UK is the preferred destination for those who want to complete their MBA in a culturally and economically rich country and that too in a short duration. Unlike most of the B-Schools in USA, Canada etc, where MBA is a 2 year course, you would be able to get an MBA degree within one year in UK. Another advantage of choosing UK for your higher studies is that a three year Bachelor’s degree like B.A, BSc etc is recognized by most of the UK universities. For those aspiring to get into the top B-schools, Oxford, Cambridge and London Business School are the top choices, though there are various other universities which offer MBA courses.


Advantage UK

1. Most universities in UK offer a One-year MBA
2. Access to National Health Centre; which is free for students registered on courses of six months or longer
3. Free school education for registered dependent children

Eligibility
Most of the UK universities accept a three year graduation degree. In some cases they may require an Honours degree like BSc (H) or a four year degree like B.E/B.Tech. Thus a good Indian degree would make you eligible for most of the UK universities. In fact, there are some universities which even give admission into MBA without a bachelor’s degree. In such cases, significant work experience and professional achievements would be required.


Work Experience
Most of the UK universities require 2-3 year full-time work experience. However, there are some universities where work experience is not mandatory.


Qualifying Examination
Though most of the universities accept GMAT score, they are very much flexible about GMAT. For getting admission in MBA in UK, GMAT would not be a problem, unless one is targeting top schools like London Business School. However, you would require TOEFL or IELTS score even if you have had your education in English medium. Some universities may relax this criteria after personal interviews.


Application Procedure
One needs to select a B-School and have the following documents ready:
1.    Academic Record - Transcripts & Marksheets
2.    Standardized Tests(GMAT/TOEFL/IELTS) Score Reports
3.    Work Experience Details - Resume
4.    Letter of Recommendation
5.    Application Essays / Statement of Purpose


One must start the application process 12 months in advance. The applications can be requested through the university websites or can be downloaded from the websites. In most of the cases, education consultants/agents would provide the application forms.


Fee and other expenses
The average tuition fee varies from 9000-12000 pounds sterling in low cost universities while it ranges from 12000-18000 pounds sterling in high cost universities. Living costs (accommodation, food, pocket money etc) range from 4000-6000 pounds sterling annually. Thus one could expect to complete MBA by spending about 13000-18000 pounds sterling in low cost and about 16000-24000 pounds sterling in high cost universities. There are university affiliated cheaper programs but they do not have the same infrastructure and facilities as the universities.


Part-Time Jobs
One may work upto 20 hrs a week during semester and full time during vacations. However, do not expect to earn significantly as MBA is an intensive course. Part time jobs are available in food joints etc which pay 5-6 pounds per hour.


Opportunities Post MBA
As compared to US, it is not easy to get jobs in UK. One has to perform well to improve chances of being employed. International students are allowed to work for 2 years post MBA in UK.