Top 10 MBA Colleges in UK: Fee, GMAT Cut-Offs, Average Work Experience

The University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, London Business School, University of Warwick, and Imperial College London are among the top 10 MBA colleges in the UK. The approximate tuition fees for UK MBA colleges in the first year may range from INR 40 Lakhs to INR 95 Lakhs. Commonly accepted entrance exams for the top 10 MBA colleges in the UK are GMAT and GRE.

The GMAT cutoffs at top universities in the UK are 600 or above for London Business School, Imperial College Business School, University of Edinburgh Business School, etc. Further, the average work experience for UK MBA colleges is between 5 to 6 years. However, work experience is not mandatory for all UK colleges.

List of Top 10 UK MBA Colleges

The top 10 MBA colleges in the UK are London Business School, the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford, and the University of Warwick among others. Entrance exams such as GMAT or GRE are mandatory for admission to the top 10 UK MBA colleges. Students interested in being admitted into these colleges must utilize effective GMAT coaching classes to get the best results and fulfill minimum eligibility criteria. Check the list of top 10 UK MBA Colleges with their ranking below.

Top 10 UK MBA CollegesQS Global MBA Rankings 2025
London Business School5
University of Cambridge7
Imperial College London18
University of Oxford19
University of Warwick30
University of Manchester47
University of Edinburgh58
Cranfield University68
Leeds University72
Durham University101-110

MBA Colleges in UK Fees

The average tuition fee for the first year in the UK is £35000 to £60000, which converts to approximately INR 37 to INR 63 Lakhs. Compared to Indian education, which costs nearly INR 11 to INR 25 Lakh, MBA studies in the UK are relatively more expensive. Check the table below for the average tuition fee for the first year in the UK for the top 10 MBA colleges in 2025.

Top 10 UK MBA Colleges/UniversitiesAverage Tuition Fee Per Year
London Business SchoolApprox. INR 1 Crore 22 Lakhs
University of CambridgeApprox. INR 78.59 Lakhs
Imperial College LondonApprox. INR 77.53 Lakhs
University of OxfordApprox. INR 1 Crore 24 Lakhs
University of WarwickApprox. INR 60.53 Lakhs
University of ManchesterApprox. INR 52.03 Lakhs
University of EdinburghApprox. INR 42.48 Lakhs
Cranfield UniversityApprox. INR 28.67 Lakhs
Leeds UniversityApprox. INR 40.35 Lakhs
Durham UniversityApprox. INR 40.35 Lakhs

GMAT Cutoffs for UK MBA

Admission criteria for top business colleges in the UK comprise GMAT requirements for the UK MBA along with English language requirements. An effective way to track study progress is by regularly attempting GMAT practice tests to familiarize yourself with the exam format, and pattern. The GMAT cutoffs for the top 10 MBA colleges/universities in the UK are listed in the table below.

UK MBA UniversitiesGMAT Requirements
London Business School600 and above
University of Cambridge680-700
Imperial College London600 and above
University of Oxford650 or above
Warwick Business School660 and above
University of Manchester600 and above
University of Edinburgh680 or 635 for Focus Edition
Cranfield University600 or 555 for Focus Edition
Leeds University600 or above
Durham University600 or above

Average Work Experience for MBA

The average work experience required for studying MBA programs in the UK varies by school. However, top colleges such as the London Business School and the University of Cambridge require at least 2-3 years of work experience. The average living expenses in the UK range from INR 12.74 lakhs to 19 Lakhs per year.

Other costs include application fees, study materials, visa fees, pre-arrival expenses, housing, transportation, food, clothing, telephone, etc. Check the table below for the average work experience required for the top 10 MBA colleges in the UK.

