Best International MBA Programs in Asia
Though many MBA hopefuls turn their sights to Europe or the United States, Asia has world-class offerings when it comes to B-schools. Asia is also home to some of the world’s largest economies, such as China, Japan, India, and South Korea, alongside some of the world’s fastest growing economies in Bangladesh, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Hosting a plethora of languages and cultures, Asian B-schools are the perfect place for an international education on the cutting edge of business. Let’s take a look at what the continent’s best MBA programs have to offer.
National University of Singapore
One of Asia's top B-schools, the National University of Singapore blends “Western business models with leadership tenets from a distinctly Asian perspective.” This program offers a full-time, 17 month track, as well as a part-time 24-30 month track. NUS also features a diverse, international student body, with the average cohort representing over 30 countries. Striving for a balance between theory and practice, NUS has designed their program around a Dual Core model that prioritizes both academic formation and experiential practice. Within each branch there are a number of core courses and electives to choose from, including Financial Management, Leading with Impact, Consulting, Digital Business, and Frugal Innovation.
Additionally, NUS offers nine different concentrations, including specialized tracks like Healthcare Management and Real Estate. The NUS MBA also offers global exchanges through 62 top universities in North America, Australia, Asia, and Europe and maintains close ties with recruiters from top corporations like Amazon, Lazanda, and the China General Nuclear Power Group. According to data collected from the class of 2019, 94% of students were hired within three months of graduation, earning an average salary of USD $159,877 within three years.
China Europe International Business School, Shanghai
Named as the top business school in Asia and number sixteen worldwide by the Financial Times, CEIBS is a great option for those seeking a rigorous international business education. This program is specifically designed for MBA students looking to work in China’s rapidly expanding economy. CEIBS takes a dual-tiered approach, prioritizing an international mindset through exchange programs, international electives, and a dual-degree partnership with The Fletcher School at Tufts University in Boston, all while teaching courses geared toward contemporary Chinese economic contexts.
Courses are taught in English, but students are expected to acquire a functional level of Chinese during their time at the university. To this end, CEIBS provides leveled Chinese-language courses throughout the duration of the MBA. This full-time residential program is an 18 month commitment, though an accelerated 12 month track is also available. According to the most recent career reports, 95.8% of students received job offers upon graduation, of which 93.8% accepted, earning a median base salary of ¥ 480,000 annually.
Hong Kong University Business School
Ranked as the number one MBA in Asia by The Economist, The HKU MBA offers an innovative program at an economic crossroads between Asia, Europe, and the United States. This one-year intensive program is based on a four-term model in which students enroll in Asia-focused core and elective courses, development workshops, and a China immersion program. For their final term, students must choose between one of three study abroad options with elite partner universities. Students may choose between a semester at the Columbia Business School in New York, the London Business School, or Fudan University in Shanghai. Students may also remain on campus to develop Hong Kong-focused skill sets.
A truly global program, 93% of HKU’s MBA students are international. With an average cohort of just 89 people, students benefit from small class sizes through which they can work closely with professors and advisors. Classes utilize a case study approach to business education where UKH professors develop unique studies relevant to both Asian and global markets. HKU reports that 92% of the classes of 2020 and 2021 have found employment. 93% of those employed remained in Asia, with 60% in Hong Kong and 20% in mainland China, making the HKU MBA an excellent choice for those looking to establish professional roots in the region.
If you’re looking for a cutting edge MBA at the intersection of Eastern and Western markets, an Asian B-school might be right for you. Though these three programs are some of the most highly ranked, there are nearly 500 different MBAs in Asia to choose from. This is an enormous region that is experiencing rapid economic growth, so students with backgrounds or interests in specific nations, languages, and cultures may want to check out the top programs in their target countries. If you want to find the perfect program for you, don’t hesitate to reach out to Crimson's MBA Consulting Services to schedule an appointment with one of our experts.