This article is sponsored by EMLYON Business School.

According to the WTTC Economic Impact Report 2014, the travel and tourism sector is the world’s largest employer, making up 8.9% of total global employment in 2013 – 1 in 11 of all jobs worldwide. By 2024, it is predicted that an additional 81 million jobs will be created (10.2% of total employment), thanks to the tourist population expected to double in the next 20 years, reflecting the increase in the middle class population and boosted particularly by growth in South East Asia.

So which skills will the next generation of hospitality leaders need to navigate the global hospitality industry of the future? What career opportunities exist in this dynamic, expansive international sector? And how could the MSc in International Hospitality Management from EMLYON and Institut Paul Bocuse prepare you for your dream career in hospitality?

Understand the millennial consumer

Millennials will become the core customer in the travel and hospitality sector, a generation which will be within its peak earnings within the next 10 years. These savvy consumers who have grown up with connected devices and social media expect a fast booking process and an even faster response to their needs. With access to more information online, customers are able to ‘unbundle’ the travel experience, with their decision-making process often based directly on online reputation and social media.

This represents key opportunities as well as challenges for hospitality organizations. Future managers of the hospitality industry will need a strong understanding of changing consumer needs and the ability to adapt their business in order to constantly delight the new millennial generation, keeping them visiting, staying longer and spending more in the hospitality sector. The MSc in International Hospitality Management equips you with a broad, strategic view of hospitality management, teaching you how to create, manage and maintain the customer experience that is key to success in this industry.  A focus on innovation throughout the program will also provide you with the skills to identify new opportunities for diverse consumer groups and how to create tangible value.

Master the booming Asian hospitality industry

In South East Asia, Travel & Tourism economic growth increased by 7.9% and employment grew by 4.1% in 2013, with China expected to grow the most of any G20 country in 2014 at 8.3%. According to Deloitte’s Hospitality 2015 report, it is predicted that by 2019, China will have exceeded the US in absolute industry growth. Penetration of the domestic travel markets in China and India will yield the greatest long-term returns for international brands.

It is important for future managers of this industry to understand Asian consumer’s needs, as well as how to take advantage of this huge growth opportunity. This is why students of the MSc in International Hospitality Management spend a semester in Shanghai studying the Asian business environment, Asian etiquette and hospitality in the New Asia. Students of the program also work as a consultant to a hospitality business as part of the In-company project in Asia in order to apply the knowledge they gained throughout the program and benefit from hands-on experience in an international environment.

Learn how to innovate in hospitality

Innovative hospitality leaders of the future need to constantly bring new ideas to this complex, dynamic industry, with an understanding of the diverse expectations of their customers across global markets. Innovative hands-on projects throughout the MSc in International Hospitality Management require students to take an active role in their own learning and develop the capabilities to deliver new concepts and offerings.

For example the New Venture Creations Project allows students to work in small teams to create a virtual hospitality company and understand the implications of marketing, sales, finance and management. The Concept Design and Development Project enables students to develop their creativity by launching a completely new restaurant or hotel concept around a specific theme.

“Innovation is not just a formula. It is a mind-set which needs to be cultured and guided into a way of thinking by being exposed to many different types of cultures” – Charlotte Pedersen, Institut Paul Bocuse alumnus

Network with leading brands to launch your career in hospitality

The hospitality sector spans a huge range of industries, from hotels and resorts, to restaurants, events and cruise ships, to travel, tourism and airlines, to name a few. And the range of careers awaiting graduates is just as varied and far-reaching. Hospitality management graduates are equipped for management positions within hospitality operations, such as a hotel manager or catering manager, or as specialists or managers in specific industry functions within the hospitality industry, such as sales, marketing, operations or finance.

Positions could also include consultancy, research and advisory or even design, as well as cross over into other industries. According to Jeffrey Catrett, Dean of Institut Paul Bocuse, by studying hospitality management, master’s students will get a heavy customer focus that they would not get from a straight management program – something that today’s employers truly appreciate.

The opportunity to network with leading hospitality brands from day one and access to the careers services of both EMLYON Business School and Institut Paul Bocuse is another advantage. Companies such as Accor, InterContinental Hotels Group, Hilton Worldwide and GL Events regularly participate in careers events, recruitment forums, conferences and expert panels, giving students the chance to gain insight into the global hospitality industry, build their professional network and search for career opportunities.

