Not sure if you’re aware, but there are b-schools outside of the US, friends. And good ones, at that! Programs that are absolutely worth lookin’ into. (And there's even a forum dedicated to them right here: In fact, for many of you, European MBA programs might even be better than the typical 2-year MBA programs we have here in the states (especially this late in the application game). Why? I’ll give you 5 great reasons: 1) Admissions Can Be Less Competitive (in Some Ways) Look at the stats, my friends. Average GMAT scores tend to be…LOWER. Average TOEFL scores tend to be… LOWER. Even with GPAs, there is more flexibility here. Why is that? Well, lots of reasons. Most relevant is the fact that most folks are often not native US speakers. So as a result, you can afford juuust a bit more leeway on your scores. That should be a relief for lots of folks in the GMAT of 660-710 range… 2) They Tend to Have Older Applicants If you are a tad older than the typical 3-4-5 years out of college range of applicants, then you should take a GOOD look at these programs. Why? Because European programs tend to have older students. This is a GREAT chance for older candidates to get a TOP-NOTCH education, and not be discriminated against by the current trend in the US of students getting younger and younger… 3) They are (mostly) 1-Year Programs Why do older applicants like International programs? Well, here’s one great reason: the programs are shorter! For the young husbands and fathers among us, we can’t necessarily afford to take two WHOLE years off. In those two years, we lose a ton of income and TIME. European MBA programs tend to be just one year long, so older applicants LOVE the ability to get in, and get right out. 4) They have an International Focus Is your goal NOT necessarily to live and work in the US? Then…why bother going to the US to get your MBA? The programs in Europe tend to be MUCH more internationally oriented, with the overwhelming majority of students from OUTSIDE the school’s country. This lends itself to a very different kind of discussion, as you can imagine, than that which happens in the US programs. European (and Asian) MBA programs are MUCH more international in nature. If you are passionate about international business, then give these programs a GOOD look! 5) Many Have STELLAR Job Placement That’s right, folks. Take a good look at the statistics; starting salaries are often HIGHER at European Programs than at US programs. Don’t believe me? Here’s an example: the average starting salary at LBS was $146,000, at INSEAD it was $148,000, and at IE it was $149,000. All these salaries are higher than the starting salaries at NYU Stern ($139,000), Duke ($137,000) and Ross ($137,000). So, as always my friends, investigate the facts before you assume that US programs will get you to a better place upon graduation… Considering a 1-year jaunt in Europe? Maybe you should? If got any questions folks, just post em riiiight here. I'm gonna be popping in to answer them and help however I can.

Last visit was: 19 Nov 2025, 16:24

It is currently 19 Nov 2025, 16:24

Toolkit

Business School and MBA

The B-School Applications

GMAT Club Daily Prep

Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email.

Customized
for You

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Track
Your Progress

every week, we’ll send you an estimated GMAT score based on your performance

Practice
Pays

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Not interested in getting valuable practice questions and articles delivered to your email? No problem, unsubscribe here.

Go to My Error Log Learn more

Request Expert Reply

Confirm Cancel

Nov 20
UCR MBA Impact - Live Q&A with UCR AdCom & Student
07:30 AM PST
-
08:30 AM PST
Learn what truly sets the UC Riverside MBA apart and how it helps in your professional growth
Nov 20
CBS vs. NYU Stern vs. Yale SOM: What Admissions Really Wants
10:00 AM EST
-
10:30 AM EST
If you’re applying to Columbia, NYU Stern, or Yale SOM, you need more than strong stats. Each school defines “leadership” differently, and your essays must reflect that. Join Sia Admissions founder, Susan Berishaj on November 20th
Nov 12
ENDS SOON: Get 50% Off My Admit Coach + FREE 1-Hour MBA Consulting Call ($250 value)
01:00 PM EST
-
11:59 PM EST
Get expert MBA strategy, instant essay feedback, and personalized advice on your entire application. Join My Admit Coach, the AI-powered MBA admissions platform built on 10K+ successful application docs for HBS, Stanford GSB, MIT and other top programs.
Nov 19
Live Profile Evaluation Chat Session with ARINGO
09:00 AM PST
-
10:00 AM PST
What’s in it for you- Live Profile Evaluation Chat Session with Jenifer Turtschnow, CEO ARINGO. Come with your details prepared and ARINGO will share insights! Pre-MBA Role/Industry, YOE, Exam Score, C/GPA, ECs Post-MBA Role/ Industry & School List.
Nov 19
ENDS SOON: Get 50% Off My Admit Coach + FREE 1-Hour MBA Consulting Call ($250 value)
10:00 AM EST
-
01:00 PM EST
Get expert MBA strategy, instant essay feedback, and personalized advice on your entire application. Join My Admit Coach, the AI-powered MBA admissions platform built on 10K+ successful application docs for HBS, Stanford GSB, MIT and other top programs.
Nov 19
Begin your MBA admissions journey with a free 1-1 strategy call
11:00 AM EST
-
12:00 PM EST
Looking to secure a coveted spot at a top business school? Our team of seasoned MBA admissions consultants, including top B schools alumni and industry leaders, is here to help turn your dreams into reality. Let’s kick-start your journey to success!
Nov 19
MBA Round 2: Strategy, School List Size, Scholarships, Low GPA Fixes & Deferred MBA
11:00 AM PST
-
12:00 PM PST
Round 2 is here — and it’s your chance to make your MBA dream happen! Join GMAT Club’s LIVE discussion with two top experts from The Red Pen, Gunjan Jhunjhunwala and Natasha Mankikar, as we break down everything you need to know
Nov 20
Essay Workshop: Mastering Essay Questions
09:00 PM IST
-
10:00 PM IST
Join our free expert-led Essay Workshops to discover how to choose impactful stories, highlight your core values, and align your background with each school’s distinct culture, making every word truly count.
Nov 21
Emory MBA Info Sessions (Online)
08:30 AM EST
-
09:15 AM EST
Get the inside scoop on what makes Emory’s Goizueta Business School great, learn how you can present a strong MBA application, and connect with an Admissions Director to get your questions answered.
Nov 21
Inside the Application, Literally
12:00 PM EST
-
12:30 PM EST
Join Assistant Dean for Admissions Laurel Grodman for a live walkthrough of the 2025–2026 MBA application. Laurel will provide insights into what the Admissions Committee looks for and offer tips on key components of the application.
Nov 21
Live Coffee Chat- The MBA Application Essays: How to Master the 3 “WHY” Questions That Define Your Story
09:30 PM IST
-
10:30 PM IST
Learn how to craft powerful, authentic essays by mastering the 3 “WHYs” every top MBA program looks for: Why MBA, Why Now, and Why This School.
Nov 24
FREE Prospects Evaluation!
08:00 PM PST
-
09:00 PM PST
Inquire for a free profile evaluation and guarantee statement for possible admits and scholarships!

