Best Business Schools in Asia Pacific for a World-Class MBA

The meteoric rise of Asian countries, particularly India, China, and Singapore, as economic powerhouses is a well-recognized fact. Despite various challenges, these countries have achieved spectacular economic growth in the last decade.  With continuous growth in the economy and businesses, there has been a surge in demand for sharp MBA graduates capable of handling businesses in Asia. As a result, top Asian business schools are becoming a preferred destination for people willing to pursue full-time MBA courses. If you’re looking to seize the opportunities in Asia’s thriving business landscape, consulting with our MBA admission consultant can help you navigate the vast array of top business schools in the region and find the perfect fit for your career goals.     

List of Best MBA Colleges in Asia

Following business schools currently feature in the top Asian MBA rankings as per the latest QS Global Ranking 2023.

Ranking	B-School	Campus Location	Estimated Fees	GMAT Score
1	INSEAD	Singapore	€98,500	640
2	NUS Graduate School	Singapore	S$ 76,000 (excluding GST)	670
3	ESSEC Business School Asia Pacific (Only Executive MBA at Singapore Campus)	Singapore	S$ 100,000 (including GST)	–
4	Tsinghua University	Beijing, China	RMB 198,000	–
5	Nanyang Business School, NTU Singapore [Also Read: How Damini cracked Asia’s top 10 Business School, Nanyang?]	Singapore	S$70,953.84 (excluding GST)	600
6	China Europe International Business School (CEIBS)	Shanghai	RMB 468,000	640-740
7	University of Hong Kong (HKU Business School)	Hong Kong	HK$588,000	–
8	IIM Ahmedabad	Ahmedabad, India	₹24,61,000 (Indian Applicant)	–
9	Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)	Hong Kong	HK$600,000	660
10	IIM Bangalore	Bangalore, India	₹24,50,000 (Indian Applicant)	–

Disclaimer:- The estimated fees are taken from the respective B-schools’ official websites. Keep checking the websites for any updates.  

What Is the Acceptance Rate in Top MBA Colleges in Asia?

The acceptance rates in top MBA programs in Asia can vary depending on various factors, such as the B-School’s prestige, the quality of the applicant pool, etc. So, if you’re targeting admission to some of the best Business Schools in Asia, you should expect intense competition.  However, almost all of these B-Schools allow re-applicants. For instance, 5-10% of the applicant pool in CEIBS in any academic year consists of re-applicants. Therefore, you can always come back next year after improving your profile.  

Admission Requirements for MBA in Asia Pacific

You might have noticed that the top 10 Asia MBA ranking feature business schools from different countries. Naturally, the specific admission requirements may vary significantly depending on the B-School’s location.  So, it’s vital to understand the admission requirements for the best MBA in Asia as per the country where the B-School is located.   

Singapore & Hong Kong

• Bachelor’s degree in any discipline
• Minimum 2 years of full-time work experience after acquiring Bachelor’s degree
• A strong GMAT score
• A good TOEFL/IELTS score is proof of English language proficiency. 

If you want to start applying at the top business schools for MBA in Singapore, learn how to crack admission into top business schools in Singapore.   

China

Most of the admission requirements for an MBA in China are similar to that of Singapore and Hong Kong. However, some Chinese B-Schools may have a maximum age limit. For example, CEIBS, one of the best business schools in Asia, has a maximum age limit of 35 years at the time of application to its full-time MBA program.   

India

Indian B-Schools like IIMs are globally acclaimed for running some of the top MBA programs in Asia. Like most B-Schools globally, they ask for a bachelor’s degree in any type of business master’s application. However, they can significantly differ from other Asian business schools in other requirements, as given below. 

• Most Indian B-Schools require you to score at least 50% in your undergrads.
• Indian applicants must have a valid CAT (Common Aptitude Test) score. The CAT score can greatly impact the admission process. 
• Unlike many other B-schools in Asia, Indian business schools don’t have a minimum work experience requirement for their MBA programs. You can apply to your preferred program while you’re in the final year of your bachelor’s degree. 
• Many top Indian B-Schools insist on having 12 years of school education (10+2) before the bachelor’s degree. 
• International applicants must have a minimum GMAT score of 700 with an integrated reasoning score of 5 or more.

