London Business School (LBS) is a global leader in business education, consistently ranked among the world’s top MBA programs. Recently placed 7th globally by the Financial Times and 4th by QS, LBS stands out for its rigorous academics, innovative leadership training, and exceptional career outcomes. Situated in London, a global financial hub, LBS offers unmatched access to a vibrant business ecosystem and valuable networking opportunities.
What truly sets LBS apart is its diverse community – students from over 60 countries working together to tackle complex global challenges, creating a culture of ambition and creativity. With an 85% employment rate within three months of graduation, LBS prepares graduates for impactful careers across industries worldwide. In this guide, we will shine the spotlight on London Business School MBAs – both new and popular existing ones.
London Business School Reputation & Prestige
London Business School MBAs have consistently been ranked among the best MBAs globally for decades. Established in 1964, LBS has maintained its reputation as a top institution, earning accolades such as being ranked the best business school in Europe for three consecutive years (2014-2016) by the Financial Times.
Overview of Global Rankings (LBS MBA Ranking)
| Ranking Source | Ranking Year | LBS MBA Ranking | Link |
| Financial Times (FT) | 2025 | 7th Globally | FT Global MBA Rankings 20251 |
| QS Global MBA Rankings | 2025 | 5th Globally | QS Global MBA Rankings3 |
| Poets&Quants | 2025 | 7th Globally | Poets&Quants Rankings |
Career Prospects – London Business School MBA
As one of the world’s premier institutions for business education, LBS consistently delivers outstanding career outcomes and academic rigor.
| Statistic | Value |
| Employment Rate (3 months post-graduation) | 85% (Class of 2024) |
| Mean Graduate Salary (2023) | USD$120,238 |
| Industry Representation | Consulting (29%), Finance (21%) |
| Acceptance Rate | 25% |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 4:1 |
| Alumni Network | Over 44,000 in 155+ countries |
London Business School MBA is widely praised by professionals, alumni, and industry leaders for its powerful impact. Alumni like Misha Engineer (MBA 2012) share how LBS challenges traditional thinking and encourages bold ambition through its global network.
LBS is home to many Fortune 500 companies and major consulting firms like BCG and PwC. The school hosts or supports over 120 events each year with top industry leaders, including consulting firms like McKinsey, Bain, and BCG, as well as Big Four firms like PwC, Deloitte, EY, and KPMG.
London Business School Acceptance Rates & Admission Statistics
London Business School’s MBA program has consistently attracted top-tier talent from around the world, drawing ambitious individuals eager to benefit from its world-class academics, diverse network, and prime location in one of the world’s leading business hubs. However, the process of getting into LBS is quite rigorous, as it admits only the best.
Latest Admission Rates and Trends
London Business School has a competitive acceptance rate of around 20%, admitting roughly 1 in 5 applicants. The school attracts a diverse student body, with 93% of students coming from over 60 countries. LBS uses a holistic approach in admissions, focusing on leadership potential, global perspective, and an innovative mindset.
MBA 2026 Class Profile
| Statistic | LBS Profile |
| Number of Students | 431 |
| International Students | ~90% |
| Female Students | 45% |
| Nationalities Represented | 65 |
| Average Age | 29 |
| Average Work Experience | 5.5 years |
| Median GMAT Score | ~700 |
LBS MBA Class of 2026 by Nationality
Photo Credit: LBS website
London Business School MBAs (New and Popular Old Ones)
Overview of new MBA offerings
- One-year MBA Program: The One-year MBA program at London Business School (LBS) is set to launch its first cohort in August 2025. The program was designed for professionals with a Masters in Management or equivalent, aiming to enhance their skills in just 11 months.
- Smart Executive MBA: The Smart Executive MBA at London Business School (LBS), launched on January 27, 2025, enhances the traditional Executive MBA with flexible learning options. It combines in-person sessions, live online classes, and self-paced study. Designed for busy executives, the program allows completion in 17-22 months while balancing work and personal life.
Why The New MBA Offerings Stand Out
One-Year MBA: Differentiation and Value
- Duration and Cost-Effectiveness: The One-Year MBA at LBS is designed for experienced professionals with a Masters in Management (MiM) or equivalent, offering a fast-tracked option to enhance skills in just 11 months (contrasting with traditional two-year MBA programs). The LBS One-year MBA will build on academic learning from previous management masters, removing the need to repeat standard core courses and will instead equip students with the skills and knowledge to address the big, contemporary challenges facing businesses today. It will analyse the impact of business critical issues such as geo-politics and sustainability and how students can become agents of positive change by delivering for people and the planet whilst making a profit.
- Rapid Career Advancement: Unlike traditional MBAs, the One-Year MBA specifically targets MiM graduates, providing a unique opportunity for rapid career advancement without the need for a full two-year commitment.
- Intensive Learning and Global Experience: The One-year MBA programme will consist of a dedicated set of short, core courses, giving students an exciting opportunity to update their understanding of core topics, whilst applying them to important, contemporary business challenges. Students will then access electives, global experiences and projects, allowing students to apply their learning in new contexts.
