Everything You Need To Know About MBAs in USA for Indian Students

A Master of Business Administration (MBA) has the potential to accelerate your career and maximise your earning potential, and an MBA from the US is usually seen as the gold standard of business education. The US is one of the world’s most prominent business hubs, where diversity, a ‘can do’ culture, innovative ideas, and cutting-edge technology are celebrated. As an MBA student in the US, you can access the world’s highest-quality business education, learning from experts and industry leaders to enhance your insights into the world of business.

With over 200 institutions offering MBAs across the US, finding the right fit can feel overwhelming at first. This blog will help you shortlist top MBA options, understand the different MBA types and specialisations available, and navigate the US visa regulations. Let’s dive in.

Updates on visa regulations for Indian students in the US

USA, like many other top study abroad destinations around the world, has amended its study and work rights in the past few years. When planning your studies in the US, it’s crucial to understand these changes to its immigration policies so you can smoothly transition from India. Since 2024, the US has announced these key changes with regard to student visa applications:

• You must make your social media accounts public to apply for the F-1, M-1, and J-1 visas.
• Your information on public databases, transcripts, and test scores will be reviewed by the immigration authorities after you’ve submitted your visa application.

Our experts at StudyIn can give you personalised visa guidance as you navigate through these immigration rules when applying for your US student visa. Reach out to our US Student Visa Service for more information on how Indian students can apply for their visa to the USA.

Now, let’s explore the top reasons why Indian students choose the US for their MBA studies.

Top reasons to pursue an MBA in USA

The US is a leader in the business world as its companies and economic policies have a significant influence over global markets. For MBA students, studying in such an environment offers a unique opportunity to observe how economic trends are conceived and shaped in real time. That’s why a majority of the world’s MBA students are at US business schools.

Additionally, the list below highlights the top reasons why Indian students choose to pursue an MBA in the US.

High-quality education 

Many US business schools top the ranks across numerous league tables for the quality of their MBA education. An MBA in the US typically exposes you to intensive fundamental subjects aimed at developing your critical leadership, communication, and analytical skills, and allows you to gain expertise in an area that interests you by selecting a major subject. These MBA programmes are reputed for providing students with employability skills and networking opportunities through rigorous yet flexible curricula.

Two-year programme 

During your two-year MBA programme in the US, you can:

• Explore internships in multiple industries to understand where you’re better suited
• Develop your own study strategy by picking electives across multiple semesters
• Participate in extracurricular activities to get a head start on networking with business leaders and hiring managers (e.g. investment clubs, consulting clubs, entrepreneurship clubs).

In this way, you can obtain a well-rounded education during your time in the US.

Great career opportunities and salary potential 

US business schools cultivate and maintain strong relationships with corporations around the country, helping students land coveted jobs upon graduation. Additionally, the average starting salary for graduates at US companies is $125,000, allowing you to enjoy a great return of investment on your studies.

US business schools also support diverse career goals of prospective MBA students by offering a range of MBA types with flexible features. Let’s understand your MBA options in the US next.

Types of MBA courses in USA for Indian students

US universities offer an extensive selection of MBA programmes aimed at students in different stages of their careers or with various strengths. Conducting thorough research on the MBA type that’s best suited for you is key to accelerating your career. You can understand your options by referencing our list here:

• Full-time MBA – This type of MBA typically takes two years to complete and is held on campus, offering you a rigorous yet flexible curriculum to build a strong foundation in business knowledge while exploring new interests through majors, electives, and interdisciplinary classes.
• Executive MBA (EMBA) – EMBAs are designed for professionals who are in advanced stages in their careers, and many EMBA students work full-time while completing their studies. Accommodating working professionals with busy schedules, EMBA classes are usually held on Fridays or weekends. Most US business schools also typically offer this programme remotely, too.
• Integrated or joint-degree MBA – If you’re passionate about broadening your horizons by engaging with other disciplines, you can pursue a dual-degree MBA in the US. These courses are fully integrated, allowing you to earn two degrees in just three years. You can obtain joint degrees such as a Master of Arts (MA) or Juris Doctorate (JD) alongside your MBA.
• STEM MBA – Although MBAs don’t traditionally fall under the STEM umbrella, many leading US business schools now offer STEM tracks within their MBAs as a response to the growing demand for managers who understand how to lead and problem-solve in a tech-driven environment. In this way, a STEM MBA can help you become bilingual in both tech and business, allowing you to upskill in ways that are necessary for modern industries.

