Getting a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) is a great way to advance your career, change career paths, or start your own business.
It’s definitely one of the most popular graduate degrees around the world and a no-brainer for business-oriented students.
However, traditional MBA programs can take up to two years and require a significant investment of time and money. This can be a daunting prospect for many students, especially those who cannot afford to take a break from their careers or move to a new city or country.
Fortunately, there are one-year MBA programs available that offer a faster, more affordable path to an MBA degree. These programs are perfect for students who want to get the most out of their education without having to make major sacrifices.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the top 10 one-year MBA programs around the world, providing you with the information you need to make an informed decision about your education and career.
You may also want to read: Top 10 Online MBA Programs
1. IESE Business School: One-Year MBA Program
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Program: Traditional One-Year MBA
Consistently ranked as one of the best business schools around the world, IESE offers MBA and executive MBA programs across 5 global campuses in Barcelona, Madrid, New York, Sao Paulo, and Munich.
Delivered over 15 or 19 months, the IESE MBA offers a truly international MBA. It includes overseas modules, exchange programs, international electives, and hands-on experience across five continents.
Students can start in August and complete the program in December of the following year, or complete the program in April of the second year.
The program includes an array of world-class faculty and thought leaders, a workshop to develop leadership, management, and negotiation skills, and guidance on crafting a successful career plan.
Students can also join the IESE Alumni Network which offers an additional range of career-related services and a lifelong connection to the IESE community. Through this network, graduates are given access to a variety of online and offline networking activities, mentorship programs, and career advice.
The IESE MBA is a life-changing journey for those who want to excel in the field of international business and gain the skills to become a global leader.
Overall, the IESE Business School’s one-year MBA program is an excellent option for those seeking an international business education and a global perspective.
IESE MBA Rankings: #1 by The Economist, #2 in Europe by Bloomberg, #10 by Financial Times
Tuition: €93,500 ($103,189 USD)
Website: https://mba.iese.edu
2. INSEAD MBA Program
Location: Fontainebleau, France and Singapore
Program: MBA
INSEAD offers a one year MBA program that takes 10 months to complete with two start dates per year in August and January. The program is divided into five periods, comprising core and elective courses.
The core courses provide foundational knowledge across various disciplines such as strategy, finance, accounting, marketing, organizational behavior, and operations and technology management.
Students have the option to choose between three campuses: the Europe campus in Fontainebleau, France, the Asia campus in Singapore, or apply to spend a residential period in the Middle East campus in Abu Dhabi. Additionally, students can attend any of the three campuses through the global exchange program.
The electives, available at each campus, allow students to explore different specializations and gain exposure to the global business environment. INSEAD’s flexible program structure allows students to gain more global business exposure as they explore different areas of business.
Overall, INSEAD’s MBA program offers a comprehensive curriculum with a global focus, providing students with the opportunity to gain exposure to different business environments and specializations.
INSEAD MBA Rankings: #3 by Financial Times, #2 in Europe by Bloomberg, #2 international 1-year by Forbes
Tuition: €91,225 ($100,738 USD) for August 2022, and €92,575 ($102,228 USD) for January 2023
Website: https://www.insead.edu/master-programmes
3. Northwestern University: Kellogg School of Management One-Year MBA
Location: Evanston, Illinois, USA
Program: One-Year MBA
Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management offers a 12-month MBA program that is designed for experienced professionals who want to earn their MBA in just one year.
The program starts in June and includes required courses in Strategy, Management and Organization, Accounting, and Finance. The remainder of the year is focused on advanced electives, which can be selected from more than 200 courses at Kellogg.
This one-year MBA program is tailored for students who possess an undergraduate or graduate degree in business subjects. Additionally, pre-enrollment courses in Statistics, Economics, Marketing, and Operations are required.
With a customized curriculum plan for each student, the one-year MBA program provides practitioners the opportunity to pursue areas of interest through individual business projects or case studies. The one year MBA program culminates with the completion of a project that serves as an MBA capstone to the student’s learning journey.
This Kellogg MBA program also provides a global experience through a variety of international, study abroad, and exchange opportunities. These programs offer students the chance to collaborate with global business professionals and gain an understanding of different cultures and business practices.
In addition, MBA students have the opportunity to benefit from the extensive network of Kellogg faculty and staff, alumni, and partners. Through this network, MBA graduates have access to job opportunities, mentorships, and exclusive industry intelligence.
