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MBA Without Work Experience – Best Countries, Top B-Schools Accepting Freshers

Written by  Rachit Agrawal, MBA

Published on Tue, November 14, 2017 2:30 PM   Updated on Tue, February 22, 2022 9:44 AM   13 mins read

According to popular belief, students with job experience profit more from an MBA programme than those without work experience. It is stated that MBA graduates with job experience have a greater understanding of what they learn in business school than those who do not. So, for those who are unsure whether or not they will be able to get into a prestigious institution without any job experience, we will discuss the best nations for MBA without work experience abroad in this post. Students should be clear about why they want to pursue an MBA abroad before arranging to study there.

Source: AdmitKard

According to a survey by the Graduate Management Admissions Council, 64% of MBA graduates of the year 2018 used their MBA to change careers.

MBA Without Work experience

There are many colleges for MBA without work experience, certain management institutes abroad also provide admission for MBA without work experience. Listing a few of the best top-notch institutes in this field (that do not require work experience) bringing your search to a halt.

Listing a few of the best top-notch institutes in this field (that do not require work experience) bringing your search to a halt.

MBA in Canada Without Work Experience

Canada, with its vast landscape and diverse and welcoming Samaritans, is seeing a large influx of applicants in MBA programs without work experience. Canada’s relaxed immigration policies and work permit system gives it an added advantage. You also become automatically eligible for a three years work permit while you take admission in any of the full-time two years MBA programs.

This means that the scope of return on investment is very high. The cost of pursuing an MBA in Canada depends upon the choice of university and the province in which you seek the course. For an Indian student, it may cost around ₹12 lakhs to ₹60 lakhs. In contrast to the popular notion, MBA without work experience is a pertinent option as it provides you with the right career path, gives you exposure to the best alumni networks in the world, and helps in your growth without taking a break or waste time. 

The pre-requisites for pursuing an MBA without work experience from Canada are:

  • A bachelor’s degree with a modest score.
  • GMAT, GRE, or an equivalent exam scorecard.
  • IELTS, TOEFL, or any other equivalent English proficiency scorecard.
  • A deftly written and a creative and updated resume.
  • Copies of transcripts from the graduating university or college.
  • Statement of Purpose to convey your goals, plans, passion, and reason to pursue the degree program.
  • Letter of Recommendation.
  • Essays– Essay is very crucial while applying for MBA programs without work experience. A very well-written essay can work wonders in securing your place in the best B- schools of Canada.
  • References.

MBA Colleges in Canada Without Work Experience

Here is the list of Colleges for MBA without work experience in Canada:

  1. New York Institute Of Technology (NYIT), Vancouver, BC(Canada)
  2. Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops, British Columbia
  3. Brock University
  4. Cape Breton University, Nova Scotia
  5. The University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario
  6. Vancouver Island University (SPP), Nanaimo, British Columbia

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MBA Abroad Without Work Experience

Pursuing MBA from abroad without work experience is not a cakewalk; however, it is not impossible either. You got to have a pretty impressive and worthy profile which sets you apart from other candidates in terms of academics as well as your undergraduate achievements and exposure. You also need a GMAT score of 700+ as well as a 110+ TOEFL score, 7.5+ IELTS score, and 75+ PTE score

There are several options available for pursuing an MBA without work experience across the world. Some of the popular countries include the UK, France, the US, Canada, Germany, Sweden, Ireland, and Australia. Some universities provide one year course while some universities provide a two-year course in MBA for applicants without work experience.

Most universities in the UK provide a general MBA, without any specialization for students without any prior work experience. Students can also go for an equivalent Master in Management (MiM) program for one year to immediately enter the corporate world.

The list of universities offering MBA without work experience is as follows:

Universities in France are a bit choosy about accepting candidates for an MBA without work experience. Most universities prefer students with prior work experience or require the candidates to go for an internship or volunteer work to get a modest understanding of the corporate world. A handful of students who make it to the list of students without work experience have an excellent profile with top academic performance and achievements. One of the most sought after universities in France for such MBA programs is HEC Paris.

Germany, with its state-of-the-art educational system, offers practically tuition-fee free MBA programs without work experience. German universities offer General MBA and specializations as well. Most universities offer courses in English, but some do require basic German proficiency.

The list of German universities offering MBA without work experience is as follows:

  • The Technical University of Munich
  • The Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
  • University of Kiel
  • University of Tubingen
  • University of Ulm

Australia, with one of the best pedagogic systems in the world, generally doesn’t offer an MBA without work experience; however, some universities in Australia do offer MBA without work experience. University of Tasmania offers full-time MBA for graduates without work experience. In mainland Australia, RMIT Melbourne offers two year MBA program for candidates without work experience. The cost of doing an MBA from Australia is about $35000- $47000.

