Getting an MBA for international students in the U.S.

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree is the pinnacle of business qualifications for students dreaming of becoming captains of industry. Earning a highly sought-after MBA can ensure a bright future full of opportunities for advancing a career in business. With a median $125,000 starting salary for MBA graduates in the U.S., it’s no wonder international students want to attend American business schools in record numbers. 

This post explores what it means to earn an MBA for international students in the U.S. We look at what an MBA is all about and why these qualifications are in such high demand. Read on to discover more about the best U.S. schools for getting an MBA and what you’ll need to do to get into one. 

Master of Business Administration (MBA) 101

Earning an MBA is a significant achievement. Professionals holding this prestigious degree are recognized as individuals who’ve met and passed the stringent MBA requirements. 

Known for covering the high-level essentials of modern business administration through specialized topics and themes, MBA programs are designed to prepare students to manage dealings across various industries and contexts. 

Ultimately, MBA graduates join a select membership of professionals recognized as leaders in business around the world.

What’s an MBA? 

A Master of Business Administration degree is a professional master’s level academic qualification. It’s recognized around the world as a critical requirement for advancing to the upper echelons of modern business careers. MBA programs in the U.S. are offered by business schools associated with universities providing the resources, faculty and accreditation for MBAs. 

How long does it take to complete an MBA program?

MBAs generally take two years to complete. The degree requires intensive work, and most students entering programs hold prior real-world work experience. MBAs typically culminate with the submission of a dissertation. Some programs require students to complete a major project or to pass a comprehensive exit examination.

MBA course structure and content

Most MBAs follow a course structure built around core courses. These cover the essentials of business administration, including analytical, functional and ethical subjects. The first year of the MBA program usually consists of core courses followed by a second year of elective courses. These electives allow students to specialize in their chosen MBA field, exposing them to business administration theory and practice. 

Most MBA course content in U.S. programs follows a case method structure. This helps students develop critical strategic decision-making skills in real-world scenarios using practical learning activities and simulated consulting projects to reinforce concepts. Many MBA programs also involve exposure to corporate experts and business executives, providing MBA students with a higher level of experience and opportunity than many other master’s level programs.

Who’s eligible for MBA programs?

A prerequisite for almost all U.S. MBA programs is that applicants hold an undergraduate degree, usually with a focus on business or commerce. Applicants must meet various MBA program entry criteria. These may include demonstrating previous academic excellence, a comprehensive work history, and submitting essays and letters of recommendation. 

Students will likely be required to write and pass an entrance examination before gaining entry to an MBA program. In the U.S., MBA program applicants will likely need to complete one of two exams:

• The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
• The Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

Students should also be able to demonstrate previous work experience, often exceeding five years and, in some cases, 10. This includes applicants for an MBA for international students in the U.S. 

International student MBA eligibility

International students must meet the same work experience, academic performance and entry exam requirements as American applicants. However, non-U.S. students will be required to complete relevant language proficiency tests, including TOEFL, IELTS, TOEIC, PTE, or, in some cases, Duolingo accreditation. International students who complete their undergraduate degrees at U.S. colleges are exempted from these English proficiency requirements. 

All U.S. university business schools accept international student MBA program applications, with some even offering scholarships and incentives to attract more foreign participants. 

Why international students pursue MBAs in the U.S. 

While most universities around the world offer MBA programs, and a growing number of private institutions are doing the same, the U.S. still sets the gold standard for business administration qualifications. That’s why thousands of ambitious students from around the world seek to earn an MBA for international students in U.S. colleges and universities.  

STEM-eligible OPT visa extension

Many U.S. business schools full-time MBA programs are STEM-designated degrees. This means that qualifying international student graduates may apply for the F-1 24-month STEM-optional practical training (OPT) extension. The visa extension allows three years of authorized work in the U.S. before requiring sponsorship for any employment-based nonimmigrant or immigrant visas. Not all schools offer this benefit, but those that do attract international students looking to remain in the U.S. for work purposes after earning their MBA. 

