MBA Guide 2016-2017 by Market Trend

Master & MBA Guide 2016-2017

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MBA

Table of contents

Publisher: Market Trend Ltd. Editors: Yordan Karapenchev Milena Uzunova editorial@studyabroad.bg Proofreader: Iva Johan Gancheva Production Manager: Virginia DimitrovĐ°

MBA degrees

Top 50 MBA Universities Signs that you are ready for an MBA program (AUBG) The Birmingham MBA (Birmingham Business School) Just "MBA" or "MBA inâ&#x20AC;Ś (CITY College) How expensive can MBA-s actually be? (WU Executive Academy) The Global MBA Experience (Edinburgh Business School)

4 6 8 10 12 14

TesTs And exAMs

GRE GMAT

18 19

regions

North America Europe - American University in Bulgaria - Birmingham Business School - CITY College, IF of the University of Sheffield - ESCP Europe Business School - Edinburgh Business School - Mini MBA programme (PwC) - WU Executive Academy Asia

22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40

ProfessionAl quAlificATions

ACCA CIMA AAT CFA

42 43 44 45

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MBA. Three letters that have become synonymous with success. And trust us on this – not every combination of three letters can say the same. So why is the Master of Business Administration so different? What makes the alumni of such programs successful business leaders? And ultimately – why does it even matter? After all, the world is full of successful businesspeople who failed to complete their education in the first place, let alone do an MBA degree. The answer is very simple. If you have the entrepreneurial or technical genius of people like Bill Gates, Steve Jobs or Richard Branson, you don’t really need to do an MBA. Perhaps you would be better off leaving your studies and focusing on your job. But – let’s face the truth – most of us don’t. Luckily there is an alternative way to the world of big business – education. Numerous studies have proven again and again that well educated people fare better in the fiercely competitive job market. MBA graduates in particular experience a serious increase in their salaries and improve their chances of successful career changes. Having said that, we should also note that MBA programs are not for everybody. The universities themselves are very selective and the criteria for the applicants are very high. You will need prior managerial and business experience in order to enroll in such a course. It might seem harsh, but in reality you need this experience in order to make the most of the program. MBA programs are usually led by and attended by active managers, so the networking opportunities there are considerably more important and interesting. In short – MBA degrees are definitely worth the effort!

froM The ediToriAl TeAM

ToP 50 MBA ProgrAMs in The world

here is fierce competition between the universities that offer MBA and EMBA programs. To present a better evaluation of their quality, we will turn to the experts from one of the most renowned global media – The Financial Times. They publish a yearly ranking of the world’s leading MBA and EMBA programs. The rankings are based on several criteria – they include the graduate’s yearly salary, as well its change after graduation. Of course, the numbers listed below represent the average value – exceptions can vary greatly. You could learn more about the ranking and the methodology it employs at www.rankings.ft.com. You could also customize the ranking and view the criteria you are most interested in. For example, you could check the employment

rate of the alumni or the number of scientific articles, published by the institution. Note that several positions are occupied by more than one university. In effect – there are more than 50 universities in among the world’s top 50. The reason for this is that several institutions have been attested with identical results from FTÁ s experts. There are other factors that you should consider while choosing your degree, that are not always included in such rankings. The location, the interest of local business leaders to the program and so on. But without further ado, let’s get to the rankings.

Average annual Salary increase salary (USD) (%)

