All AnswersWhat is the average salary for international MBA graduates working in the UK?
Asked by J Bajwa 7 months ago
The average salary for international MBA graduates working in the UK is around £80,000 to £90,000 per year.
However, the exact number varies depending on the industry, the company, and your location within the UK.
Graduates who work in sectors like finance, consulting, and technology tend to earn on the higher end, sometimes reaching over £100,000 annually.
In London, which is the business hub of the UK, salaries are generally higher compared to other cities.
Larger companies or multinational corporations also offer better compensation packages, including bonuses and benefits, which can significantly boost your total earnings.
Keep in mind that factors such as your prior work experience, the prestige of the MBA program, and the specific role you take on can also impact the salary.
Student of Presidium College
The average salary for international MBA graduates working in the UK generally falls between £50,000 and £90,000, depending on the industry and location. Graduates from prestigious schools often start at the higher end, especially in sectors like finance and consulting, where salaries can exceed £100,000.
In London, the concentration of high-paying jobs pushes salaries higher, but outside the capital, the cost of living is lower, and salaries may range from £50,000 to £70,000. Ultimately, international graduates with relevant experience and degrees from top schools tend to see stronger earnings, with room for growth as they gain more experience.
Study abroad consultant at Mentr Me
The average salary for the international MBA graduate in UK varies between £50,000 and £90,000 according to factors like industry, location, and graduate experience. High-performing business schools like London Business School, Oxford's Saïd Business School, and Cambridge Judge Business School had most of the graduates with starting salaries higher than £100,000, apparently in high-paying industries, including finance and consultancy, as well as tech.
International graduates may well be targeted by employers who have a desire to capitalize on their international experience, where, of course, the salary levels will be greater within multinational organizations or for jobs requiring cross-border skills. However, some industries pay at a more modest scale, for instance, £50,000 to £70,000, especially outside London or in industries such as marketing or operations,.
London remains a major destination in terms of MBA employment, given a higher concentration of financial institutions, consulting firms, and tech companies. Salaries are also more expensive though so is the cost of living.
Other UK-based cities, for instance Manchester or Edinburgh perhaps slightly less, but due to lower cost of living and maintaining a household, students can earn almost the same amount.
Work experience also determines much about salary levels. International MBA graduates in the UK with many years of relevant pre-MBA experience tend to command higher salaries than the newly recruited on their first job.
Overall, international MBA graduates at UK business schools can expect competitive salaries, with a lot of scope to grow generally as one accumulates more experience and advances up the career ladder.
If you need more information or any questions to ask, you can book a free strategy session to discuss
MBA Student at Stanford Graduate School of Business
International MBA grads working in the UK earn an average salary of around £70,000 to £85,000, depending on the school and sector. Graduates from top schools like London Business School, Oxford Saïd, and Cambridge Judge often land roles starting at £90,000 or more, especially in consulting and finance. For mid-tier schools, salaries usually range from £55,000 to £70,000.
Industries like tech, banking, and strategy consulting tend to offer the highest packages, while roles in marketing, operations, or general management come in a bit lower but often grow quickly within 1–2 years.
Having 3–5 years of experience before the MBA boosts salary potential significantly, especially for international students who switch roles or sectors.
If you want to hear directly from graduates about salary trends, company roles, and how they got hired in the UK, watch this quick video: How Much Do MBA Grads Really Earn in the UK?
Exam Prep Expert
International MBA graduates working in the UK earn an average salary of around £75,000–£80,000, but actual figures vary based on the job role and employer. Around 20% land high-paying roles in consulting or finance, earning £90,000+, while 40% fall in the £70,000–£90,000 range, mostly in tech or strategy roles. The rest typically earn £55,000–£70,000, often in marketing, operations, or general management.
To give a clearer picture, here’s a pie chart idea you can create based on salary distribution:
