Best MBA Specialisations For 2024: Top Universities & High-paying Jobs

10 min read

The field of business management is ever-evolving and is in demand today more than ever! An MBA or Master’s in Business Administration is one of the most popular degrees in the world! MBA provides a sea of possibilities in terms of career direction, salary and networking opportunities. 

But wait, what is an MBA? 

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An MBA is a management degree that trains you with managerial and leadership skills and practical and theoretical knowledge about specific fields such as Entrepreneurship, Marketing, or Finance. The good thing is that choosing this specific field is totally up to you. This is called a ‘specialisation’. 

MBA graduates have a reputation for quickly climbing the corporate ladder and securing senior leadership positions. MBA degrees equip you with excellent theoretical business knowledge and train you with the most relevant soft skills.

MBA presents multiple specialisations catering to a unique set of needs and aspirations. Tailoring education to a field helps students comprehend industry-specific practices, difficulties, and trends. The best MBA specialisations reflect the changing corporate world and cater to students’ different interests.

The specialisation you choose will affect your career trajectory and salary. Therefore, it is probably the most important decision you’ll make!

If you’re confused about what specialisation to choose, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered. In this blog, we’ll cover the best MBA courses in demand in the world in depth, offering you deep insights into the demand, salary expectations and possible careers in the field.

Let’s start with the basics.

Types of MBA 

Before we dive into the best MBA courses in demand in the world, let’s familiarise ourselves with the types of MBAs! Here, types are defined by the nature and duration of the course rather than the subject matter.

The type of MBA you choose or which MBA course is best for you will affect what you learn and how much you learn, so pay attention to this.

Full-Time MBA 

As the name implies, this type of MBA is a full-time degree and is best for students with enough time to dedicate to a full-time course. Typically, full-time MBAs are 2-year courses. However, some universities in the UK do offer 1-year MBA courses that are full-time. 

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Part-Time MBA

Part-time MBAs offer professionals a chance to pursue business education while working or raising a family. Part-time MBAs last a few years and offer the flexibility to take classes at your own pace. 

Many workplaces fund their employees for a part-time MBA education.

Top 5 MBA Specialisations in the world 2024  

Below are the top MBA specialisations that international students prefer in 2024. 

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MBA in Finance

If you’re a numbers person, an MBA in finance could be a fulfilling study experience for you! This specialisation deals with investment strategies, risk assessments, market analysis, and more! 

MBA in finance could lead to high-paying roles such as Investment Banker, Accounting Manager, Financial advisor and more!

MBA in Marketing

Marketing is the heart of most organisations. If building a brand’s identity, promoting sales, analysing consumer behaviour, and advertising sounds fun, you’ll most likely enjoy getting a degree in Marketing. 

An MBA in Marketing can lead to jobs in highly reputed organisations, as someone’s always hiring for marketing-related roles! 

MBA in Entrepreneurship

This degree is for you if you aspire to launch your own business. An MBA in Entrepreneurship will teach you the ins and outs of everything you need to know to build your own company. You will be trained in entrepreneurial skills, including generating start-up ideas, business development, venture capital, and risk management. 

Entrepreneurship is one of the most up-and-coming courses in today’s world. It will stay relevant for a long time due to the rise of the digital world and its many opportunities for independent business ventures.

MBA in Human Resources (HR) 

An MBA in Human Resources will equip you with all the knowledge and skills required to find, interview, and recruit candidates for a company. You will also be trained to observe an organisation’s behaviour, participate in their training activities, and resolve your employees’ conflicts. 

MBA in General Management

This popular MBA specialisation trains students to develop management skills through critical thinking, logical reasoning, problem-solving and risk management strategies. This degree allows you to explore multiple MBA domains such as sales, marketing and finance.

If you aim to get into corporate-level management or administrative positions, this specialisation is the one for you. After graduation, you can apply for roles such as Business Development Manager, Marketing Manager, Project Manager, and Financial Analyst. 

Here’s a List of the best MBA courses in demand in the world in a gist.