In addition to offering a variety of MBA types, US business schools also provide students with numerous specialisation options.

Most popular MBA specialisations in USA for Indian students

When exploring MBA options, you’ll find that many US universities offer specialisations designed to help you focus on specific career interests. By choosing an MBA specialisation, you can plan to enhance your knowledge and skills specific to a certain industry or profession.

Here’s a list of the most popular MBA specialisations in the US:

• Consulting
• Entrepreneurship
• Finance leadership
• General management
• International management
• IT/Technology management
• Marketing
• Operations management
• Strategy

Once you’ve decided on the MBA type and specialisation you wish to pursue, you can start your applications to your preferred US universities. We will be taking a closer look at the application process in the next few sections, beginning with your application timelines.

Admission rounds for MBA in USA for Indian students

US universities offer three admissions rounds for students, allowing you to plan your application according to your own circumstances. This flexibility means that you can choose to apply to your preferred course without haste, when you have all your documents and test scores in hand.

Regardless of your application cycle, you’ll be entering university to begin your MBA in September – the US’ fall semester. Next, let’s take a look at top universities for an MBA in USA.

Best MBA universities in USA for Indian students

US business schools provide a great return of investment for Indian students as they offer a number of features, like modern infrastructure, exposure to global business leaders, and entry to top notch internship programmes, to ensure that MBA graduates can secure lucrative roles after graduation. Here are the top 10 universities for an MBA programme in the US:

If you’re exploring MBAs in USA at the moment, here are some key questions to ask yourself when creating your shortlist:

• What’s the MBA curriculum and faculty like?
• What kind of career-building and networking opportunities are given in the MBA?
• What sort of career support will you get from the university?
• Where in the US is the campus located?

You must also ensure that the university you wish to apply for offers the type of MBA that you intend to study. Our Course finder tool lists the courses offered by each US university for Indian students.

Another important consideration when selecting universities is their eligibility criteria. We will be exploring these in more detail next.

Eligibility requirements to study an MBA in USA for Indian students

To be accepted at a US university, international students must meet certain entry requirements. This includes satisfying criteria like:

• Undergraduate degree from an accredited US university or its international equivalent
• TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE scores
• Standardised test scores

These academic and English language proficiency test requirements vary depending on the university. Once you shortlist your preferred universities, it’s best practice to carefully go through the entry requirements of the MBAs you’re applying for and keep them saved for easy reference while you’re filling your applications.

When finalising your applications, you’ll be required to submit a set of supporting documents with them.

Documents required for an MBA application to the US

As part of your university applications, you may be required to submit official documents to prove your academic qualifications and work experience. These documents include:

• Academic transcripts
• Application essays/personal statement
• Letters of recommendation
• Proof of your IELTS test scores
• Proof of your standardised test scores
• Resume

If you need support with your documentation or any other areas of your application, reach out to our experts at StudyIn. We offer assistance throughout your application process, including by helping you understand your entry requirements, like standardised test scores, in detail.

Standardised test scores for MBA in USA for Indian students

Most US universities require that you take a standardised test when applying for admission into an MBA programme. Here’s an overview of the common standardised tests required for admission into US MBA courses:

• Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) – An internationally recognised test assessing candidates’ quantitative, analytical, and verbal skills for business school admissions across the world.
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) – A globally recognised test assessing candidates’ analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning skills for graduate school admissions in multiple disciplines like STEM, humanities, and MBAs.

Most US universities accept either the GMAT or the GRE for MBA admissions. You can refer to the MBA course page of your preferred US university to understand the requirements, and then prepare accordingly.

Once you’ve gained admission into your desired MBA programme, you must obtain a student visa to enter the US. Let’s go through the application process for a US student visa next.

US student visa requirements for Indian MBA students

To study in the US as an Indian student, you must obtain a student visa. The US has two types of student visa categories – F and M. If you’re a prospective university or college student, you must apply for and obtain the F-1 student visa.

Once you’ve gained admission to your MBA, your university will issue you a Form I-20 and register you on the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). For registration, you must pay $350 as the SEVIS I-901 fee. You can then apply at a US Embassy or Consulate for your student visa. We take you through the steps of your visa application process below:

• Complete the non-immigrant visa application form online
• Schedule an interview at the US Embassy or Consulate
• Pay the non-refundable visa application fee of $185
• Gather the required documents
• Attend your visa interview
• Once your visa is approved, make arrangements for the return of your visa and passport to you

Your application process to the US also involves formulating a funding plan for your studies. US universities have a variety of tuition fees, while your living expenses will vary depending on where your university is located. Let’s explore expenses and scholarship opportunities for Indian MBA students in USA in the next two sections.