MBA in the USA Without Work Experience

The US with its vibrant free market, highly dynamic and flexible job market and truly global educational systems offers some of the best MBA programs for applicants without work experience

The pre-requisites for pursuing an MBA without work experience from the US are:

  • A bachelor’s degree with the required score as per the choice of school.
  • GMAT, GRE, or an equivalent exam scorecard.
  • IELTS, TOEFL, or any other equivalent English proficiency scorecard.
  • A deftly written and a creative and updated resume.
  • Copies of transcripts from the graduating university or college.
  • Statement of Purpose to convey your goals, plans, passion, and reason to pursue the degree program.
  • Letter of Recommendation.
  • Essays– Essay is very crucial while applying for MBA programs without work experience. A very well-written essay can work wonders in securing your place in the best B- Schools of the US.
  • References.

MBA Colleges In USA Without Work Experience

Here is the list of MBA colleges in USA that don’t require work experience:

  1. Harvard Business School
  2. Stanford Graduate School of Business
  3. Wharton MBA (University of Pennsylvania)
  4. Sloan School Of Management (MIT)
  5. Stern School of Business (New York University – NYU)
  6. Chicago Booth School of Business (University of Chicago)
  7. Columbia Business School (Columbia University)
  8. Haas School of Business (University of California, Berkeley)
  9. Marshall School of Business (USC)
  10. Anderson School of Management (UCLA)
  11. Robert H Smith School of Business, University of Maryland
  12. UC Davis Graduate School of Management (University of California, Davis)
  13. Carey Business School, John Hopkins (University in Baltimore, Maryland)
  14. McDonough School of Business, Georgetown University
  15. Olin Graduate School of Business, Babson College
  16. Boston University School of Management
  17. Carroll School of Management – Boston College
  18. Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics, University of Delaware
  19. College of Business, San Francisco State University
  20. Drucker School of Management, Claremont Graduate University
  21. Erivan K. Haub School of Business – Saint Joseph’s University
  22. Fox School of Business, Temple University
  23. Frank G. Zarb School of Business, Hofstra University.
  24. La Salle University School of Business
  25. LeBow College of Business, Drexel University
  26. Lucas Graduate School of Business, San Jose State University
  27. Merrick School of Business, University of Baltimore
  28. Northern Illinois University
  29. Peter J. Tobin College of Business, St. John’s University
  30. Quinlan School of Business, Loyola University Chicago
  31. Rohrer College of Business, Rowan University
  32. Stillman School of Business, Seton Hall University

Top MBA Colleges In UK Without Work Experience

Here is the list of Colleges for MBA without work experience in UK:

  1. Anglia Ruskin University
  2. University of Bedfordshire
  3. Coventry University
  4. University of East London
  5. Glyndwr University
  6. LCA Business School
  7. Leeds Beckett University
  8. Liverpool John Moores University
  9. London School of Commerce
  10. University of Northampton
  11. Staffordshire University
  12. University of Sunderland
  13. West London College
  14. UCLAN
  15. University of Swansea
  16. University of West London

Check Out: MBA in USA without GMAT 


MBA Programs That Don’t Require Work Experience:

Top B-Schools, particularly, in the US offer customized MBA programs popularly known as ‘Deferred MBA Programs’. A deferred MBA program is a way through which an undergraduate student or a graduate student without work experience may reserve their seat and can later commence their studies after a couple of years gaining some work experience in the corporate world in the meantime.

The competition is tough as only a handful of applicants make it to the list. If you get through the admission process, you are assigned a mentor who prepares you for the rigorous life that you will be experiencing while completing your MBA. The process of applying is generally the same as for other universities and B-Schools but you need to have a pretty amazing resume with a lot of accomplishments and accolades from your undergraduate years.

Some of the most sought after universities and programs for MBA without work experience in the US is as follows:

  1. Harvard 2+2 (Deferred Admission) MBA Program, Harvard Business School
  2. Yale Silver Scholars Program, Yale School of Management
  3. Deferred Enrollment Program, Stanford Graduate School of Business
  4. Deferred Enrollment Program, Columbia Business School.
  5. Chicago Booth Scholars Program, University of Chicago Booth Scholars.
  6. Wharton MBA Advance Access Program, Wharton University of Pennsylvania.
  7. MIT Sloan MBA Early Admission Program, MIT Management Sloan School.