Back to Forum

Create Topic

Making a case (or 5!) for European MBA Programs

1 2

bagdbmba

Retired Moderator

Joined: 27 Aug 2012

Last visit: 10 Dec 2021

Posts: 1,005

Own Kudos:

4,194

Given Kudos: 156

Posts: 1,005

Kudos: 4,194

06 Jul 2013, 00:11

Kudos

Bookmarks

Hi Jon,
Recently I heard that Internationals(especially Asians/Indians) may find it difficult to secure employment in the UK post-MBA as the UK is currently in the process of tightening it’s working visa restrictions...So, should Indian applicants with career change (re both industry & job function change) mindset be refrain from applying to LBS or any other UK schools like Said/Judge ?

I'd much appreciate your feedback on this!

Admissionado

Admissionado

Joined: 30 Nov 2009

Last visit: 26 May 2024

Posts: 9,230

Own Kudos:

2,072

Given Kudos: 69

Location: Chicago, IL

Expert

Expert reply

Schools: HBS - Class of 2005

Posts: 9,230

Kudos: 2,072

09 Jul 2013, 02:10

Kudos

Bookmarks

Good question. I have also heard some things about that, but on the other hand had a few folks who graduated LBS, and no one has seemed to have that problem. Anyhow, it's to say that most of what I know about the changing visa situation in England is either hearsay or anecdotal. It's a bit out of the scope of my expertise, and I think it's probably better to speak with recent graduates from the specific school you are looking at, as well as consult a work/visa lawyer familiar with the English legal system and the visa requirements.

Admissionado

Admissionado

Joined: 30 Nov 2009

Last visit: 26 May 2024

Posts: 9,230

Own Kudos:

2,072

Given Kudos: 69

Location: Chicago, IL

Expert

Expert reply

Schools: HBS - Class of 2005

Posts: 9,230

Kudos: 2,072

30 Dec 2013, 10:26

Kudos

Bookmarks

Hey folks, as R2 is winding down, and we approach our "Euro days" of applications, I thought it might be nice to bump this baby up and open it up for discussion. Thoughts? Comments? Disagreements? Funny jokes?

Write it aaaaaaaaaalll here…….

bagdbmba

Retired Moderator

Joined: 27 Aug 2012

Last visit: 10 Dec 2021

Posts: 1,005

Own Kudos:

4,194

Given Kudos: 156

Posts: 1,005

Kudos: 4,194

30 Dec 2013, 11:59

Kudos

Bookmarks

Hey Jon - great to see it live again!

Which European schools one can consider applying now? Aren't they also having R2 (or even R3 in some cases) approaching pretty fast,like their US counterparts?

BTW, Happy NEW YEAR Sir :-)

MBAbot

Non-Human User

Joined: 01 Oct 2013

Last visit: 01 Oct 2013

Posts: 988

Own Kudos:

Posts: 988

Kudos: 47

23 Feb 2017, 04:55

Kudos

Bookmarks

Hello from the GMAT Club MBAbot!

Thanks to another GMAT Club member, I have just discovered this valuable topic, yet it had no discussion for over a year. I am now bumping it up - doing my job. I think you may find it valuable (esp those replies with Kudos).

Want to see all other topics I dig out? Follow me (click follow button on profile). You will receive a summary of all topics I bump in your profile area as well as via email.

1 2