In today’s fast-paced world, students and professionals are leaning towards online degrees more than ever before, all thanks to their growing prominence and an array of perks. Online education makes upskilling easier while maintaining personal and professional commitments.
And when it comes to upskilling with work-life balance, the value of online MBA programs is undeniable. But you may think, will companies and foreign universities accept online MBA degrees?
Let’s explore this in detail for a better understanding.
Validity of Online MBA Degree in India
The post-pandemic world witnessed a surge in online education and hybrid modes of work. The digitalisation of workspaces and educational spheres became the norm.
Keeping up with this trend, several universities began offering online degrees in India and abroad. But the question still lingered among many people: Is an online degree valid in India and abroad?
Simply put, yes, it is. But the acceptance depends on its quality and recognition.
In India, online degrees are valid and shall be treated as equivalent to traditional degrees according to the 2022 notification by the University Grants Commission (UGC). But it has to be obtained from a UGC-DEB-recognised and NAAC or AICTE-accredited university.
But what about foreign universities and companies? Do they accept online MBA programs? Let’s see!
Validity of Online MBA Programs Abroad
Foreign universities and companies do recognise online MBA degrees from reputed institutions, as long as they are accredited.
In India, programs must be approved by statutory bodies such as UGC-DEB, NAAC, or AICTE. Moreover, employers abroad may also look for relevant work experience and specialised skills along with a recognised degree.
Let’s see what more requirements are needed for a global recognition of an online degree:
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Global body recognition: Courses recognised by international bodies such as AACSB, EQUIS, WES, or AMBA are required.
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University Rankings: Employers value top-ranked online universities with NIRF or QS World University Rankings.
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Globally Aligned Curricula: Courses aligned with global online MBA standards are preferred and sought after by recruiters.
Key Factors That Impact Acceptance Abroad
Though an online MBA degree is useful and accepted worldwide, only a degree is not enough to make the cut. Acceptance in foreign universities and companies depends on several factors outside the degree. Those are:
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Immigration Policies: Foreign countries have different immigration policies and acceptability for students and working professionals. Canada, the UK, Australia, and Germany are some of the favourable countries for studies and a career.
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Work Experience: Global recruiters value work experience along with educational degrees, as it demonstrates experience and leadership quality. Flexibility in work-study balance highlights the value of online MBA programs.
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Specialisation: Candidates with specialisations in Finance, HR, Marketing, and Management have an added advantage, as it aligns with global industry demands.
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Language Proficiency: For most countries, clearing English proficiency tests like IELTS and TOEFL is mandatory. For European countries, knowledge of the local language is preferred.
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Network and Connections: A strong network and personal connections in the education sector or job market help boost acceptance.
Global Prospects of Online MBA Graduates
A UGC-DEB-approved course can open several doors for you internationally. Be it in the corporate sector or in academia, recognised online courses in business administration give you an extra edge. It upskills your managerial and administrative abilities, strengthens your business acumen, as well as adds a leadership aspect.
Regions in Canada, Europe, the Middle East and Asia value online MBA graduates as equal to traditional degree holders. In Canada, 63% employers accept online degrees and 58% employers in Western Europe agree that an online MBA is equal. Similarly, in the Middle East and Africa, the employer agreement is high, making it 70% and 71%.
Let’s see the expected roles and sectors that hire or accept online MBA graduates:
| Corporate Sector and Companies | Target Regions |
| Business Analyst | Canada, Europe, Singapore |
| Operations or Supply Chain Manager | Germany, the UAE and Singapore |
| Digital Marketing Strategist | North America, Europe and the Middle East |
| HR Manager | Middle East, Canada, Australia, UK |
These are some of the popular roles in the corporate sector and their target regions.
Now, let’s see the prospective roles and opportunities in academia after an online MBA and the target regions.
| Academic Roles and Research | Target Regions |
| PhD Opportunities in foreign universities | Canada, Europe, Australia |
| Teaching Assistant | Canada, the Middle East and the UK |
| Research Associate | Germany and EU Countries |
| Post-MBA Diploma or Executive Courses | USA, Canada, France |
Growing Value of Online MBA Degree in India and Abroad
In today's age of digitisation, online degrees are building a strong foothold in the education scenario. If you are planning to do an MBA but are worried about your personal and professional commitments, then an online MBA degree can be your solution.
Not only in India, but online MBA programs are being recognised and accepted worldwide.
The Financial Times reported a rise in online MBA programs around the world, highlighting the benefits and acceptance of the programs. According to a GMAC survey, an international association of graduate business schools, 55% of employers recognise online MBA degrees as equivalent to traditional degrees.
There are several benefits of opting for an online MBA degree in India, and some of them include:
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Flexibility: Online degrees offer flexibility to students and working professionals. It does not require you to compromise on your work-study balance. Pursue a career aligned with your goal and degree to leverage your chance abroad.
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Cost-effective: An Online MBA degree in Indian universities is more affordable than a traditional degree, decreasing the financial burden. No need for relocation and accommodation makes it cost-effective. You can save up during this period for your relocation abroad later.
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Equivalence to traditional degrees: Indian and foreign universities recognise the equivalence of both online MBA and traditional MBA degrees, making global acceptance easier.
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Digital Resources: Recognised online courses provide digital resources and access to digital libraries, making education convenient to students.
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Tech-savviness: An online MBA degree orientation demonstrates your knowledge of the tech and digital world, showcasing your skills of adaptability to employers.
Chandigarh University Online MBA: A Trustworthy Choice
Chandigarh University is one of the top-ranked online universities offering online MBA programs in India. Along with offering UGC recognized and NAAC-accredited programs, CU Online offers a global learning environment.
The curriculum is designed to align with global standards, offering 23 in-demand specialisations. Moreover, the wide international alumni network and industry tie-ups can also broaden your prospects of global acceptance. It is flexible, affordable and a gateway to foreign companies and universities.
Claim the opportunity now and make a strategic investment towards your future— Choose Chandigarh University’s online MBA program.
FAQs
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Are online degrees valid in India and abroad?
Yes, online degrees are valid in both India and abroad. Ensure that the course is recognised by UGC-DEB and NAAC/AICTE
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Will foreign universities accept my online MBA degree?
Yes, foreign universities will accept your online MBA degree as long as it is obtained from top-ranked online universities and recognised by international bodies such as AACSB, WES, EQUIS, or AMBA.
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Do global companies hire online MBA graduates?
Global companies hire online MBA graduates from top-ranked universities. However, they also prefer relevant job experience, language proficiency, and tech-savviness in the candidate. An online MBA can provide you with the administrative and managerial skills crucial for leadership roles.
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What specialisations are in demand globally?
Specialisations in Finance, HR, Digital Marketing, and Management are preferred and sought after globally.