MBA Colleges In Australia Without Work Experience

Here are the list Colleges for MBA without work experience in Australia:

  1. Australian National University– College of Business and Economics
  2. Graduate School of Business and Law, RMIT
  3. Melbourne Business School(MBS)- University of Melbourne
  4. Monash University– Graduate School of Business(only some courses are available under it)
  5. Sydney Business School (SBS) – University of Wollongong
  6. La Trobe University-La Trobe Business School
  7. MGSM Macquarie Graduate School of Management

Therefore, these are some of the famous management schools that do not require prior experience which means MBA without work experience. However, there are also colleges that have certain courses of management that do not demand work experience. The student is expected to check from the official website of the colleges to be clear of all doubts.

Admissions Criteria for MBA Abroad

In the current year, as usual, MBA Schools have the following eligibility criteria:

  1. GMAT/GRE
  2. IELTS/TOEFL
  3. Substantial Work Experience(depending on the nature of course selected)

MBA from a reputed institute abroad, unlike Indian Institute of Management (IIM), often requires work experience. There are students who wish to pursue management soon after they are out of graduation, thereby, making it difficult for them to get into these colleges.

The first two are still easy to get past and won’t be a big challenge to conquer but getting work experience might be difficult to get if one is not involved in Pre-experience MBA.

According to various reviews, there are institutes that consider MBA without work experience an utmost priority but have a disclaimer that indicates that experience might not be important but having one might yield an upper hand, and many leave it to the interpretation of the student itself.\

Advantages of Studying MBA Without Work Experience

Studying in a business school can be a promising step, only when one is clear that this is the only path ahead. Now, looking forth at the advantages of studying MBA abroad right after one is out of graduation helps you lead in some places.

Listing down the Advantages of Studying MBA Without Work Experience:

  1. Increases the job opportunities and yields high materialistic benefits
  2. Helps to build a strong network
  3. Saves time and puts career on a right direction
  4. Grows experience and cultural understanding of diversity
  5. An early start helps to develop skills

Disadvantages of Studying MBA Without Work Experience

Like there are two sides to every story, studying MBA from abroad without work experience also has some disadvantages.

  1. Practical Knowledge helps connect with the courses. Shortage of one might make the student lack understanding of some content
  2. Students with work experience might land up with better jobs, than those without having one.
  3. Due to this, the Summer Internship Placements are affected
  4. There is high competition. Thus, one has to be exceptionally good.

MBA without work experience is a good direction to head to. Students having good grades supplemented by strong internships can have a promising future while pursuing MBA. But be aware of the cutthroat competition, and highlight the value points in your application to pave your way towards the top MBA colleges abroad.

FAQ

Is it worth doing MBA without work experience?

Ans. Studying MBA abroad right after one is out of graduation helps you lead in some places. It increases job opportunities and yields high materialistic benefits. Your professional experience, knowledge and skills will help you in doing MBA program. There are few universities that are truly designed for early-career students.

Which MBA does not require work experience?

Ans. There are many MBA programs provided by many universities that do not require work experience. Harvard Business School offering the Harvard 2+2 Program, other business schools like
UCLA’s Anderson School Management, USC’s Marshall School of Business, Babson College accept students without work experience on the MBA.

Is it necessary to have work experience for MBA?

Ans. Not all institutes provide MBA program immediately after college. In order to become competitive candidates for business school for MBA, you need to gain work experience.

Can I do MBA after 3 years of work experience?

Ans. After having an experience of 3-4 years, you can pursue most of the course/colleges in India with a good career jump. With 3–4 years of experience, you could consider pursuing an MBA from ISB. Most other colleges/courses in India would not provide you with a good career jump.

Which country is best for MBA?

Ans. Here is the list of Top 5 Countries to Study MBA Abroad
1. Canada
2. United Kingdom
3. Germany
4. Australia
5. Singapore.

What are the highest paying jobs for MBA graduates?

Ans. According to the College Salary Report, 2016-2017 by Payscale, the highest paying job for MBA graduates is Strategy followed by General and Strategic Management, Entrepreneurship, Corporate Finance, and Finance and Economics.

What is the difference between MBA and MiM?

Ans. MBA is generally designed for people having prior work experience while MiM is relatively recent in its evolution and is designed for fresh graduates to kick start their career in management with no experience in the corporate sector.

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About the Author & Expert

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Rachit Agrawal

Author • MBA • 20 Years

Rachit believes in the power of education and has studied from the top institutes of IIIT Allahabad, IIM Calcutta, and Francois Rabelias in France. He has worked as Software Developer with Microsoft and Adobe. Post his MBA, he worked with the world's # 1 consulting firm, The Boston Consulting Group across multiple geographies US, South-East Asia and Europe.

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