Top 15+ Study Abroad Universities for MBA without Work Experience

Pursuing MBA Without Work Experience Abroad 

An MBA is an internationally recognized degree due to its high versatility. MBA degree students learn many skills that prepare them for various roles in the business world. MBA applicants are usually young students with minimum work experience. Many colleges are open to offering students with limited to no work experience the opportunity to apply for an MBA degree. You will improve your business and team through leadership skills and exploring the latest international business trends! Learn from the top 10 MBA colleges without work experience!

Discover: Top MBA colleges in Dubai | Scholarships and GMAT scores

Best Abroad MBA Colleges Without Work Experience

University of Pennsylvania

The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania is the world’s first collegiate school of business. UPenn is one of the 8 private Ivy League universities. It integrates the worlds of technology and business to power decision-making. 

• QS World University ranking 2025: 11th
• MBA fees: $124,476
• Room & board: $19,350
• Scholarships: $43,362
• Graduation rate: 96%

One of the world’s top MBA colleges, Wharton offers international aspirants a degree without work experience. However, the admissions committee does seek students with “diverse experiences and professional maturity.” However, the program considers and accepts early career candidates with limited or no experience. They look for individuals who demonstrate strong managerial and professional potential! 

Stanford University

The Stanford Graduate School of Business empowers students to make discoveries that will change the world. Stanford’s MBA will develop insightful leaders and unmatched job opportunities that will help you initiate a meaningful career and make an impact!

• QS MBA Global ranking 2025: 1st
• MBA fees: $79,860
• Room & board: $38,724
• Scholarships: $52,375
• Graduation rate: 94%

Work experience is not required to enter the Stanford Graduate School of Business. Stanford’s committee welcomes applications from college seniors and recent graduates. Stanford values the diversity of experience in their student body.

The college is more interested in the impact you have had in a workplace rather than the name or stature of the organization you come from. Offering an MBA degree without work experience allows the committee to understand how you have contributed to your work environment(s). 

Temple University 

Temple University’s motto is ‘Tradition. Distinction. Innovation.’ The Fox School of Business at Temple University prepares business leaders, professionals, and entrepreneurs for a successful career abroad. Temple University is known for its diversity and is the largest business school in the greater Philadelphia Region. 

• QS World University ranking 2025: 681 – 690
• MBA fees: $41,544
• Room & board: $20,149
• Scholarships: $10,000
• Graduation rate: 75%

Temple University also offers an MBA without work experience. You will develop real-world insights into global business practices through a FOX Global MBA. It is more than just visiting a foreign business. Temple’s global emissions are rich in engaging experiences.

You will be allowed to study abroad in an emerging market each academic year. In your first year, you can study in either China or India, followed by Latin America or Africa.

This is the perfect opportunity for an MBA abroad without work experience. It will allow you to network with foreign organizations and make the best of your MBA experience. 

University of California, Los Angeles

At UCLA Anderson, you will be encouraged to approach innovation fearlessly when it comes to finding solutions to real-world problems. The college looks for a mix of prospective students from every type and level of organization.

• QS World University ranking 2025: 42nd
• MBA fees: $65,125
• Room & board: $21,600
• Scholarships: $15,461
• Graduation rate: 91%

Although the majority of UCLA’s MBA students have full-time work experience, it is not a necessary requirement. Early career and college senior prospective students are still encouraged to apply.

UCLA evaluates applicants on their work in any field after completing undergrad. Your background and interests are something that UCLA is very interested in. They want to see how you will contribute to the mix of your class. Many of UCLA’s early career admits contribute more in terms of academic excellence and have outstanding skills! 

Read more: NYU acceptance rate | What are your chances of getting in?

Vancouver Island University

Vancouver Island University’s MBA program offers students the opportunity to study in a dynamic global setting. The university promotes diversity and is home to international students from around the world. Their MBA offers industry-based expertise and brings an international experience into the classroom. 

• QS World University ranking 2025: 1201 – 1400
• MBA fees: CAD 55,915
• Room & board: $12,669
• Scholarships: $6,000
• Graduation rate: 80-85%

The MBA program at Vancouver Island University, Canada, has limited seats, only offered to the best of applicants. The university accepts a letter of introduction from each student, stating how the MBA will contribute to their career plans. They would like you to have a one-year minimum of work experience. 

Brock University

Graduate studies at Brock offer immersive and engaging means to your collegiate career. Brock University offers the ultimate experience – opportunities to work independently while learning to work with others.

• QS World University ranking 2025: 1201 – 1400
• MBA fees: CAD $35,884
• Room & board: CAD $18,084
• Scholarships: CAD $16,000
• Graduation rate: NA

Grad students at Brock need resilience and willingness to put in the work in order to succeed at the MBA program. Getting the opportunity to study MBA in Canada, without work experience, is very impressive. It will provide you with an amazing experience and multiple networking and job opportunities after your MBA.

Brock has minimum admission requirements that include the following-

• An application
• Pre-admission assessment and
• Scores

London Business School

The London Business School looks for students who are ambitious, driven, and have a global outlook. If you want to take on a challenge in a new industry and country, the London Business School is the perfect college for you!

