Exploring the UK Post-Brexit: Is It Still a Top MBA Destination?

Despite Brexit’s changes to visa policies and tuition structures, the UK remains a top MBA destination thanks to world-class programs at institutions like London Business School, Oxford, and Cambridge, combined with the Graduate Route visa that offers two years of post-study work rights.

The UK’s Ongoing Reputation in Global MBA Rankings

The UK may not be part of the European Union anymore, but its universities and business schools bear the mark of prestige and quality of education they have always been known for. Institutions such as London Business School (LBS), University of Oxford: Saïd Business School, and University of Cambridge: Judge Business School rank consistently high among the top MBA programs not just in Europe, but worldwide.

LBS is known for its finance focus and unparalleled access to London’s financial district. Oxford and Cambridge have centuries-old reputations and are able to offer MBA students the prestige of their credentials combined with strong entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Alliance Manchester Business School is one of the UK’s oldest and remains a popular option for its flexible MBA formats and strong industry connections. Warwick Business School rounds out the top tier, distinguished by its analytical focus and partnerships with global companies.

While certainly not an exhaustive list, these institutions collectively attract diverse international cohorts to UK MBA programs. Despite the changes introduced with Brexit, such as new visa policies and a different admissions process for EU nationals, British schools welcome top talent thanks to the excellence in faculty, facilities, and career opportunities.

What’s Changed Since Brexit?

Tuition Fees

Changes due to Brexit in terms of UK student visas and business school tuition have been felt primarily by candidates from the European Union. Before 2020 when Brexit was finalized, EU students paid the same “home” tuition fees as UK residents. In contrast, now they have to pay the same tuition costs as other international students.

Still, it is worth noting that MBA fees are often the same amount for both international and UK students – and this used to be the case before Brexit as well. The difference in tuition is more common in Master’s programs. For example, the MSc in Management at Alliance Manchester Business School costs GBP 20,000 for UK students and GBP 33,100 for all other international students. Yet the MBA program at the same school costs GBP 50,000 for all admitted applicants.

Visa Rules

In 2021, the UK introduced the Graduate Route visa. It allows Bachelor’s and Master’s graduates (including graduates from MBA programs) to stay and work in the UK for up to two years after completing their course. Now EU nationals need to submit proof of their financial resources and English language proficiency to acquire the visa. For non-EU students, Brexit’s practical impact has been minimal since they already faced these requirements.

Graduate Work Rights and Opportunities

The Graduate Route visa was an important policy change for international students after Brexit. Since MBA graduates can stay in the UK for two years after completing their program, this period provides them with valuable time to find a job without having to quickly secure employer sponsorship. For doctoral graduates, this extends to three years.

This policy partially compensates for the loss of automatic work rights that EU students previously had. The Graduate Route visa enables international MBAs to work in any role or sector and switch employers if they wish to. It gives them crucial flexibility so that they can comfortably search for the right employment opportunity.

Despite these changes, post-Brexit MBA opportunities in the UK are quite competitive. Sectors like consulting, technology, and finance continue to recruit graduates from top UK MBA programs. Nathan from Indonesia, for example, graduated with his MBA from the University of Cambridge: Judge Business School in 2021. He attributes his employment success post-MBA to the strategic thinking, soft skills, and communication skills acquired in the program:

“These skills helped me receive job offers from some of the best consulting companies in the world, even before the end of my first term. […] After graduating, I chose to start my consulting career at McKinsey & Company.”

Value for Money: Cost vs. Prestige

If you find a program with the right fit for your specific goals and career vision, the price of an MBA in the UK is justifiable. Tuition fees at UK MBA programs range from GBP 40,000 to over GBP 90,000, keeping in mind that the most renowned institutions like London Business School are at the higher end.

MBA Tuition Fees at Top UK Business Schools (2025-2026 Intake)

Since most programs in the UK last only about a year, living costs and extra expenses will also amount to much less compared to two-year programs. Like any major city or capital, London is among the most expensive options in terms of daily spending. Accommodation, transport, and other necessities can easily exceed GBP 1,500 monthly. However, cities like Manchester, Birmingham, and Warwick offer more affordable options without compromising on the quality of education and networking.

Return on investment depends heavily on career goals and industry. Graduates entering consulting, finance, or technology sectors often see significant increases to their salary which means great ROI even with the initial MBA investment. Be sure to check out the most recent employment reports published by your target business schools – they show median salaries and placement rates which can be informative.

Is the UK Still Worth It for MBAs?

Even after Brexit, the UK remains a compelling MBA destination for the right candidates. Go over your career objectives and target industries and decide if UK schools can fulfil those. For those seeking global mobility, a UK MBA provides a respected credential recognized worldwide.

Nathan from Indonesia, who graduated from Cambridge in 2021, reflects on his choice:

“Not only did studying in the UK help me maintain my career momentum, but it was a lot more economical: with the program being just one year (versus typically two years in the USA). [...] I also found that MBA programs in the UK are more diverse than elsewhere, with higher numbers of students coming from overseas.”

This diversity creates rich learning experiences for students, immersing them in a truly multi-cultural environment. So despite the different visa procedures and less flexible study fees for European students, the journey can be more than worthwhile.