SpecialisationDescription
Finance  Financial management and investment techniques
Marketing Highlights product advertising, market research, and consumer behaviour
Human ResourcesRecruitment, training, and performance evaluation of a company’s personnel
Operations ManagementLogistics, supply chain management, and process improvement
Entrepreneurship Trains students to run their own enterprises
International BusinessGlobal operations, cross-cultural management, and multinational ideas
Information TechnologyConcentrates on the intersection of business and technology
Consulting    Problem-solving and analytical skills to advise organizations
Healthcare ManagemenManagement of healthcare systems
SustainabilityFocuses on integrating environmental, social, and economic factors

Average Salaries for MBA Specialisations 

MBA degrees are known to produce graduates who earn high salaries! Salaries may vary depending on your location, role, experience level and skillset. 

Which MBA specialisation is best paid in the world? Below are some high-paying MBA jobs in the world!

Career~ Average Salary (INR)/Per year
Chief Executive Officer 1,32,04,155
Marketing Director1,16,26,300
Financial Manager  1,06,28,929
Information Technology Manager1,04,63,670
Operations Manager  83,69,275
Management Consultant 82,00,693
Investment Banker  79,72,320
Business Development Manager 78,28,070
Sustainability Manager 71,60,970
Environmental Consultant 60,39,032
Source: Various Sources.

Top Countries & Universities Offering Best MBA Courses in Demand

Getting an MBA from a global study destination such as the USA or UK can improve your chances of launching a successful career. 

Which MBA course is best? Here are 5 countries you must consider to study for an MBA!

1. USA

Best MBA courses in demand in the USA are well-known and offer various programs. Harvard Business School, Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, MIT Sloan School of Management, Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University as well as the Stanford Graduate School of Business are the top 5 MBA schools in the US.

These schools have strong professors, well-known alumni networks, and access to fantastic internships and jobs. The average fees and cost of living are ~INR 70,58,825 and INR 13,60,000, respectively.

2. UK

Some of the Best MBA courses in demand are in the UK, a popular place for Indian students to study. London Business School, University of Oxford, University of Cambridge – Judge Business School, Imperial College Business School, and Manchester Business School are the top 5 MBA schools in the UK.

The UK has some of the best MBA courses in demand in the world and puts a lot of stress on learning by doing. The average fees and cost of living are ~INR 73,02,306 and INR 12,51,823, respectively.

3. Switzerland

Switzerland is known for having a sound education system and putting much effort into studying new ideas. The average fees and cost of living are ~INR 56,11,520 and INR 12,00,000, respectively. 

The country has the best MBA courses in demand in the world with great teachers and ties to the business world. IMD Business School, the University of St. Gallen, SDA Bocconi School of Management, HEC Lausanne – Faculty of Business and Economics, and HEC Paris – Executive Education are Switzerland’s top 5 MBA schools.

4. Canada

Canada’s MBA programs are becoming more popular among Indian students because of the low cost of education, good quality of life, and friendly culture. The average fees and cost of living are ~INR 36,00,00 and 1INR 5,00,000, respectively.

The top 5 MBA colleges in Canada for best MBA specialisation are the Schulich School of Business at York University, the Sauder School of Business at the University of British Columbia, the Ivey Business School at Western University, the Desautels Faculty of Management at McGill University, and the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto.

5. Australia

Australia is known for its busy towns, diverse society, and top-notch education system. The country has the best MBA specialisation that focuses on real-world experience in business. The average fees and cost of living are ~INR 31,76,400 and 11,60,000, respectively.

Melbourne Business School at the University of Melbourne, Sydney Business School at the University of Wollongong, Monash Business School at Monash University, UQ Business School at the University of Queensland, as well as the Australian Graduate School of Management (University of New South Wales), are the top 5 MBA colleges in Australia for best MBA specialisation.

Top Universities in the world for MBA 2024

Here’s a list of leading universities in the world that offer exceptional business education in the world!

The below universities are ranked highly by globally reputed platforms such as QS and THE.

University NameCountry~ Annual Fees (INR)/Per year
Harvard Business School USA66L- 74L
Stanford Graduate School of BusinessUSA66L
Wharton School at the University of PennsylvaniaUSA74L
INSEAD       France/Singapore  66L
London Business School  UK80L
MIT Sloan School of Management USA70L
Kellogg School of ManagementUSA80L
Columbia Business School    USA70L
The University of Chicago Booth School of BusinessUSA74L
HEC Paris  France58L
Tuition fee sources are from various official sources.

Final Thoughts

Indian students who do the best MBA specialisation abroad have a great chance to learn skills and information that can help their jobs go to new heights. As Indian companies grow worldwide, the need for professionals who have worked in other countries keeps growing. 

