Online MBA: How to Compare Online MBA Programmes Worldwide
An online MBA lets you keep your salary while you study. The trade-off is time — most students study 10–20 hours a week for several years — and a smaller in-person network.
Types of online MBA
- Fully online, self-paced — flexible deadlines, pay per module.
- Online cohort — fixed timetable, live classes, a peer group.
- Blended — online study plus residential weeks or a local teaching centre.
Five checks before you enrol
- Degree-awarding body: is the degree awarded by a recognised university in its home country?
- Same degree as on campus? Some schools award an identical degree; others don't.
- Recognition at home: some countries restrict recognition of distance degrees for public-sector jobs or further study. One UK provider says so explicitly on its programme page.
- Real total cost: exam-centre fees, resit/continuation fees, residential trips and local taxes.
- Time: ask how many hours per week per module.
Example published fees
| Programme (as named by the provider) | Format | Published fee | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global MBA — S P Jain School of Global Management | 12 months full-time; 4 months Singapore + 8 months Dubai | Tuition US$42,120; total compulsory fees US$44,720 incl. visas & insurance (Oct 2026 intake) | Provider programme fee page (accessed 21 Oct 2026) |
| Global MBA — University of London (online) | Online, 1–5 years | Full programme fee 2026-27: £13,697 (Band A countries) / £20,770 (Band B countries) | Provider programme page (accessed 21 Oct 2026) |
| Other one-year, UK, Dubai, Singapore and online programmes | — | Pending verification | Added only once checked against the school's own fee page |
Fees change every intake and exclude living costs unless stated. Always confirm on the provider's own page before applying. Listing is alphabetical-neutral and implies no ranking, endorsement or affiliation.
The online programme above lists separate fee bands by country of residence and an option of paying per module — a common structure worth asking about.
Online vs full-time
| Online | Full-time | |
|---|---|---|
| Keep salary | Yes | No |
| Relocation & visa | No | Usually |
| Network | Mostly virtual | In person |
| Career switch support | Limited | Stronger |
MBA ROI & payback calculator
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Interested in UK online options? See online MBA from a UK university.
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Last reviewed 21 Oct 2026.