Drishti Jain Study Abroad Content Specialist
Study Abroad Content Specialist | Updated On - Sep 16, 2025
When it comes to pursuing an MBA or other business degrees abroad, most international students often have in mind that the USA is the best option. Though the US remains the top destination for top-tier business schools. But recently, there has been a shift in the interests of students pursuing higher studies in countries like Europe, the UK, Spain, Ireland, and Singapore. The B schools in these countries offer some of the best MBA programs and specializations. With rising fees and living costs in the US, international students are now shifting to alternative countries for their MBA Degrees.
The B-Schools across countries like Europe, the UK, Spain, Ireland, and Singapore accept GMAT scores of the students. GMAT score is well-reputed across institutions like Cranfield University in the UK, the National University of Singapore in Singapore, University of Manchester in the UK. The average GMAT score range accepted in the UK is 600-700, and in Germany, it is 550-600. The GMAT score range in Spain and Ireland is 580-650, and for Singapore Universities, it is 650+.
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GMAT Score For Top MBA Colleges
More than 7,000 business programs at over 2,400 universities globally accept GMAT scores. Top Universities like Cranfield University, Nanyang Technological University, London Business School, and INSEAD Singapore require a GMAT score in the range of 550-710. Higher GMAT scores increase the chances of students getting into one of the Top B-Schools.
Top GMAT-Accepting Schools in the UK
The MBA programs in the UK are a 1-year program with the average tuition fees ranging from GBP 38,000 to GBP 88,000 per year. Most of the Universities in the UK require a GMAT score in the range of 550-650. Schools like London Business School or Oxford Schools require a 700 or higher GMAT Score.
| University Name | QS Ranking 2026 | MBA Fees (GBP) | MBA Fees (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Oxford (Saïd Business School) | 4 | £88,800 | ₹105.13L |
| University of Cambridge (Judge Business School) | 6 | £40,272 | ₹47.68L |
| Imperial College London | 2 | £47,500 | ₹56.24L |
| University College London (UCL) | 9 | £39,800 | ₹47.12L |
| University of Edinburgh | 34 | £43,300 | ₹51.26L |
| King’s College London | 31 | £43,000 | ₹50.91L |
| London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) | 36 | £36,168 | ₹42.82L |
Also check: Student Guide to Study in the UK in 2025
Top B Schools in Germany Accepting GMAT
The cost of MBA programs in Germany ranges from €15,000 to €43,000 (INR 13 lakh to INR 39 lakh) per annum. Universities in Germany offer a 1-year MBA program. The average GMAT scores for top universities in Germany range between 550-650.
| University Name | QS Ranking 2026 | Tuition (EUR/year) | Tuition (INR/year) | Average GMAT Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Technical University of Munich | 22 | €39,000 | ₹39.73L | 600 |
| Technical University of Berlin | 145 | €299 | ₹30.5K | 600 |
| University of Bayreuth | 448 | €28,593 | ₹29.13L | 600 |
| Leipzig University | 535 | €540 | ₹55K | 550 |
| WHU Otto Beisheim School of Management | - | €47,500 | ₹48.39L | 600 |
| Mannheim Business School | - | €42,500 | ₹43.29L | 600 |
Also check: Benefits of Studying in Germany
Top B Schools Accepting GMAT in Spain
The cost of doing an MBA from Spain ranges between €19,800 - €82,300 (₹17.64 lakhs - ₹73.36 lakhs) per annum. Below is the list of top universities in Spain that accept GMAT for their MBA Programs, with their GMAT score range.
