MBA in China Admissions Guide for 2024 Intake

China is fast becoming a top study-abroad destination for professionals who want to obtain an MBA degree. From its thriving business environment, enormous economic growth, A-list MBA schools and dynamic job market, China is an excellent place to study MBA. Before you enroll, check this MBA Study Guide for 2024 intake in China!

Now the Chinese border is open, and thousands of international from around the world are moving to China. Attracted by the relatively low cost of living, huge diverse country and abundance of opportunities.

Why Do An MBA in China?

1) World-class MBA programs with affordable tuition fee

MBA programs in China occupy major world MBA rankings every year. China opened its doors to Western ideas in the 1970s and numerous international business schools also have campuses in China. This paved way for China’s MBA programs to reflect an East-West focus. If you study MBA in China, you get the best of both worlds.

But one of the best parts of MBA programs in China is the highly affordable tuition fee. Compared to Western MBAs, an MBA from China saves you as much as 50% in tuition fee. You can also apply to many business scholarships offered by the Chinese Government, multinational companies, alumni and Chinese universities.

CEIBS MBA currently holds the #1 position in Asia and #5 spot globally. CKGSB on the other hand, does not participate in any global MBA ranking program. However, it’s been hailed by many business organizations as a top-notch MBA program. 

2) Strong alumni network

Business schools in China are known to have some of the most extensive and exclusive alumni networks in the world. This is a major selling point for most MBA programs.

With the concept of “Guanxi” as a foundation, business is done in China by cultivating relationships and connections. If you graduate from an MBA school in China, you become “one of their own” and you have a lifetime professional support system.

In picture: Inaugural ceremonies of Tsinghua SEM Europe Alumni Association in 2015. Tsinghua University SEM has one of the most tight-knit alumni networks among business schools in China. 

3) Easy employment

China has one of the most dynamic job markets in the world. Every year, emerging markets and unique careers open for new graduates. According to statistics, 90% of MBA graduates find meaningful jobs in local and multinational companies and different industries in Asia after three months of graduating an MBA degree in China. An MBA in China can also give you as much as 100% increase in earnings.

How to Apply?

You can apply online by searching programs here. We suggest you apply to 3-5 programs to increase your chances of being accepted. We also have an MBA application service, to help you choose courses, apply and get accepted. You can register for a free call with us here.

Read What Students Are Saying!
 

“CEIBS provides international education with a strong focus on China. It is one of the best international business schools in the world.”

– Oliver Greer, United Kingdom, CEIBS MBA Class of 2016.
Read more

“I was attracted to idea of getting education from top Chinese and UK business schools with roots in Chinese culture but with a global context. I saw studying at BiMBA as a way to understand cutting edge technological innovation and cross-cultural courses.”

Ying Wang, BiMBA 2019 Part-time Class. Read more

“CKGSB encourages women to do their best, and this comes from professors on one hand but also the faculty and careers center.”

– Beth Guo, CKGSB MBA alumni. Read more

MBA Program Overview

Every year, thousands of the international students choose to study Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) in China. Here’s a general overview of the business course.

Course Duration: 12 to 48 months
Course Structure: Full-time or part-time
Teaching Medium: English
Basic Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree, two years or longer of work experience
Estimated tuition fee: As low as $2,700 USD/year to $39,900 USD/year

Top Business Schools in China

China has many top-ranking MBA schools but these are the best ones that dominate world-ranking charts for many years now.

CEIBS
China Europe International Business School (CEIBS)

The MBA program at CEIBS is a full-time program with a duration of 12 or 18 months. If you want a quicker option, choose the 12 month program. The medium of instruction is English. Watch a video of CEIBS here.

CKGSB Logo
Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business (CKGSB)

The MBA at CKGSB is a 14-month, full-time program taught in English. CKGSB has world-class professors with experience in top business schools in the world. It boasts of in-class incubators and is an advocate of social innovation. Get a glimpse of CKGSB here.

Peking University BiMBA

BiMBA offers several MBA programs for international students. BiMBA has been ranked #1 in China by Fortune and Forbes for years. It is known as the “Business School within a think-tank.”

Tsinghu University Logo  

Tsinghua University

The MBA program offered at Tsinghua University is a joint program by Tsinghua and MIT. This program enables you to gain access to Tsinghua and MIT’s joint resources. You will also be taught by the faculty of both schools, interact with students  and connect with two alumni networks.

Fudan University School of Management Logo
Fudan University School of Management

In collaboration with MIT Sloan School of Management, Fudan also offers the Fudan-MIT International MBA (iMBA). It is taught in English. Fudan offers one of the most extensive business exposures and intensive advice and support to students.

Fudan University Logo
Fudan University Fanhai School of Finance

Fudan University is one of the first universities to develop an MBA program in China. Fudan offers a Finance MBA which is offered part-time and full-time. It can be completed in two years and is fully taught in English.

