Best Universities in UK for MBA (2025): Fees, Eligibility & Scholarships

Lakshmi

11 min read

Updated On Jun 2, 2025

Best Universities in UK for MBA (2025): Fees, Eligibility & Scholarships

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Top 10 Best Universities in the UK for MBA
List of Best MBA Courses in the UK
Work Permit After Completing MBA in the UK
MBA Scholarships for the UK
Choose the Best Universities in the UK for Your MBA Journey

The best universities in the UK for MBA consistently ranked among the top global institutions, attracting ambitious professionals from around the world. In 2024 the UK remains one of the most preferable MBA destinations, with over 120,000 international students enrolled in business and management courses.

According to Financial Times Global MBA rankings 2024, UK Business schools ranked in the top 50 globally. With opportunities to specialise in areas like entrepreneurship, international business, etc, pursuing an MBA in the UK is a strategic step towards global leadership. Join us as we explore the top UK universities for MBA 2025.

Top 10 Best Universities in the UK for MBA

UK's MBA programs typically last 12-21 months, with average tuition fees 2025 ranging from 31,450 to 87,900 GBP. Over 130 business schools in the UK offer MBA programs, known for their accessibility compared to Canada and the USA.

University	QS MBA Global Ranking 2025	Average Annual Tuition Fee (GBP)	MBA Course Duration
London Business School	5	115,000	15–21 months (flexible)
University of Cambridge	7	74,000	1 year
Imperial College London	18	73,000	1 year
University of Oxford	19	117,000	1 year
Warwick Business School	30	57,000	1 year
University of Manchester	47	49,000	1 year
University of Edinburgh	58	40,000	1 year
Cranfield School of Management	68	27,000	13 months
University of Leeds	72	38,000	1 year
Durham University	101 - 110	38,000	1 year

*GBP: Great British Pound is the UK currency

So without further ado, let us explore the list of top MBA universities in the UK

1. London Business School

London Business School is among the prime destinations for best UK business schools and is among the best universities in the UK for MBA as per the QS Global MBA Ranking 2025.

LBS ranks among the top 5 business schools in the world, known for its distinguished offerings of prestigious MSc, MBA, and EMBA programs in finance, management, marketing, and more. It stands as one of the premier destinations for MBA education in London.

The details on requirements and fee structure along with the average earnable salary by MBA grads at the London Business School have been mentioned below:

Particulars	Details
Duration	15 - 21 months
Acceptance Rate	25% - 28%
Tuition Fee	£115,000
Requirements	The admission requirements include Undergraduate academic transcripts or equivalent qualification. GPA required: 3.3 or 86-87%. English language proficiency: IELTS 7.5. GMAT Score: 708. Minimum 2 years of work experience. 2 Essays, each limited to 500 words (1 optional). One-page CV. Two letters of reference: 1 from the employer and 1 from a coworker or client.
Average Salary Post-MBA	£94,343
Employability Rate	94% of graduates employed within 3 months of graduation

Also Read: Explore the Top 10 MBA Colleges in the World: Ranking, Fee Structure & More

2. University of Cambridge

The University of Cambridge, founded in 1209, is one of the best universities in the UK for MBA and ranks 2nd best in the UK for MBA studies (QS Global MBA Rankings 2023). Cambridge Judge Business School is renowned for excellence in entrepreneurship and innovation management.

The details on requirements and fee structure along with the average earnable salary by MBA grads at the University of Cambridge have been mentioned below:

Particulars	Details
Duration	12months
Acceptance Rate	33%
Tuition Fee	£74,000
Requirements	The Cambridge MBA is suitable if you have: More than 2 years of work experience with a track record of career growth. A bachelor's degree with strong academic performance (equivalent to a high 2:1 on the UK scale). A valid GMAT/GRE score (average around 690). Excellent English language skills. A growth-oriented mindset with strong interpersonal and collaborative abilities. Confidence, resilience, ambition, and the ability to thrive under pressure.
Average Salary Post-MBA	£75,198
Employability Rate	93% of graduates employed within 3 months of graduation

3. Imperial College London

Being among the best MBA colleges in the UK, Imperial College London ranks among the top 20 best MBA universities in the world as per the QS World Ranking 2025 and is also ranked among the top 3 best MBA universities in the UK (as per QS Global MBA ranking 2025).

