Online MBA Programs and International Students

One of the main benefits of online and distance learning is that it gives students the freedom to study in a place of their choosing – no matter how far that place is from their educational provider.

It therefore stands to reason that online MBA programs ought to be attractive to international audiences. Although many of the world’s best options will require you to come onto campus every now and then, there’s certainly no need to relocate and no fear of lengthy visa complications for international students.  

However, the numbers of international students (those based outside of the country where the programme's campus is located) enrolling in online MBA programs don’t come close to proportions typically found in full-time campus programs. Although there are more business schools in Europe which come closer to an even proportion between distance and campus MBA options, in the US the difference is more palpable. 

The different demographics in the US and Europe

There is a noticeable difference between the enrollment demographics of online MBA programmes in the US and Europe. Tepper School of Business at Carnegie Mellon University has a highly ranked online MBA programme whose cohort of 316 students has 12 percent international students from 29 different countries.

By comparison, Europe's highest rankings online MBA programme, which can be found at Imperial College Business School in London, has a 2023-2025 cohort of 159 students of which 83 percent are international students from 50 different countries all over the world with the highest demographic of the cohort, 24 percent, coming from the Asia Pacific region.

Both Europe and the US are home to many high ranking business schools so one might ask why the demographics are so different. One prominent reason might be the geography. The US is drastically larger than any European country therefore, while students in the US might be drawn to an online MBA in another state rather than one on the other side of the world whereas European students might be more open to applying for an online MBA in another European country as it will still be geographically close and easier to travel to.

Another reason might be the campus culture promoted by many US universities and business schools. Many students look forward to the prospect of attending a university because they want to live on campus and get involved in the many events and extracurricular activities available. Studying an online MBA remotely would mean that they would not have access to these in person events.

Finally, another reason that US students may choose to study an MBA in US business schools, even when working remotely, is the difference in time zones. Time zone differences can be large even on opposite coasts of the US. The difference between the US and Europe can mean that meetings with faculty and live lectures can be scheduled for unusual times.

The benefits of being an international student studying an online MBA

There are many benefits to being an international student on an online MBA programme. One being that studying an MBA in another country gives students insight into a different economy and different methods of business operation, something that is particularly valuable in a global business market where many companies have offices and clients based all over the world. It allows students to broaden their horizons and begin to understand how different cultures can have an influence on how business is conducted in other parts of the world.

Another benefit is that, with more international students, cohorts will become more diverse meaning that students will have the opportunity to gain connections from all over the world.

A challenge for many international students is the prospect of relocation and moving their life to another country, particularly for postgraduate and MBA students who may have graduated, begun their career and settled in their home country. Studying an online MBA as opposed to an in-person programme allows students to choose whether they would like to emigrate to the country of their business school provider, or remain where they are. If they do choose to remain at home, travelling to their country of study will be easier and will generally have a more simple visa process than if they were to apply for a full-time student visa.

Following Covid, where distanced learning became more normalised, many universities have adapted their teaching methods to accomodate online programmes. Teaching methods and resources as well as scheduling and extracurricular have adapted to ensure that both on-campus and online students get the best experience possible and that the quality of their education is comparable.

Deciding to be a domestic or international student at an online programme

This could be an important consideration for those trying to decide which online MBA might be the right fit for them. Some applicants might prefer to interact with a class predominantly made up of people based in a single country. Whereas, others will be drawn to one in which anywhere up to 90% of your fellow participants can be classified as international students. Either way, it’s important to inform yourself of such differences and pick a program that will give you the type of learning experience you are hoping for. 

Frequently asked questions

Is an online MBA degree valid?

Yes. An accredited online MBA degree from a reputable university is considered by companies and employers as equal to a traditional, in-person MBA degree.

Is an online MBA worth it?

Doing an online MBA is a person decision and the question of whether it is 'worth it' can only be answered by the individual given their previous work experience, their short-term and long-term career ambitions and how much of a personal sacrifice that they would be making to enroll in an online MBA programme.

However, many students find that an online MBA is a great way to help them advance in their career, is often more affordable than the in-person alternative and will not require them to relocate, therefore, it can be considered worth it.

Does an online MBA increase salary?

Yes. One benefit of studying an online MBA is the increase is salary and career prospects after graduation. Top ranked online MBA programme at Imperial College Business School claimed that 2020 graduates of their online MBA programme received an average salary increase of 31 percent.

Do companies accept online MBAs?

Yes. Online MBAs from reputable institutions are held in similar regard as the in-person alternative. According to the Warwick Business School website, one of our highly ranked institutions, graduates of the global online MBA programme currently work in internationally renowned companies such as Amazon, J.P. Morgan, Jaguar, Ikea and Virgin Media.

Can I get a good job after an online MBA?

Yes. At the Australian Graduate School of Management, graduates of their online MBA programme have gained senior management positions across a variety of fields following their studies. Some have taken on leadership roles in an established organisation whereas others chose to start their own business. Many find that an online MBA significantly improves their career prospects after graduation.

What is distance learning?

Distance learning means that students do not have to relocate to live near their campus. It offers students a chance to access all of their lectures and study materials via an online platform instead of in a classroom meaning that a distance learning programme will often have more flexibility.