Join the next generation of global hospitality leaders

The MSc in International Hospitality Management is a 16-month full-time program delivered exclusively in English in partnership between Institut Paul Bocuse, a world-renowned school of hospitality management and gastronomy, and EMLYON Business School, one of Europe’s top business schools devoted to lifelong learning for entrepreneurial and international management. The program balances theory, analysis, creativity and practical projects, offering you a comprehensive learning experience to fully prepare you for your dream career in hospitality management.

Taking place in France and China, you spend a semester at the EMLYON and Institut Paul Bocuse Asian campuses in Shanghai. You are also required to complete a 4-9 month internship with a hospitality organization anywhere in the world, supported by privileged access to a network of major brands in the global hospitality sector.

Program Director Jeffrey Catrett answers your questions in Q&A videos

Main image: Institut Paul Bocuse, copyright Pascal Muradian

This article is adapted from the QS Top Grad School Guide 2014/15. You can download the latest Top Grad School Guide, which includes advice on scholarship applications, for free here.

One of the prevailing concerns for prospective students worldwide – at graduate level and otherwise – is funding. With many countries still seeing rising tuition fees, alongside cuts to government-funded financial aid, obtaining sufficient funding and managing debt are often the biggest obstacles facing students who wish to pursue further education.

To start with, the cost of graduate study can be overwhelming simply to work out. Depending on the location and your circumstances, you may need to account for some or all of the following: tuition fees, semester fees, student services fees, course material expenses, food, travel, accommodation, visa and health insurance costs, childcare and personal expenses. For some, there’s also the “opportunity cost” to calculate, meaning the cost of time spent taking a career break.

The good news? While costs are in many cases higher than ever, leading universities and national governments are focusing on ways to increase funding opportunities and their accessibility.

Sources of graduate funding

It is advisable to start looking for graduate funding opportunities while or even before applying to universities, as the two processes often require very similar applications. In general, applications for funding need to be submitted by spring if you’re starting study in the fall of the same year.

Fortunately, there are many types of funding available for graduate students: merit-based, need-based, need-blind, university-specific, course-specific, subject-specific, career-specific, demographic-specific, country-specific, ability-specific and non-specific… The following is a breakdown of the most common types of graduate funding available around the world.

Home- and host-country governments

The first places to check for funding opportunities are the Ministry/Department of Education in your home and host countries. International students may not be eligible for all government funding schemes in the host country, so it’s important to thoroughly check opportunities in your home country first. Globally, typical government-funded aid includes sponsorships, loans, grants, scholarships (also known as studentships in the UK when referring to PhD students) and bursaries, each with distinct rules regarding eligibility, deadlines, application procedures and amount of funding awarded.

Universities and higher education institutions (HEIs)

Many universities and other HEIs offer some sort of financial aid for international students, be it fellowships, scholarships, grants, awards or bursaries, distributed on the basis of need, academic merit or both. Funding information is usually available online – check the scholarship or international section of the university website. Apply to as many schemes as possible, but remember to check the criteria carefully to ensure you fit the requirements. While highlighting your strengths and any exceptional achievements are a given, those applying for graduate study should also draw attention to any research projects, academic events, papers or conferences to which they have contributed, as well as discussing future research plans.

Scholarships

Scholarships are prestigious, highly coveted and usually the hardest form of financial aid to secure. They don’t need to be repaid and cover the full or partial costs of tuition, sometimes along with a portion of living costs. Scholarships are usually based solely on academic merit, although there are also many specialized scholarships which are targeted at students with certain backgrounds, interests, skills or ambitions. For example, sporting scholarships for the athletically gifted are particularly common in the US, and you don’t have to be on a sports-related course to apply. Discover scholarships by country and subject here.

Teaching and research assistantships

Assistantships (also known as studentships in the US) provide funding for postgraduate students in exchange for time spent working in a teaching or research role. They may be funded by the university department or your supervisor’s research budget, or by an external funding body with vested interests in a particular field of development. Rarely offered for professional degrees such as the JD, MBA or MD, often a requirement for PhD programs, and particularly common in STEM subjects, assistantships are cost-effective for the university and provide valuable teaching and/or research experience for the student.

