UPDATE: This post was originally published on April 20, 2020. It has been updated with new tips and information below. 

In recent years, ambitious young professionals are increasingly interested in pursuing more global opportunities. As Asia has become a powerhouse in the business world and business schools there gain world-class reputations in recent years, more and more students are looking east when thinking about their MBAs. Though the COVID-19 pandemic has put a damper on what was explosive growth in application numbers at schools like #7 ranked CEIBS, Asian business schools still offer unique opportunities you may want to consider when planning your MBA journey.

 

Why go to Asia for an MBA?

Apart from the amazing cultural experiences and travel opportunities you will get from spending time in Asia, there are a few key reasons why being in this region can help you boost your career and stand out as a well-rounded professional.

 

Asia’s increasing relevance in business

Asia has acquired wealth and economic power faster than any other region in the world recently. Asia-Pacific’s GDP has doubled in the past 20 years and continues to grow, and Fortune 500 companies have established their offices throughout Asia.

Asian business schools have been taking into account the disruption of the tech industry as it develops in the region. Asia accounts for 55% of global internet usage, which is supported by high GDP growth and a growing middle class, and Southeast Asia houses 8 unicorn startups such as Grab. This is why universities across the region have included courses on data analytics and digital business in their MBA programs.

What’s more, attending an Asian MBA program can help you to understand and embed yourself in one of the most relevant markets in the world, as you will have the opportunity to experience local and regional business practices firsthand. If you are interested in working in or with Asian companies, this could be a strategic move that allows you to understand local cultures and management practices. 

In this day in age, any successful business professional must be aware of Asia’s business dynamics. Whether it is through a study trip, a course, or a fully fledged local MBA programme, experiencing Asia first-hand will benefit the global vision of any aspiring leader.

 

High rankings

20 years ago, there were no Asian schools that ranked even within the top 50 business schools. Now, there are 15 schools in the Top 100, and 4 schools in the top 20, including CEIBS, The Indian School of Business, and INSEAD.

Asian business schools have therefore gained an excellent reputation not just regionally but globally.

However, they have not entered the international stage by copying the Western MBA education model. Taking account of Asia’s increasing global dominance, MBA providers are instead developing their own case studies and teaching strategies based on Asian business practices.

 

International student populations

Now that b-schools in Asia are equal to, sometimes ahead of, European and US schools, they attract a large number of international MBA students. There are a wide variety of English-only MBA programs available, indicating the global reach of most top-ranking programs. Not only will this allow you to grow as a professional by discussing new perspectives and strategies to business and impact, but you will have a global network that may be key to achieving your goals.

 

A wealth of post-MBA opportunities

Asian employers want professionals with MBAs to stay and work in the region, and salaries are increasing in the region, so for international students, quality career opportunities are on the rise. Furthermore, many multinational businesses are beginning to set up their headquarters in Asia to penetrate this market, further increasing the number of career opportunities there. 

Singapore, for example, has over 4000 company regional headquarters, is well-positioned between the powerhouses of China, India, and Southeast Asia. At the National University of Singapore, graduates have a 94% employment rate 3 months after graduation with higher average salaries than even Wharton and Harvard!

 

Some of Asia’s top-ranked schools

There are a multitude of top MBA programs that can fit your specific objectives and needs, so it’s important that you do your own research on what programs are best for you. However, here is a short list of the very top schools that you might consider while starting to think about an Asian MBA. While it’s certainly not exhaustive, it gives you a good idea of the Asian landscape!

Indian School of Business

ISB’s campus. Source: https://www.livemint.com 

Tuition: $50,000

Duration: 12-24 months

ISB, established in 2001, has pioneered new trends in business education and established itself as a globally reputed b-school. The school excels particularly at entrepreneurship, employability, thought leadership, and diversity. If you are looking for an emerging-market-focused approach, this is an important school for you to consider.

 

The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)

Tuition $70,000

Duration: 12-16 months

If you are looking for a truly international experience, consider this school – 95% of students are international. Going to CUHK will guarantee you access to an amazing network of 6,000 alumni across 40 countries.

Additionally, the school emphasizes both theory and practice in its curriculum, and is a leader in fintech and entrepreneurship education. You will also receive comprehensive career support and access to a wide array of global learning opportunities like exchange programs, dual degrees, and field visits.

 

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)

Tuition: $75,000

Duration: 16 months

Founded just in 1991, HKUST has risen to top ranks through its world-class courses focusing on developing dynamic thinking global, innovative leaders with both Eastern and Western approaches to business. With excellence, diversity, open-mindedness, and curiosity as its core values, HKUST emphasizes ambition and results. 

Despite the large class size, you will be among students from 27 countries.

 

Nanyang Business School, Singapore

Nanyang Business School. Source: https://nbs.ntu.edu.sg 

Tuition: $47,000

Duration: 12 months

Globally renowned, Nanyang Technological University’s business school is extremely diverse and leadership-focused. It is a particularly collaborative program, encouraging students, faculties, and partners to work together to solve real-world challenges with a focus on technology.

 

National University of Singapore

Tuition: $50,000

Duration: 17 months

NUS offers one of the best MBA programs regionally, and is ranked 15th globally by the Financial Times. The program is particularly focused on melding East and West, fully preparing students to be dynamic and capable leaders in today’s increasingly competitive business world. 

Professors come from a wide variety of countries, and the student population is very diverse, reinforcing the importance of a multitude of perspectives.

 

University of Hong Kong

Tuition: $71,000

Duration: 14 months

If your priority is return on investment for your MBA, you should definitely consider UHK. Located in the heart of Hong Kong, this is a great place to network with an incredible array of businesses while enjoying an amazing city.

The university boasts small class sizes, which offers you a very personalized experience, including in career services support. Students receive customized training, coaching, mentorship, and job search strategies, making it one of the best schools in the world for successful employment outcome

 

CEIBS, Shanghai

CEIBS’ campus. Source: http://www.poetsandquants.com  

Tuition: $56,000

Duration: 18 months 

Now, CEIBS offers one of the world’s best MBA programs (ranked 5th globally by the Financial Times), so if rankings and name recognition are your priority, consider this school.

CEIBS offers state-of-the-art facilities and curricula with renowned faculty and global networks, while also being in Shanghai during the country’s digital revolution. The school’s perspective is mostly Chinese, although the Chinese market is embedded into an international framework, combining practical financial theories and real-world case studies.

 

INSEAD, Singapore/France

Tuition: $101,000

Duration: 10 months

Another globally renowned school (ranked 4th globally by the Financial Times), INSEAD has campuses in multiple locations such as France and the Middle East, but if you want full immersion in Asian business practices, the Singapore campus might be the best choice for you.

With one of the shortest available programs, this is a great choice if you are in a hurry to get back to your career or are only looking for a short time abroad. However, with its higher-than-average tuition (for Asian standards), you will likely want to consider applying for a scholarship. 

 

Need help deciding on a school or preparing your application?

Deciding on which schools you will apply to, especially based on location, can be a very exciting but overwhelming task. Additionally, knowing how to sort out the logistics of the application process, including travel and visa concerns, can be hard to manage, especially when balancing work and extracurricular activities. 

Whether you are considering applying for an Asian business school or need advice on how to appeal to the admissions committee at your program of choice, we here at Ellin Lolis Consulting are excited to help add more value to your application than you ever thought possible – all while retaining your unique voice. 

Still have questions about whether an Asian MBA is right for you, or how you can get started? Feel free to contact us to see how we can help.