Which is better for me, a UK or USA MBA, when I compare duration and what I gain or lose?
Most full-time UK MBAs take about 12 months, while a traditional full-time USA MBA takes two years. The extra year affects fees, rent and lost salary, but also gives a summer internship for switching careers. Exact length varies by school, so check each program page.
The biggest difference is time. A UK MBA is usually about one year, and a traditional USA MBA usually takes two, so the gap is typically a full year of fees, rent and lost salary.
MBA Duration at Well-Known Schools
| School | Duration |
|---|---|
| Oxford Said Business School | One year, full-time |
| Cambridge Judge Business School | One year, full-time |
| Imperial Business School | One year, with an optional four-month extension |
| Warwick Business School | One year, full-time |
| London Business School | 15 to 21 months, and you choose when to finish |
| Harvard Business School, Wharton, Stanford GSB, MIT Sloan | Two years, traditional full-time format |
What You Gain and Lose
- Lost salary: one year away from work in the UK, two in the USA, though a paid summer internship in the USA covers part of the gap.
- Internship time: USA students get a full summer, while UK students usually get a shorter project.
- Career switching: a summer internship helps if you are moving into a new field, while staying in your field may favor getting back to work sooner.
- Some USA schools also run one-year MBAs, so check the format at your school.
My Advice
Ask yourself whether you need that summer. If you are changing industries, the longer format may be worth the extra cost. If you are staying in your field, the shorter UK format may suit you better. Check each school's page for the 2027 or 2028 intake.
Looking for a specific course in the UK?
We will find the universities that offer it, and whether you will get in.
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