UK MBA UniversitiesAverage Work Experience for MBA
London Business School5.5 years
University of Cambridge6 years
Imperial College London6 years
University of Oxford6 years
Warwick Business SchoolAround 8 years
University of ManchesterAround 7 years
University of Edinburgh9-10 years
Cranfield University8-9 years
Leeds University3-5 years
Durham University7 years

Eligibility Criteria for UK MBA

The basic eligibility criteria to pursue an MBA program from the top 10 colleges or universities in the United Kingdom vary according to the university guidelines. However, interested students must have a bachelor’s degree with 50 to 60% marks, a minimum of 3 years of post-graduation work experience, a minimum score of 6.0–6.5 on an English language proficiency test, and a valid GMAT score to be eligible for MBA in UK admission. Check the table below for more details on college-wise eligibility criteria.

UK MBA UniversitiesEligibility Criteria for UK MBA
London Business SchoolTo be eligible, candidates must have an undergraduate degree in disciplines like business, accounting, economics, or engineering with a ratio of 2:1, relevant work experience, language proficiency, and valid GMAT/GRE scores.
University of CambridgeA bachelor’s degree equivalent to a high 2:1 on the UK scale, at least 2 years of work experience, valid GMAT/GRE score, proof of English proficiency, 1 reference, and an essay and application.
Imperial College LondonA valid GMAT/ GRE score with a minimum overall percentile ranking of 55%
University of OxfordCandidates must have a 2:1 or higher undergraduate degree, a GPA of 3.5 or above, 2 years of work experience, English proficiency proof, valid GMAT or GRE scores, up to three essays, a written supporting statement, completed online assessment, 2 professional or academic references, 1 page CV and a Letter of Intent.
Warwick Business SchoolAt least 3 years of professional work experience and upper second-class honors at the undergraduate level from a UK university or the equivalent from an overseas university is preferred but not essential. Candidates must also have a valid GMAT, GRE, or Warwick Test score.
University of ManchesterA good undergraduate degree with at least three years of work experience after graduation and a valid GMAT, GRE, or MAT score.
University of EdinburghTo be eligible for admissions, candidates must hold a valid degree from a UK university, or equivalent academic qualification from a comparable non-UK institution and should be above 24 years of age.
Cranfield UniversityA minimum of three years of post-qualification work experience with a graduation degree.
Leeds UniversityMore than three years of post-qualification work experience with a graduation degree.
Durham UniversityAt least 3 years of continuous post-graduation work experience and a First or Upper Second Class Bachelor’s Degree, and 7.0 or above on the IELTS or 102 or above on the TOEFL IB.

FAQs

How to choose the best college for a UK MBA?

  • The most crucial features in choosing the best college for an MBA include its fees, eligibility criteria, and minimum work experience required. Students must also consider ranking, accreditations, faculty, the focus of the programs, industry connections, and alumni network. The University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, London Business School, University of Warwick, and Imperial College London are among the top 10 MBA colleges in the UK.

What are the total expenses for a UK MBA?

  • The cost of studying MBA in the UK goes beyond tuition fees. The total cost of an MBA in the UK can range from approximately INR 28.67 Lakhs to Approx. INR 1 Crore 24 Lakhs. On average, the total expense for a UK MBA in 2025 can range from approximately INR 37.16 Lakhs to INR 1 crore depending on the university and level of study. Top universities may charge over INR 1 crore per year.

What are some affordable UK MBA Colleges?

  • Affordable UK MBA Colleges are the University of Bolton, Durham University Business School, Leeds Beckett University, Bath Spa University, Glyndwr University, Lancaster University, Leeds University, Wrexham University, Staffordshire University, London Metropolitan University, York St, John University, University of Worcester, and Birmingham Newman University.

Are there any scholarships for a UK MBA?

  • Yes, there are several scholarships available for a UK MBA in 2025. For example, the Durham University Business School offers scholarships for full-time MBA applicants. Similarly, the London Business School provides the Laidlaw Women’s Leadership Fund for outstanding women who might not otherwise be able to afford a top-tier business education.

Which are the top 10 MBA colleges in the UK?

  • The top MBA colleges in the UK are London Business School, University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, University of Oxford, University of Warwick, University of Manchester, University of Edinburgh, Cranfield University, Leeds University, and Durham University.

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