Imperial College Business School provides exceptional full-time and part-time MBA programs. Its advanced curriculum paves the way for limitless opportunities in the realms of business, management, and entrepreneurship.

The details on requirements and fee structure along with the average earnable salary by MBA grads at the Imperial College London have been mentioned below:

Particulars	Details
Duration	12 - 32 months
Acceptance Rate	20% - 25%
Tuition Fee	£73,000
Requirements	The admission requirements include: Minimum requirement: 3 years of work experience. Candidates with less than 3 years may be considered if they exhibit exceptional career growth and academic performance. Average work experience: 7 years. At least a UK Second Class Honours or its international equivalent. Alternatively, an acceptable professional qualification. Standardized Test Scores: Minimum GMAT score: 600. Minimum GRE scores: 156 in the verbal and 158 in the quantitative sections.
Average Salary Post-MBA	£83,000
Employability Rate	88% of graduates employed within 3 months of graduation

4. The University of Oxford

Oxford University has been ranked the 4th best university for MBA in the UK (as per the QS Global MBA ranking 2025) and the best under the MBA university ranking UK (World University Ranking 2025).

Its Saïd Business School caters to undergraduate and postgraduate students offering business, management, and finance courses. The details on requirements and fee structure along with the average earnable salary by MBA grads at the University of Oxford have been mentioned below

Particulars	Details
Duration	12 - 32 months
Acceptance Rate	20% - 25%
Tuition Fee	£73,000
Requirements	The admission requirements include Undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification. A written supporting statement. Completion of an online assessment. Submission of either GMAT or GRE scores. Minimum 2 years of professional work experience. A clear understanding of your career goals. Proficiency in English. Two references (professional or academic). A one-page CV following the provided template as a guide.
Average Salary Post-MBA	£91,198
Employability Rate	91% of graduates employed within 3 months of graduation

5. University of Warwick

University of Warwick holds the 5th rank among the best universities in the UK for MBA (QS Global MBA ranking 2025) and among the top 30 best business and management schools in the world. The MBA program at Warwick Business School is designed to cultivate powerful, innovative, and impactful global leaders.

Whether you are a recent graduate or a seasoned professional, the Warwick MBA acts as a catalyst, elevating and transforming your career. The details on requirements and fee structure along with the average earnable salary by MBA grads at the University of Warwick have been mentioned below:

Particulars	Details
Duration	12 months
Tuition Fee	£57,000
Acceptance Rate	25% - 30%
Requirements	The admission requirements include Preferably upper second class honors or equivalent. Minimum 3 years' post-graduation professional business experience. GMAT (650+) or valid GRE score. Warwick Test may be considered for certain candidates. English Language Proficiency Score: IELTS 7+, PTE 70, etc.
Average Salary Post-MBA	£80,000 - £90,000
Employability Rate	94% of graduates employed within 3 months of graduation

Also Read: Statement of Purpose (SOP) for UK

6. University of Manchester

Alliance Manchester Business School is among the pioneer business schools and certainly among the best universities in the UK for MBA. Affiliated with the esteemed University of Manchester (Ranked among top 50 Global B-schools as per the QS World Ranking 2025).

Its MBA program emphasizes leadership development and empowers students to craft their vision for the future. The details on requirements and fee structure along with the average earnable salary by MBA grads at the University of Manchester have been mentioned below:

Particulars	Details
Duration	15 - 24 months
Tuition Fee	£49,000
Acceptance Rate	35% - 40%
Requirements	The admission requirements include Must have an Undergraduate Degree. English Language Proficiency IELTS: 6.5 TOEFL (iBT): 90 PTE: 59-65 GMAT Score: 550 - 700.
Average Salary Post-MBA	£110,000
Employability Rate	89% of graduates employed within 3 months of graduation

7. The University of Edinburgh

Ranked 58 in the QS MBA Global Rankings 2025, the University of Edinburgh (UoE) stands as the sixth oldest university in the English-speaking world.