Students with an assistantship are obliged to carry out specified teaching and/or research activities, stipulated in a contract. In return, you’ll typically receive a modest salary and/or a waiver of your tuition fees. Some universities may also provide funding for field trips and conference participation. When working in this capacity, make sure to remain within the constraints of your student visa, which may specify some employment restrictions.

Charities, trusts, learned societies and special interest groups

Charities, trusts, learned societies and special interest groups often dedicate a portion of their budget to fund graduate studies. While some organizations target specific and niche demographics, many focus simply on students from lower income backgrounds, those experiencing particular financial difficulty, and/or those with demonstrable academic excellence. Usually awards are made for a year at a time, with renewal possible, and students can secure backing from multiple organizations.

When applying for funding, focus on anything that makes you particularly distinctive. Points to highlight include: the relevance and potential future applications of your research; any ways in which your interests and/or background align with those of the funding organization; any disadvantages or challenges you’ve faced, along with your drive to succeed and potential to do so.

Employer contributions

If you’re starting your postgraduate studies after a period of work, you may be able to persuade your employer to sponsor your education. Most companies are supportive of staff training and development, and may even have a budget set aside for the personal and professional development (PPD) of their employees. Professionals requiring further education to become fully qualified include accountants, architects, engineers, social workers, lawyers and teachers.

Employers will be more receptive to your request if you show your aim is to improve your ability in the workplace, advance your career prospects, and/or aid your long-term development within the company, rather than simply indulging your own academic or personal interests. If you do use this route, you may need to sign an agreement which will tie you to the company for a specified period after graduation (usually one to two years).

Student and professional development loans

Dedicated student loans typically have lower repayment rates than regular loans. While common in North America for graduate studies, they are harder to obtain in countries like the UK, which concentrate on providing student loans mainly at undergraduate level. However, a possible alternative is a professional development loan. In the UK, banks offer Professional and Career Development Loans (PCDLs) for students who intend to work in the UK, EU, Norway, Liechtenstein or Iceland upon graduation. The loan funds up to two years of study, covers course fees and some living costs, and has more flexible repayment terms than a regular bank loan.

National research councils

National research councils (RCs) are often the main public-sector distributors of investment in research, including that conducted by postgraduate students. In the UK, there are seven RCs offering competitively sought-after graduate funding covering a wide range of disciplines. Elsewhere, similar investors include the European Research Council for EU countries, the National Research Councils in the US and Canada, the various institutes within the National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) in France, the Australian Research Council (ARC), and the German Research Foundation (DFG).

Eligibility criteria usually stipulate residency within the country where the council is based, a good bachelor’s degree and/or relevant work experience. Funding may provide partial or full fee coverage, along with a cost of living grant (known as a stipend), which is usually tax-free. Competition is intense, but highly specialized subjects typically have fewer applicants. You will usually need to apply via the university, rather than directly to the council.

Alternative graduate funding options

While graduate funding options are plentiful, they are greatly outweighed by the number of students vying for those opportunities. In addition to the fierce competition involved, these traditional funding routes are also not guaranteed to cover the full costs of graduate study – so creative candidates may consider some alternative avenues:

Peer-to-peer lending

A form of crowd-sourcing whereby private loans are given to individuals without the mediation of an official financial institution, peer-to-peer (P2P) or social lending provides funding for a variety of endeavors. Specialized online platforms are often used, with some (such as GraduRates.com and StudentFunder.com) focusing on the student market. While the lending is unsecured and you may need a solid credit history, P2P lending is more flexible in terms of repayment and interest rates for the borrower, while lenders have the opportunity to invest in a project or career they believe in. It can also provide a more formalized structure when lending among families and friends – turning a favor into a business transaction.

Portfolio funding

Portfolio funding involves securing small amounts of money from multiple sources. This can mean applying for all the types of funding mentioned in this article, or sending dedicated letters to a range of sources simultaneously. For this, students prepare a fundraising pack, with a letter asking for help in funding their degree. The letter explains who they are, what they want to study and why, what they will give back (either to the individual they address, or society as a whole) and how to make a donation.

