The Top One-Year MBA Programs in Asia-Pacific

MBAs come in different formats, from online to in-person and part-time to full-time.

While the most common program format has long been a two-year, full-time, in-person course, more schools have started to introduce one-year options, making the length of time it takes for students to complete their degree much faster, meaning they will spend less time away from the office.

Other perks of a one-year format include lower tuition costs, more summer internship, greater opportunities, and less rigid eligibility requirements.

Here are 10 one-year MBAs from top b-schools in Asia-Pacific to think about.

Melbourne Business School

Melbourne Business School’s (MBS) full-time MBA can be completed in as little as one year. The challenging and fast-paced program is based in Melbourne, Australia’s most vibrant city.

Aside from core classes – including Finance, Data Analysis, Strategy and Management Accounting – students must complete six elective courses to tailor their curriculum. These include Business Law, Corporate Finance, Game Theory and FinTech.

The school offers exchange opportunities within its global network of more than 50 business schools across 23 countries.

The University of Hong Kong

The University of Hong Kong’s HKU MBA is an intensive one-year program with a focus on the region’s dynamic, ever-evolving business environment.

While the Asia Track of the program is based at HKU, students also have the option to take China-focused electives at Fudan University for three months in the spring semester. The curriculum is highly customizable, allowing professionals to gain their preferred skills before going back to the office.

Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad

IIM Ahmedabad offers a one-year full-time MBA program – MBA-PGPX – beginning in April of each year. This intensive course is ideal for experienced managers who seek a dynamic and diverse b-school environment.

The program follows a six-segment course structure which includes a two-day induction, a “Building Blocks” period – where students take core business courses – and a two-week International Immersion abroad.

CUHK Business School

The CUHK MBA, based in Hong Kong, is a one-year MBA aimed at culturally sensitive and open-minded professionals.

The course provides a plethora of global learning opportunities, including an exchange program, dual degrees, credit-bearing business field studies, business case competitions, career treks and field visits. The school also recently introduced new forward-looking concentrations – Finance & Technology and Entrepreneurship & Innovation – to prepare students for the digital age of business.

Nanyang Business School

The Nanyang MBA is an intensive one-year program with a focus on the Asian business landscape. The 12-month course allows students to gain practical real-world insights into business models, management philosophies and academic theories across a wide range of industries.

Aside from core courses, candidates undergo comprehensive leadership courses and strategy group projects that help them develop industry-relevant leadership and problem-solving skills.

Indian School of Business

ISB’s MBA is a 12-month program with a focus on global collaboration. The school is partnered with London Business School and MIT Sloan School of Management and offers exchange opportunities at over 50 international universities.

ISB’s curriculum includes an introduction to the school, core courses, specializations and electives, and leadership development opportunities.

City University of Hong Kong

The CityU MBA is an accelerated one-year program that allows professionals to sharpen their skills in Asia’s most international city – Hong Kong.

The program is structured around core courses, concentrations and different experiential learning opportunities, including overseas group workshops at Haas School of Business and Imperial College Business School and consultancy experiences in Asia.