The University of Edinburgh Business School is among the best universities in the UK for business administration offering a comprehensive range of programs in business and management, catering to undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive education. The details on requirements and fee structure along with the average earnable salary by MBA grads at the University of Edinburgh have been mentioned below:

Particulars	Details
Duration	12 - 33 months
Tuition Fee	£40,000
Acceptance Rate	35% - 40%
Requirements	The admission requirements include Minimum of 3 years' work experience English Language Proficiency UK 2:1 honors degree in any subject or an equivalent overseas qualification. Exceptions may apply: Consideration with professional qualifications and substantial work experience. Evaluation based on a strong employment record displaying significant responsibility. GMAT Not compulsory, but if the minimum academic requirement is not met, a GMAT score of 600 is expected for MBA qualification
Average Salary Post-MBA	£106,489
Employability Rate	87% of graduates employed within 3 months of graduation

8. Cranfield School of Management

Renowned as a global leader in management education, research, and consultancy, Cranfield School of Management is among the 100 best business schools in the world as per QS MBA Rankings 2025.

The MBA program is dedicated to enhancing business and management practices, nurturing high-performance leaders, and inspiring adaptability to ever-evolving business landscapes. The details on requirements and fee structure along with the average earnable salary by MBA grads at Cranfield University have been mentioned below:

Particulars	Details
Duration	12 months
Tuition Fee	£27,000
Acceptance Rate	30% - 35%
Requirements	The admission requirements include Minimum of 3 years' work experience English Language Proficiency UK 2:1 honors degree in any subject or an equivalent overseas qualification. Exceptions may apply: Consideration with professional qualifications and substantial work experience. Evaluation based on a strong employment record displaying significant responsibility. GMAT Not compulsory, but if the minimum academic requirement is not met, a GMAT score of 600 is expected for MBA qualification
Average Salary Post-MBA	£109,000
Employability Rate	90% of graduates employed within 3 months of graduation

Also Read: Cheapest MBA in the UK for Indian Students 2025

9. University of Leeds

Ranked among the top 100 globally by QS Global MBA rankings 2025 the Leeds MBA is popular for its emphasis on leadership, responsible management, and innovation. The program features real world consulting projects and global networking opportunities and stands out for its integration with industry and strong links with employers in the UK and abroad.

The details on requirements and fee structure along with the average earnable salary by MBA grads at Leeds University Business School have been mentioned below:

Particulars	Details
Duration	12 months
Tuition Fee	£38,000
Acceptance Rate	64%
Requirements	The admission requirements include Minimum of 3 years' work experience English Language Proficiency (6.5 in IELTS, TOEFL iBT 88 overall, PTE Academic 64 overall with 60 in each component) UK 2:1 honors degree in any subject or an equivalent overseas qualification. Exceptions may apply: Consideration with professional qualifications and substantial work experience. GMAT Not compulsory, but if the minimum academic requirement is not met, a GMAT score of 600 is expected for MBA qualification
Average Salary Post-MBA	£76,000
Employability Rate	90% of graduates employed within 3 months of graduation

10. Durham University

Durham University Business School is ranked among the top 10 universities in the UK for MBA by QS Global MBA Rankings 2025 and among top 70 worldwide universities by the Financial Times Global MBA Ranking 2024.

Durham MBA is known for academic excellence and strong alumni network, and programs offer flexible pathways including entrepreneurship, consultancy, and tech. The details on requirements and fee structure along with the average earnable salary of Durham University Business School MBA graduates have been mentioned below:

Particulars	Details
Duration	12 months
Tuition Fee	£38,000
Acceptance Rate	11% - 15%
Requirements	The admission requirements include Minimum of 3 years' work experience English Language Proficiency (7.0 in IELTS, TOEFL iBT 102 overall, PTE Academic 64 overall with 60 in each component) UK 2:1 honors degree in any subject or an equivalent overseas qualification. Exceptions may apply: Consideration with professional qualifications and substantial work experience. GMAT Not compulsory, but if the minimum academic requirement is not met, a GMAT score of 600 is expected for MBA qualification
Average Salary Post-MBA	£70,000 - £100,000
Employability Rate	90% of graduates employed within 3 months of graduation

Also Read: All You Need to Know About MBA in the UK without GMAT

List of Best MBA Courses in the UK

The UK offers a diverse range of high-quality MBA programs tailored to various interests and career goals. Top business schools in the UK provide flexible study options, including full-time, part-time, and executive MBA programs.

