- In the 2026 US News rankings, Northwestern Kellogg and UC Berkeley Haas tie for the top part-time MBA, with Chicago Booth and NYU Stern just behind
- Chicago Booth's 2026-27 Evening and Weekend MBA is priced at $8,998 per course, roughly $182,000 in total
- Germany allows graduates an 18-month job-seeker residence permit, the UK Graduate Route gives two years of post-study work, and US OPT grants twelve months, extendable for STEM graduates.
What Is a Part-Time MBA?
A part-time MBA lets working professionals earn the same accredited degree as full-time students while staying employed, attending evening, weekend, or online classes. Programmes typically run two to six years, are structured in modules, and let learners apply classroom theory directly to their jobs without pausing their careers or income.
In an increasingly competitive job market, an MBA can equip you with the knowledge, skills, and business acumen to stand out, win promotions, and expand your professional network. Many working professionals, however, cannot pause their careers for a full-time degree. A part-time MBA solves this by letting you study alongside your job.
Part-time MBAs differ from full-time programmes in several practical ways:
- You keep working full-time and attend evening, weekend, or online classes
- Programmes are modular, so cohorts often meet in blocks rather than daily
- The degree usually takes three to six years instead of one to two
- You can apply what you learn directly to your current job
- Missing an occasional session is easier to manage around work commitments
Why Consider a Part-Time MBA in Canada?
Canada offers globally respected business schools, affordable living, and a multicultural environment that helps international students settle quickly. A part-time MBA there generally costs less than comparable programmes in the USA, UK, or Australia, and graduates can access post-graduation work permits, internships, and a thriving job market with reputable Canadian employers.
Canada is home to several of the world's most prestigious universities, and its respect for diverse cultures helps international students feel at ease. Part-time MBA students also benefit from health cover, internship options, and post-study work pathways.
- Access to world-class universities such as McGill and the University of Toronto
- Flexible programmes that support a healthy study-work balance
- Affordable living and a thriving multicultural community
- Lower part-time MBA costs than the USA, UK, or Australia
- Post-graduation work permits and opportunities with reputable employers
Why Study a Part-Time MBA in Germany?
Germany combines low or no tuition at public universities with strong industry links and respected schools such as Mannheim Business School and ESMT Berlin. Non-EU graduates can stay up to 18 months on a job-seeker residence permit to find skilled work, and many privately funded scholarships ease the cost for international students.
German MBA degrees have grown in reputation over recent decades thanks to their design and standing in the job market. Studying at an institution such as Mannheim Business School or ESMT Berlin positions you strongly for management roles.
- Low or no tuition at public universities, even for many international students
- Respected schools such as Mannheim Business School and ESMT Berlin
- An 18-month job-seeker residence permit to find skilled work after graduating
- Innovative, practical curricula focused on real business problems
- Numerous privately funded scholarships for international students
Why Choose a Part-Time MBA in the USA?
The USA hosts many of the world's leading business schools and top-ranked part-time programmes at Kellogg, Berkeley Haas, Chicago Booth, and NYU Stern. Its large, fast-paced economy gives students practical exposure, strong recruiter networks, and Optional Practical Training that allows up to twelve months of post-study work, extendable for STEM graduates.
The USA hosts many of the world's most prestigious business schools, and several - including Kellogg, Berkeley Haas, Chicago Booth, and NYU Stern - offer top-ranked part-time formats. Its dynamic economy gives students wide exposure to leading employers and practical experience.
- Home to many of the world's top-ranked business schools
- Top part-time programmes at Kellogg, Berkeley Haas, Chicago Booth, and NYU Stern
- A large, fast-paced economy with strong recruiter networks
- Optional Practical Training of up to twelve months, extendable for STEM graduates
- A diverse, multicultural environment for international students
Why Pursue a Part-Time MBA in the UK?
UK business schools pair excellent teaching infrastructure with globally recognised, market-relevant MBA qualifications. A multicultural setting helps international students integrate, while London and other business hubs offer valuable networking. Many schools award merit-based scholarships, and after graduating, eligible students can work in the UK for two years on the Graduate Route visa.