Documents Required for MBA Colleges in Asia

While the specific requirement of documents may vary depending on the institution and the country, the following are some commonly required documents.  

Application form

The application process in most Asian business schools is online. You need to register in the B-School’s admission portal and follow the admission process. However, there can be exceptions like IIMs in India that have a more elaborate application process detailed on their respective websites.  

Academic Transcripts

Applicants must submit academic transcripts from their undergraduate studies. These transcripts should include information about the courses taken, grades obtained, and information regarding any other academic distinctions.   

Standard Score Reports

You need to submit the GMAT and TOEFL/IELTS score report in the online or offline format as per the B-School’s requirement.   

Letter of Recommendation

Many Asian business schools, especially the ones in China and Singapore, may require you to submit one or two recommendation letters. You can ask your superior or immediate boss to write a recommendation letter for you.  

MBA Essays

Most top business schools in Asia ask for 2-3 MBA essays. These essays help the admission committee understand the candidate’s reason for studying MBA. Moreover, these essays can help explain a candidate’s post-MBA aspirations.   

MBA Cost at Top Business Schools in Asia

The Asia Pacific MBA fees can be anywhere between $50,000 to $1,10,000 depending on the B-School’s reputation and the country. However, the IIMs, with their estimated MBA tuition fees below the $30,000 mark, comfortably beat most of the best MBA programs in Asia in terms of affordability. Check the table given earlier to have a detailed comparison.   

How to Select the Best B Schools in Asia?

There are many Asian business schools of global repute. However, you can consider certain factors discussed below to select the best MBA programs in Asia.  

Country

One thing that we learned the most from the Russia-Ukraine war is that a country’s geopolitics can’t be ignored. Therefore, while it’s vital to know the best B-Schools in Asia, the political situation of the country is equally important. Select a politically stable country with a robust foreign policy and good trade relations with different countries.   

Accreditation

Look for Asian business schools that have international accreditation from recognized bodies such as AACSB, AMBA, or EQUIS. These accreditations indicate that the college meets international standards of business education.  

Reputation

Check the B-School’s reputation in the industry. A good way is to look what’s a B-School’s position in the Asian business school ranking by reputed sites like financial times, QS, etc. Secondly, search for the alumni of a B-School on the internet and see where they are in their respective industries.  For instance, search “Reputed IIM Ahmedabad alumni” on Google and see the results.   

Infrastructure

Look for colleges with modern infrastructure, such as state-of-the-art classrooms, libraries, computer labs, and other facilities. You can contact current students or alumni on professional networking sites to get an idea about the campus facilities and the infrastructure.   

Faculty

One of the greatest hallmarks of the best MBA schools in Asia is a strong faculty comprising industry veterans and celebrated academics. So, check the qualifications and experience of the faculty members.   

Student Support

Look for colleges that offer comprehensive support to students, such as career services, mentoring, counseling, and extracurricular activities.  

MBA Quality of Life in Asia Pacific

Many cities in the Asia Pacific region, such as Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Singapore, are known for their excellent infrastructure, efficient transportation systems, and high levels of safety.  Secondly, these cities are home to some of the best business schools in the Asia Pacific, offering access to world-class facilities, faculty, and networking opportunities. Moreover, you can get some of the best career opportunities after graduating from these B-Schools.  For instance, an IIM Ahmedabad MBA grad can expect an average salary of $186,420 within three years of graduating. The number is similar to other top Asian business schools. Overall, you can expect a great quality of life, both during and after completing your MBA from a reputed Asian business school.    

FAQ related to Asian Business Schools

1. How Important is GMAT Score in Asian MBA Schools?

Most top MBA colleges in Asia emphasize a strong GMAT score. However, its level of importance may vary by region and the program.   

2. What Is the Duration of MBA Programs in the Asia Pacific?

The average duration of a full-time MBA in Asia can be 16-24 months.  

3. What Kind of Career Development Opportunities Are Available to MBA Students in the Asia Pacific?

All the best MBA colleges in Asia provide ample networking opportunities to their MBA students. This can typically include campus placements, career fairs, internships, and alumni networks.   

4. Which Type of MBA Is Best in Asia?

The best MBA type can vary depending on individual requirements. Most international applicants prefer full-time MBA programs. However, if you’re already a professional with impressive work experience, you may like to pursue the best executive MBA in Asia.