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Choosing between MIM and MBA is one of the most difficult choices for international students planning to pursue a career in the field of business. The full form of MIM is Master in Management and the full form of MBA is Master in Business Management. Both degrees are quite similar and prepare students for a career in business, finance or management. This article covers the key differences between MIM vs MBA, including their requirements, career opportunities, fees, and more.
MIM is an entry level programme that prepares students for a career in business, and provide career opportunities as a manager, consultant, analyst or more. MIM is majorly chosen by younger students between the ages of 22–24, as it is not required to have a mandatory work experience requirement.
An MBA, on the other hand, is a graduate degree that prepares students for careers in leadership and management. The MBA degree covers regular business topics such as finance, marketing, operations, and leadership. According to statistics, MBA graduates can expect to see a 100% salary boost in three years.
According to media estimates, students' salaries increased by about 130% on average after three years of completing their MBA. The average salary of MBA in the United States is around USD 106,000 after graduation, but MBA salary vary by location. Ultimately, both degrees can lead to rewarding and meaningful careers. The decision should be based on your career objectives, hobbies, and the type of employment that you find most rewarding.
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Although both courses seem similar, there are key differences between Masters in Management and Business Management. Here is a table demonstrating the differences between MIM and MBA.
Particulars | MIM | MBA |
Course Duration | 12 months to 2 years | 1 to 2 years |
Average tuition fees (top business schools) | Rs 18 to 50 lakhs | Rs. 50 to 90 Lakhs |
Curriculum |
|
|
Age of Applicants | Entry level graduates | Mid-level professionals |
Eligibility | ||
Top Job Roles |
|
|
Average Salary | USD 80,000 - USD 90,000 | USD 90,000 |
MIM also known as Masters in Management is a 1-2 year postgraduate programme in the field of business and management. The degree is most popular in Europe, among which London is the popular choice followed by France, Germany, and Netherlands. MIM graduates can explore various career opportunities including consulting, finance, human resources, operations, and supply chain management.
MBA also known as Masters in Business Administration, provides a thorough understanding of business management. International students planning to pursue a career in business management can complete their MBA degree in 1-2 years. MBA colleges provide an excellent ROI in the world. MBA graduates can study in a variety of specialisations, including finance, marketing, operations, and human resources.
The QS Global Business Master's Rankings 2024 has listed several universities to pursue a career in MIM abroad. HEC Paris is ranked first globally for its Master’s in Management programme. A list of the top 10 MIM universities in the world is mentioned below.
University | Tuition Fees for 2024-25 |
HEC Paris | EUR 53,200 |
EUR 39,000 | |
EUR 47,500 | |
EUR 43,300 | |
EUR 52,500 | |
EUR 25,800 | |
Esade Business School | USD 35,000 |
Copenhagen Business School | EUR 8,000 per semester. |
WU Vienna | EUR 726.72 per semester. |
EDEHC Business School | EUR 21,000 |
The QS Global MBA Rankings 2024 list 315 schools worldwide as top MBA universities abroad. Stanford Graduate School of Business is ranked first globally for its MBA programme. A list of the top 10 MBA universities in the world is mentioned below.
University | Tuition Fees for 2024-25 |
USD 82,455 | |
USD 84,830 | |
USD 76,410 | |
EUR 115,000 | |
HEC Paris | USD 98,000 |
USD 86,650 | |
USD 84,496 | |
USD 82,300 | |
USD 69,000 | |
IESE Business School | EUR 105,000 total (2 years) |
All international students who want to pursue a career in the field of business, finance, and management can apply for MIM and MBA courses. There are several course requirements that one must meet before applying to universities abroad.
All Indian students must have passed a bachelor’s degree (3-4 years) with a high GPA in the relevant field or equivalent.
Candidates must have a work experience of 0–2 years.
Students are required to meet the English language proficiency and must provide proof by submitting valid IELTS / TOEFL scores.
Some universities might require French / German language proficiencies as well.
Applicants should have valid standardised GMAT or GRE scores.
They must meet other course requirements specified by the university.
All Indian students must have passed a 3-4 years bachelor’s degree with a high GPA in the relevant field or equivalent.