Student jobs

If you intend to use a student job to supplement your finances, remember that each country has its own rules about whether, where and how international students can work. Typical restrictions include limited working hours during term-time, and rules about whether you can work off-campus or need to stick to jobs within the university. For example, international students in Canada must obtain the Off-Campus Work Permit (OCWP). Most campuses offer many opportunities for part-time work, including working in a shop or café, in the student union, as an organizer or helper at university events, in an administrative role, or as a student tutor or advisor. You could also consider freelance work as a tutor, capitalizing on skills in fields such as languages, sports, arts or music.

Part-time study

You might also consider enrolling for part-time study, which will mean your tuition fees are spread out over a longer period, while you have more time to work alongside your course commitments. If this is your plan, make sure you have a realistic balance between work and studies. If you do find yourself struggling to cope, your university’s student support team may be able to direct you towards funding opportunities that have opened up since the commencement of the academic year, or at the very least, help you find a better balance or schedule.

Graduate funding around the world

Having explored the different avenues available to international graduate students, here are some specific graduate funding resources for six of the most popular destinations:

Funding for graduate study in Australia

• Australian government’s Endeavour Scholarships and Fellowships
• Australia Awards, via the AusAID program for students from developing countries
• Merit-based international scholarships from individual universities, such as the Adelaide Graduate Research Scholarships (University of Adelaide) and International Postgraduate Research Scholarships (University of Western Australia)
• More scholarships to study in Australia…

Funding for graduate study in Canada

• Government website provides a listing of international scholarships, including the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
• Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada (DFATD) offers scholarships for international students, while the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC) offers scholarships for Canadian citizens
• Competitive graduate scholarships from Canada’s Research Councils (such as NSERC, CIHR, SSHRC, CIFAR)
• More scholarships to study in Canada…

Funding for graduate study in France

• Bursaries via the Centre National des Œuvres Universitaires et Scolaires (CNOUS) and the Centres Régionaux des Œuvres Universitaires (CROUS)
• Regional scholarships from the website of the Conseil Régional in which your university is based
• Eiffel Scholarships for international master’s and PhD students from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MESR)
• Graduate scholarships from the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF)
• PhD students can apply for Industrial Conventions Research Training (CIFRE) funding
• The French Ministry of Higher Education and Research provides ‘doctoral contracts’ for research students
• French government bursaries via French embassies in some countries.
• More scholarships to study in Europe…

Funding for graduate study in Germany

• The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is the world’s largest funding organization for international students and offers an online scholarships database
• Funding organizations such as the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation for PhD students and the Heinrich Böll Foundation
• Katholischer Akademischer Ausländer-Dienst (KAAD) scholarships offered for students from developing countries
• Some federal grants and loans are available (some only in cases of hardship)
• More scholarships to study in Germany…

Funding for graduate study in the UK

• UK government offers tuition fee loans for graduate-level students on accelerated medical/dental programs and special funding for trainee teachers (PCGE or ITT)
• Opportunities for funding from the seven government-funded Research Councils: AHRC, BBSRC, EPSRC, ESRC, MRC, NERC, STFC
• Scientific studentships from organizations and charities such as Cancer Research UK, Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) and the Wellcome Trust
• Funding via the British Council, including Erasmus grants and the UK 9/11 Scholarship Fund for surviving victims of the 9/11 attacks
• The Fulbright Commission offers Postgraduate Student Awards for postgraduate studies at any accredited UK university (for US students only)
• The Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) scheme helps provide funding for professional qualifications
• Other international schemes include the Chevening Scholarships, the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme and Marshall Scholarship (for US students only)]
• More scholarships to study in the UK…

Funding for graduate study in the US

• The Institute of International Education (IIE) provides a database of scholarships
• The Fulbright Commission offers Postgraduate Student Awards for postgraduate studies at any accredited US university (for UK students only) and Scholar Awards for UK professionals doing academic work in the US
• Research grants from government agencies such as the National Science Foundation
• Annual funding directory published by Palgrave Macmillan, called The Grants Register
• Individual scholarships offered by universities or states, such as the Kennedy Scholarships for Harvard and MIT and the Frank Knox Fellowships for students from the UK, Australia, Canada or New Zealand to study at Harvard
• The American Association of University Women (AAUW) provides international fellowships for women to study in the US
• PEO International offers scholarships for women to study in the US or Canada
• The Hellenic Times Scholarship Fund for Greek students to study in the US
• More scholarships to study in the US…

