How to get ready to study abroad? Start here

Studying abroad can be a fantastic opportunity to gain international experience and attend a top-ranked university or business school outside your home country. To start your study abroad plans you’ll need to make decisions about where to study, what to study, and ensure you’re ready for the process of moving to another country.

We break down everything you need to know about studying abroad, from how to choose a destination to the practicalities of moving to a new country.

Why study abroad?

There are a multitude of reasons why you might decide to study abroad. One motivation, however, is to benefit from the prestige and reputation of a top-ranked international school.

As the results of our Prospective Student Survey 2025 show, regardless of where students decide to study, the reputation of the educational system in that region is of utmost importance. With many of the world’s top business schools located in Europe and the US, students from other regions often consider relocating to access the best education.

Other common reasons for studying abroad include expanding your international network, broadening your worldview, and improving your language skills.

Whatever your primary motivation for moving abroad to study, the research is clear—there are tangible benefits. In one survey of American students and graduates who had studied abroad, over 40% said that their experience helped them get their first job, and 94% of graduates overall said that studying abroad had helped them build job skills.

How can I study abroad?

Studying abroad doesn’t have to mean pursuing an entire degree at a business school in a different country. If this sounds too daunting (or expensive), you have other options.

Exchange programs

During an exchange, you’ll spend a short amount of time studying outside of your home institution. Depending on your degree, this could mean one semester of your Master’s or an entire year of a two-year MBA program. This can often be more affordable than studying a whole degree abroad, and you should get support from your business school to find accommodation.

While an exchange can be beneficial for broadening your perspectives and exercising your soft skills, you may not fully benefit from networking and other learning opportunities at your exchange institution.

 Dual-degree programs

Rather than studying for one degree, a dual degree program gives you the opportunity to study alternately at two institutions, graduating with two degrees, and subsequently taking advantage of two alumni networks.

You do not have to study the same degree at both institutions, giving you the opportunity to develop skills in a different specialisation. In fact, some business schools offer combination degrees, where you earn an MBA at your home institution and a specialized Master’s abroad.

You might also undertake two Master’s degrees, for example, a Master's in Management (MiM) and a Master's in Science (MSc).

Multi-campus business schools

As business schools endeavor to become more global-oriented, multi-campus schools are becoming more common. On a multi-campus program, you rotate between multiple campuses during your degree, giving you valuable experience in more than one country—and sometimes, more than one continent.

 A multi-campus program might appeal to you if you want the consistency of studying at the same business school in multiple environments. On some multi-campus programs, you’ll also retain the same cohort as you switch between campuses, enabling you to develop strong bonds with your peers.

How to choose a destination and school

Your choice of study destination is highly personal and will be influenced by factors like your degree, career preferences, and even the languages you speak. With thousands of business schools to choose from, deciding on one means weighing up multiple factors and gradually narrowing down your options.

Career opportunities 

If you already have a career in mind, it can be helpful to choose a business school that will offer connections to your chosen sector or industry. The right business school can provide you with internship placements, professional speakers, company visits, all of which will improve your chances of landing your dream career.

Some destinations are known for their strong industry links—London or Hong Kong, for example, are gateways to the finance industry. Other cities host more specialized sectors, and business schools in these destinations may offer tailored career support for these areas.

On a more practical note, you should review the work visa options available to ensure you’ll be able to continue living in your chosen destination after graduating. In the US, a common pathway for business school graduates is the H-1B visa, but you should be aware that in recent years, requirements for this visa have changed.

Cost 

Cost is another critical piece of the study abroad puzzle. Make sure you have a budget in mind before applying to schools, and, if necessary, target schools with strong scholarship offerings. Likewise, consider your accommodation budget and whether your target destination offers a range of options to suit different budgets.

Visa challenges

EU students can study in other EU countries without needing to apply for a student visa, making the study abroad process less challenging. If you’re from outside the EU and want to study in a top MBA destination like France or the UK, you’ll need to factor in the cost and time required to apply for a student visa.

Are you targeting MBAs in the US? Then you’ll need to be aware that some student visa requirements can, and have, changed at short notice.

Student lifestyle

What kind of student life do you want to lead? This is an equally important consideration, as you may be living in your chosen destination for a year or more. While a graduate management degree can be intensive, this only makes it more important to choose somewhere you’ll enjoy living.

Safety is often a top consideration for students, especially if you’re moving to an entirely unfamiliar city or country. You should also consider how you want to spend your free time, and whether your chosen country or school offers extracurricular activities that align with your interests.

What documents do I need to study abroad?

While business schools will have a similar application process whether you’re applying as a domestic or an international student, if you’re studying abroad, you’ll need to spend some time gathering documents for your student visa.

For most student visa applications, you’ll need at least:

• A valid passport and passport photo

• An acceptance letter from your business school

• Proof that you can financially support yourself during your studies

However, some destinations may require additional documents, such as proof of health insurance and evidence of meeting minimum English-language requirements.

How do I start the process of studying abroad?

Your first step in studying abroad is to identify and apply to a business school program. In many countries, you can’t apply for a student visa until you’ve completed this all-important first step.

Once you’ve been accepted, it’s time to prepare for your move. Research visa requirements, organize accommodation, and familiarize yourself with the culture in your chosen destination.

If you’re struggling with the process, reach out to your school’s international office—they can provide support and advice on everything from finding accommodation to meeting other international students when you arrive.