A UK MBA can accelerate your career through excellent teaching and globally respected qualifications. The UK's multicultural setting makes it welcoming for students from around the world, and its business hubs are rich in networking opportunities.
- Globally recognised, market-relevant MBA qualifications
- Merit-based scholarships at many leading business schools
- A culturally diverse society that is easy to integrate into
- Valuable business contacts in London and other commercial hubs
- Two years of post-study work on the Graduate Route visa
Why Do a Part-Time MBA in Australia?
Australian universities offer well-organised, research-driven MBA programmes recognised worldwide, making them popular with international students. Flexible study formats support a healthy work-life balance, and students can take part-time work to offset living costs. A friendly, multicultural community and strong post-study work options add to Australia's appeal for prospective MBA candidates.
Australian universities are popular with international students for their organisation and modern, research-led curricula. A high standard of living and part-time work options help students manage costs during their studies.
- Research-driven programmes with strong educational resources
- Flexible study formats for a healthy work-life balance
- The option to work part-time to offset living costs
- A friendly, multicultural community
- Globally recognised and respected qualifications
What Are the Advantages of a Part-Time MBA?
A part-time MBA usually costs less than a full-time degree and lets you keep earning while you study. You can apply new concepts immediately at work, learn from anywhere through flexible or online modules, and network across industries. Many employers also sponsor part of the tuition for staff pursuing the qualification.
- Lower total cost than a full-time MBA
- Continue earning a salary while you study
- Apply classroom theory directly to your day job
- Study from almost anywhere through flexible or online modules
- Network with professionals across different industries
- Potential employer sponsorship of tuition
What Are the Disadvantages of a Part-Time MBA?
Balancing work, study, and personal life is the biggest challenge of a part-time MBA, and the workload can stretch over three to six years. Students may have less access to campus resources, on-site recruiting, and full-time internships. Admission to top schools remains competitive, and maintaining motivation over a long programme is demanding.
- Balancing work, study, and personal life is demanding
- The programme can stretch over three to six years
- Less access to campus resources and on-site recruiting
- Fewer full-time internship opportunities
- Admission to top schools remains competitive
- Staying motivated over a long programme is hard
Which Are the Top Universities for a Part-Time MBA?
In the 2026 US News rankings, Northwestern Kellogg and Berkeley Haas tie for the top part-time MBA, with Chicago Booth and NYU Stern close behind. Internationally, London Business School, University of Cambridge Judge, Imperial College, HEC Paris, IE Business School, and Melbourne Business School also run highly regarded part-time or weekend MBAs.
Rankings shift year to year, so always confirm the current standing and format with each school. The 2026 US News part-time list is led by Kellogg and Berkeley Haas, while strong international options include London Business School, Cambridge Judge, Imperial, HEC Paris, IE Business School, and Melbourne Business School.
| Top Part-Time MBA School (2026) | Country | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Northwestern Kellogg | USA | Evening and Weekend MBA |
| UC Berkeley Haas | USA | Evening and Weekend MBA |
| University of Chicago Booth | USA | Evening and Weekend MBA |
| NYU Stern (Langone) | USA | Part-time, 60 credits |
| London Business School | UK | Weekend and Evening MBA |
| HEC Paris | France | Part-time MBA |
What Are the Eligibility Requirements for a Part-Time MBA?
Requirements vary by country and school, but most part-time MBAs ask for a recognised bachelor's degree, a few years of professional work experience, and a strong resume with personal statements. Many programmes require a GMAT or GRE score and, for non-native speakers, proof of English proficiency through tests such as IELTS or TOEFL.
Entry requirements vary by country and university, so check each school's criteria before applying. Some schools allow cross-registration for applicants who have completed relevant undergraduate units. In general, expect to provide the following:
- A recognised bachelor's degree
- Typically two or more years of professional work experience
- A resume and personal statements or essays
- A GMAT or GRE score at many schools
- Proof of English proficiency such as IELTS or TOEFL for non-native speakers