Rank in 2016

University

State

Insead

France / Singapore 166,510

Harvard Business School

172,501

London Business School Featured business school

154,150

100

University of Pennsylvania: Wharton

177,877

Stanford Graduate School of Business

185,939

Columbia Business School

169,866

University of California at Berkeley: Haas

169,395

University of Chicago: Booth

158,259

107

MIT: Sloan

159,909

University of Cambridge: Judge Featured business school

156,323

Northwestern University: Kellogg

162,923

IE Business School Featured business school

Spain

159,266

104

IMD

Switzerland

157,439

HKUST Business School

China

144,303

114

HEC Paris Featured business school

France

134,299

108

Iese Business School

Spain

140,185

121

Ceibs

China

147,716

157

Yale School of Management

152,232

108

New York University: Stern

150,510

University of Michigan: Ross

144,961

107

Duke University: Fuqua

144,455

Dartmouth College: Tuck

156,652

Esade Business School Featured business school

Spain

132,119

117

Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad

India

174,274

SDA Bocconi

Italy

122,955

116

CUHK Business School

China

124,268

120

University of Virginia: Darden

147,104

109

University of Oxford: Sa誰d

136,959

Indian School of Business

India

138,454

142

Nanyang Business School

Singapore

119,032

105

Cornell University: Johnson

142,764

102

National University of Singapore Business School

Singapore

115,148

121

Carnegie Mellon: Tepper

136,996

108

UCLA: Anderson

140,067

Imperial College Business School Featured business school

112,301

Lancaster University Management School

106,638

111

City University: Cass Featured business school

121,402

Alliance Manchester Business School Featured business school

117,918

Shanghai Jiao Tong University: Antai

China

113,340

168

The Lisbon MBA

Portugal

123,584

100

University of North Carolina: Kenan-Flagler

128,24

Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University

Netherlands

107,998

Renmin University of China School of Business

China

94,233

163

University of Hong Kong

China

112,518

106

Georgetown University: McDonough

130,95

Warwick Business School

112,287

University of Texas at Austin: McCombs

134,317

Fudan University School of Management

China

96,884

170

University of Washington: Foster

120,279

Mannheim Business School Featured business school

Germany

109,622

79 Source: The Financial Times

Signs that you are ready for an MBA program

nrolling in an MBA program brings numerous rewards. It is an excellent way to advance your career, develop leadership skills, polish your business thinking and build a network of valuable contacts. Obtaining a graduate degree can be a truly life-changing experience, opening doors to unsuspected talents, opportunities and perks.

process and utilize acquired knowledge and know-how. Being an Executive MBA program, the AUBG advanced degree program features enrollment requirements such as two years of managerial experience, strong academic credentials and evidence of leadership in the professional and personal lives of applicants.

Yet, pursuing an MBA might at times seem challenging, especially for those who have to juggle an advanced degree with a demanding career and family. The financial investment in an MBA diploma is also something to consider.

For the last 8 years the AUBG EMBA students’ profile has remained relatively unchanged. Cohorts consist of professionals of an average age of 32, with an average of 8 years of professional experience and students ranging from 23 to 50 + years of age.

On the bright side, financial and organizational challenges are not as daunting as they might seem. With the right degree of planning and consideration, studying in an MBA program is a truly worthwhile, fun and self-fulfilling experience. An alternative to the standard MBA program is Executive MBA, which is designed to meet the needs of working professionals at leadership positions. Some of the main benefits of an EMBA program are refined curriculum and a convenient schedule where classes are held during weekends or evenings. One of the major ways to get the most out of an advanced degree education is to pursue it at the right time of your life. There are schools that offer considerable flexibility in terms of workload distribution, finances and enrollment requirements. The EMBA program at the American University in Bulgaria stands out in terms of delivering outstanding-quality advanced degree education, while providing substantial comfort in aligning with personal, career and financial settings. There are several important questions the eager candidate should consider when choosing the right MBA program. The answers to these questions are vital in making the right decision and getting the most out of an MBA experience.

whAT exPerience does iT TAke?

Experience plays an important role throughout the course of MBA education. It helps shape direction throughout the study

how Much should you eArn AnnuAlly, in order To Be ABle To fund An MBA degree?

There are no specific requirements for annual earning rates. The AUBG EMBA program offers a number of opportunities for applicants to leverage financial input such as corporate discounts and a “bring-a-friend” discount. In addition, each year a number of applicants enroll as a result of corporate sponsorship programs, where an individual arrangement is carried out between the student and the sponsoring company themselves. The importance is that an EMBA is an investment with a quick return. According to a survey of the Executive MBA Council, an EMBA degree can pay for itself in as early as 17 months following graduation. In the US, graduates are expected to earn an average salary of 164,845 USD and be able to completely cover the cost of going to school in less than two years.

where should you Be in your cAreer? does ThAT even MATTer?