International graduate funding

• Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) funding includes the Global Access Initiative (GAIN) and PING Scholarships
• The Leverhulme Trust offers international postgraduate studentships
• Scholarships from the Organization of American States (OAS), including the OAS Special Caribbean Scholarships Program (SPECAF)
• The EU’s Erasmus+ program includes a range of international funding opportunities
• Online database of EU scholarships via the PLOTEUS project
• The European Commission (EC) offers Intra-European Fellowships, International Incoming Fellowships and Initial Training Networks (ITN) for researchers in Europe
• Commonwealth Scholarships and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) for Commonwealth countries
• More scholarships for international study…

Get personal grad school advice

The QS World Grad School Tour - coming soon to a city near you - is your chance to meet admissions directors of grad schools around the world. You'll also be able to attend free seminars, pick up a copy of the QS Top Grad School Guide, and be eligible to apply for funding through the QS Scholarships scheme.

Want more content like this? Register for free site membership to get regular updates and your own personal content feed.

What makes a great student city? To accompany the launch of the QS Best Student Cities 2015 – a ranking of the world’s top 50 cities for students – we asked prospective and current students for their views. The video below sums up some of the main themes, including multiculturalism and diversity, good transport and connections, green spaces, attractive and inspiring surroundings, safety, good career prospects, vibrant nightlife, and (of course) affordability.

Video by Sara Bernado for TopUniversities.com

What do you think makes a great student city? Share your views in the comments below or on Twitter using #QSBestCities.

A communications degree is, as you may expect, all about learning how to communicate information effectively. Good communication is essential in just about every industry, helping to sell products to the public, maintain strong relationships with investors, clients and customers, and – not always as prominent but just as important – to make sure everyone within the business and outside are operating on the same page. Whether working among business executives or digital-age creatives, communication skills are very much sought-after, particularly in the modern world of business jargon, complex technologies and saturated markets.

A communications degree will allow you to build awareness of how to communicate information to diverse audiences effectively, with specific business goals in mind. Strong communication skills are invaluable in order to provide meaning and resonance to the companies’ aims, and to present the company and its services or products in the best (and clearest) possible way to consumers, clients and colleagues.

Often studied alongside media studies or journalism at undergraduate level, communications is also offered as a subject in its own right and can be taken further with a specialization at postgraduate level. Alternatively, you could start by studying communications at undergraduate level, before progressing to a master’s focusing on a field such as digital marketing.

So, what can you do with a communications degree?

Communications graduates have long been valued within businesses among human resources teams, helping to recruit, train and retain valued staff.

Careers you could pursue with a communications degree include:

• Business executive
• Human relations manager
• Public relations manager
• Marketing executive
• Advertising executive
• Media planner
• Web content manager
• Paralegal
• Teacher

Depending on the type of business your company conducts, there may also be room for communications graduates within customer- and client- facing departments such as public relations and marketing. In these roles you’ll likely be working to ensure your company is communicating effectively in all its marketing materials while maintaining a strong relationship with the public.

But careers in communications don’t stop there. Communications teams are also vital in a wide range of creative industries, including the fast-growing world of digital media, which in recent years has seen huge growth in the need for graduates with digital communication skills such as expertise with social media or web development. As the digital age continues its rapid advancement, so too do opportunities for communications graduates interested in new media careers. 

For a closer look at some common and not-so-common jobs with a communications degree, read on! 

Typical careers in communications

Here we look at a selection of more typical careers in communications; from HR departments to the world of advertising, discover the roles where your communication skills are most in need. If you’re interested in opportunities within digital and new media, take a look at the less typical communications careers further down.

Communications careers in business

With communications playing such a key role in any business or organization, a communications degree is a great way to enter the business world. Regardless of product or industry, entry-level communications roles will require you to demonstrate strong written and oral communication and presentation skills, along with knowledge of how a business functions across departments. There is also the potential for career development into executive, managerial and training roles after gaining some experience.