Shanghai Jiao Tong University Antai College of Economics and Management

The MBA Program at SJTU is a full-time two-year program taught in English. It is the first MBA program in China to be triple accredited by AACSB, EQUIS, and the AMBA. Shanghai Jiaotong MBA has consistently been ranked on of the top business schools in China and globally. The program boosts of many connections and cooperation with universities across the country.

MBA Curriculum

An MBA curriculum consists of core courses, elective courses and Chinese-related courses. In your final year of study, you will have the opportunity to intern in multinational companies and participate in international exchange programs. Below is a sample MBA curriculum:

Core Courses

– Decision-making for Business
– Business Strategy and Analytics
– Managerial Economics
– China’s Economic Development
– Managing Organisational Behaviour
– Global Leadership
– Operations Analytics
– Operations and Technology Management
– Corporate Strategy
– Strategic Management
– Marketing Science
– Marketing Research
– Business Research Project

Optional Courses

– Digital Marketing
– Consumer Behaviour
– Influence and Negotiations
– Managing across Cultures
– Entrepreneurship
– Global Entrepreneurial Systems
– Emerging Business Technologies
– International Business Finance
– Investment Banking
– Management of non-profit organisations
– Statistics and Analytics for Business
– Strategic Human Resource Management
– Design Thinking for Strategy

Electives

– Organizational Management in Times of Change
– Leadership in Chinese Traditional Culture
– Competition Strategy
– Marketing in China
– National Development Lecture Series

Admissions Information

Here is what is required for the MBA Programs in China

A. Eligibility

  • Minimum of a bachelor’s degree
  • Preferably two years or longer work experience
  • Competitive GMAT or GRE score (or you can take the schools entrance test)
  • High level of proficiency in English With IELTS or TOEFL or IET preferred

B. Application Process

1) Search for MBA programs and click on the apply button.
2) Preliminary screening and reference check. Your application package will be reviewed by the MBA Admissions Office.
3) Applicants who passed first-round review will receive an email invitation to the MBA admission interview.
4) Review and Decision. The MBA Admissions Board reviews your overall condition, and make a decision normally within two weeks.
5) Once formally admitted, pay the required fees to confirm your place.
6) Wait for the invitation letter, process visa and get ready to study in China!

C. Required Documents

  • Passport-size photo
  • Photocopy of Passport
  • Photocopy of Degree Certificates and Diploma
  • Official University Transcripts Scholarship application documents
  • Application fee receipt
  • Photocopy of Qualification certificate/Awards/Honors Certificates
  • Two recommendation letters

How to Apply?

You can apply online by searching programs here. We suggest you apply to 3-5 programs to increase your chances of being accepted. We also have an MBA application service, to help you choose courses, apply and get accepted. You can register for a free call with us here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the required GMAT or GRE score?

The required GMAT or GRE score will depend on the MBA school where you are applying. Some business schools also don’t require GMAT or GRE scores. Fudan University requires you to have an “acceptable” score on either of the test, CEIBS and Peking University require a GMAT of above 600 while SJTU Antai require a GMAT score of 550+ or GRE score of 310+. This requirement is different from school to school.

If you are applying for many programs (which is advised), you can choose to take either the GMAT or GRE. How to choose? We have an article here. If you are planning to apply to just one program then you can choose to take that university’s entrance exam.

Which MBA round should I apply?

You should apply for the earliest rounds to increase your chances of getting accepted. Applying for round 1 or 2 will also give you more opportunities to apply for scholarships.

How do I increase my chances of getting accepted into an MBA program in China?

You should apply for the earliest rounds to increase your chances of getting accepted. Applying for round 1 or 2 will also give you more opportunities to apply for scholarships.

  • Apply as early as possible
  • Send the complete documents
  • Demonstrated your interest in the business school. You can visit a university advisor, go on a campus tour or submit yourself for a voluntary interview.
  • We can give you some free advice about how to improve your chances. Just get in contact with us.
How can I fund my MBA in China?

There are a number of funding options for MBA in China.

Here are some ways to fund your MBA in China:
– Employer/company sponsorship
– Merit and need-based scholarships
– MBA student loans

Get more tips how to fund your MBA in China in our article.

Are there any MBA scholarships in China?
MBA schools in China offer a wide selection of scholarships for international students. Check out MBA programs in China and scholarships available for each one.
Can I work while studying for my MBA?
Previously, international students were not allowed to work in China while studying. However, the Chinese Government revised this policy in 2018.

According to the Chinese Ministry of Education, international students are now allowed to take part-time jobs during their studies and engage in paid internships on or off campus as long as they get permission from their host university and the Chinese immigration authorities.

Students will receive a consent letter from their university or hiring company (for internship). After which, they will need to go to the police station to mark their visa for ‘part-time work’.

What are the best industries in China for MBA graduates?

China is moving forward into a service-based economy, so there are so many emerging markets for MBA graduates. Here are some of the best industries where you can start a career:

– Fintech
– E-commerce
– Green energy
– Healthcare
– Education

 

Content crafter at China Admissions with nine years of professional writing experience. Fil-Chinese who honors my heritage every day. On a fascinating journey exploring China and tracing my ancestry. See China through my lens.
Christine Chiu

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