Professionals generally consider pursuing an advanced degree when they want to advance their current career, enhance leadership options or switch to a new field of occupation. EMBA programs usually require several years of managerial experience, since their focus is providing advanced executive education. Such is the case with the AUBG EMBA program, where students need to have at least two years of managerial experience.

The current students at the AUBG EMBA program represent a broad range of functional backgrounds, areas of expertise and levels of management positions. The three most represented industries are Telecommunications and IT, the Banking and Financial Sector and Manufacturing. The top three functions among students are Marketing and Sales, Senior Management and Operations.

whAT Are The lAnguAge requireMenTs?

The language requirements in terms of MBA education feature English as the primary language of teaching, and so does the AUBG EMBA program. Language requirements include a TOEFL/IELTS/CPE/CAE exam, which can be waived if the applicant is a native speaker or has completed a full-time bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree program in an accredited university with instruction in English within 5 years of the date of application to the AUBG EMBA program.

cAn you hAndle A coMPlicATed TesT such As gMAT or gre?

Required by some MBA schools, GMAT and GRE are complex exams designed to evaluate the level of preparedness of advanced degree candidates. They require a great deal of advance preparation and can be particularly challenging to non-native English speakers. The AUBG EMBA program does not require a GMAT or GRE exam score. It features a two-step application process, where candidates are expected to submit all required documents, take the TOEFL test and attend a professional interview. Experience and interview performance serve as benchmarking tools in the selection of the right applicants for the AUBG EMBA program.

by the American University in Bulgaria

The Birmingham MBA

The BirMinghAM MBA

An MBA programme is often the next step in an individual’s career and with successful completion offers prestige far higher than any other Postgraduate programme. Specialist Masters degrees offer insight into a specific field whereas an MBA programme is multi-disciplinary, providing a holistic view of business. An MBA gives you the opportunity to develop essential skills by learning from peers from different countries with different cultural backgrounds and from a range of industries.

An MBA ThAT suiTs you

Birmingham Business School at the University of Birmingham offers a number of delivery modes to suit our students’ needs, giving you flexibility, choice and the chance to gain the most from your MBA programme of study. We offer both full-time and part-time MBA programmes and offer the opportunity to tailor the degree to each student’s area of interest through elective choices. The full-time programmes we offer are MBA International Business and MBA Global Banking and Finance, which are taught on campus at the University of Birmingham. Students can study our Executive and distance learning MBA on a parttime basis. Our MBA Executive is delivered in an intensive four-day block per module and our distance learning MBA is taught via our interactive online learning platform. Both of these part-time programmes offer practical learning and flexible delivery, and meet the needs of busy professionals who are balancing work and personal commitments alongside their studies. An MBA from Birmingham Business School offers an applied curriculum, which means our cohort have the opportunity to work on live business problems and take part in projects working with large organisations and companies. This way of learning encourages the practical application of theory by exposing students to real life scenarios and situations. As well as being taught by skilled academics we support our students with the next step in their careers by providing one-to-one

support and bespoke advice. Our experienced careers consultants work with our students to clarify their aspirations, as well as developing a winning strategy to help grow their network of potential employers and to progress each student’s career to the next level.

keePing uP wiTh The fAsT PAce chAnges in The Business world

Our skilled academics across Birmingham Business School and the wider university provide cutting edge research on a variety of current business topics. Our world-class research supports our position of being a prestigious and world leading business school in a continually changing business world. We are consistently ranked within global rankings tables and are ‘Triple-Crown’ Accredited. Birmingham Business School, along with just a handful of the world’s business schools, holds the gold standard of ‘triple-crown’ accreditation from the AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), AMBA (Association of MBAs) and EQUIS (European Quality Improvement System). One of our priorities is to work with external companies to help us to understand what they are looking for from graduates and how the workplace is changing, so that we are able to adapt our teaching to these needs. Companies that are engaged with our programmes also contribute to areas of the curriculum with real-world problems that they provide and the insights that they bring. Our MBA programmes have a robust curriculum and are designed to produce strong leaders.

whAT hAs chAnged over The yeArs?

