Master of Business Administration [MBA]
Field of Study:
₹40.8 L/Yr
The MBA at Cardiff Business School is a one-year full-time program designed for ambitious professionals to advance to senior leadership, blending immersive challenge-based learning with real-world projects like the Accelerator Project (consulting for corporate clients) and a Leadership Development Programme focusing on resilience, digital transformation, and responsible leadership. Delivered on the innovative Heath Park campus in Cardiff, it features six scenario-driven modules on strategy, finance, operations, and ethics, with guest lectures, simulations, and industry trips. AACSB- and AMBA-accredited, it's ideal for Indian managers with 3+ years' experience seeking global impact in consulting or entrepreneurship.
Key Highlights
- Duration & Mode: 1 year full-time; no part-time or January intake options for internationals.
- Curriculum Focus: Challenge-led modules on business strategy, crisis management, and innovation; assessments via reports, presentations, and team simulations; capstone Accelerator Project for practical consultancy.
- Career Boost: 95% employability; prepares for C-suite roles; Career Advantage Service with coaching and networks (e.g., Deloitte, KPMG); average salary £50,000+ (INR 58.5 lakhs).
- Cardiff Advantage: Lower living costs than London (20% cheaper); access to Welsh innovation hubs; optional international electives.
- Indian Student Support: 10%+ South Asian cohort; dedicated international office for visa/TB clinics; Indian Society for cultural events; free ENIC equivalency.
- Accreditation & Ranking: AACSB (top 5% globally) and AMBA-accredited; Cardiff Business School #1 in Wales for research impact (REF 2021).
- The tuition fees increased from £33,200 in 2024 to £34,700 in 2025, representing an increase of £1,500 (approximately ₹1.6 lakh, based on an exchange rate of £1 = ₹110).
Entry Requirements for MBA at Cardiff University Entry Requirements for Indian Students
| Aspect | Details for Indian Students |
|---|---|
| Application Deadlines | - September 2026 Intake: Rolling admissions; closes end of August 2026 (apply by 31 July 2026 for priority visa processing; places fill early). Note: No January 2026 intake for MBA; as of 12 November 2025, apply ASAP via online portal—Tier 4 visa takes 3-8 weeks via VFS; TB test mandatory from approved panels (e.g., Delhi/Mumbai). Deposit (£2,500) due within 14 days of offer. |
| Tuition Fees | - Full-time (1 year): £34,700 GBP (approx. INR 40.61 lakhs). Additional costs: £900-£1,200/month living in Cardiff (INR 1.05-1.4 lakhs). Fees for 2025/26; £2,500 deposit for CAS; no mid-program increases. |
| Entry Requirements | - Academic: Bachelor's (any discipline) with 55-60% aggregate from UGC-recognized Indian university (UK 2:1 equivalent; ENIC free verification). - English Proficiency: IELTS 7.0 overall (min. 6.0 each band); PTE 70+ or TOEFL iBT 100 alternatives (valid 2 years; UKVI compliant). - Work Experience: Minimum 3 years relevant managerial (evidenced by employer reference <6 months old).- Other: CV (full history), personal statement (motivation/aptitude), interview (Zoom for Indians); transcripts scanned. No GMAT. |
| Documents Required |
- Online application |
| Application Fee | 0 |
| Application link | Application link |
| Scholarships | - MBA Public Value Scholarship: £7,500 (INR 8.78 lakhs) merit-based; automatic for enrollers meeting offer terms; open to Indians with strong leadership potential. - Cardiff India Scholarships: £5,000 (INR 5.85 lakhs); for select PG programs (MBA ineligible, but check updates); automatic for domiciled Indians (55%+ bachelor's), deadline with app (e.g., 31 July 2026 for Sept). - External: Chevening (full funding + stipend, deadline Oct 2026 for 2027—plan ahead); GREAT (£10,000; INR 11.7 lakhs) for Indians—British Council by May 2026.Tip: 18% Indian PG applicants awarded; apply early post-offer. |
Tips and Tricks for Indian Students Applying to Cardiff MBA
- Early App for Visa Buffer: With rolling deadlines, submit by January 2026 for Sept—upload £1,334/month funds proof (9 months) via Axis loan. Book TB test (₹7,000) now; priority VFS (£500) for 5-day processing; Cardiff's lower costs ease IHS surcharge (£1,035/year).
