MBA Abroad for Filipinos

Over 50,000 Filipino students study abroad each year, with Australia (30%), Canada (21%), and the USA (21%) as top destinations. An MBA abroad can open doors to global careers, international networks, and higher earning potential. Here's everything you need to know.

Country Guides

πŸ‡¦πŸ‡Ί

Australia

5 top programs

Australia is the #1 destination for Filipino students abroad (30% of all overseas Filipino students). Strong post-study work rights, proximity to the Philippines, and world-class business schools make it a top MBA choice.

AUD $45,000–$90,0002–4yr post-study work visa
πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦

Canada

5 top programs

Canada attracts 21% of Filipino students abroad thanks to its PGWP (Post-Graduation Work Permit) pathway to permanent residency. Top MBA programs at Rotman, Ivey, and Schulich offer strong ROI with a clear immigration path.

CAD $50,000–$120,0003yr PGWP β†’ PR pathway
πŸ‡―πŸ‡΅

Japan

4 top programs

Japan offers unique MBA programs blending Eastern and Western business philosophy. The MEXT scholarship covers full tuition plus a generous monthly stipend, and GLOBIS (Tokyo) is Asia's largest business school.

JPY Β₯2M–Β₯6M ($14K–$42K)1yr job-seeking visa
πŸ‡ΈπŸ‡¬

Singapore

4 top programs

Singapore is Asia's business capital and home to INSEAD and NUS Business School β€” two of the world's top MBA programs. A 4-hour flight from Manila, English-speaking, and a gateway to Southeast Asian markets.

SGD $65,000–$110,0001yr LTVP, EP for employment
πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§

United Kingdom

5 top programs

The UK offers 1-year MBA programs (saving a year vs. US programs) at world-class schools like London Business School, Oxford SaΓ―d, and Cambridge Judge. The 2-year Graduate Route visa makes it increasingly attractive.

GBP Β£35,000–£100,0002yr Graduate Route visa
πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ

United States

5 top programs

The USA remains the gold standard for MBA education, home to Harvard, Wharton, Stanford, and 50+ AACSB-accredited programs. Higher tuition but unmatched brand recognition and salary premiums for graduates.

USD $60,000–$160,0001yr OPT + H-1B lottery

Scholarships for Filipino MBA Students

ScholarshipCoverageCountry
DOST Foreign Graduate ScholarshipFull tuition + β‚±25,000–33,000/month stipendVarious
Fulbright-CHED ScholarshipFull tuition + living expensesUSA
Chevening ScholarshipFull tuition + living expensesUK
ADB-Japan Scholarship (via AIM)Full tuition + monthly allowanceJapan
MEXT ScholarshipFull tuition + Β₯143,000/monthJapan
Australia Awards (Endeavour)Full tuition + living + travelAustralia

GMAT & GRE Preparation

Most top MBA programs abroad require GMAT or GRE scores. The GMAT Focus Edition (launched 2023) is a shorter, adaptive test with Quantitative, Verbal, and Data Insights sections. Test centers in the Philippines are located in Manila (Makati, Ortigas) and Cebu.

GMAT Focus Edition

  • Score range: 205–805
  • Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Fee: $275 USD
  • Top schools expect: 650+ (old scale equivalent)

GRE General Test

  • Score range: 260–340
  • Duration: ~2 hours
  • Fee: $220 USD
  • Accepted by most MBA programs as GMAT alternative
← Back to Home