Overall, the Kellogg One-Year MBA program is a full-time, accelerated program offered by Northwestern University that covers the same curriculum as the traditional two-year program, but at an accelerated pace.
It is designed to build upon students’ business fundamentals and get them back in the workforce with new skills and knowledge that will propel their careers forward.
Kellogg MBA Rankings: #4 by US News and World Report, #5 in the U.S. by Bloomberg, #5 by Financial Times
Tuition: One-Year MBA Program $105,380
Website: http://www.kellogg.northwestern.edu/
4. IE Business School International MBA
Location: Madrid, Spain
Program: International MBA
The International MBA program at IE Business School is a fully immersive, customizable, and hands-on learning experience that takes 11 months to complete.
The program provides a 360-degree view of the business world and is designed to develop the entrepreneurial spirit and agile mindset of its students. Successful applicants are required to have three years of work experience and fluency in English or be bilingual in English and Spanish.
This MBA also utilizes hands-on learning methods where students can test theories, experiment with behaviors, and explore new areas. This allows students to develop a deep knowledge in a particular area, and to have the opportunity to apply new concepts to real-life situations.
Plus, the MBA faculty at IE Business School is highly experienced and committed to providing a quality educational environment that actively develops students’ confidence and leadership skills.
With a variety of resources, activities, and entrepreneurial initiatives to become involved with, there’s ample opportunity for each MBA participant to experience a well-rounded learning experience.
Coupled with the skills and tools learned in this program, students gain a comprehensive understanding of the global business environment and become fully prepared for their future roles.
In conclusion, the International MBA program at IE Business School provides an exceptional learning experience that goes beyond traditional classroom education, with a focus on creating an entrepreneurial spirit and agile mindset. This is a unique way of thinking that can be applied to all aspects of life.
IE MBA Rankings: #6 by Forbes, #9 in Europe by Bloomberg, #12 in Europe by Financial Times
Tuition: €72,200 (Approximately $79,673 USD)
Website: http://imba.ie.edu
5. University of Cambridge: Judge Business School MBA
Location: Cambridge, United Kingdom
Program: MBA
The University of Cambridge’s Judge Business School offers a one-year MBA program that starts in September and ends in September of the following year with the culmination of an individual project, work placement, or research paper.
The program is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their chosen field. It includes core courses, electives, a Cambridge Venture project, a global consulting project, and a concentration project.
The program is open to students from different sectors and backgrounds who have at least 2 years of work experience.
One of the unique features of this program is its location at the heart of Silicon Fern, a concentration of new high-tech and biotech businesses. This location provides students with the opportunity to network with potential employers and gain insight into the tech industry from those working in it, furthering the skills gained during the program.
Additionally, Cambridge MBA students have access to the active alumni network through a dedicated portal, providing a unique opportunity to exchange experiences and stay in touch with influential people.
This is just one more way that the Judge MBA program strives to provide students with the real-world experience and confidence they need to succeed in their chosen field.
Overall, the University of Cambridge’s Judge Business School MBA program is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their chosen field, with a focus on real-world experience and confidence-building. The school’s location in Silicon Fern and access to a dedicated alumni network provide unique opportunities for networking and gaining insight into the tech industry.
MBA Rankings: #7 in Europe by Bloomberg, #22 by Financial Times
Tuition: MBA Program £61,000 (Approx. $80,196 USD)
Website: https://www.jbs.cam.ac.uk/
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6. University of Oxford: Saïd Business School MBA Program
Location: Oxford, United Kingdom
Program: MBA
The University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School offers a one year MBA program that starts in September. The program includes core courses, electives, a global opportunities and threats (GOTO) course, and an entrepreneurship project.
During the summer term, students may choose to participate in a management internship, a strategic consulting project, or summer electives. These experiences allow Oxford MBA students to apply business knowledge and gain valuable experience and skills in the real world.
In addition to this experience, Saïd Business School students will also have the opportunity to develop a professional network that will have a considerable impact on their careers.
Finally, the MBA capstone experience allows students to develop their own business plans and strategies and to work collaboratively with faculty and industry experts.
This provides invaluable insights into the entrepreneurial process and prepares students to excel in today’s competitive business world.