Communications careers in human resources

A key department of any large business, human resources is vital for developing and maintaining worker ethics, performance and motivation. Your role as a communications graduate is likely to be in providing the right information at the right time to the right people within the company. You may be involved in recruiting new staff, raising awareness about training or professional development programs, or ensuring company guidelines and regulations are clearly communicated. Communications careers in this area will benefit from an aptitude for nurturing relationships and communicating well with many different types of people.

Communications careers in marketing, public relations and advertising

Marketing, public relations and advertising are three more great answers to the question “what can you do with a communications degree?” In these related areas, communications graduates can be useful in delivering effective written and oral communication to consumers, colleagues or clients. This could be in the form of press releases, advertising scripts, company presentations and print campaigns, as well as attendance at media events and the ongoing development of professional relationships with clients and the media.

Communications careers in media

Media jobs with a communications degree are large in number – as you’d expect, since the main aims of the media sector are to communicate information and provide entertainment.  Whether you’re interested in becoming involved with TV and film production, magazine and newspaper journalism, or online and digital channels, media careers all require graduates with excellent communication skills, and the ability to curate and disseminate information in engaging and relevant ways.

Media is, however, a very competitive industry, and it’s unlikely (though not impossible) that you will be hired by a big media corporation such as the BBC or the Huffington Post straight after graduation. Relevant work experience is essential, so those interested in entering the media world should consider undertaking internships or getting involved in student media productions while still studying, to increase their chances of getting a related role upon graduation. Those interested in journalism may also consider building a portfolio of their own journalistic work and/or gaining a relevant postgraduate degree.

Less typical careers in communications

What can you do with a communications degree if you don’t want to go into the typical careers outlined above? Read on for a selection of less typical jobs with a communications degree, from film producer to legal secretary. Bear in mind that this is not an exhaustive list; communications graduates are sought-after in almost any industry you can think of!

Careers in digital media

The digital media industry is currently reshaping the way society consumes media and information. Online news sites, social networks and digital technologies are all areas of the industry continuing to expand, leading to significant increases in job opportunities for those with a combination of communication skills and digital proficiency. If you’re interested in a media career but concerned about the longevity of print media, digital media is the way to go! This expanding field incorporates careers in journalism, video production, web design, social media and online publishing, to name but a few – and more roles are appearing as technologies and audience behavior continue to evolve.

Careers in law

Although most people entering the legal industry do so with a postgraduate qualification or specialized law degree, communications graduates may be interested in pursuing administrative and organizational roles, working for local or national civil and criminal courts or even governmental and independent legal firms. For example, legal secretary roles and paralegal roles are often held by communications graduates. An undergraduate communications degree could also be a great starting point from which to apply to law school. However, if you do not wish to gain further qualifications there is a limit to your advancement in this industry, due to the requirements for roles such as a solicitor or barrister. Depending on the hiring company, however, there may be the possibility of gaining some additional qualifications while you work.

Careers in education

Another option is education, where your communication skills will certainly be needed daily! To be hired within primary or secondary education, you’ll need a teaching qualification. Depending on the country you want to work in, this will take at least a year to obtain. For tertiary education, at institutions such as colleges and universities, it is more likely that you’ll need a postgraduate qualification in a related specialization in order to teach.

---

‘What Can You Do With a Communications Degree?’ is part of our ‘What Can You Do With…’ series. We have also covered art, biology, business, computer science, English, engineering, fashion, finance, history, geography, law, marketing, mathematics, performing arts, philosophy, politics, psychology, sociology, chemistry, economics and physics.

Thinking about studying a business degree but don’t feel clued up enough to take the initial steps? Take a look at our business school application FAQs (frequently asked questions), to find answers to some of the most common questions asked by students thinking of applying to business school.

We’ve covered everything from business school admissions requirements to specialized degrees, language tests to costs. Simply click on the question below to find out more.