| Business School | QS Global MBA Ranking 2025 | Average GMAT Score (2025) | Tuition Fees (EUR) | Tuition Fees (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IE Business School | #9 | 680+ | €82,300 | ₹73.41 lakhs |
| IESE Business School | #10 | 545-715 | €45,000 | ₹40.12 lakhs |
| Esade Business School | #21 | 650 | €78,500 | ₹69.98 lakhs |
| Universidad Carlos III de Madrid | #131–140 | Not specified | €19,800 | ₹17.66 lakhs |
| EAE Business School | #141–150 | 510 | €31,500 | ₹28.10 lakhs |
Top GMAT Accepting B Schools in Ireland
Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, University of Galway, University College Cork, and University of Limerick are some of the best universities in Ireland. The cost of doing an MBA from Universities in Ireland ranges between
| Business School | QS Global MBA Ranking 2025 | Tuition (EUR) | Tuition (INR) | Average GMAT Score (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University College Dublin (UCD), Belfield | #118 | €37,910 | ₹38.62 lakhs | 600 |
| Smurfit Graduate Business School, Dublin | #73 | €37,910 | ₹38.62 lakhs | 600 |
| National University of Ireland, Galway | #284 | €20,140 | ₹20.52 lakhs | 500 |
| Griffith College Dublin | - | €16,000 | ₹16.30 lakhs | 120 |
Also Check: Exams to Study in Ireland for International Students, 2025
Top B Schools in Singapore accepting GMAT
The colleges in Singapore accept a GMAT score in the range of 550-700. Colleges in Singapore, along with the GMAT score range, also take into consideration factors like work experience and language proficiency.
| Business School | QS Global MBA Ranking 2025 | Tuition (SGD) | Tuition (INR) | Average GMAT Score (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| National University of Singapore (NUS) | #8 | S$99,953 | ₹68.42 lakhs | 670 |
| Nanyang Technological University (NTU) | #12 | S$81,750 | ₹55.96 lakhs | 700 |
| Singapore Management University (SMU) | #511 | S$65,400 | ₹44.77 lakhs | 600 |
| INSEAD (Singapore Campus) | Not Ranked (Global Rank: #1) | S$103,500 | ₹70.85 lakhs | 710 |
| James Cook University Singapore | Not Ranked | S$36,200 | ₹24.78 lakhs | 550 |
| NUS Business School | Same as NUS | S$99,953 | ₹68.42 lakhs | 670 |
Why Look Beyond the US for an MBA?
With increasing tuition fees and the expensive cost of living, international students are now looking for alternatives to the USA, which not only have good MBA programs but also have a High Return On Investment (ROI). Below are the reasons to choose MBA programs in countries other than the USA
- Lower Cost & Better ROI
American MBA programs are expensive, especially for international students. The cost for an MBA program in the US ranges between USD 60,000 to USD 1,00,000 (INR 52,51,827 to INR 87,53,156) per year. One-year programs abroad often offer better return on investment with lower tuition and living costs.
- Shorter Program Duration
Most U.S. MBAs last 2 years, but European and Asian MBAs are often completed in 1 year, saving both time and money.
- Simpler Visa
Visa restrictions in the U.S. make it difficult for international students to stay and work post-MBA. Countries like Ireland and Singapore offer more welcoming visa policies for graduates.
- Flexible GMAT Expectations
Many international programs focus more on holistic profiles—leadership, international experience, and diversity—sometimes resulting in slightly lower average GMAT scores.
- Growing Career Opportunities in Global Markets
Consulting and tech industries are booming in Europe. Cities like Berlin, Dublin, and Singapore are now recognised as major career hubs for MBAs.
While the USA Universities and their MBA programs have dominated the world, there is a lot of scope for good MBA programs with comparatively lower tuition fees than USA. Countries like the UK, Germany, Spain, Ireland, and Singapore are considered good alternatives by international students. The institutions in these countries not only offer academic excellence and diverse students but also more affordable tuition, shorter program durations, and growing career opportunities in global markets. For Indian students seeking strong ROI, cultural exposure, and career diversity, going beyond the U.S. opens up a world of opportunity.
FAQs
Ques 1: Is the GMAT score compulsory in the B schools of Germany?
Ans: No, the GMAT is not mandatory for all MBA programs in Germany, but some top universities like the Technical University of Munich and the University of Mannheim require GMAT scores.
Ques 2: Are European MBAs recognised globally?
Ans: Yes, an MBA from Europe is considered globally. The National University of Singapore is ranked 8 in the QS World Ranking 2026. Many other universities also rank in the top 150.
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