Spotlight on London Business School
Applying to London Business School, what to expect and what are the requirements. What life is like in London? Facts, figures, and international student loans.
From its founding in 1964, London Business School has always been forward-thinking and an exceptional institution. With partnerships across the world, students can expect an incredibly international experience both in and outside of London.
As one of the first schools to accept Prodigy Finance loans from qualified international students, LBS, the school clearly demonstrates its belief in borderless talent and the power of diversity, collaboration and inclusive education.
London Business School fast facts
Public university
University enrollment: 2305
Living alumni: 45,000+ alumni across 155 countries
International students: +/- 90%
Where is London Business School?
City: London, England
City population: 8.908 million, with a metropolitan population of 9.426 million
Climate: Temperate oceanic climate type: winters are cold (Jan mean: 6.8°C/44.2°F) with moderate precipitation; summers are cool to warm (Jul mean: 19.6°C/67.3°F)
Nearest airport:
- Heathrow (LHR)
- Gatwick (LGW)
- Luton (LTN)
- Stansted (STN)
- City (LCY)
- Southend (SEN)
Time zone: GMT from November-March (GMT 0); DST from March-November (GMT-1)
A quick look at the latest MBA class
MBA students: 532
International MBA students: 89%
MBA countries represented: 66
Average work experience: 5.5 years
Average GMAT score: 708
Female MBAs: 36%
What can you study at London Business School?
LBS consistently ranks within the top 10 global MBA programmes according to the Financial Times. The London Business School MiM and MiF programmes share similarly high rankings year after year.
| Degree | Duration | Tuition fee |
|---|---|---|
| MBA | 15, 18 or 21 months | £92,735 |
| Executive MBA | 20 months | London stream: £103,400 Dubai stream: US$131,200 |
| EMBA-Global | 20 months | US$209,800 |
| LBS Sloan Masters in Leadership and Strategy | 12 months | £77,300 |
| Masters in Analytics and Management | 16 months | £36,600 |
| Masters in Finance | 10-16 months or 22 months | £50,100 |
| Masters in Financial Analysis | 12 - 16 months | £37,900 |
| Masters in Management | 12 - 16 months | £36,600 |
| Global Masters in Management | 24 months | £36,600 + RMB 100,000 |
LBS job placement
London Business School boasts strong post-MBA career statistics and the Career Centre works closely with students and recruiters to ensure both groups are offered the best opportunities. Whatever assistance you need, the Career Centre is there to assist.
You’ll have access to experiential treks, networking events, internships and plenty of on-campus recruiting exercises.
Entrepreneurs can expect similarly strong support through the school’s many startup networks and channels (not to mention the classroom itself).
90% : MBAs accepting jobs offer in 4 months of grad
£133,000 : mean salary for MBAs graduating in 2021
42% of MBAs accepted UK job offers
Apart from the MBA programme, other programmes including the LBS Executive MBA degree also boast strong placement statistics.
What's it like to live at London Business School?
London is one of the most diverse, vibrant cities in the world and you won’t have any difficulty making the most of it during your time at LBS. Take a look at this article that details London Business School's living expenses estimate and how best to manage your finances.
First, you’ll need to find a place to live. The LBS website offers plenty of tips in terms of neighbourhoods and rental tips. Most students opt for off-campus living, choosing instead to rent flats with their classmates.
Once you’re accepted, it’s a good idea to start reaching out through the forums and student groups and begin looking for places together. If you wait until you arrive in London, you’ll pay a small fortune for temporary housing while you look for a place to live. Go through this article on London Business School's accommodation tips for its students to see what options the school recommends.
Though there are many restaurants, takeaways and food trucks to try, aim to prepare as many meals as you can at home if you’re looking to save a few bucks. And, remember a tradeoff on rental costs could increase your transportation costs.
How to get into London Business School
As you would imagine, LBS receives applications from the best and the brightest - making it simultaneously easier and more difficult on the admissions committees to put together the best possible MBA classes. Forbes estimates the London Business School acceptance rate to be about 20%, and considering that you'll be facing stiff competition, you need to pay attention to every aspect of your application if you want a seat in the next MBA class.
Although candidates have numerous electives to choose between (effectively allowing for bespoke MBAs), each one will be put through rigorous quantitative work. Your ability to cope with these demands is best shown through your GMAT test results. If this isn’t naturally a strength area for you, plan to put in extra hours to achieve the best score possible.
Of course, this is only one aspect of your application; LBS, like all top MBA schools, looks beyond test scores for well-rounded applicants.
Demonstration of an international and collaborative mindset are critical, though you needn’t have years of experience in another country - you’ll get plenty during your time at LBS. But you should still demonstrate your willingness and excitement to experience more of the world and your understanding of multicultural environments and how you’ll contribute to and thrive in one.
Remember too that LBS has a strong social responsibility and impact culture - and they’re looking for candidates that can look past business school and into positive changes individuals can have on the world they help transform.
Finally, while it’s not a requirement, it’s not unhelpful to make yourself known to school recruiters and admissions teams, whether you do so on campus or in your home country. If you’re considering LBS, you’ll want to meet up with people where you can.
LBS application deadlines: 2024 MBA class
| Apply by | Interview decision | Final decision | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | 10 September 2021 | 14 October 2021 | 02 December 2021 |
| Round 2 | 6 January 2022 | 10 February 2022 | 7 April 2022 |
| Round 3 | 25 March 2022 | 28 April 2022 | 10 June 2022 |
London Business School MBA fees and admissions details
Application fee: £200
Minimum work experience: 2 years
Required essays: 2
Recommendations: 2
GMAT test: required, 600 min score
Language test: required for non-native English speakers; waivers are available; IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge CPE, CAE or PTE Academic scores are accepted
Take a look at these tips to help you ace your London Business School MBA essays and some foreign education loans for your MBA at LBS.
MBA cost of attendance (for 2021 intake)
Tuition: £92,735
Student association fee: £270
Rent* : £14,544
Food: £4,662
Transportation* : £2052
Study materials* : £540
Personal Expenses: £3,294
Estimated CoA for 18 months: £118,097
TIP: London Business School’s admissions blog suggests flat sharing and preparing meals yourself as a way to save some money for more important budget items. There are also a limited number of University of London housing assignments available at even more reduced rates.
If LBS is your dream school, but you don’t have the dream budget to match, you may want to consider this approach so you have money to spend on study trips and networking excursions.
Does LBS offer scholarships to international students?
Yes! Not only are scholarships available, London Business School does an outstanding job of communicating opportunities through their website. While these funds aren’t a guarantee, LBS does suggest applying as early as possible to ensure you’re considered for relevant scholarships.
In addition to LBS scholarships open to all students, there are a number available to specific groups or individuals based on country of origin, gender and sector. You may automatically qualify for these funds while others require additional steps (such as business proposals or essay submissions).
Check your options early and don’t neglect the LBS-provided links to external scholarships for your best shot at obtaining much-needed scholarship funds to pursue your degree.