1. What are the types of degree offered at business school?

2. Do business schools offer undergraduate degrees?

3. What are the average business school admission requirements?

4. Can I apply to business school with an international qualification?

5. What are the language requirements for business school?

6. Will I be accepted if my TOEFL/IELTS test results are below the entry requirements?

7. What are business school admissions tests?

8. How much do the GMAT and GRE admissions tests cost?

9. How do I make my business school application?

10. What should I include in my application?

11. Do I have to pay an application fee?

12. Will I have to attend an interview?

13. Do I need any work experience?

14. Can I apply to business school before completing my undergraduate degree?

15. Can I defer my place at business school?

16. Are there any age restrictions for business schools?

17. What tuition fees should I expect to pay at business school?

18. Is there any funding available to cover tuition fees at business school?

19. Further questions?

1. What are the types of degree offered at business school?

There are a plethora of courses on offer at business schools, and not all of these are specifically business degrees. The following list offers some examples of the types of subjects covered at business schools around the world:

• Accounting
• Business Administration (link goes to TopMBA.com)
• Business Management
• Business Technology
• Communications
• Economics and Econometrics
• Entrepreneurship
• Finance
• Human Resources
• International Business
• Law
• Management Sciences
• Mathematics
• Marketing
• Project Management
• Public Relations
• Sociology
• Statistics

Some business schools may offer the option of taking a joint degree, allowing you to study two of the subjects listed above. Some even provide programs which combine bachelor’s and master’s levels, allowing you to earn a bachelor’s and a master’s degree with four or five years of full-time study. Schools offering these programs will list them on their websites and/or in their prospectus.

For more information about studying a specialized master’s in business administration, please see our sister site TopMBA.com for program guides.

2. Do business schools offer undergraduate degrees?

Often undergraduate degrees are not offered, as business schools are largely set up to cater to graduate students. As always, however, there are exceptions to this rule, such as joint honors degrees that combine study at a main university with some modules taught at the business school. For more information on whether a particular school offers any undergraduate-level courses, contact the admissions office or look on the website.

3. What are the average business school admission requirements?

Although business school admissions requirements vary, the majority of schools will ask for a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. Most top business schools are likely to expect at least a high second-class degree (2:1 in the UK grading system) at undergraduate level, but again this varies between institutions. See the program details on your chosen school’s website for specific information about academic requirements.

In addition to a degree qualification, many business schools will also ask for the following:

• Academic transcripts from your university or college
• Proof of English-language proficiency (e.g. IELTS/TOEFL)
• Graduate admissions test results (e.g. GMAT/GRE)

For more information about language tests, please skip to question five. For more information on business school admissions tests such as the GMAT and GRE, see question seven.

4. Can I apply to business school with an international qualification?

When applying to business school as an international student, it’s likely your qualifications may be different to those completed in the country you hope to study in. However, top business schools across the world accept a wide range of international qualifications. Usually you’ll find that if your qualification enables you to study at postgraduate level in your home country, it will be similarly recognized elsewhere. In order to ensure your qualification is accepted, take a look at the guidance on your chosen school’s website about which qualifications they accept. If still unsure, contact the school directly.

5. What are the language requirements for business school?

If the country you wish to study in uses English as the language of instruction and you are not a native English speaker, you will be expected to provide the results of an English-language test such as IELTS or TOEFL when applying to business school.

If you’re a confident English speaker and have acceptable written English, then passing an English-language text should be a breeze. Nonetheless, most top business schools will make this an admission requirement for all applicants who are not native speakers, and/or who have not already completed a degree taught in English.

Related articles:

• Essential IELTS Vocabulary Tips
• IELTS: The Basics
• IELTS: What to Expect
• TOEFL: The Basics
• TOEFL: What to Expect
• University Admissions: English Language Tests
• Which English Test Should I Take?

6. Will I be accepted if my TOEFL/IELTS test results are below the entry requirements?

Although some schools offer a small amount of leeway with their entry requirements, it is unlikely they will accept a lower language test result. This is because a solid knowledge of the language of instruction is very important for students to be able to progress through the course in written assignments, case studies and group projects.

7. What are business school admissions tests?

If you’re applying to study a specialized master’s program or MBA, it’s likely you’ll need to take an admissions test, designed to show you have the quantitative and analytical skills needed to study business at postgraduate level. A selection of internationally recognized business school admissions tests are available, but the two most widely used are the GMAT (Graduate Management Admissions Test) and the GRE (Graduate Record Examination), both of which have test centers around the world.

Related articles:

• Graduate Admissions Tests at a Glance
• Preparing for Graduate Admissions Tests
• Understanding Your GMAT Score
• What GRE Scores Do You Need?