• QS World University Ranking 2025: 5th
• MBA fees: 100,682 GBP
• Room & Board: 847 GBP
• Scholarships: 97,000 GBP
• Graduation rate: 94%

Admission to this college is granted to candidates with less than 3 years of work experience, given they can demonstrate exceptional academic credentials. The average work experience requirement is 5.5 years. But if you have outstanding evidence of leadership through professional and personal experiences, you will be granted the opportunity to earn an MBA without work experience in London!

EGADE Business School

The EGADE Business School is looking for incoming students who have the potential to transform organizations through innovation and leadership. 

• QS MBA Global Rankings 2025: 56th
• MBA fees: $767,000 MXN
• Room & board: $6,000 – 7,000 MXN
• Scholarships: Up to 50-100% tuition waiver depending on program and individual circumstances
• Graduation rate: NA

At the EGADE Business School, there is no minimum work requirement. They value students who have a creative and dynamic profile. The college has an open mind and seeks students with leadership mentalities. 

SDA Bocconi

Here, the admission officers value diversity and provide a meaningful life experience in Milano. Side note – Milano has the best mix of culture, leisure, places to visit, and people!

• MBA Rankings – Global MBA: 20th
• MBA fees: 65,000 Euros
• Room & Board: 1,200 Euros
• Scholarships: Up to 50-100% tuition waiver
• Graduation rate: 95%

The selection process at the SDA Bocconi School of Management is based on various soft skills and how applicants match their MBA. They do not expect candidates to have traditional managerial experience. They are more concerned with your professional growth and willingness to learn and take on responsibilities. 

University of Tasmania

At the University of Tasmania, located in Australia, MBA graduates grow to become future business leaders. Both locally and globally. 

• QS World University ranking 2025: 293rd
• MBA fees: 67,664 AUD
• Room & Board: 9,030 AUD
• Scholarships: 28,597 AUD
• Graduation rate: 93%

The only two things needed for entry into the MBA program here are an undergraduate degree and test scores. Moreover, you must also submit a CV, letter of recommendation, and an SOP to meet the minimum level for entry. 

How Can I Apply to These Universities?

Applying to top MBA colleges without work experience can be easy if you know what steps to follow-

• Start by choosing the universities you want to apply to.
• Learn about their eligibility criteria, like GPA requirements, test score requirements, degree needed, etc.
• Fulfill those requirements – collect your transcripts, draft your SOP and LORs, and get a high GRE and GMAT scores.
• Last and most important, start applying to universities and fill out the application form!

How to do an MBA Abroad Without a GMAT?

Check out the top MBA colleges without work experience and GMAT. 

Apart from the full-time MBA, there are certainly other types of MBA programs that do not require a GMAT score, irrespective of the university or country. These include:

• Executive MBA (EMBA): Designed for professionals with over 5 years of experience. Many business schools offering EMBA courses waive the GMAT as they focus more on leadership roles and professional achievements.

• • Accelerated MBA: Fast-track MBA programs typically last 1 year. Many universities do not require a GMAT score for these programs, making them a quicker, GMAT-free option.

• Part-time MBA: Flexible programs designed for working professionals, often over 2-3 years. Many part-time MBAs either offer GMAT waivers or do not heavily weigh the GMAT in the admission process, making it easier for candidates to gain admission without taking the exam.

Learn all about: MBA in Germany | Top Colleges, Fees and more

Top MBA Colleges ‘Without Work Experience’ Requirements in Europe – Eligibility Criteria, Admission Process and Top Colleges 

Eligibility Criteria

• Outstanding Bachelor Grades
• High Entrance Test Scores
• An Excellent LORs
• Strong SOP
• Good Resume
• Any Relevant Experience

Admission Process 

• First, finalize the university that offers an MBA without work experience in Europe.
• Go to the university’s official website and collect some required data related to eligibility criteria and the admission process.
• Upload the scanned copies of all the essential documents such as transcripts, CV, test scores, etc.
• Fill out the university application form and pay the required fees.
• Once selected, you will receive a conditional offer letter, accept it and book your seat at the university.
• After getting confirmation, apply for the study visa.

Top Colleges

Explore: Top B-Schools in France 2025

Key Takeaways

• While many MBA programs prefer candidates with some work experience, some universities offer MBA programs specifically designed for individuals without extensive professional experience.
• Students who display great leadership qualities are the ideal candidates for these programs.
• Many prestigious universities, such as Stanford University, the University of Pennsylvania, and the London School of Business, are some of the top MBA colleges without work experience requirement. 
• Candidates wishing to get into these universities must start applying before the deadlines.

While it’s possible to apply to universities by yourself, it will take time and effort.

Instead, opt for a consulting agency, like iSchoolConnect, to help you with your admission process. Drop a comment below if you have any questions or are feeling stuck.

Until next time!

Like this blog? Read more: MBA in UK vs. MBA in USA | What to choose and how?

FAQs

Ques 1: Can I study for an MBA without work experience?

Answer 1: You can pursue an MBA with little to no work experience.

Ques 2: Does Harvard MBA require work experience?

Answer 2: No, you don’t need work experience to study for your MBA at Harvard University. However, they look for students with excellent leadership and analytical skills.

Ques 3: Which country is best for an MBA without work experience?

Answer 3: Countries such as the UK, the US, Canada, France, Germany, Sweden, Ireland, and Australia are good choices to search for top MBA colleges without work experience. Remember you need a GMAT score of 700+, a TOEFL score of 110+, and an IELTS score of 7.5+.

WRITTEN BY

Aastha

Study Abroad Expert

`