The full-time MBA requires dedication and commitment throughout the duration of the programme. This format enables students to fully immerse themselves in a stimulating educational environment, cultivating their personal and professional skills.

Format and duration

There are two main formats of the full-time programmes:

  • One-year full-time MBA (10 to 12 months)
  • Two-year full-time MBA (18 to 24 months)

One-year full-time MBA: This format is more intense and fast-paced than the two-year format. Students dedicate a year to their MBA studies and immerse themselves in a dynamic learning and networking experience. Most of the MBA programmes in Europe are delivered in the one-year format.

Two-year full-time MBA: The courses are spread over two academic years, enabling students to get exposure to a broader theoretical framework. Most two-year MBA programmes provide the opportunity for a summer MBA internship which adds further value to the overall experience. Traditionally, most US business schools offer two-year MBA programmes.

Schedule

Full-time MBA programmes stick to an intensive schedule. Courses are held throughout the day. Home assignments, team projects, networking activities, and company visits are also part of the programmes and provide additional added value.

Location

The programmes require that students relocate to where the business school is located. This format is best suited to individuals who are ready to explore new regions and opportunities. It is not a suitable option for those who wish to continue working while studying.

Read: Viable MBA Formats

Content

MBA programmes are designed to prepare students for success and growth in the corporate world, as well as in the public sector, private enterprise, entrepreneurship, and social ventures. These courses are designed to offer in-depth knowledge of the full scope of management, business development, and leadership topics. In this way, full-time MBA programmes enable students to acquire new knowledge and build essential skills over a short period of time. Students benefit from building a valuable skill-set based on the curriculum and the nurturing classroom interaction.

Many full-time MBA programmes have a fixed curriculum. However, a growing number of MBA programmes provide opportunities for specialisation through elective courses, concentrations, or even a focus on a certain industry or functional area.

A typical core curriculum includes courses on:

  • Corporate Finance
  • Financial Accounting
  • Managerial Statistics
  • Managerial Economics
  • Operational Management
  • Business Analytics
  • Strategy
  • Human Resources
  • Leading People, Teams and Organizations
  • Marketing
  • Business Law
  • Business Ethics
  • The curriculum is usually spread over several terms or semesters. The core courses are held in the first or second semester and the electives or concentrations are provided during the second half of the programme.

Teaching methods

The majority of MBA programmes provide a lot of practically oriented tasks – business case studies, team work, projects, work with real clients, internships, and international study tours. Business executives are frequent guest speakers on MBA campuses, sharing experience and insight with MBA students. All these programme features further accelerate the students’ immersion in the world of business.

Read: The Diversity of Part-Time MBA Formats

Career services

Many business schools provide career services focused on the needs of their MBA students. Services can include personal coaching, career counselling, job search, and job application techniques, preparing of a job resume and a letter of intent, job interview drilling, etc.

Benefits

  • Course completion over a short period of time compared to part-time MBA programmes
  • Wide access to high quality of teaching, networking, and career services
  • Fast career progression upon MBA graduation
  • Opportunity to explore business ventures in a new country or region
  • Advanced possibility for a career change and/or a new industry
  • Better opportunities for career progression and a considerable salary increase

Drawbacks

  • Full-time MBA programmes are highly demanding, requiring great commitment and dedication
  • Candidates have to move to the location of the school, making it challenging for those with family responsibilities
  • The format requires that students leave their current job as juggling full-time study and work is extremely hard

Tuition fees

The range of tuition fees of full-time MBA programmes varies greatly per location and programme reputation. Tuition fees range from EUR 15,000 to EUR 70,000, and this does not include living and travel expenses. As it is not possible to work during a full-time MBA programme, all funding must be ensured before the start of study.

Admission requirements

To be eligible for admission, applicants should have:

  • A university degree (minimum a Bachelor's degree or equivalent)
  • Minimum two or three years of full-time work experience
  • Fluency in English

The full-time MBA application package usually consists of:

  • Valid admission test scores (GMAT/GRE)
  • English language tests (TOEFL/IELTS)
  • Application form
  • Recommendation letters
  • CV/resume
  • Essays
  • University diploma and academic transcripts.
  • MBA admissions interviews are often part of the application process.

Admission to MBA programmes is highly demanding and competitive. The admission rate at some of the most competitive business schools in the world is 7-10%.