MBA Course Duration: Starting your MBA is the final stage of a long journey of reading up, planning, and careful implementation. Deciding on the details of your MBA in Dubai is a tricky process. From our first search, we were inundated with information about digital vs. campus classes, elective subjects, final project information, credits, accreditation, and the “MBA course duration.” That is apart from selecting the educational institute you wish to study in. We comprehend that it might be daunting and overpowering.

And in the UAE’s incredibly dynamic business landscape, an MBA or postgraduate degree is a necessity. As a result, numerous students have found the selection process challenging. You have to account for multiple factors while juggling a lot of information. Your “MBA course duration” determines the difficulty of your academic experience. That aside, it also hugely affects your ability to balance studies with professional and personal commitments.

And that’s where we step in. LUBM has connected over 5,000 students with the perfect MBAs in the UAE. Our experience partnering with multiple global universities and certification centers has taught us well. So, this guide will break down the process step-by-step. Hopefully, it helps you decide the right MBA course duration for your aspirations.

Step 1: Understanding Program Options

Before you dive deep into MBA course durations, we suggest that you familiarize yourself first. Look into a variety of MBA programs available in the UAE. What do all the different MBA course durations mean? What is a part-time MBA? For that matter, how is a full-time MBA different from an executive MBA? For you to make the best decision, you’ll have to know. Have a look below.

Step 2: Everything You Need to Learn in One Place

We’re going to break down the information types by “MBA course durations.”

Full-Time MBA:

The original MBA (as introduced by Harvard in the late 1800s) was a full-time MBA. As the words “full-time imply, it requires a lot of time and effort. It is most suitable for individuals who are capable of being full-time students or maintaining part-time employment. It is typically completed within a year or two, depending on the student. The coursework for the MBA tends to be intense, with a deep dive into each domain.

LUMB has partnered with a business school that is ranked #52 globally to offer full-time MBAs in the UAE. Geneva Business School offers multiple blended online MBAs in Dubai.

Additionally, we collaborate with the prestigious, WES-listed York St John University. Together, we offer eight exceptional full-time MBA programs in the UAE.

Part-Time MBA:

The part-time MBA is a new working professional’s go-to. Ideal for those looking to boost their career, this MBA can be earned over a longer period. It generally extends beyond 24 months. An attractive feature of the part-time MBA is that classes are spread over evenings or weekends. As a result, students can find a balance between working and studying. Consequently, its flexibility is ideal for working professionals aiming to minimize career disruption.

Executive MBA:

As far as the MBA course durations go, the Executive MBA can last anywhere from 18 to 24 months. This MBA’s specialty lies in being designed for senior professionals aiming for the next rung of the ladder. Since the program is structured to accommodate the schedules of working executives, it generally holds weekend classes. In the UAE, this MBA is perfect for those who want to enhance their leadership skills without interrupting their careers.

Step 3: Consider Your Professional Commitments

If you hold a job, apply the above information to your current professional workload. Are you able to make the time to pursue a full-time MBA? Or does part-time work better? Do you qualify for the executive MBA? Your decision-making significantly influences the duration of your MBA program in the UAE. If you are a full-time employee, perhaps the part-time or executive MBA would work better for you. We have seen students take on too much and bog down either their education or career. Therefore, use prudence and choose the safer option. Make sure to take employer support into account and discuss it with them before you decide.

Step 4: Meditate on Personal Constraints

While you’re at it, don’t leave out personal considerations. Consider your family duties as well. It is more important than you think, especially if you are a UAE resident. Many ambitious students have discovered that while they accounted for working and studying, they forgot personal and family time. The duration of the MBA course greatly impacts your life as a student and individual. A part-time or executive MBA allows for a more gradual integration of studies into your life. Thus, they may work better if you value your time.

Step 5: Evaluate Your Budget

We probably don’t need to go into much detail on this. Chances are that it’s one of the first things you consider before pursuing an MBA in the UAE. Remember that a full-time MBA might strain your wallet by requiring a break from working. Whereas an executive MBA or a part-time one will need payments for a longer time. Evaluate your savings and long-term goals before choosing. Also, we strongly suggest looking into each MBA’s scholarship or EMI options.

Step 6: Did you miss anything?

Before you decide, bear in mind that MBAs are hotbeds for networking opportunities. Apart from the MBA course duration, it’s worth considering each MBA’s networking power. Understandably, full-time courses are the best for building strong bonds. However, seasoned professionals can greatly benefit from connecting with people in their professional domains.

It is important to consider your long-term career objectives. The chosen MBA duration must align with your career goals.

Explore the related blog, What Does an MBA Teach You?

Conclusion

As we have shown here, your MBA course duration can deeply impact your life in the UAE. It requires a thoughtful assessment of your professional, personal, and financial landscape. It is crucial to dedicate time to familiarizing oneself with the various categories of online MBA timeframes. As a result, you can tailor your MBA experience to align seamlessly with your aspirations. Choose your duration wisely, and contact our experts at LUBM for help.