Hello everyone,

This forum has been very helpful and I’m hoping for some opinions on my current situation.

I have been considering an EMBA for some time to enable progression towards senior leadership, as I come from a technical background. I have 15 years’ experience in financial services and wish to remain in the same sector but pivot toward general management.

I was unexpectedly let go recently and most EMBAs require you to be employed. I am also on a Skilled Worker visa (UK) which may be cancelled fairly soon (in 2 to 5 months). The job market has been challenging for senior leadership roles that will offer sponsorship, particularly as I would also like to broaden my role. Realistically I don’t think I will be able to find a job that will sponsor me and get to do the part-time EMBA any time soon.

I am therefore looking into full-time MBAs to protect my residency status, as these will be sponsored on a student visa. I’ll add that I am aiming for ILR (indefinite leave to remain, no work restrictions) on 10 year residency basis (currently on 7y, so 1y student 2y grad visa will get me there without any concerns about work visa sponsorships).

With the unfortunate timing, I have missed the cut-offs for schools like Oxford Said and Cambridge Judge for the Sep 2024 intake. Bayes is reviewing my CV for rolling admissions but the course starts end of August. I’m not sure if there is enough time to apply and sort the visa. I have not yet sat GMAT but have started practising. I have a good 2:1 from a top university.

With all these factors, I am currently keeping fingers crossed on Bayes, but also found Brunel and Kingston offer January intakes which gives me breathing room to apply. I know these are not as good, however I don’t have that many options. I would prefer to remain in London to save the hassle of moving just for a year.

Have I missed anything in my analysis? Would Brunel be recommended over Kingston? I would be grateful to hear any other ideas.

If these are the only two options, Brunel is slightly better. These are rather average schools, with Brunel being a notch up as a better business school and a 'plate glass' university rather than a 1992-era school.
I would consider
1] Take the GMAT now, with minimal prep, and then look for offers that might be contingent on a resit. Most people prep for fewer than 50 hours on the GMAT for UK programmes.
2] Asking for visa-contingent offers from schools with autumn starts. This would be ideal, and they will be flexible if you need to start a little late. However, they need to know the deal. I would contact Manchester, Cranfield and Durham and ask about alternatives to the GMAT. The GRE or a school's own test, like the MAT or CAT could be an option.
3] As insurance, get an offer for January from a better school like Strathclyde. I see no reason to stay in London when Scotland's unemployment rate is far lower. There is much less competition for MBA-level roles in Scotland. Also: Cost of Living Including Rent in London is 56.3% higher than in Glasgow. You can take a lower salary and get a higher quality of living.

Thanks Duncan, that is very helpful.

Is there any chance of getting scholarships for the autumn start, or has that ship long sailed?

It's unlikely for an EMBA unless you are the sort of candidate they would actively seek out and who would otherwise go to a better school.

Thanks Duncan, I appreciate your insights.

PS However, if you are a woman then there are often diversity scholarships available.

Read: The sad facts about scholarships http://www.find-mba.com/board/37055

Perfect, thank you for all your insight