In the case of most postgraduate qualifications,you can move straight on from a first degree to a postgraduate course. While it is not impossible to take an MBA in this way, it is certainly not advisable – you will benefit far more from the course if you’ve worked first. In fact, in a lot of MBA courses a number of years of work experience is required to even get a place.

Applicants are usually required to take and entrance exam – the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). These exams comprise tests in numeracy, literacy, verbal and non-verbal reasoning. Non-English-speaking applicants are also required to take an English language test. An appropriate first degree is also a requirement, as well as experience in industry.

Most, but not all, business school years run from September or October. Although the deadline for applications is generally April or May it is advisable to get your application in at the beginning of the calendar year in which you want to begin studying. Part-time and distance learning MBAs tend to begin in January so you should think about applying for these about six months prior to that.

Different schools will have different application procedures. However, if you pass the initial entry requirements, you should expect to be invited to an interview and to be asked to write an essay on a particular topic.
 
In the case of international MBA programs, you should be able to interview via Skype or phone. You may also have to provide a letter of recommendation from a referee. Make sure you choose someone with an excellent standing in business and knows your business skills intimately.

MBA programs can be full-time or part-time; modular or through distant learning. Full-time programs usually last a year, while part-time programmes, which offer students the chance to integrate studies with employment, average two or three years. Search through our Types of MBA to see the most suitable for you.
 
More than 10,000 students opt for distance learning, which is the fastest growing method of MBA study. Distance learning provides a viable alternative for students who are unable to fit in part-time attendance, or who do not have access to a school of suitable standing. The course takes an average of three to five years to complete.

Whatever type of MBA you opt for, the core program will consist of both basic business skills (about one-third of the course) and electives. As a general rule, core courses should cover managerial economics, financial and management accounting, marketing, quantitative methods, human resource management, operations management, information systems and business strategy. Increasingly universities are offering specialist MBAs, but these core subjects still form the basis of the program.

The reputation of the university from which your MBA will be gained is crucial. Employers don’t simply ask whether an applicant has an MBA – they also want to know where it came from. Accreditation by a world recognised body such as EQUIS, AACSB or AMBA is crucial.
 
Accreditation by at least one body gives an indication of the standing of the business school and its academic excellence.

Company sponsorship is the most popular method of funding an MBA. Surveys show that 50% of MBA students around the world have all fees paid by their employers, and only 16% report no financial assistance at all. 
 
Some business schools will also offer scholarships to students.