Also, these countries have well-known universities and a multicultural atmosphere that helps people understand other cultures and see the world as a whole.

Want to learn more about doing an MBA abroad and which MBA specialisation is in demand in future? Talk to our experts and get all your queries answered!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q. How functional are the best MBA specialisations from abroad for people from India?

    A. Best MBA courses in demand in the world can be very useful for Indians because they help them learn more about certain businesses or areas of expertise. Before enrolling in such programs, it’s essential to think carefully about how much demand there is in India for these specialised skills and how many job chances there are for people with them.

  • Q. Will getting an MBA in a narrow field hurt your chances of getting a job in India?

    A. Even though getting the niche best MBA courses in demand in the world may make it harder to find a job in India at first, in the long run, it can open up new doors and set you apart from the competition. Networking, training, and showing off your unique skills can help you overcome job market barriers.

  • Q. Are best MBA specialisations from foreign colleges that aren’t as well-known as valuable as those from prominent schools?

    A. The university’s image and brand value affect how functional a best MBA specialisation is. When judging the quality and usefulness of less well-known colleges abroad, it’s essential to look at the curriculum, faculty expertise, industry contacts, and alumni network.

  • Q. Does getting an MBA with a specialisation abroad promise a higher salary when returning to India?

    A. Fields in a foreign MBA can improve your skills and make you more marketable, but they don’t guarantee higher wages when you return to India. Salary levels are also affected by job experience, industry demand, negotiation skills, and the market state in India.

  • Q. Will learning the best MBA specialisation abroad give me more chances to network than if I studied in India?

    A. When you study the best MBA specialisation abroad, you can meet international students, professors, and industry professionals who can help you make new connections. But networking opportunities in India can also be beneficial and essential for making connections in the business world of India.

  • Q. Do Indian employers recognise and value the best MBA specialisations from other countries?

    A. Most Indian firms are willing to hire candidates who have earned their top MBA specialisations from colleges outside India, mainly from universities with solid reputations. However, ensuring that these specialisations are suitable for the company’s requirements is of the utmost importance.

  • Q. How are MBA specialisations given outside of India different from those in India?

    A. The best MBA specialisations from abroad often give students a broader view of the world, more experience with other cultures, and access to foreign faculty. Also, some specialised programs may offer classes or partnerships with businesses unavailable in India.

  • Q. Can a foreign MBA specialisation be finished in less time than an Indian program?

    A. International MBA specialisations often have different lengths of programs and can be finished in less time than Indian programs. However, looking at how complete and challenging the curriculum is is essential to ensure that valuable learning chances are valued.

  • Q. Do the best MBA specialisations in other countries help people get better internships and jobs?

    A. International best MBA specialisations can give you access to more internships and jobs, especially if the university has strong ties to the industry and has been offering career services for a long time. But getting internships and jobs still relies on how hard you work, how well you network, and whether you meet the requirements.

  • Q. Is it possible for Indian students to pay for foreign MBA specialisations?

    A. A foreign MBA specialisation can be a significant investment, so figuring out if it’s financially viable before you start is essential. It’s important to look into scholarships, grants, and part-time work possibilities and consider the return on investment regarding career growth and salary prospects.

  • Q. Do professional groups in India recognise the best MBA specialisations from outside India?

    A. Some specialised MBA specialisations from outside India may be identified and backed by professional organisations in India, while others may not. It is essential to look into and understand the requirements of the relevant professional groups in India.

  • Q. Do you need to have worked before going abroad to get an MBA specialisation?

    A. Even though work experience is only sometimes required, many colleges abroad that offer the best MBA specialisations prefer and value it. Work experience not only makes learning more fun, but it also gives you a better basis for understanding advanced ideas and putting them to use in the real world.

  • Q. which MBA specialisation is in demand in future?

    A. In the future, MBA specialisations in Technology Management, Healthcare Management, Sustainable Business, Supply Chain Management, Finance/Fintech, Entrepreneurship, and Marketing/Brand Management will be in demand. These areas reflect emerging market needs, technological advancements, and shifts in global business priorities.

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Saket Kohli

An International Higher Ed professional with 7+ years of experience studying, working, and living across three geographies, currently on a mission to share his journey as an International Student.

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