Earning potential and employability

Different MBAs around the world hold varying degrees of power – and earning potential. Stanford’s Graduate School of Business 2023 MBA graduates, for example, could expect a $248,000 average base salary, with 84% finding work within three months of graduating. By comparison, MBA graduates of the Frankfurt School of Finance and Management in Germany attracted salaries of under $103,000 on average, with just 75% employed within three months of receiving their degrees. A 2023 study indicated that over 90% of employers in the lucrative finance, consulting and technology industries expect to hire MBA graduates. 

Reputation and the experience

Four of the world’s top five business schools (and 11 out of the top 20) are in the U.S. The unprecedented access to academic resources, business expertise, facilities and knowledge offered by these institutions is hard to find elsewhere. Students receive next-level support, and the very best business administration professors are linked predominantly to top U.S. universities. Students rub shoulders with the finest talent, allowing for unrivaled networking opportunities. And knowing you hold an MBA from a U.S. institution provides confidence and prestige.  

Understanding MBA programs

Here’s a quick overview of the various MBA programs for international students in the U.S. and specializations available at most U.S. business schools. 

Types of MBAs

Like many other undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, MBA programs offer a range of structures and configurations. 

• Full-time MBAs – These in-person programs follow a set course curriculum with students attending classes and submitting coursework. Full-time MBAs are the most common type of program and generally take two years to complete.
• Part-time MBAs – An alternative to the full-time MBA, the part-time MBA allows students the flexibility of continuing with work or careers while still studying. These MBAs take longer to complete, often three years or more. 
• Online MBAs – This increasingly popular form of MBA allows students to obtain their degrees remotely. All lectures, exams and project submissions are done online. However, distance learning may restrict exposure to expertise and limit access to resources. 
• Executive MBAs (EMBA) – EMBAs are designed for corporate managers and executives with work experience, often 10 years or more. This MBA caters to business leaders looking to improve their management and leadership skills. 
• Flexible MBAs – These programs allow students to combine different MBA structures to accommodate work needs. Students can, for example, opt for a modular course approach or blend in-person attendance with distance learning. Not all U.S. business schools offer this option.

Whichever MBA type works for you, ensure you fully understand what each one entails. Also, not all business schools offer MBA programs in various structures, so make sure you know what’s available and what isn’t. 

MBA specializations

Most MBA programs require students to specialize in a chosen field or business profession. You can pick your elective subjects, usually in the program’s second year. While there are many MBA specializations available, these are among the most common U.S. MBA programs currently. 

• MBA in business analytics – This increasingly in-demand MBA program is centered around managing and interpreting complex data. It’s geared towards students looking to enter tech industries and data-intensive fields like insurance, which require advanced modeling visualization and analytical skills. 
• MBA in marketing management – A traditional MBA focusing on marketing and related communications and advertising fields. This multifaceted MBA covers various areas and topics, including promotional strategy, brand management and product development. 
• MBA in financial management – This program is designed for the financial industry. Many of these MBA graduates work in banking, corporate finance, economics and careers on Wall Street.
• MBA in human resource management – A popular management MBA. This specialization is essential for HR managers looking to take their corporate people management capabilities to the top level. 
• MBA in international business – Also known as a “global MBA,” this specialization focuses on international business and commerce. An excellent option for international students looking to study in the U.S. 

There are many other MBA specializations available at U.S. business schools, such as entrepreneurship, health administration, IT, logistics, and even agriculture. Every year, new MBA programs are emerging to meet the changing needs of the business world. 

Top U.S. business schools for international students

There are nearly 400 business schools in the U.S., and over 270 U.S. universities offer MBA courses and degrees. Many of these business schools rank in the top 50 globally, with the likes of Harvard, Stanford and Wharton business schools consistently taking spots in the top five. 

We’ve picked five of the most recognized and respected U.S. business schools offering sought-after MBA programs for students thinking about earning an MBA for international students in the U.S.

1. The Wharton School

University of Pennsylvania | Intl. Student Ratio: 31% | Admission Tests: TOEFL, IELTS, PTE

The University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School is a top MBA destination for students looking to specialize in the finance field. Recognized as one of the best finance MBA degrees in the world, Wharton’s innovative course offerings and extensive research programs make it an attractive prospect for students from around the globe. Learn more about Wharton’s application requirements for international students. 