MBA programmes have changed and developed in recent years, however the the core purpose of providing a general management degree which offers an overview of all of the areas of business has remained constant. What has changed most recently is the role of technology, new ideas and globalisation in re-shaping traditional functional areas. For example, Human Resource Management has developed more into talent management, the advent of big data is impacting the way that companies undertake strategic analysis, and global value chains have evolved out of more traditional supply chains.

We continue to keep up to date with the changing world of business, as well as listening to what our students are looking for, through our world class faculty and professional services staff. There has been a noticeable shift in demand for entrepreneurial skills as many students now have the passion and desire to start their own business, which has been enabled by internet technologies. All of our programmes are designed with enterprising business professionals in mind.

our MBA AluMni neTwork

Our MBA alumni network spans 17 countries worldwide, including: Singapore, Mexico, France, Germany and South Africa and currently has over 6500 members. From last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s graduating class, 88% of our alumni received their first job offer in three months of graduating and now 90% of the 2015 class are in full employment. Our alumni have gone on to work in a variety of industries including: consulting, consumer products, not-for-profit and the financial services. It is an exciting time for Birmingham Business School as at the start of the next academic year we will be opening the doors to a new ÂŁ10million Postgraduate Teaching Centre, which will be devoted to the teaching of postgraduate courses in the Business School, including MBAs. We continue to adapt and enhance our MBA programmes to suit the needs of our students, so that our MBA alumni remain at the forefront of the business world.

leArn More

If you have any questions about The Birmingham MBA please get in touch. Our MBA Recruitment and Admissions Officer, Victoria Malin can give one-to-one support and advice. Tel +44(0)121 414 4378 Email: mbaadmissions@contacts.bham.ac.uk by the Birmingham Business School

Just “MBA” or “MBA in...” by Leslie T. Szamosi, PhD:

significant proportion of MBA candidates today include those who have studied management as a first degree and are looking to upgrade either their knowledge or their degree standing (bachelor to master). Today, universities offering MBAs are tending to divide their portfolio into programs of a generalized or specialized nature. The inherent problem, however, is whether this will impede the development or uptake of specialised master© s programs also offered by the same universities. Through this shift in the MBA offering there has been a big debate in recent years over MBA degrees and their goals. For candidates seeking an MBA the million euro question is to specialize or not specialize!!

Leslie T. Szamosi, PhD is a Senior Lecturer and EMBA Academic Director at the International Faculty of the University of Sheffield. He is a member of the Faculty of International Assessors, AMBA. The traditionalist view When the MBA degree first appeared in the early 1900s in the U.S., the traditionalist view was for the program to be much more of a general business degree, a crash course in business for lack of a better way of saying it. The university focus was on individuals whose first degree was not in business and who felt they needed to develop their business acumen. This perspective within the MBA community lasted for a number of decades; there was actually a time when universities would not accept candidates who had a first degree in business (what was offered was too simplistic for them) or they would simply provide them with a small grouping of courses that went beyond their initial business degree!! MBA has evolved As education has evolved, so has the MBA offering – a

There is a wide variety of specialisations offered today in MBA programs The most common revolve around the traditional functional areas of business (e.g., Marketing, Finance, Logistics, Operations Management, Management Information Systems). There are, however, specialisations evolving in areas like Healthcare, Corporate Governance, Big Data (Data Analytics), Consulting, and Entrepreneurship/Innovation. Of course, by specialising it does not mean that the foundations of business and management are not covered at an advanced level – these have been, and always will be, the cornerstone of an MBA offering and are at the core of international accreditation systems (e.g., AMBA). The inherent problem or disadvantage of such specialised programs is that they are unable to attain the same levels of depth as a specialised masters in the same area (e.g., MBA with a specialisation in Finance versus a Masters in Finance). The basic view is that if a candidate has a general business degree it is more likely they will seek out a specialized MBA program and, usually, be much more engaged and interested in this new development to their educational portfolio – to refresh and update the foundations of business and then push themselves into a deeper area of knowledge. This choice will allow him/ her to create a unique pathway, something different than

what they studied in their first degree. For those whose first degree background in not in business the question becomes more challenging to answer. Specialist MBAs “hit the ground running” According to a recent article in the Economist, specialist MBAs help graduates hit the ground running when changing or entering new employment. And, perhaps herein, is the way for candidates to approach the decision of whether to specialise or not: 1. 2.

