through the university application portal or a common application portal like UCAS in the UK or Common App in the USA.
- Video Interview: Some universities and institutions, like INSEAD, London Business School and others, may ask applicants to appear for a video interview. During this process, candidates will be asked to record their answers to random questions in a bid to assess their spontaneity and fluency in the English language.
- The Interview: Once the applicant has cleared the screening process, many institutions will conduct a physical interview to assess the candidate further.
- Await Response and Take Action: After the interview, candidates will need to wait a few days/weeks before they are made aware of their status. If confirmed, applicants will be asked to complete a few more steps to confirm their enrolment.
Documents Required
At each institution offering a business administration programme to international students, here are some of the basic documents that must be provided.
- Academic Transcripts:
- For Bachelor’s: High school transcripts translated into English, if they are in any other language.
- For Master’s: Bachelor’s degree in any academic discipline
- Standardised Tests:
- For Bachelor’s: For Bachelor’s at US and Canadian institutions, students may be asked to submit valid scores in SAT or ACT to improve their chances of enrolment.
- For Master’s: valid scores in GMAT are required for most management and business administration programmes, especially an MBA. Some institutions may also accept valid GRE scores for the same.
- English Language Proficiency Test Scores: Valid scores from IELTS Academic, Cambridge English, TOEFL iBT, Duolingo English Test (DET), PTE Academic or any other recognised language proficiency test.
- Statement of Purpose/Personal Statement/Essay: A brief statement highlighting all the reasons for your choice of studying the specific programme at the specific institution must be provided.
- Work Experience Certificate: Specifically for graduate programmes, candidates must submit a valid work experience certificate, highlighting their work portfolio and achievements.
- Letters of Recommendation: 2-3 letters of recommendation from previous faculty and/or employers who can attest to your candidacy, experience and achievements.
- Proof of Finances: Some universities will require proof of sufficient funds or proof of the ability to cover the costs of studying the programme at the institution offering the programme.
Get personalised guidance on applying to your desired business administration programme at your desired university abroad with AECC today.
Cost to Study Business Administration Abroad
When planning to pursue your higher studies abroad, a crucial component to consider and plan is your budget to cover the costs of studying and living abroad as an international student. As outlined below, the costs of studying and living abroad are extremely dependent on a number of factors, like the university chosen, the type of lifestyle the student wishes to study and scholarship opportunities that can be availed.
Cost of Studying Business Administration Abroad
Here is a breakdown of the average annual tuition fees for international students wishing to study different types of business administration programmes at the undergraduate and graduate levels, especially at top-ranking universities.
| Country | Average Annual UG Tuition Fees | Average Annual Graduate Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
| The United States (USA) | US $63,000 - $66,000 | US $78,000 - $88,000 |
| The United Kingdom (UK) | £30,000 - £40,000 | £70,000 - £110,000 |
| Canada | CA $60,000 - $72,000 | CA $55,000 - $95,000 |
| Singapore | S$30,000 - $40,000 | S$90,000 - $98,000 |
| France | €15,000 - €18,000 | €45,000 - €107,000 |
Cost of Living Abroad as an International Student
Listed below is an outline of the basic living expenses you can expect as an international student completing your business administration courses abroad.
- Cost of Living in the USA:
- Accommodation: US $12,000 - $18,000
- Food and Groceries: US $6,000 - $8,000
- Health Insurance: US $3,000 - $4,200
- Transportation: US $1,000 - $1,500
- Miscellaneous Costs: US $2,500 - $4,000
- Total Living Costs: US $24,000 - $35,000 + Annual Tuition Fees
- Cost of Living in the UK:
- Accommodation: £10,000 - £15,000
- Food and Groceries: £3,500 - £5,000
- Health Insurance: £776
- Transportation: £1,200 - £1,500
- Miscellaneous Costs: £2,000 - £3,000
- Total Living Costs: £17,000 - £26,000 + Annual Tuition Fees
- Cost of Living in Canada:
- Accommodation: CA $15,000 - $22,000
- Food and Groceries: CA $4,500 - $6,000
- Health Insurance: CA $750 - $1,000
- Transportation: CA $1,300 - $1,500
- Miscellaneous Costs: CA $3,000 - $4,000
- Total Living Costs: CA $24,000 - $34,000 + Annual Tuition fees
- Cost of Living in Singapore:
- Accommodation: S $10,000 - $18,000
- Food and Groceries: S $4,000 - $7,000
- Health Insurance: S $300 - $600
- Transportation: S $1,000 - $1,500
- Miscellaneous Costs: S $2,500 - $4,000
- Total Living Costs: S $18,000 - $31,000 + Annual Tuition Fees
- Cost of Living in France:
- Accommodation: €9,000 - €12,000
- Food and Groceries: €3,500 - €4,500
- Health Insurance: €0 - €300
- Transportation: €400 - €900
- Miscellaneous Costs: €2,000 - €3,000
- Total Living Costs: €15,000 - €20,000
Get a more detailed breakdown of the annual/monthly costs of studying business administration abroad as an international student at your desired university and degree programme with expert AECC Counsellors.
