10 Top EMBA Programs with Low Tuition Fees: Part 1

By Pavel Kantorek Updated Mar 09, 2021

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Introduction
OneMBA
Cass Business School, UK
The European School of Management and Technology, Germany
IE Business School, Spain
Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong

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With more and more candidates self-funding their EMBA programs, tuition fees are a bigger question than ever (although this is a long-term trend that may, by now, have reached its peak). Even so, you would never want to sacrifice quality for the sake of affordability, even if there is an excellent return on investment (ROI) – would you? That is what you might call a false economy.

We took a look at the world’s top executive MBA programs (according to the FT) to find out which could claim to be the most affordable – in terms of tuition fees at least. Here are five particularly low-cost options from that elite selection of top executive MBA programs. Remember though – don’t let tuition fees be the only factor in your choice – after all, there’s a little thing that’s called return on investment that can really help take the sting out of program costs! See part 2 here. Dollar prices are conversions correct at time of publication.

OneMBA

EMBA tuition: US$66,995

It doesn’t get more global than the OneMBA, delivered by five schools spread over four continents – that’s Escola de Administração de Empresas de São Paulo da Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGV/EAESP) in Brazil, Xiamen University School of Management in China, EGADE Business School Tecnológico de Monterrey in Mexico, Rotterdam School of Management in the Netherlands and Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the US. Candidates are based on campus and undertake four global residencies over the course of a 21-month program, working in global teams

Cass Business School, UK

EMBA tuition: US$64,934

Based in London’s world-leading financial center, Cass Business School’s EMBA program is focused on offering a global perspective with lower tuition fees – and an excellent ROI. The course offers an emerging markets consultancy week, as well as further international exposure through its range of electives – of which students must take seven in their second year.

The first year is given over to the core curriculum, which encompasses four principal themes: Information and people management, global business, financial analysis and management, and strategic management. Evening or weekend options are available for the 24-month program.

The European School of Management and Technology, Germany

EMBA tuition: US$64,723

ESMT’s 18-month EMBA program is delivered predominantly from Berlin, with a one-week module delivered at partner schools in Russia and Turkey and a two-week module in a “country of strategic significance”.

The class of 50 students is typically 50% international, with the average age of participants standing at 36, with 12 years’ experience. Responsible management and innovation are central to the program – but you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding examples of entrepreneurial activity in Germany’s dynamic capital.

IE Business School, Spain

EMBA tuition: US$64,195

IE Business School offers its EMBA program in Spanish or English. The former lasts for 10-13 months and can be completed either face-to-face or in a blended format, while the latter is blended and lasts for 15 months.

The blended format utilizes innovations, such as mobile apps and a virtual campus, that are designed to help working professionals fit learning into their schedules, while professors adopt the same ‘practical approach’ taken to deliver their full-time MBA programs. Based in Madrid, IE Business School is ranked number 6 in Europe in the QS Global 200.

Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong

EMBA tuition: US$63,150

CUHK’s EMBA program lasts for two years, split over four terms, and is delivered on weekends with two local one-week residencies. The program’s ethos is represented through six ‘pillars’: theories, practices, internal network, external network, strategic perspectives and social contribution.

Core courses are delivered in English, although there are a few electives that are offered in both Cantonese and Mandarin. Program participants come from a wide range of industries – with the areas of trading/manufacturing, information technology, medical services/healthcare and wholesale/retail currently contributing the greatest numbers of students.

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Written by

Pavel Kantorek

Mansoor is a contributor to and former editor of TopMBA.com. He is a higher and business education specialist, who has been published in media outlets around the world. He studied English literature at BA and MA level and has a background in consumer journalism.