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Part-Time MBA- The complete Guide

Written by  Piyush Bhartiya, MBA

Published on Sat, November 18, 2017 6:22 PM   Updated on Mon, December 16, 2019 6:40 AM   11 mins read

Jesse Mejia Speaks

Part-Time MBA

In a world where jobs have become more competitive, undertaking an MBA can equip you with the requisite knowledge, skills, and workplace ethics. These critical elements can elevate you above your peers and boost your chances of earning a promotion, a higher salary, and networking opportunities. But while the merits of earning an MBA are clear, many prospective students lack the time and resources to pursue it on a full-time basis.  

Thankfully, some of the leading world Universities offer this course on a part-time basis. Here are 5 ways of how part-time MBA differs from full-time MBA programs:

  • Part-time MBAs are open to all professionals with a background in business management
  • The program can conveniently be studied from any location as it is offered online
  • Part-time MBA is structured into modules where students from different areas only meet after prolonged duration such as after two weeks
  •  Under this program, classes are run on throughout the year
  • You can skip a study session without being penalized.

Part-Time MBA in Canada

Canada houses a few of the most prestigious universities in the world. The country’s respect for diverse cultures makes international students feel at ease. Canada besides this, Canada also offers medical insurance to cater to your health when you visit your study center, a range of internship programs, and, most importantly, a work permit program once your ace your MBA studies.

Benefits of studying your MBA in Canadian Universities include: 

  • A chance to explore from the world’s best universities such as McGill University and the University of Toronto.
  • Flexible programs for a healthy study-work balance
  • Canada has a thriving multicultural community and affordable living, which makes it an attractive destination for international students.
  • The cost of studying an MBA on a part-time basis in Canadian Universities is relatively lower compared to destinations such as the USA, Australia, and the UK. 
  • A rare opportunity to work with reputable employers in Canada is offered after completing your MBA studies.

Part-Time MBA in Germany

German MBA degrees have risen in popularity over the past few decades owing to their design and reputation in the job marketplace. Pursuing your MBA in an institution such as Mannheim Business School makes you among the most sought after employees in the business management realm. The part-time MBA programs are tailored to respond to today’s workplace demands. Check out five concrete reasons to undertake your MBA in German institutions of learning.

  • Germany allows international students to extend their stay in the country for another 18 months after completing studies. This translates to probable work opportunities with some of the best employers in the world.
  • The German government finances Universities, and this lowers tuition fees even for private students. 
  • Germany is home to some world-leading institutions of learning. Undertaking your MBA in schools such as ESMT Berlin, EU Business School, and Mannheim Business School puts on a path to finding your ideal career. 
  • Innovative Curricula offered by German institutions teaching MBA gives you practical skills ideal for solving real-life business problems. 
  • There are hundreds of privately-funded scholarships tailored to international students. Such scholarships can help you complete your studies within the stipulated time and less financial burden.  

Part-Time MBA in USA

USA is arguably the best destination for pursuing your MBA. Right from Harvard Business School to Stanford University, the USA is home to the world’s prestigious schools. The fast-paced US economy offers users a wide array of opportunities to gain practical experience, even get a job on completing your studies. 

The 5 Main Benefits of Studying in the USA

  • Best business schools are located in the USA. This means you will learn your MBA from the world’s best business tutors.
  • The vibrant, multicultural composition of the US population makes it ideal for international students. 
  • The USA is also home to the world’s largest and successful business enterprises. You stand to gain many business management skills from exposure to such ventures. 
  • With English as the first language in the USA, students from English speaking countries easily fit in. 
  • Besides a great study atmosphere, modern curricula, and a friendly population, the US also houses some of the best sites for travel enthusiasts. 

Part-Time MBA in UK

Earning an MBA from any University from the United Kingdom can give your career an upward career trajectory. A combination of excellent educational infrastructure and the use of top-notch teaching methodologies makes UK business schools the best places to hone your business management skills. In addition to these, the UK has a vibrant population with a multicultural setting ideal for students coming from different cultural setups. 

5 Reasons to pursue your MBA in the UK on a part-time basis

  • UK universities offer market-relevant, globally recognized MBA courses. By continuing your MBA in UK Universities, you gain specialized knowledge needed by elite companies. 
  • Leading UK universities and business schools offer merit-based scholarships to international students. The awards will cater for tuition fee and foot your bills. 
  • A unique, culturally diverse culture makes it easy for international students to get integrated into society without losing their identity.
  • With a thriving business and industrial ventures, the UK can give you essential business contacts that you can later utilize to land your dream job. 
  • The process of obtaining a UK MBA visa is affordable and straight forward. 

Part-Time MBA in Australia

Australian Universities have gained popularity with international students from English speaking countries owing to their organization and modern curricula. Besides this, Australia has a high standard of living which means the student can get part-time jobs to cater to their needs during their on-campus study sessions. 

Why Choose Australian Universities to Pursue your MBA Part-time

  • Research is a vital component of the Australian education system. As an international student, you stand to gain from the immense infrastructure and educational resources. 
  • A flexible study module so that you have a balanced study-work-life balance. You can also work part-time to offset some of your expenses and bills. 
  • A composition of a friendly, multicultural community makes Australia a popular destination for prospective MBA students.
  • Australian Universities are recognized and respected the world over. For this, earning your MBA from these institutions gives you a head start over peers. 