- The changing business environment – geo-political fragmentation and its impact on business, free trade and how companies think about investment, as well as shifts in consumerism and how to respond to sustainability-conscious consumer demand
- The changing role of business and society – how to deliver for people, planet and profit, including application of financial economic theory to sustainability
- How to be an agent of change in business – understand self, be entrepreneurial and develop new ways of solving “messy problems”
Smart Executive MBA: Differentiation and Value
- Flexibility in Learning Formats: The Smart Executive MBA introduces flexible learning options, combining in-person sessions, live online classes, and self-paced study. This contrasts with the Traditional Executive MBAs’ more structured format, allowing executives to balance work and study more effectively.
- Program Customisation: The program offers a wide range of electives and personalised leadership development through executive coaching, enabling executives to tailor their learning experience according to their needs and interests.
- Global Reach and Networking: Like the Traditional Executive MBA, the Smart EMBA is available in London and Dubai, but its flexible format allows for greater accessibility and networking opportunities across different locations and formats.
- Time Flexibility: While both traditional EMBA and Smart EMBA programs cater to experienced professionals, the Smart Executive MBA’s blended learning options reduce time spent away from work, making it more suitable for busy executives seeking flexibility without compromising on quality.
LBS Requirements & Application Process
Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Application Process
- Create a Profile – Visit www.london.edu/apply, create a profile, and select your program.
- Submit Personal Details
- Upload Documents – CV, essays, references, etc.
- Submit Test Scores – GMAT/GRE score (less than five years old), English Proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE if applicable).
- Pay Application Fee – The £200 fee must be paid for the application to be complete.
- Review and Submit – Ensure all information is accurate before submitting.
Key Information Per MBA Program
| Program | Key Deadlines/Important Dates | What LBS Looks for in Candidates |
| Full-Time MBA | Round 1: Application Due September 6, 2024; Decision Released November 28, 2024Round 2: Application Due January 3, 2025; Decision Released March 27, 2025Round 3: Application Due March 24, 2025; Decision Released June 5, 2025 | 1. Strong academic background. 2. Minimum of two years of work experience (though three years is preferred). 3. Leadership potential. 4. Diversity and international exposure. |
| One-Year MBA | Applications open July 2024First cohort starts August 2025 | 1. Masters in Management or equivalent obtained at least three years ago. 2. Solid professional experience. 3. Leadership ability and diversity. |
| Executive MBA | September Intake: Applications close August 7, 2025January Intake: Applications close late fall | 1. Typically 15 years of work experience. 2. Proven leadership skills and strategic thinking. 3. Collaborative mindset. |
| Smart Executive MBA | Similar deadlines as the Traditional Executive MBA | 1. Significant professional experience. 2. Leadership skills and adaptability to blended learning formats. |
Tips for a Strong Application
- Essay Advice: Highlight your unique experiences and leadership potential with concrete examples that reflect LBS’s values.
- GMAT/GRE Expectations: Submit a valid GMAT or GRE score (less than five years old). Aim for a competitive score to strengthen your application.
- Interview Insights: Be ready to discuss your post-MBA goals, leadership experiences, and why LBS is the right fit. Show enthusiasm and authenticity, and be prepared to address any application gaps.
Cost & Financial Aspects
Full Breakdown of London Business School Tuition Fees & Total Costs
| Program | Tuition Fees | Additional Costs (Living Costs, Healthcare) | Total |
| Full-Time MBA | £117,475 | £72,294 | £189,769 |
| One-Year MBA | £75,000 | £36,603 | £111,603 |
| Executive MBA (London Stream) | £127,970 | £94,790 | £222,760 |
| Executive MBA (Dubai Stream) | £160,965 | £176,200 | £337,165 |
Please note that the living expenses quoted are average costs and could vary depending on individual preferences.
Financial Aid Options
LBS Scholarships for ANZ Students
- Australia/New Zealand Scholarship: Offers up to 50% off tuition fees to MBA applicants from Australia or New Zealand.
- London Business School Fund Scholarships: Offers multiple awards of varying amounts to MBA applicants with strong academic and professional merit.
Loans and Other Funding Options
Student loans help cover tuition and living costs, with options like Prodigy Finance, Lendwise, and UK Masters Loan. Spark Finance is ideal for ANZ students, as it offers more competitive rates (due to lack of cross-border lending), flexible repayment and deferment options during study.
LBS MBAs vs Other Business Schools in Terms of ROI
LBS students consistently receive strong ROI from their degrees, outpacing statistics from other high profile UK-based institutions:
| School Name | ROI % |
| London Business School | 213% |
| University of Cambridge (Judge) | 194% |
| Imperial College Business School | 198% |
| Manchester Business School | 185% |
| UCL School of Management | 175% |
Conclusion
London Business School offers an exceptional MBA experience with global recognition, strong industry connections, and a focus on leadership. For more insights into the London Business School MBA, explore their official pages or reach out directly for personalised information.