8. How much do the GMAT and GRE admissions tests cost?

The GRE is currently priced at US$195 worldwide (+ fees for any additional services) while the GMAT is slightly more at US$250 worldwide.

Before applying to take a test, you should check the specific admission requirements set by your chosen school, and ensure the test you intend to take is recognized. This will save you paying to take a test you may not need or that will not be sufficient.

9. How do I make my business school application?

The application process varies dramatically depending on the country and place of study. To identify the exact process for your chosen school, make sure to read all the resources available on the institution’s website. Generally, however, you are likely to be able to download an application form from the school’s own website, which is then submitted online, along with all your supporting documentation and test results.

10. What should I include in my application?

Although every business school will have its own application system, the majority of schools now accept online applications. This may make your life easier than in the days of hand-written applications, but you will still need to prepare supporting documents. Many schools ask for a selection of the following:

• Statement of purpose
• Academic transcript and degree certificate
• Academic references
• CV/résumé
• Proof of English-language proficiency
• Admission test results
• Copy of passport

Your application isn’t just a collection of academic documents. It is your chance to define your motivations, your suitability for business school, and what you think you can offer the program as well as what you hope to gain. These points should be covered in your statement of purpose; for more guidance, see the related articles below.

Related articles:

• Grad School Application Tips
• University Applications and Admissions: Expert Advice
• What you Need to Apply for Grad School

11. Do I have to pay an application fee?

Many top business schools charge a fee for every application, to ensure that only those who are really serious about the program apply. This fee is usually no more than US$100.

12. Will I have to attend an interview?

Again, this depends on the business school you’re applying to, but it’s not uncommon to be invited for an interview after submitting your application. If you live abroad and getting to the school is a problem, you may have the option to set up a video interview instead.

Related articles:

• 7 Essential Skype Interview Tips
• Admissions Interviews Dos and Don’ts

13. Do I need any work experience?

For programs such as an MBA (Masters in Business Administration) it is very likely you will be asked to show at least several years’ experience of working in a business environment. For some other specialized master’s degrees, however, this is not the case. Work experience requirements should be included in the admissions requirements listed by each school.

14. Can I apply to business school before completing my undergraduate degree?

This depends on the school you’re dealing with, but often if you’re due to complete your degree in the next few months, you can apply for a business school program without a degree certificate. Check with the school in question, and include the transcripts of your grades and module results to date in your application.

In the case of pending English-language test results, many schools will still process your application, but won’t offer you a place until you submit proof of your English ability. Make sure to include details of when you expect to receive your results within the application.

15. Can I defer my place at business school?

Many schools offer the chance to defer entry, after gaining admission. Deferring entry may come at a price, however; at top business schools expect to pay a reservation fee of between US$500-US$1,500.

16. Are there any age restrictions for business schools?

In some countries it is common to have an age restriction on higher education programs. But in most cases, as long as you have the required experience (often a minimum of three years of undergraduate study plus any required work experience) and meet all other requirements, there is no upper or lower age restriction.

17. What tuition fees should I expect to pay at business school?

Programs such as an MBA or other highly specialized business degree will be markedly more expensive compared to other postgraduate degrees. But the majority of degrees offered at business school, such as an MA or MSc qualification, will charge tuition fees similar to the regular postgraduate fees offered at the main university. For information on tuition fees for specific programs, contact the business school or check the website.

18. Is there any funding available to cover tuition fees at business school?

As fees to study at top business schools are not cheap, there is a wide range of funding opportunities available. Your first port of call for funding and scholarship information should be your chosen school’s website. Often you’ll find information about various funding options, fellowships and scholarships with details on how to apply. For external funding information, you should consider governmental funding schemes, either from your home country or the country in which you wish to study. Funding may also be available from external organizations in the form of scholarships, sponsorships and loans.

19. Further questions?

If you have any further general questions about business school applications, please ask us in the comments below or in our international student forum. For more specific questions related to particular programs and schools, contact the business school’s admissions team directly.

For more information about applying to business school, different types of business degree, specializations, costs, funding and careers, take a look at the resources below.

• Business & Management Degrees (course guides)
• What Can You Do With a Business Degree?
• Top Universities in the World for Social Sciences & Management
• Top Universities in the World for Accounting & Finance
• Top Universities in the World for Economics & Econometrics