Scholarships to Study Business Administration Abroad
Among the many benefits of studying business administration abroad is the ability to avail of scholarships offered by universities, federal and state governments and private entities as well. These scholarships have been designed to help cover the costs of studying and living abroad for exceptional students as well as those in financial need. Here is a list of some of the more popular scholarships from around the world for aspirants wishing to study business administration abroad.
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility Criteria | Funding Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Fulbright Foreign Student Programme, USA | Citizens of a participating country with a Bachelor’s degree and sufficient work experience, i.e. 2+ years, and high language proficiency in English qualify. | Full tuition fees + Monthly Living Stipend + Round-trip fare + Health Insurance |
| Chevening Scholarships, UK | Citizens of a Chevening-eligible country/territory, with a mandatory work experience of 2 years and an unconditional offer from a UK university, qualify for the scholarship. Candidates must return to their home country after the awards end for a minimum of 2 years. | Up to £22,000 + monthly living allowance + economy class return airfare + visa fees |
| Global Korea Scholarships, Asia | Candidates under 24 years for Bachelor’s and 40 years for Master’s, having a minimum of 80% in their previous academic programme and having taken a mandatory 1-year of Korean Language course qualify for the scholarship. | 100% tuition fee waiver + Monthly stipend + round-trip fare + settlement allowance + free 1-year Korean language training. |
| MEXT Scholarships, Japan | Candidates between the ages of 17-25, having completed 12 years of schooling (for Bachelor’s), or those under the age of 35 (for Graduate) who have passed a written examination at the Japanese Embassy and cleared an interview, qualify for the scholarship. | Full tuition fees + Monthly stipend + Round-trip fare |
| Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme, France | Candidates under the age of 25 who have been nominated by the French University for being a top candidate. | Monthly Allowance + International Return Airfare + travel within France |
Career Prospects After Studying Business Administration Abroad
The career prospects of the graduates of business administration programmes abroad are as vast and varied as the number of programmes and universities around the world. Graduates of these programmes can expect to receive high salaries and great potential in career growth opportunities as well. Highlighted below are the estimated salary potential of the graduates of the business administration programmes in the USA, as the US holds the largest number of high-ranking universities, whose graduates are often highly regarded.
| Job Roles | Average Annual Entry-Level Salary (in USD) | Average Annual Experienced Salary (in USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Management Consultant / Analyst | US $70,000 - $95,000 | US $120,000 - $172,000 |
| Investment Banker | US $110,000 - $150,000 | US $250,000 - $600,000 |
| Marketing Manager | US $55,000 - $75,000 | US $115,000 - $239,000 |
| Financial Analyst | US $65,000 - $85,000 | US $100,000 - $145,000 |
| Human Resource Manager | US $60,000 - $80,000 | US $106,000 - $189,000 |
Sources: US Bureau of Labour Statistics, Indeed
Sources: US Bureau of Labour Statistics, Indeed
The business world has changed with changing times, where multinational corporations no longer look for an impressive degree. Choosing to study business administration abroad moulds your resume in a way that tells prospective employers that you are adaptable, courageous and prepared to compete at a global stage. The CEOs of tomorrow will be the ones who learned to negotiate in London, innovate in the Silicone Valley and be resilient in Singapore.
The world’s most powerful business networks await your arrival. With AECC’s guidance, you can build a strategy that highlights your unique value to the admissions committee.