MBA Rankings: #12 in Europe by Bloomberg, #31 by Financial Times
Tuition: MBA Program £65,520 (Approx. $72,294 USD)
Website: http://www.sbs.ox.ac.uk/
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7. Cornell University: SC Johnson College of Business One-Year MBA
Location: Ithaca, New York, USA
Program: One-Year Accelerated MBA
Cornell University’s SC Johnson College of Business offers a One-Year Accelerated MBA program for professionals who have already acquired a professional certification or graduate degree. The program is designed to equip students with the critical skills required to build a successful career in the business sector.
This one-year MBA program is specially designed for individuals who already possess a professional certification (CPA, CFA, PMP, etc.) or a graduate degree, such as MS, MA, JD, MD, PhD, etc. It requires strong quantitative skills and professional work experience.
Since this 1 year MBA program is aimed at professionals who have already acquired quite an education, it focuses on developing their business knowledge and leadership skills.
The program can be completed in 12 months, starting in May and graduating the following May. It involves core courses, electives, NYC weekend courses, immersions, NYC intensives, and more electives.
Additionally, this Accelerated MBA program helps to hone the student’s overall communications strategy and professional networking. It also reinforces the crucial business skills of budgeting, financial analysis, strategic marketing, operations management, and data-driven decision-making.
The MBA syllabus is designed to equip each enrolled participant with the critical skills that are required to build a successful career in the business sector.
Overall, Cornell University’s SC Johnson College of Business One-Year MBA program is an excellent option for professionals looking to advance their business knowledge and leadership skills in a short period.
MBA Rankings: #15 by US News and World Report, #17 by Financial Times, #14 by The Economist
Tuition: $74,026
Website: https://www.johnson.cornell.edu/
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8. ESADE One-Year MBA
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Program: One-Year MBA
ESADE offers a One-Year MBA program that provides a fast-track option for students who want to gain valuable business knowledge and skills in a short amount of time.
This business school offers a 12, 15, and 18-month MBA program. While the fastest 12-month program involves strict requirements, some students choose the 18-month program to gain valuable experiences through internship options and international exchange opportunities.
The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive learning experience that includes core courses, electives, and the option to participate in Career Acceleration Programmes.
In addition to the core curriculum, MBA students may pursue an advanced specialization in entrepreneurship, marketing, innovation, and social impact through the MBA Business Labs.
Moreover, ESADE MBA students may also opt for customized learning opportunities in any of ESADE’s six schools and can attend workshops and seminars to develop their practical knowledge.
The ESADE One Year MBA program is an immersive learning environment that allows students to participate in hands-on projects and gain experience in real-world business. This helps students gain a competitive edge in the job market and become better decision-makers and problem-solvers.
ESADE also offers a comprehensive career service that provides support with resumes, interviews, and career guidance. To connect MBA students to the best companies, ESADE also organizes a series of networking activities, career fairs, and company presentations.
MBA Rankings: #11 in Europe by Bloomberg, #20 by The Economist, #34 by Financial Times
Tuition: €73,800 ($81,279 USD)
Website: https://www.esade.edu/
9. Emory University: Goizueta Business School One-Year MBA
Location: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Program: One-Year MBA
The One-Year MBA program at Goizueta Business School (Emory University) starts with an immersive summer semester and takes 12 months to complete.
Successful MBA applicants will have a business, management, economics, engineering, or quantitative undergraduate degree, and 2 years of professional experience.
After completing core courses during the summer, students will be able to choose from 20+ specializations and over 90 elective courses. From these courses, students gain strong business acumen, global perspectives, and an expansive network.
In addition, the opportunities for global immersion in different countries allow MBA students to gain a deeper understanding of the unique cultural and economic conditions of their chosen countries.
Experienced faculty and staff are present to guide Emory MBA students through the program and help them become successful leaders with the necessary business skills.
Whether students choose to use their MBA degree to pursue a career in traditional businesses or launch their start-up ventures, the One-Year MBA program at Emory provides a comprehensive and efficient learning experience that will stay with them for a lifetime.
MBA Rankings: #18 in the U.S. by Bloomberg, #26 by US News, #45 by Financial Times
Tuition: $102,660
Website: https://goizueta.emory.edu/
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10. University of Florida: Warrington College of Business Administration One-Year MBA
Location: Gainesville, Florida, USA
Program: Traditional One-Year MBA
Besides traditional two-year, executive, and online MBA programs, the Warrington College of Business offers two options for its one-year MBA:
- Option A is designed for students from all majors. This option lasts 12 months and focuses on core subjects and electives.
