Do you often wonder which are the best 1-year MBA programs in the world? There are many institutions that can readily lay claim to this distinction with their cutting-edge one-year modules, complete with innovative and experiential learning. While choosing the best one-year MBA program is difficult, here are some of the options worth considering. Let’s walk through why, how, and what to choose while considering an accelerated 1-year MBA program.
Over the past decade, 1-year MBAs have increased enormously because of their shorter duration and lower program costs. Alongside these two major factors, several other supporting benefits come with the accelerated MBA program. These programs are best suited for experienced professionals looking to upgrade their skills.
It comes with an intense learning experience for career advancers.
Moreover, the program leads to a higher return on investment, as it becomes affordable in view of the fact that it takes half the time than a 2-year management degree. Thus, the 1-year MBA program becomes suitable for a fast-forward career growth.
The 1-year MBA program enables candidates to interact with professionals having experiences from diverse industries in different roles.
Top Universities for 1-Year MBA
NYU (New York University)- Leonard N. Stern School of Business, USA
NYU’s Leonard N. Stern School of Business has one of the world’s top one-year MBAs.
It offers two specialized MBA programs:
QS University Ranking 2024
Program/Credit
Core Component
Fee
Application Deadline for 2024
39
Tech MBA/ 52 credit
Stern Solutions
Tech Core
Business Core
Electives
$82,326 + $1,678 (orientation fee)
February 15
Fashion & Luxury MBA/52 credits
Stern Solutions
Fashion & Luxury Core
Business Core
Electives
$82,326 + $1,678 (orientation fee)
February 15
Northwestern University- Kellog School Of Management
The Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, USA has a highly-ranked one-year MBA program that helps students learn more about core business principles and build their leadership skills. Here are the details of the university's 1-year MBA program:
QS University Ranking 2024
Program/Credit
Core Component
Fee
Application Deadline for 2024
32
One-year MBA Program/15.5 credits
Any of these:
Accounting
Economics
Finance
Marketing
Operations
Strategy
Managing Organizations
Management Science
$108,016 + other expenses
April 5
Cornell University
The SC Johnson School of Business at Cornell University is also acclaimed for its 1-year MBA courses. Students can choose an accelerated course that will have students fusing flexible curriculums with STEM-designated career pathways and community networking.
QS University Ranking 2024
Program/Credit
Core Component
Fee
Application Deadline for 2024
20
Tech MBA/60 credits
Johnson Core
Required Johnson and Cornell Tech Courses
Required Studio Courses
General Electives
$118,758 + other expenses
March 7
IMD Lausanne
The one-year MBA program at IMD Lausanne in Switzerland is hugely acclaimed for its emphasis on collaboration and critical thinking. Forbes and Bloomberg Businessweek have ranked this one-year MBA course at IMD Lausanne as #1 in Europe. This degree is the gateway to a fulfilling global leadership career ahead.
Financial Times 2024 European Business School Rank
Program/Credit
Core Component
Fee
Application Deadline for 2024
11
1-year MBA/90 credits
Leadership
Sustainability
Career
$87,290 + $19,095 (additional fee)
October 15
INSEAD
INSEAD offers one-year MBA programs at its campuses in France and Singapore. The institution is affectionately called The Business School for the World, with representatives of more than 80 nationalities. The curriculum is robust and engaging, and the course concludes with a project or an essay along with an examination.
Financial Times 2024 European Business School Rank
Cambridge University needs no introduction and is ranked #1 for Business and Management Studies in REF 2021. Its one-year MBA program is one of the best in the world as per Forbes. Cambridge offers experiential learning with an emphasis on executing real-world projects.
QS University Ranking 2024
Program/Term
Core Component
Fee
Application Deadline for 2024
2
MBA/4 terms (Michaelmas, Lent, Easter, and Summer)
Culture, Arts and Media Management Digital Transformation Energy and Environment Entrepreneurship Finance Health Strategies Marketing Social Innovation Strategy
Housed in Milan, Italy, SDA Bocconi has a well-recognized one-year MBA program. The institution seeks not only to equip students with domain knowledge but also industry experience and the entire spectrum of analytical and social aspects conjoined to managerial issues.
Financial Times 2024 European Business School Rank
Program/Credit
Core Component
Fee
Application Deadline for 2024
4
MBA/105 credits
Business Fundamentals
Management
Entrepreneurial Projects
$70,687 + $130 (application fee)
April 20
Oxford-Said Business School
The MBA program at Said has been ranked amongst the world’s best and most diverse MBA courses. In 2023, the Financial Times ranked the MBA from Oxford at #28 in the world.
Analytics Marketing Business Finance Integrative Module
Firms and Markets Strategy
Capitalism in Debate Entrepreneurship
Electives
$77,690
March 22
IE Business School
Located in Madrid, Spain, the institution offers one of the choicest international MBA programs for aspirants. This one-year MBA is a full-time course, offering high achievers a chance to get global exposure along with in-depth insights into managerial and leadership practices.
QS University Ranking 2024
Program
Core Component
Fee
Application Deadline for 2024
347
International MBA
Accounting & Management Control
Economic
Entrepreneurship
Finance
Human Resources and Organisational Behaviour
Information Systems & Technology
Law
Marketing
Operations & Technology
Strategy
$89,500 + $1305 (one-time contribution to IE foundation)
There’s no deadline. You can apply any time of the year because of its rolling admission process.