Funds required to study an MBA in USA

The expenses associated with your MBA in USA are usually classified under three main categories: your pre-arrival expenses, tuition fees, and your living expenses.

Your living expenses will vary depending on your location in the US and your lifestyle, while your tuition fees depend on the university you select for your programme. Your pre-arrival costs generally include the visa application fee you have to pay before coming into the US.

Pre-arrival expenses to the US

Your pre-departure preparations include a number of expenses, mostly related to your student visa. To obtain your F-1 student visa, you must pay an application fee of $185, along with a $350 service fee.

When applying for your student visa, you must also prove to the immigration authorities that you have sufficient funds for two years of study and living expenses in the US – approximately $80,000 to $125,000.

MBA tuition fees in USA

Your tuition fees in the US will vary depending on your university and the type of your MBA programme. In general, your tuition fees will vary between $40,000 and $100,000 per year.

Cost of living in USA for Indian MBA students

Gathering information about your potential living expenses is an important part of preparing for your student life in the US. Depending on the region you’re studying in, your cost of living will vary. For instance, most smaller cities have relatively affordable rental accommodation, transport, and entertainment options.

Here’s an overview of your living expenses in the US:

You can secure a scholarship to manage some of these expenses while studying in the US.

Scholarships for an MBA in USA for Indian students

A scholarship can ease the financial burden of studying abroad, allowing you to focus more on your coursework and academic success. In the US, a variety of scholarships are available for Indian students, offered by the US government, universities, and private organisations, helping to make education more accessible and affordable.

Here’s a list of top scholarships in USA specifically for Indian students:

To be eligible for a scholarship in USA, you must demonstrate outstanding work experience, have an impressive academic record, and often show proof of volunteering and/or community service activities. Once you obtain a scholarship, it can help you focus on your studies without worrying too much about the expenses involved and increase your employability by introducing you to valuable scholarship alumni networks.

Next, let’s have a look at the many lucrative career opportunities in USA for MBA graduates, so you can plan your studies according to your interests and career aspirations.

Work permit and career prospects for MBA graduates in USA

After completing your MBA, you are eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) – a 12-month period during which you can stay in the US and gain work experience. If your MBA is STEM-certified, you can apply for an additional 24-month extension, giving you a total of three years of OPT.

During your OPT period, you can also apply for an H-1B visa, the primary work visa for high-skilled migrants in the US. This is the most common route MBA graduates take to continue working in the country. To apply, you must have an employer sponsor.

According to the U.S. News & World Report, MBA graduates typically get job offers with an average starting salary of $115,000. Shaped by global trends, current labour demands, and economic shifts, the US job market is constantly evolving. Gaining insights into the most in-demand job categories can give you a strategic advantage when you’re job hunting. In general, the following industries are eager to hire MBA graduates:

• Consulting
• Finance
• Healthcare
• Manufacturing
• Tech

At StudyIn, we provide end-to-end support for your journey to the US, making the process fast, smooth, and stress-free. Here’s how we can help you:

• Support with your applications 
• Advice on your US student visa
• Expert guidance on your PhD application
• Help with your Ivy League applications

Our StudyIn experts can guide you through each step of your journey to the USA, including giving you personalised advice on course selection and finances. Contact us today to clear your doubts about studying in Ireland as an Indian student.

FAQs

How much does it cost for Indian students to study an MBA in USA?

Your study and living expenses for a two-year MBA in the US will generally range from $40,000 to $125,000.

How can Indian students get a scholarship to study an MBA in USA?

To be eligible for a scholarship in USA, you must demonstrate outstanding work experience, have an impressive academic record, and often show proof of volunteering and/or community service activities.

What’s the duration of an MBA in USA for Indian students? 

A US MBA programme lasts two years. A two-year MBA gives you the time to:

• Explore internships in multiple industries to understand where you’re better suited;
• Develop your own study strategy by picking electives across multiple semesters; and
• Participate in extracurricular activities to get a head start on networking with business leaders and hiring managers (e.g. investment clubs, consulting clubs, entrepreneurship clubs).