Undertaking an MBA in a foreign country can be an invaluable experience. An MBA (Master of Business Administration) is a postgraduate degree in business and management. Many graduates who complete their MBA program overseas describe their time at business school (often called “b-school”) as career-changing and life-changing. That’s why Spark offers loans for Australian and New Zealand citizens studying postgraduate degrees overseas, including MBA programs at approved universities. Eligibility criteria apply, and all loans are subject to credit approval.
However, getting into your MBA of choice can be a lengthy process. It includes essays, interviews and preparing for an admissions test such as the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) or GRE, depending on the school. An MBA can also be costly, particularly when studying overseas. So, before you start this journey and invest in the MBA of your choice, think carefully about whether it is likely to be a good return on investment for you and your career.
Here are six key reasons why earning an MBA may be a valuable investment:
Career Advancement
An MBA can open up new opportunities for career advancement and career prospects in the same or different fields. With your MBA, you may be able to speed up your current career trajectory, move towards leadership positions, or move into an entirely new field, including starting your own business. Many full-time programs also include internships or consulting projects with companies. These can be a practical way to test a new industry before you commit to it.
Building Networks
It’s no secret that networks are critical in today’s business world. Business schools often give MBA students the opportunity to build these networks, both through coursework and through extracurricular activities. Many schools also run careers services, on-campus recruiting events with employers and recruiters, and alumni networks that stay with you after graduation. These connections can be valuable for finding job opportunities and building professional relationships.
Business Knowledge
An MBA is a great way to boost your knowledge or fill the gaps in certain areas that your undergraduate or early career did not fill. MBAs build a comprehensive understanding of business concepts and practices, including finance, marketing, and management. They also develop soft skills such as leadership, communication and decision making. This knowledge can be applied in a wide range of industries, and many employers value these business skills.
Increased Earning Potential
MBA graduates often earn higher starting salaries than people with a bachelor’s degree alone, although results vary widely by school, industry, role and country. The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) runs an annual Corporate Recruiters Survey. In its 2026 survey, US employers projected a median starting salary of US120,000 for new MBA hires, compared with US72,000 for bachelor’s degree hires.
These are projections from employers in the United States, in US dollars. They don’t tell you what you would earn in Australia, New Zealand or elsewhere. A higher earning potential also doesn’t automatically mean a good return on investment. That depends on what your MBA costs in total, which we cover below.
Global Perspective
Today’s business world is highly globalised, and MBA programs often have a global perspective that exposes students to diverse business practices and cultures. This is evident in the class cohort, which typically includes international students from all across the globe, each with a unique worldview. This can help graduates better understand and operate in the global marketplace.
The Experience
Studying for an MBA abroad is an amazing opportunity. You learn on campus from experienced academics and industry practitioners, alongside classmates from many backgrounds, many of whom become lifelong friends. In this respect, an MBA goes beyond benefiting just your career. It is an experience you’ll smile on fondly for the rest of your life.
The Costs and Trade-Offs to Weigh Up
An MBA is a major investment of time and money, so weigh the advantages above against what it will cost you. Before you commit, build a full picture of the total cost:
- Tuition fees. These vary widely between schools and countries. Check current fees on each school’s official website, and note which currency they are quoted in.
- Living costs in your destination city, plus flights, visa fees and any compulsory health insurance.
- Program length. Full-time MBAs overseas generally run from around one year to two years. The length affects both your fees and your time out of work.
- Opportunity cost. This means the salary you give up while you study full-time. For experienced professionals, it can be one of the largest costs of an MBA.
Then compare those costs with realistic outcomes for your situation. Salary data from overseas, such as the US figures above, may not reflect what you would earn back in Australia or New Zealand, and it will be in a different currency.
If you hope to work overseas after graduating, check the destination country’s visa and work rules on its official government website. These rules change and depend on your circumstances.
If you are thinking about borrowing to fund your studies, include the total cost of the loan, including interest and fees, in your sums. Spark’s Borrowing Power Calculator can give you an early estimate of how much you could borrow. Our Interest Rate Approach page explains how rates are set.
Final Thoughts: Is an MBA Worth It?
Overall, an MBA can be a valuable investment for those looking to advance their careers and personal skills. It can open up new opportunities, give you a comprehensive understanding of business fundamentals, and develop leadership skills that may support strong career outcomes. It is also an experience you can share with new-found, lifelong friends. Whether it is worth it for you comes down to your goals and the total cost, so take the time to do the sums before you apply.
FAQs
Is an MBA worth it?
It depends on your goals, the program and the total cost. An MBA is more likely to be worth the investment if you have a clear idea of the role or industry you want afterwards, and the expected benefits outweigh the full cost.
How much more do MBA graduates earn?
It varies widely by country, industry, school and prior experience. In GMAC’s 2026 Corporate Recruiters Survey, US employers projected a median starting salary of US120,000 for MBA hires and US72,000 for bachelor’s degree hires. These are US projections and are not a guide to what any person will earn.
Is an online MBA worth it?
An online MBA can cost less and lets you keep working while you study, which reduces the opportunity cost. The trade-off is that you may miss out on some of the in-person networking, on-campus recruiting and international experience covered in this article. If you are considering one, check the program’s accreditation and how employers in your field view it.
Can I get a loan for an MBA overseas?
Spark offers loans for Australian and New Zealand citizens accepted into eligible postgraduate programs, including MBAs, at approved universities outside Australia and New Zealand. Eligibility criteria apply, including credit history requirements, and all loans are subject to credit approval. See the postgraduate loan page for current eligibility details, or our FAQs for how the application process works.
