Study business abroad

Business degrees are one of the most popular subjects for international students to study abroad. A degree in business can open up a huge number of career opportunities, and choosing to study abroad can give you an edge in a competitive market.

Studying business overseas means you’ll not only experience a new culture and way of life, but also gain an insight into how business works in a different country.

Business degrees are widely ranked as the most popular option for international students to study abroad. It’s not hard to see why; studying business overseas opens you up to a huge number of programs at some of the best business schools in the world.

Choosing to study abroad means you’ll be able to experience excellent teaching and a different country’s approach to business. Although you’ll learn all about international business in the classroom, when you study abroad you can see first hand how it works, and even spend time in and internship in an international business.

If you want to work in the business sector in another country, studying there is a great way to start your journey. It will also help you make connections with businesses and other students that could be useful connections in your future career.

Business is a huge field of study, and what is covered in a business degree program can vary greatly. Business degrees also come under many different names and guises, so it’s important to understand the program curriculum and structure before you apply.

Typical business degree modules include:

• Accounting/management accounting
• Marketing/digital marketing
• Economics
• Micro/macroeconomics
• Entrepreneurial management
• Business research
• Business information systems

There is usually the option during your degree to choose optional modules alongside the compulsory ones. These can help you tailor your program to focus on the areas you find most interesting, and that best match your career plans.

The exact course structure and curriculum will depend on the program you’re studying. Most business undergraduate degrees will take three or four years to complete, and some offer a year abroad or at work as part of the program.

Business programs are usually taught through lectures, tutorials and classes, and independent study. Assessment will be a combination of essays, projects, dissertations and written exams.

If you’ve made the decision to study business, you’ll be faced with a huge number of program options, from universities all over the world. To help you make the right decision, think about:

• What area of business do you want to study?

  There are a wide range of business programs you can choose from, so work out exactly what you want to study to help narrow down your search.

• Is there a specific industry you want to work in?

  Consider locations that offer business opportunities that match your career aspirations. For example, some cities are renowned for their finance sector, others for tech or digital industries.

• What university experience do you want?

  Your time outside the classroom is really important, so take things like the student life of the university into account. Consider the activities, accommodation and support services offered by the university when applying.

Deciding where you’ll live and study for potentially several years is a huge decision, so take the time to make sure you make the right one. For more help, read our guide on choosing where to study abroad.

To study business in another country you’ll need to meet the university’s entry requirements. The exact requirements will differ depending on the country and university you’re applying to, but here’s the minimum you’ll need:

• To have completed secondary education with satisfactory grades - some programs request you have good maths grades, but many don’t specify specific subjects
• A personal statement that outlines your interest in the business
• Good English language proficiency test scores
• Relevant academic references
• A bachelor’s degree (BA or BSc) in business to study at postgraduate level
• Several years of work experience and a bachelor’s degree to study an MBA

Always check the entry requirements and what grades or GPA you need, and make sure you can meet them before you apply. Here is more on how to study abroad.

A business degree is hugely versatile and opens up loads of potential career options after graduation. The pathways are almost endless, but some of the most popular careers for business graduates include:

• Marketing
• Human resources
• Sales
• Management consultancy
• Hospitality management
• Project management
• Data analysis
• Retail management
• Insurance
• Banking

If you know what career you want to go into, make sure the program you choose includes all the skills and knowledge you’ll need for your career of choice.