Candidates must have a work experience of 2–3 years.
Students must demonstrate English language proficiency by submitting valid IELTS / TOEFL scores.
Some universities might require local language proficiency in French or German languages.
Applicants should have valid standardised test scores (GRE / GMAT).
Students are also required to meet certain university-specific course requirements.
Every year, thousands of students plan to pursue a career in the field of management abroad. MBA programme has been one of the top choices for students planning to study overseas, however, MIM was introduced to students approximately 20 years ago. Although both the courses are similar, here are some of the primary differences between the MIM and MBA degrees:
Age and work experience: Both MIM and MBA programmes are designed to provide education in the fields of business, finance, and management. However, the key difference between the two is that MBA is a professional-level course, and it requires a mandatory work experience of 2 to 3 years to get admission to top MBA colleges in the world.
Whereas, the MIM programme is generally for younger candidates with entry-level experience. Both courses have similar application procedures, syllabus, and admission requirements, however, the MIM course lays less emphasis on the work experience of prospective students.
Popular destination: MIM programme is generally taken in European countries and only 10% of students seek admission to US universities. However, the majority of MBA programmes are offered in USA followed by Canada.
Career goals: According to GMAC, most graduates planning to seek a career in MBA have a goal or target of increasing their salary, among which 39% want to manage people and 36% want to be in a senior position.
On the other hand, MIM graduates want to manage projects and travel internationally. Among MIM graduates, 52% are interested in working for a company and travel abroad, 39% want to live outside their native country, 37% want to manage projects and 36% want to manage people.
MIM vs MBA: Syllabus: Both degrees provide general business knowledge and includes the following topics:
Finance
Business Analytics
Accounting
Marketing
Strategy
Micro/Macroeconomics
People Management
Both MIM and MBA degrees allow students to travel internationally, kickstart their careers, and provide knowledge on how business works in different countries and cultures. MIM degree from INSEAD also provides practical training, preparing students for real-world experiences by helping them find internships and full-time opportunities.
MIM vs MBA: Cost: The MIM programme is usually cheaper than an MBA degree. The average MBA fees for top universities range from Rs 50 to 90 lakhs, however, the cost of tuition for top MIM universities is usually from Rs 18 to Rs 50 lakhs. Apart from tuition fees, students also need to manage the cost of living in that particular country.
MIM vs MBA: Salary and Job Opportunities: Both MBA and MIM programmes have an excellent ROI in the world. Graduates can expect a salary of approximately USD 90,000 for both programmes. There are numerous career opportunities for MIM and MBA graduates, some of these job opportunities are mentioned below.
Career prospects for MIM graduates | Career prospects for MBA graduates |
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|
Both MBA and MIM degrees provide excellent career opportunities for international students. Candidates can plan a career in both fields, as the MIM programme will provide students with a strong knowledge of business careers. On the other hand, an MBA degree will accelerate your career into senior management positions.
Young professionals aged between 22-24 are best suited for the MIM degree, however, older students (24-30) with a work experience of around three years should opt for an MBA programme. Both MIM and MBA have similar admission requirements, except that work experience is mandatory for MBA but not for MIM. Indian students planning to seek admission to these business programmes, must thoroughly research their career prospects, course requirements, and other criteria.
Yes, both MIM and MBA courses are designed to provide education in the field of finance, business and management. The only difference is that MIM is an entry level course and MBA is a mid level programme. Candidates seeking admission to MIM does not require a mandatory work experience, however, it is essential that students have a compulsory work experience of 2 to 3 years to get admission to an MBA programme. Both courses prepare students for the professional world and the average salary of graduates range from USD 80,000 - USD 90,000.
No, it is not necessary to pursue an MBA after completing MIM programme. However, those want to accelerate their career and reach at senior management level, manage projects, and travel internationally can opt for an MBA after MIM. However, pursuing an MBA after MIM completely depends on an individual’s professional and career goals.
Yes, an MIM degree is worth it for those seeking admission to business schools and establish a career in the field of management. An MIM degree is affordable if compared to an MBA programme, and provides an extensive range of career opportunities worldwide. Also, the MIM course must meet an individual’s career and educational goals.
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