2. Harvard Business School

Harvard University | Intl. Student Ratio: 39% | Admission Tests: TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, Duolingo

Harvard’s Business School ranks in the top three for its business management MBA, global MBA and entrepreneurship MBA qualifications. The school’s extensive networks and high-profile faculty make this business school a top pick for international students hoping to reach the top of the business world. HBS’s admission requirements are famously tough, but the massive opportunities an HBS MBA provides make applying for one here worth the effort. 

3. Stanford Graduate School of Business

Stanford University | Intl. Student Ratio: 36% | Admission Tests: TOEFL only

The Stanford Graduate School of Business is seen as offering the best MBA qualifications for students with entrepreneurial dreams. With close ties to Silicon Valley and groundbreaking innovation, the Stanford Graduate School of Business often tops the rankings lists for most valuable MBAs. With a 7% acceptance rate, It’s no surprise that only the best international students will be admitted into the program. 

4. Booth School of Business

The University of Chicago | Intl. Student Ratio: 36% | Admission Tests: TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, Duolingo

Chicago’s Booth School of Business offers a well-balanced range of MBA qualifications, though many graduates end up working as world-class consultants. Booth’s finance and economics MBA qualifications are recognized as among the finest in the world, and the school’s diverse student body accommodates many international students. Admission requirements for Booth are also less rigorous than other top business schools. 

5. Kellogg School of Management

Northwestern University | Intl. Student Ratio: 39% | Admission Tests: TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo

Located just north of Chicago, the Kellogg School of Management’s myriad MBA programs are particularly attractive to international students hoping to become top-level tech and financial sector management consultants. MBA graduates of this prestigious institution have access to a  55,000-strong alumni network across the globe. Visit their international students admissions page to learn more about applying for an MBA at the Kellogg School of Management. 

Financing your MBA education

Like other undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at U.S. universities, studying for an MBA for international students in the U.S. can be expensive. 

The average tuition for attending a full-time MBA program at a U.S. business school varies widely, but most top programs cost between $30,000 and $60,000 per year. The best schools, like those mentioned above, can reach as high as $75,000 a year or more, just for tuition. That doesn’t include living expenses.

Financing your MBA education can come through various avenues. Not very many international students can afford to pay so much up-front. But they can turn to resources that make funding an MBA possible. 

Business school scholarships and fellowships

Some business schools offer scholarships and fellowships to assist applicants with covering their tuition and living expenses during their program. International students are generally excluded from applying for federal financial aid. However, some business schools don’t discriminate between U.S. and non-U.S. citizen applicants when awarding scholarships or fellowships. You can browse some of them here. 

Private financial aid options

It may be worth exploring external, non-university financial aid options to assist with funding an MBA for international students in the U.S. Some organizations and private entities, both inside and outside the U.S., have programs to assist international MBA students specifically. 

Student loans

The most accessible, flexible and popular way to fund your MBA education is through student loans. Widely available and effective at providing the necessary funds to cover the costs of the degree, student loans can make these programs accessible to talented students around the world.  Some student loans are even available without a cosigner or collateral opening up MBA programs to support all of the world.  . 

What we’ve learned about MBA programs for international students

Aside from being the first nation to offer advanced degrees in business, the U.S.’s status as the leading economy in the world makes earning a U.S. MBA valuable. The country is home to many of the globe’s largest companies and organizations. This gives top business schools access to leading corporate executives, resources and, importantly, networking opportunities. 

Though ranking as one of the most expensive master’s-level qualifications available, the return-on-investment potential of pursuing an MBA outranks almost every other qualification. With more and more employers seeking top MBA talent and these degrees boasting a remarkably higher starting salary for MBA graduates over their peers, earning an MBA at a U.S. business school can lead to business success. Discover the MBA opportunities available to international students in the U.S. (and around the world) and how to access financial aid to pay for it. Visit International Education and Financial Aid.

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