Coming from a basic business education? Consider a specialized MBA first or an even deeper specialised master’s program. Coming from a non-business background? Keep your options open – specialize if you want to change career paths, go general if you are looking to simply up your value in the managerial area you are developed in or see yourself in the future.

What we have been seeing, more and more, is that candidates seeking out a specialised MBA are trying to add specific value to themselves, their career, their organization. They believe there is something missing in their personal ‘toolkit’ that needs worked on as they take control of their career. Going forward, we are likely to see the development of more specialised than non-specialised MBA offerings. As the world of business becomes complex and chaotic, this makes sense. Having said this, the non-specialised MBA offering will continue to exist and challenge those looking to create an internationally recognised foundation for their business acumen. The bottom line is that, either way, you are entering a new way of thinking and approaching your work – the MBA is the ticket, your decision of which type (specialised or not specialised) is simply the key.

by the University of Sheffield

How expensive MBAs can actually be

many options there are - you just have to take advantage of them. Are there any scholarships available? How about in your university? Many business schools support students in achieving their educational and career goals. So the first thing you can do is to contact the program manager of the MBA you are interested in and ask whether there are any scholarships available. Various institutions also offer national and international funding support. If you have decided to do an MBA in Austria, you can consult the Austrian Database for Scholarships and Research Grants. Otherwise, you can select a country of origin as well as an MBA target country and search for suitable scholarships.

Alexander Damev is the Head of Graduate Programs at the WU Executive Academy. Within this position, he is responsible for the recruiting of students, operations and quality management for all MBA and Master of Laws programs. He started his career at the WU Executive Academy in 2008 as a program manager for the Professional MBA and has since been heavily involved in developing the MBA and Master of Laws portfolio of the WU Executive Academy. In 2013 he was appointed Head of the Graduate Programs department. How expensive can MBA-s actually be? MBA programs can cost about as much as a new car but doing a carefully chosen MBA "pays" — and not only financially speaking. It is a powerful career boost that opens up entirely new perspectives for you. If, after serious consideration, you find that studying for an MBA degree is the next logical step in your career development, you will, of course, also need to think about how best to finance your training. You will be surprised at how

To help dedicated and deserving students, the WU Executive Academy offers various financing options in the form of earlybird bonuses and scholarships. Some of these are: • Merit-based scholarships up to 35% of the tuition fees for female leaders, entrepreneurs and candidates that are nominated or company sponsored by an SME, NGO or NPO. The deadline for application is usually 3 months before the start of the program of your interest. • The WU Executive Academy has also introduced this year the merit-based partial scholarships for people working or planning to work in the renewable energy or smart utility industry. The scholarships amount to 10,000 EUR and the deadline for application is June 27th. • All applicants for the Master of Legal Studies (MLS) in European Business Law starting in November 2016 can also take advantage of a partial scholarship of up to 35% of the tuition fee of 17,500 EUR. The deadline is May 27th. • This year, to mark the 10th anniversary of the Executive MBA Bucharest program, the WU Executive Academy also offers 3 partial scholarships up to 50% of the tuition fee to all applicants from Bulgaria. The application deadline is September 1st.

Is it reasonable to take a loan, in order to fund your studies? The loan conditions can vary a lot, so you’d better contact the relevant funding bodies personally to find out about the opportunities and the terms in detail. We also encourage you to inquire about grants in your respective state or home country. Here, Erste Bank© s "For Best Students" sponsoring scheme is worth mentioning. It offers all EU, EEA and EFTA citizens the possibility to have their tuition financed — at absolutely no risk and with no need for either a guarantor or collateral. In exchange for being sponsored, you will be required, for a set period of time, agreed upon in advance, to transfer part of your post-graduation earnings to "For Best Students". After that, your obligation ends regardless of the amount you paid. Is it common for companies to fund their employees? Participating in an MBA is a challenging time in your life. Travelling and studying for classes will cost you time and effort so you better be sure that your employer is ok with that. Talk to him/her and ensure they support your decision with some time off for your classes and, if possible, financially. Usually, organizations that invest in developing the skills of their employees cut their non-wage labour costs—a win-win situation for both employers and employees. Are there any other opportunities that we haven© t mentioned so far? Yes, you can check what the European Commission options for funding are, as it supports people who undergo training within the EU through a number of initiatives such as the new "Erasmus+" education program.

by the WU Executive Academy

The Global MBA Experience by Dr. Mania Papapanayotou, iCon International Training, Edinburgh Business School Approved Learning Partner

inTernATionAl MBA ProgrAMs whAT Are They And how Are They differenT froM locAl ones?

