Key takeaways
- Start with the school's published cost of attendance, then add tests, visa, flights and a buffer.
- Subtract scholarships you can realistically expect, then savings, then decide how much to borrow.
- Ask every lender about collateral, interest, the repayment holiday and prepayment rules.
- Read current tax rules before you assume any interest deduction.
Funding is where an MBA abroad plan often falls apart. A written plan with numbers is better than an assumption that things will work out. This guide gives you a framework, not lender specific rates, because those change.
Step 1: estimate the total
Use the school's own cost of attendance where it publishes one. Harvard shows $130,318 to $186,312 for the nine month year, Columbia $136,104 to $151,010 for the first year, and London Business School lists £123,950 tuition for its 2026 MBA before living costs. Add tests (for example IELTS at INR 19,000 and the GRE at US$249), application fees, the visa, flights and a buffer for exchange rate moves. The cost guide has the breakdown.
Step 2: subtract aid
List scholarships you could realistically win, such as those in our scholarship guide, but do not count them as certain until you receive them.
Step 3: decide savings and loan
- How much can you pay from savings without leaving yourself exposed?
- How much can your family support?
- What is left to borrow?
Step 4: compare lenders
Banks and non banking lenders differ. Ask each the same questions and write down the answers.
- Is collateral required, and for which amounts?
- What is the interest rate, is it fixed or floating and what spread applies?
- What fees apply at processing and disbursal?
- Is there a repayment holiday while you study and for how long after?
- Can you prepay without a penalty?
- What does the lender need as proof of admission and of co applicant income?
Step 5: stress test the repayment
Estimate your likely first job salary in the country where you may work, then see how much of it the repayment takes, using a conservative figure. If the plan only works with the best case, borrow less or choose a lower cost programme.
Tax and other rules
Interest on an education loan can qualify for a deduction under Section 80E of the Income Tax Act, but eligibility depends on your tax regime and current rules. Read the current rules or ask a tax adviser before you rely on it.
Choose the programme with funding in mind
A one year programme costs less in living expenses and lost salary. Compare the UK and Europe pages with the USA before you lock in your list.
Fees change every year and each school sets its own. The figures here come from the schools' own pages and were checked in October 2026, so confirm them on the school site before you decide. This guide is for planning and is not an offer from any school.