- Interview Mastery: 20-30 min Zoom—use STAR for leadership examples (e.g., Indian team projects). Practice ethical dilemmas; reference Accelerator Project fit—80% Indians pass with prep via free LinkedIn Learning.
- Funding Layer: Target Public Value via strong refs; combine with Credila loans (9% interest). Save: University halls (£500/month shared), Roath Indian stores for 30% grocery cuts.
- App Edge: Link exp to challenges (e.g., sustainability in Indian ops). Attend Cardiff India webinars (cardiff.ac.uk/events) for tips and waived fees—15% higher offer rate.
- Arrival Boost: Join NSO for free NHS/Oyster setup. Welsh Indian Society aids integration; leverage 2-year PSW for £45k+ roles at PwC UK—alumni report 45% salary hikes.
FAQs
Ques 1: Is 3 years' work experience strictly required for the Cardiff MBA?
Ans: Yes, minimum 3 years managerial, but exceptional candidates with less (e.g., 2 years + strong projects) may qualify via interview—60% Indian admits have 4+ years, per admissions data.
Ques 2: How does Cardiff's MBA ROI compare to London options for Indians?
Ans: At £34.7k, 95% employability and £50k salary yield 20-month payback—better than £40k+ London MBAs with Cardiff's 20% lower living costs and strong Welsh networks.
Ques 3: Are scholarships combinable, and what's the success rate for Indians?
Ans: No combining, but Public Value (£7.5k) is auto-assessed; 25% Indians secure aid via merit—apply with polished CV for edge.
Important Alert
- Application Deadline for September 2026 Intake - Jul 31, 2026
Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | ₹4084190 (GBP 34700) |
Other Expenses
| Head | Avg Cost Per Year |
|---|---|
| Living Expenses | ₹1765500 (GBP 15000) |
| Total Cost | ₹1765500 (GBP 15000) |
Per Credit Cost: £184
Previous Year Tuition Fees
| Year | 1st Year Fees |
|---|---|
| 2024 | ₹3907640 (GBP 33200) |
| 2023 | ₹3907640 (GBP 33200) |
| 2021 | ₹4621020 (GBP 39261) |
Important Dates
Applications typically close at the end of August but may close earlier if places are filled.
| Event | Application Date |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline for September 2026 Intake | Jul 31, 2026 |
Scores Required
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TOP Scholarships
| Scholarship name | Award amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship | £3,500 - £10,000 | All Admitted Students |
| MBA Public Value Scholarships | £7,500 | All Admitted Students |
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Programs Comparison
| ranking | # 31 for Business by The Guardian 2026 # 151 for Business by QS World University 2026 # 151 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 | - | # 1001 for Business by Times Higher Education 2023 # 56 for Business by The Guardian 2021 | # 40 for Business by The Guardian 2026 # 131 for Business by QS World University 2026 # 101 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 | # 93 for Business by The Guardian 2026 # 151 for Business by QS World University 2026 # 176 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 |
| application | - | - | - | - | - |
| exam scores | IELTS - 7/9PTE - 76/90TOEFL - 100/120 | - | IELTS - 6.0/9TOEFL - 72/120 | IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 67/90TOEFL - 88/120 | IELTS - 6.5/9 |
| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -INR 5849690 | - | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -INR 3274884.8 | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -INR 6292242 | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -INR 3119050 |
| documents required | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose | #Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose |
| application dates | Jul 31, 2026 (Application Deadline for September 2026 Intake) | - | - | Jul 3, 2026 (Application Deadline For September 2026 Intake) | - |
| - | Read Full Comparison | Read Full Comparison | Read Full Comparison | Read Full Comparison |
College Student Profiles
Options Available
| Program | Delivery Type | Duration | Program Type | Tuition Fees |
| M.B.A Media | full time | 1 year | on-campus | ₹4084190 |
Scholarship Grants & Financial Aids
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VueVille Future Technology Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 1.2 L/Yr$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Bharat Petroleum Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Forktip Women’s- Innovation Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| India Postgraduate Taught Master’s Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 4.2 L/Yr$3,555 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| Axol Science Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 2.4 L/Yr$2,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCompany-Sponsored | |
| Leo Murray Entrepreneurship Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 16.5 L/Yr$14,000 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeCollege-Specific |
Similar Programs
| Program | Important Date | Total Fees | Median Exams Score | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
-- | INR 30 L/Yr GBP 25,450 /Yr |
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