Success in business can only come with the right people. And though it is the collective resource that drives a business forward, it is the individual that is the catalyst for change. In the era of globalization it is not enough to register with a local business school that develops skills needed to run small local businesses. The simple reason being that no business is just a local business any more, if it wants to survive, grow and even thrive. So, prospective as well as current managers need to be exposed to the knowledge and skills provided by truly International Business Schools and international programs. The Edinburgh Business School (EBS), which is the graduate Business School of Heriot Watt University (U.K.) of Edinburgh is a truly international school with almost 12,000 students in 166 countries, working professionals studying on the same program, bringing in their experience, culture and viewpoints, with diverse backgrounds and experience which is shared with fellow students and tutors alike.

whAT Are The BenefiTs of doing A degree in severAl counTries. is This A growing Trend?

Modern international MBA programs, like the MBA of EBS do not force students to relocate. Relocation or being actually forced by the program to attend seminars or workshops in your own or even in a another country, mean higher fees (for no good reason) and in many case problems with the employers who in an era of worldwide crisis and constant challenges and changes are quite hesitant in allowing leave of absence or extra time off work. The EBS has developed a system whereby it brings tutoring, networking, and exposure to different cultures at the student’s home., i.e. students have the option to attend live lectures at times appropriate for busy professionals and thus to exchange ideas and information with their peers who are based around the world as well as in their own country! EBS has researched

in depth on how to best provide its MBA to real professional on a worldwide basis. Thus it has developed the world’s most popular MBA, that allows students to study when they like, where they like, study in their own time with no time limit, take exams when they feel ready, where it is convenient for them, and pay their fees as they progress (pay-as-you go). On top of all these extraordinary benefits, students receive a Certificate of Achievement for each course (module) that they complete, Certificate of Achievement which allows the students to enhance their CV gradually (even before graduation) and prove that they have gained knowledge and been successfully assessed in the subject matters relevant to their work. If someone though does have the ability, wish and resources to travel, this option is also offered and students can attend workshops in another country, for example Greece, or at the University campuses in Edinburgh, Dubai, or even Malaysia without extra charges. Doing the EBS MBA is an invigorating experience that makes a real difference in the students’ careers.

whAT Are The neTworking oPPorTuniTies?

We can learn as much from our environment, from the people we meet, as we do from the program we study. When students enroll they join a network of ambitious and successful people. They come from different countries and have diverse career paths. They are all keen to grow and develop as professionals in their chosen field. They all share the same vision for achievement and understanding of each other. Typically in the middle of their career, with an average age of 35, these are the people that learn from each other and have many possibilities for networking with each other. Obtaining an international MBA, like the EBS one, means that the student has the knowledge, understanding, and insight needed to succeed in the highly competitive business world globally.

AlPartner in the Balkans

do inTernATionAl MBAs iMProve eMPloyABiliTy ProsPecTs?

When a student graduates from such a programme they join a worldwide community of alumni. The EBS programme has an alumni group of more than 17,000. These successful business men and women can be found in all corners of the globe, in many different careers and in hundreds of organisations. It is a powerful network, just waiting for the new graduates to join. Little wonder that 40% of “Fortune 500 companies” employee managers at all levels, graduates of the EBS MBA program.

whAT is The downside, if Any?

