AIM MBA: Tuition Fees, Programs & Admissions Guide
Full guide to the Asian Institute of Management MBA — tuition fees, programs offered, admission requirements, and whether AIM is worth the investment for Filipino professionals.
The Asian Institute of Management (AIM) is the Philippines' flagship graduate business school and one of the most recognized MBA programs in Southeast Asia. This guide covers everything you need to know about the AIM MBA: programs, tuition, admission process, and an honest assessment of value.
About AIM
Founded in 1968 as a collaboration between the Harvard Business School and Filipino business leaders, the Asian Institute of Management was designed from the outset as a world-class institution for Asian business education. AIM is based in Makati City, Metro Manila, and is the only business school in Southeast Asia to be independently accredited by AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business).
AIM's reputation is strongest in the Philippines and across Southeast and South Asia. Its alumni — over 90,000 from 90+ countries — occupy leadership positions in government, multinational corporations, development organizations, and entrepreneurial ventures.
AIM MBA Programs
Master in Business Administration (MBA)
AIM's flagship MBA is a full-time, case-method intensive program completed in 15–18 months. It is modeled on the Harvard Business School case methodology and requires full-time attendance — students are expected to leave employment while enrolled.
Duration: 15–18 months Format: Full-time (residential) Intake: Typically once per year Class size: ~60–80 students per cohort Language: English
The full-time AIM MBA is best for professionals making a deliberate career pivot — moving into consulting, investment banking, general management, or entrepreneurship — where the AIM brand signal and network are key career accelerators.
Executive MBA (EMBA) and Asian Management Program (AMP)
For senior executives and mid-career leaders who cannot leave employment, AIM offers executive programs in modular or weekend formats. These programs target professionals with 10+ years of experience.
Master of Science programs
AIM also offers specialized master's programs in development management, innovation, and social entrepreneurship — relevant for those targeting careers in NGOs, government, and impact investing.
AIM MBA Tuition Fees
AIM is the most expensive MBA program in the Philippines. Tuition for the full-time MBA is in the range of PHP 800,000 to PHP 1,200,000 for the complete program (2026 estimates).
Additional costs to budget for:
- Living expenses in Makati for 15–18 months (if not already local)
- Program fees: Cases, materials, and activity fees
- Opportunity cost: Foregone salary during the full-time program
AIM offers scholarships and financial aid for high-potential applicants. Merit scholarships can cover 25–100% of tuition. The Financial Aid Office should be contacted during the application process.
Admission Requirements
AIM's MBA admission is selective and holistic. Requirements include:
- Undergraduate degree from an accredited university (any field)
- Work experience: Minimum 3 years; average accepted student has 5–7 years of professional experience
- GMAT or GRE score (strongly recommended; AIM accepts both)
- TOEFL or IELTS (if your undergraduate instruction was not in English)
- Essays: Typically 3–4 essays on career goals, leadership experience, and contribution to the cohort
- Letters of recommendation: 2 professional references (direct supervisor preferred)
- Personal interview: Conducted by AIM faculty or alumni interviewers
- Application fee
AIM values leadership experience and potential over academic credentials. Applicants from non-business undergraduate backgrounds are welcome and common. The application process typically takes 6–8 weeks; start early if you are targeting scholarship consideration.
Is AIM MBA Worth the Cost?
Whether the AIM MBA is worth PHP 800K–1.2M depends entirely on your career trajectory.
AIM makes strong sense if:
- You are targeting senior management, consulting, or investment banking roles in the Philippines or Southeast Asia
- You are willing to invest 15–18 months of full-time study
- The AIM alumni network is directly relevant to your industry target
- You can access scholarship funding to reduce the tuition burden
AIM may not be the right fit if:
- You cannot leave employment (AIM's full-time format is non-negotiable)
- Your career targets are domestic mid-management roles where a part-time MBA from AGSB or DLSU delivers comparable outcomes at lower cost
- You are at an early career stage (3–4 years experience) where the MBA ROI timeline extends too far
AIM vs. Other Philippine MBA Programs
| Factor | AIM | Ateneo AGSB | DLSU | UP VSB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International recognition | Highest | Strong | Strong | Strong |
| Format | Full-time only | Part-time | Part-time | Part-time |
| Tuition | PHP 800K–1.2M | PHP 350K–550K | PHP 300K–500K | PHP 80K–150K |
| Target profile | Career pivot, SE Asia ambition | Philippine corporate | Finance/consulting | Budget-conscious, govt |
Application Timeline
AIM typically has one intake per year, with the program starting in July or August:
- October–December: Application opens for next year's intake
- January–March: Scholarship applications and early decisions
- April–May: Final decisions; enrollment deposit due
- July–August: Program begins
Starting the application process 6–9 months before your target start date is recommended, especially for scholarship consideration.
Conclusion
The AIM MBA is the Philippines' most prestigious and internationally recognized business education investment. For professionals with the right career ambitions, 5+ years of experience, and access to financing or scholarships, it delivers a network and credential that is difficult to replicate domestically. For those who need flexibility or a more affordable path, the part-time options at Ateneo, DLSU, and UP offer strong returns at lower cost and lower career disruption.