A European master’s degree can be a strategic investment in your career, in addition to enriching cultural experiences and making travel more accessible.
Europe continues to be the primary location for Master in Management (MiM) programs, accounting for 85% of the total. The Financial Times frequently ranks European business schools as among the top in the world for MiM and Master in Finance programs, providing high-quality education at a competitive price.
According to a survey by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), Western European business schools are attracting more Chinese and Indian candidates due to affordability and great reputation. Chinese candidates choose Europe over the United States.
Students are drawn to European business schools for a variety of reasons, not only these. Here are four strategies to increase your return on investment (ROI) by studying for a master’s degree in Europe:
1. European business schools are affordable
A business master’s degree is typically less expensive than an MBA, however European business schools provide a major edge in tuition expenses.
While tuition varies by continent, master’s programs in Europe are typically much less expensive than their US counterparts, with cheaper cost of living in nearby locations.
A Master of Management degree from a top US school, like MIT Sloan, can cost up to $82,000. Non-EU students can enroll in a two-year program at ESCP Business School in France for €25,800 each year, which is significantly less than MIT Sloan’s one-year program.
2. Scholarship Opportunities in Europe
Scholarships can make a significant impact in your academic experience.
Scholarships reduce the financial burden of business school, giving you more time to focus on in-depth learning, enriching extracurricular activities, and internship opportunities. This can improve academic achievement and job opportunities, resulting in better ROI.
For Aashna Menda, a Mumbai native and MiM student at ESSCA School of Management in Paris, the ESSCA Excellence Scholarship allowed her to focus on her education and actively pursue employment prospects without the financial hardship of a costly city like Paris.
“I’m really grateful that they took away one [worry], so that I can focus on my studies,” she says.
3. Excellent career prospects in Europe
Europe is a major worldwide business hub. Wherever you choose to study, you’ll be close to major financial and technology hubs like London, Paris, and Berlin.
Studying in Europe can help business master’s graduates network with industry experts, leading to internships and postgraduate possibilities at top businesses like KPMG, EY, and Goldman Sachs.
“My education has given me a stronger brand, which helps me stand out. “I’ve noticed that people are much more responsive when I reach out,” says Matthew O’Donnell, a Master of Management student at University College Dublin.
Landing a job at a top firm can be quite competitive. Studying at a European college can help you develop strong industry connections and gain access to career assistance, increasing your chances of success.
4. Create a global network
European business schools are well-known for their diversified learning environments, which attract teachers and students from all over the world.
Many MiM programs cater to overseas students by delivering their courses in English. A varied student body helps prepare you for the global business scene by improving your ability to connect successfully across cultures.
“The international component of the curriculum is a pleasure for me. For example, career forums like the one in Barcelona include business partners from 40 different companies, and events like the Model UN program are quite interesting,” says Matthew.
Establishing a global network can provide long-term career rewards. According to a LinkedIn study, 70% of professionals found their job through a connection with a corporate employee.
This cannot be achieved alone through networking events. At London Business School, for example, the 2024 Master of Management class consists of 294 students from 55 different nationalities. Similar data can be seen at numerous Western European business schools.
European business schools routinely lead master’s rankings, providing top-tier business education. When combined with low tuition prices, an international network, and promising employment prospects, a European master’s degree can lay the groundwork for a successful career with a high return on investment.