Mannheim Business School
The Mannheim Business School has an equally acclaimed one-year MBA program highly coveted throughout Europe. The one-year accelerated program emphasizes smaller classes, ensuring more opportunities for networking, exchange, and exposure as far as students are concerned.
Financial Times 2024 European Business School Rank
Program/Term
Core Component
Fee
Application Deadline for 2024
21
Mannheim Full-Time MBA/4 terms (+1 optional term)
Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods
Fundamentals of Financial Accounting
Marketing Fundamentals
Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility
Fundamentals of Corporate Finance
Fundamentals of Strategic Management
Macroeconomics
Operations Management
Organizational Behavior and Change Management
Managerial Accounting
Elective Courses
$46,220
August 15
Erasmus University - Rotterdam School of Management
Located in Rotterdam, the Rotterdam School of Management offers a cutting-edge one-year MBA program that is globally recognized for its innovation, flexibility, and emphasis on comprehensive knowledge.
QS University Ranking 2024
Program/Module
Core Component
Fee
Application Deadline for 2024
208
International Full-Time MBA/5 modules
Financial Management: Accounting
Management Science
Organisational Behaviour
Quantitative Platform of Business
Personal Leadership Development
The Impact Experience
Economic Environment of Business
Human Resource Management
Innovation Management
Business of Sustainability
Electives
$69,600
August 15
HEC Montreal
One of Canada’s premier management institutions, HEC Montreal is a great choice for international aspirants seeking the best 1-year MBA programs in the world. The practice-focused course helps students equip themselves for high-flying global careers in the future.
Program/Credit
Core Components
Fee
Application Deadline for 2024
Full-time MBA/54 credits
Strategy
Leadership
Sustainable Development
$59,000
May 15
These are only a few of the top-ranked one-year MBA programs in the world, as ranked by Forbes and College Consensus among leading organizations. There are many other premier one-year MBA programs across the world.
Eligibility
Below are the eligibility criteria for 1-year MBA programs:
Bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university.
IELTS or TOEFL scorecard with 6.5 and 7.5 scores, respectively.
GRE or GMAT scorecard. The required GMAT score is 600 to 730, and the GRE score is a minimum of 310 to 315.
A valid passport and a student visa.
The desired GPA and scores might vary across the universities.
How to Get Admissions to 1-Year MBA?
The admission process for 1-year MBA is similar to that of other MBA programs. The difference lies in their respective eligibility criteria. Here is the step-by-step process for getting admission to 1-year MBA course:
Select the university from where you want to pursue the course.
Go through all the program information mentioned on the university’s official website and see if you meet the eligibility.
Fill out the application and upload scanned copies of all the required documents. The list might include a CV, scorecards, transcripts, and more.
Make the application fee payment.
If selected, you will receive an interview call and an offer letter from the university.
Further, you may book your seat at the desired university by paying the program fee.
Admission Requirements for 1-Year MBA
Several documents are required when planning to pursue a 1-year MBA course. Though sometimes document requirements may vary from university to university, the following list includes some of the standard documents required in every university.
Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
Transcripts of all previous educational qualifications
GMAT/GRE/TOEFL/IELTS scorecards
Certificate of work experience
Proof of funds
Jobs and Career Opportunities
The one-year MBA program focuses on strengthening business and management knowledge to accelerate your career at a higher level. With the short-term full-time program comes numerous job opportunities in the field of finance, sales, retail, fashion, IT, entrepreneurship, banks, marketing, business, and many more. Here are a few job opportunities that you can look forward to:
Business Analyst
Business Administrator
Business Operations Manager
Finance Manager
Digital Marketing Manager
Product Manager
SAP Consultants
Supply Chain Analyst
Retail Manager
HR Manager
Sales Manager
1-year MBA vs 2-year MBA
Choosing between a 1-year and 2-year MBA needs much scrutinization, as certain differences exist. It becomes crucial for aspiring candidates to be aware of the differences to align their career goals with the chosen MBA program. Below are a few significant differences between the 1-year and 2-year MBA programs.
1-Year MBA
2-Year MBA
Lesser time duration and accelerated course
More time required to complete this degree
Cost-effective
Cost is double of the 1-year MBA
Employers consider it equivalent to a 2-year MBA, increasing its acceptability in the market
It has always been a popular program globally
Best choice for people from business backgrounds or experienced professionals
Best choice for experienced professionals as well as freshers
The peer group comprises professionals with experience in diverse industries, enhancing the learning experience
Get networking opportunities with seniors, and juniors, across industries
1-year MBA program is of shorter duration and accelerates your career with less investment and early employment. Since work experience is needed to pursue the course, employment comes with better opportunities.
What is the fee for a one-year MBA program?
Though the one-year MBA program fee varies in different universities, the average range is $46,200 to $118,758.
Which is better, a 1-year MBA or a 2-year MBA?
Whether to choose a 1-year MBA or 2-year MBA depends entirely on your professional background and requirements. If you have several years of work experience or belong to a business family, then a 1-year MBA suits you the best. If you want to change your career stream or upgrade your knowledge for better work opportunities, then a 2-year MBA adds more value.
She is an experienced writer and journalist who has extensively covered the education sector in India and Abroad. Now helping Indian aspirants realise their foreign education dream by providing them with relevant content and information through upGrad Abroad. Amateur traveller, loves to read Architectural Digest!
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