Advantages of Part-Time MBA

Why would you want to pursue an MBA on a part-time basis when you already have a tasking career? 

Opting for a part-time MBA can help you maintain some work-life balance even as you strive to upgrade your skills. MBA part-time programs are scheduled that you can also take some time off between your studies and cater to other career and personal needs. But these aren’t the only benefits of opting to pursue an MBA on a part-time basis.

  1. Part MBA programs are structured such that you can study from the best universities regardless of your location
  2. Part-time MBAs are less costly compared to studying full time. This means you can harness your limited resources to upgrade your skills and have a good shot at better remuneration.
  3. Part-time MBA allows you to exercise what you learn in theory in your day job. 
  4. Many organizations or employers are willing to sponsor their employees to study while still working. This offsets some of your study expenses. 
  5. A part-time MBA gives you a chance to meet and network with people from different cultures and backgrounds. 

Disadvantages of Part-Time MBA

 While the gains of pursuing an MBA on a part-time basis are telling, there are challenges you should be aware of. Some of the difficulties may arise from trying to balance the tight schedule, access to resources and lack of motivation. Of the many problems you may come across, the five below may be your most significant challenges:

  • Trying to balance between studies, responsibilities at work, and your social life.
  • Studying at some advanced age – many MBA part-time students are above 40 years old- may be a challenging undertaking.
  • Financial challenges may also be a challenge owing to many financial responsibilities at that age
  • It isn’t always easy to get admission to top universities as the competition is stiff.
  • Workplace challenges may also arise, primarily if a student works in a busy organization.

Top Universities for Part-time MBA

This Harvard University ranks among the best MBA schools you can attend. Besides offering detailed and modern curricula, the school attracts top recruiters who are searching for the best brains to manage their businesses. 

The school is an associate of Stanford University. It’s ranked among the best schools worldwide and has a population of over 800 MBA students. The competition for admission is, however, stiff. 

London Business School offers a holistic MBA program making it a popular destination with both local and international students. MBA graduates from LBS are amongst some of the best-paid professionals in the business world. 

Cambridge University delivers a lively MBA program tailored to meet the needs of the competitive business world. While students studying MBA on a full-time basis undergo a rigorous one year program, the part-time schedule is more flexible and student-friendly. 

The institution prides in offering students a flexible, market-oriented part-time MBA program. The curriculum for this program is designed to equip learners with skills that can help them become better managers and problem solvers in their jurisdiction. 

The college’s rallying call is to prepare to leave an impact. The college’s proximity to New York City places it right in the middle of all the business activities. MBA students thus enjoy exposure to top class business ventures. 

  • HEC Paris institution

HEC Paris attracts ambitious students aspiring to be leaders of tomorrow’s business world. Besides equipping students with prerequisite skills demanded by the business world, the school connects the young managers with that corporate world. 

The school’s Weekend MBA is popular with student’s juggling between full-time employment and their studies. It’s also located at the heart of London, which has a vibrant business hub. 

  • IE business school

IE business school equips its MBA students with solid skills that can help them solve problems dogging businesses and economies. Key subjects offered under this program include accounting, organization, corporate taxation, and marketing, among others. 

  • MIT Sloan School

MIT Sloan’s MBA curriculum is designed to be flexible but still equip learners with solid skills in areas of management, problem-solving, and taxation, among other topics. 

Part time MBA Eligibility

Like any other course, you need to meet the minimum qualifications to be considered for admission as an MBA student. These conditions vary from one country or University to another. Some universities allow cross-registration if prospective students have passed their undergraduate units. It helps to check the admission requirements for each University before starting the application process. Generally, these are primary qualifications you may need to pass for consideration:

  • You must have a bachelor’s degree from a recognized University.
  • You must have on the job experience for a defined number of years. In the US, you must have three years of experience
  • You must submit your resume and personal statements
  • Many countries demand that you must have passed English proficiency test

FAQs

  1. How does a part-time MBA differ from studying MBA full time?

Unlike part-time MBA, students pursuing full-time MBA reside within or near the campus and continue the course until they complete the studies. Full-time students are not employed full time.

2. How long does a part-time MBA take?

A part-time MBA is structured to last between three to four years. A student can take a break between sessions without repercussions. 

3. What are the costs of pursuing part MBA?

The tuition fee chargeable is dependent on the University offering the program. Even then, the charges are lower than when pursuing an MBA full time. US world report estimates that the average cost of a part-time MBA is about $12,456. 

4. Must I be English proficient at studying part-time MBA abroad?

Most institutions of higher learning use English as their language of instruction. You will thus be required to pass a proficiency test in English before you can be considered for admission. There are some Universities which may, however, use a different language of instruction such as German. 

5. Can I seek employment in the country I pursued my MBA part-time?

Countries like the UK, Australia, and the USA allow students to remain in the country for up to two years. They stay after completing their studies.

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About the Author & Expert

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Piyush Bhartiya

Author • MBA • 20 Years

Piyush values education and has studied from the top institutes of IIT Roorkee, IIM Bangalore, KTH Sweden and Tsinghua University in China. Post completing his MBA, he has worked with the world's # 1 consulting firm, The Boston Consulting Group and focused on building sales and marketing verticals for top MNCs and Indian business houses.

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