Studying an MBA: Which requirements really count

Opresnik Business School (OBS) Insights

MBA requirements: What are the real requirements?

The requirements for an MBA degree are among the biggest uncertainties among interested parties. Many assume that an MBA is only possible with a bachelor's degree, perfect English language skills and a classic career path. In practice, this looks much more differentiated.

This article explains which requirements are really relevant for an MBA degree and which assumptions are often outdated.

What are the basic requirements for an MBA program?

An MBA is primarily aimed at experienced professionals. In contrast to classic master's degree programs, the focus is not on academic education, but on professional development and management practice.

Universities generally expect three things. Relevant professional experience, sufficient language skills for study and the ability to work independently and reflectively.

The specific nature of these requirements depends heavily on the respective higher education system and the respective program.

MBA without a bachelor's degree: Is that possible?

The assumption that an MBA necessarily requires a bachelor's degree is not universally correct. Alternative access routes exist, particularly in the international and Anglo-Saxon higher education system.

Professional qualifications, management experience and proven responsibility can replace an initial academic degree. These procedures are enshrined in higher education law and serve to recognize competencies that have already been acquired.

For experienced specialists and managers, this offers the opportunity to complete an MBA without having previously fully completed a traditional course of study.

The role of professional experience

Professional experience is one of the key requirements for an MBA degree. It forms the basis for content not only being understood theoretically, but also being able to classify it in practice.

Depending on the program, several years of qualified professional experience are expected. It is not only the duration that is decisive, but the type of activity. Responsibility, decision-making power and strategic tasks play a bigger role than formal titles.

An MBA depends on participants contributing and reflecting on their own professional experience in the course content.

English language skills considered realistically

Since many MBA programs are internationally oriented, studies are often conducted in English. As a rule, solid professional English is expected, not a perfect academic language level.

In practice, this means being able to understand texts, reflect on content in writing and argue in an application-oriented way. Formal language tests are not mandatory in all programs.

It is crucial that language is no obstacle to working on content.

MBA Requirements for OBS MBA

The MBA at Opresnik Business School is aimed specifically at professionally experienced specialists and managers. A bachelor's degree is not absolutely necessary, provided that relevant professional experience and management practice can be demonstrated.

However, it is helpful if a bachelor's degree has already been started but not completed. Existing credits from a degree program that has already begun can significantly support the admission process, as they show that academic work has already been completed at university level. This evidence can be positively taken into account in the individual evaluation.

Approval is based on a personal profile. Professional career, responsibility, existing academic performance, motivation and objectives are considered holistically. The course takes place entirely in English and therefore requires secure English language skills in a professional context.

This orientation provides access to an internationally recognized MBA even for candidates whose career has not followed a fully completed academic path.

Conclusion: What requirements does an MBA really need?

An MBA degree does not require a perfect academic biography. Professional experience, motivation and the willingness to deal intensively with management issues are decisive.

Anyone who has assumed responsibility, thinks strategically and wants to develop further already has the most important prerequisites.

An MBA is not so much a formal degree as a development tool for the next career phase.

OBS - MBA Program in Detail
Uclan-University-of-Central-Lancashire
University of Wolverhampton
Wrexham_Glyndŵr_University
Anglia Ruskin University