- Option B is designed for business majors who completed their degrees within 7 years. This option lasts 10 months and focuses mainly on electives.
No matter which option you choose, all the University of Florida’s MBA programs are designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge to succeed in their chosen career path.
The MBA curriculum combines classroom learning with practical experiences to ensure that students can apply their skills in a professional setting.
All 1 year MBA programs provide the opportunity to network with high-level professionals and faculty members, giving students access to valuable resources and connections.
MBA Rankings: #26 by US News, #27 in the U.S. by Bloomberg, #43 by Financial Times
Tuition:
- Option A: Florida Residents $25,475, Out-of-State $60,261
- Option B: Florida Residents $17,982, Out-of-State $41,173
Website: http://www.floridamba.ufl.edu/
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Top Entrepreneurship MBA: Babson College One-Year MBA
Location: Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Program: One-Year MBA
Ranked as the top MBA in Entrepreneurship, Babson offers an MBA program that starts in May and lasts one year.
This full-time MBA program focuses on core courses during the summer months and allows students to choose their electives, concentrations and consulting experience during the following two semesters.
The Babson one-year MBA program offers more than just courses. It helps nurture the entrepreneurial mindset of students by giving them access to the Babson Entrepreneurial Research Conference, hosted every year. Attendees of the conference are typically leading practitioners and academics from the venture capital, private equity, and entrepreneurship industry, and are excellent sources of guidance for MBA students.
Babson also provides MBA students with the opportunity to take part in the Blank Center for Entrepreneurship, by connecting them with the school’s 10,000-strong alumni network and providing them with access to Angel Investors and other venture capitalists.
MBA students also have access to a diverse range of events, such as the Winter Venture Fair, which is held annually. These resources give students an advantage in the professional world, not only in terms of knowledge but also in terms of getting first-hand experience with running a business.
This program serves as an effective and accelerated track to obtaining an MBA in Entrepreneurship, and Babson’s record of success speaks for itself.
Keep in mind that the average Babson one-year MBA student has 5 years of work experience. The application deadline for the Babson One-Year MBA is based on rolling admissions. However, try to send your application as soon as August to increase your chances of getting a spot in the upcoming MBA class starting in May of the following year.
MBA Rankings: #1 for Entrepreneurship by US News and World Report, #2 for Entrepreneurship by Financial Times
Tuition: $89,550
Website: https://www.babson.edu/
Frequently Asked Questions
There are several top-ranked one-year MBA programs in the world, including INSEAD, IMD, and Cambridge Judge Business School. These programs are highly regarded for their rigorous curriculum, renowned faculty, and global network of alumni.
Kellogg’s one-year MBA program is one of the most expensive programs, with a tuition cost of approximately $105,400. However, the program is known for its exceptional faculty and strong focus on leadership development.
One-year MBA programs offer several benefits compared to traditional two-year programs. They are more cost-effective, require less time away from work, and offer a faster return on investment. Additionally, one-year programs tend to attract more experienced professionals, which can lead to a more diverse and dynamic learning environment.
Duke’s one-year MBA program, also known as the Fuqua School of Business, has an acceptance rate of approximately 25%. The program is highly competitive and seeks to attract top talent from around the world.
Several one-year MBA programs offer a STEM designation, including Cornell Tech, MIT Sloan, and Purdue Krannert. These programs are designed for students with a background in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics and provide a unique blend of business and technical skills.
While one-year MBA programs are shorter in duration, they can provide the same value as traditional two-year programs. These programs are highly rigorous and provide students with a comprehensive understanding of business fundamentals. Additionally, one-year programs often offer specialized tracks or concentrations, allowing students to tailor their education to their specific career goals.
Final Comments
When it comes to the top one-year MBAs around the world, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. What works for one person may not be the best choice for another.
However, by researching business schools and evaluating each program based on its curriculum, experiences, opportunities, faculty, and alumni network, you can make an informed choice and take the next step in your career.
It’s time to seize the opportunities the world has to offer and make the most of them. Don’t be afraid to take a risk and find the one year MBA program that suits you best. It could be the best decision you ever make.
Denisse Romero
Denisse is a global education and communications consultant, as well as the main person behind MacQuil. As an international mentor and frequent traveler, she enjoys sharing information to help anyone travel, study or work abroad.
Denisse holds a Master's in Management from GWU, a Master's in Education from Harvard University and an Executive Coaching Certificate from the University of Cambridge.