These programs typically cover core business subjects such as accounting, finance, marketing, human resources, operations management, strategy, and organizational behavior. Popular MBA specializations in the UK include:

MBA in Finance
MBA in Marketing
MBA in Entrepreneurship
MBA in International Business
MBA in Innovation Management
MBA in Sustainability and Social Impact

The duration of a full-time MBA in the UK ranges from 12 to 24 months, while part-time MBA programs can be completed in 2 to 4 years.

Quick Reads:

Why Study an MBA in UK Universities?

Studying for an MBA in the UK is a popular choice for many students worldwide due to various compelling reasons supported by statistical data. Here are the top 5 reasons:

Reputation and Quality of Education: According to the Financial Times Global MBA Ranking 2025, six UK business schools are in the top 50, with London Business School ranked among the top 10 best in the world.
Strong Employment Outcomes: According to the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) Corporate Recruiters Survey, 87% of UK employers planned to hire MBA graduates, with an average starting salary of £79,000.
Diverse International Student Body: According to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), 57% of MBA students in the UK were international, coming from over 100 different countries.
Shorter Program Duration: According to the Association of MBAs (AMBA), 78% of MBA programs in the UK can be completed in 1 year.
Access to a Thriving Business Environment: The City of London Corporation reported in 2023 that the UK attracted £1.6 billion in financial services investments, emphasizing the thriving business landscape.

Work Permit After Completing MBA in the UK

The UK Post-Study Work (PSW UK) visa allows international students to remain in the UK for two years after completing their studies to seek employment. This applies to graduates of bachelor's, master's, and Ph.D. programs.

Once the PSW visa expires, those wishing to stay longer in the UK must apply for a Skilled Worker visa or a General UK Work visa (Tier 2 visa). To qualify for a Tier 2 visa, candidates generally need to earn a minimum of £30,000 per year, although this threshold can vary depending on the specific job.

Quick Read:

MBA Scholarships for the UK

Pursuing an MBA in the UK can be a significant investment, but numerous scholarships are available to help offset the costs. These scholarships to study in UK are often awarded based on academic excellence, leadership potential, and financial need.

International students aiming to pursue an MBA in the UK can apply for numerous scholarships. Some of the prominent MBA scholarships available for studying in the UK:

Chevening Scholarships
Commonwealth Scholarships
University-specific Scholarships
Corporate and Foundation Scholarships
Merit-based and Need-based Scholarships

Also Read:

Choose the Best Universities in the UK for Your MBA Journey

MBA programs in UK universities ensure a bright future with evolving curriculums tailored to the needs of the business industry. Graduates gain the skills and knowledge to excel in contemporary business environments and secure high-paying jobs in the UK after MBA.

For expert guidance and assistance with study abroad formalities, connect with GetGIS immigration expert who would be more than happy to assist you to make informed choices.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do UK MBA programs differ from those in other countries?

UK MBA programs often emphasize practical and experiential learning, with a strong focus on leadership and global exposure. They offer diverse specializations and networking opportunities with a diverse student community.

How long do MBA programs typically last in the UK?

MBA programs in the UK generally last 1 to 2 years, depending on the full-time, part-time, or executive format.

What career opportunities can I expect after completing an MBA in the UK?

After completing an MBA in the UK, graduates can expect a wide range of career opportunities in various industries, including finance, consulting, marketing, technology, and entrepreneurship.

The degree equips them with valuable leadership skills and a global perspective, opening doors to higher-level positions and increasing earning potential.

What are the tuition fees for studying MBA in UK universities?

Tuition fees for MBA programs in the UK can vary widely depending on the university and the program's duration. On average, they range from £20,000 to £50,000 per year.

Are scholarships or financial aid available for international students pursuing an MBA in the UK?

Yes, many UK universities offer scholarships, grants, and financial aid options specifically designed for international students pursuing MBA programs. Prospective students are encouraged to explore the university's financial aid webpage for available opportunities.

How does the UK's post-study work visa benefit international MBA graduates?

The UK offers a post-study work visa option, which allows international students, including MBA graduates, to stay in the UK and work for up to two years after completing their studies. This provides an excellent opportunity for graduates to gain valuable work experience and potentially explore long-term career prospects in the UK.

What are some of the specialized MBA programs available in UK universities?

Some popular offered MBA programs by UK universities include - finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, healthcare management, sustainability, and technology management, among others. Prospective students can also research individual university websites to find specific program offerings.