A usual International MBA programme usually puts a strain on students’ resources, financially as well as time wise, as they have to spend time and money on unnecessary travelling, with no actual benefits, than perhaps having a good time. On the other hand a truly innovative international MBA programme like the EBS one, utilizes cutting edge technology that allows students to meet, attend lectures, and network with their tutors and fellow students, at the time they choose, and with no extra burden put upon them to travel elsewhere. Yet, if they wish to travel and attend workshops and lectures elsewhere they can do so, but only the students themselves choose when they wish to do so, rather than be forced to attend on dates and times (perhaps very inconvenient to them) set by the University. All these factors expressed above make the Edinburgh Business School a truly international and unique experience, whether one studies in Bulgaria or anywhere else in the world! by Dr. Mania Papapanayotou, iCon International Training, Edinburgh Business School Approved Learning Partner

TE S TS & Ex AM

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Tests & Exams

GrE

ABouT The exAM

TesT cenTers

Getting an advanced degree can create many opportunities. In fact, recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and The Organization for Economic Co-operation (PDF) illustrates how education pays in higher earnings and lower unemployment rates. Whether you are planning to go to graduate school or business school — or just exploring your options — you are taking an important step toward your future. It is a smart move to show schools your best and with the GRE® revised General Test, you can! That© s the Power of Confidence — only with the GRE revised General Test.

The GRE revised General Test is available at more than 1,000 test centers in more than 160 countries. In most regions of the world, the computer-delivered test is available on a continuous basis throughout the year. In Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Korea, the computerdelivered test is available one to three times per month. In areas of the world where computer-delivered testing is not available, the paperdelivered test is available up to three times a year in October, November and February.

The GRE revised General Test gives you the Power of Confidence to help you do your best. With the GRE revised General Test, you decide which scores to send to schools. If you feel you didn© t do your best on test day, that© s okay. You can retake the test and then send only the scores you want schools to see. It© s all part of the ScoreSelect® option, only available with GRE tests.

The GRE revised General Test is accepted at thousands of graduate and business schools as well as departments and divisions within these schools.

Plus, the GRE revised General Test is the only admissions test for graduate or business school that lets you skip questions within a section, go back and change answers, and have control to tackle the questions within a section you want to answer first.

coMPonenTs The GRE revised General Test features question types that closely reflect the kind of thinking you© ll do in graduate or business school. - Verbal Reasoning — Measures your ability to analyze and evaluate written material and synthesize information obtained from it, analyze relationships among component parts of sentences and recognize relationships among words and concepts. - Quantitative Reasoning — Measures problem-solving ability using basic concepts of arithmetic, algebra, geometry and data analysis. - Analytical Writing — Measures critical thinking and analytical writing skills, specifically your ability to articulate and support complex ideas clearly and effectively.

APPlicAnTs Prospective graduate and business school applicants from all around the world who are interested in pursuing a master© s, MBA, specialized master© s in business or doctoral degree take the GRE revised General Test. Applicants come from varying educational and cultural backgrounds and the GRE revised General Test provides schools with a common measure for comparing candidates© qualifications. GRE scores are used by admissions or fellowship panels to supplement your undergraduate records, recommendation letters and other qualifications for graduate-level study.

inTernATionAl recogniTion

Many graduate schools in the United States require GRE results as part of the admissions process. The GRE is a standardized test intended to measure the abilities of all graduates in tasks of general academic nature, regardless of their fields of specialization. The GRE is intended to measure the extent to which undergraduate education has developed an individual© s verbal and quantitative skills in abstract thinking. Unlike other admissions tests the use of GRE scores vary considerably not only from school to school, but from department to department, and from program to program.

GMAT

ABouT The exAM The Graduate Management Admission Test is a computer adaptive test (CAT) intended to assess certain analytical, writing, quantitative, verbal, and reading skills in written English for use in admission to a graduate management program, such as an MBA. It requires knowledge of certain grammar and knowledge of certain algebra, geometry, and arithmetic. The GMAT does not measure business knowledge or skill, nor does it measure intelligence.

and have some experience in management to begin with. This generally fits the profile of MBA applicants, which comes as no surprise, as this exam is frequently requested by MBA programs.

TesT cenTers The GMAT exam is annually held at more than 550 test centers in 110 countries – including Bulgaria - making it one of the largest international exams.

According to the test owning company, the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), the GMAT assesses analytical writing and problem-solving abilities, while also addressing data sufficiency, logic, and critical reasoning skills that it believes to be vital to real-world business and management success. It can be taken up to five times a year. Each attempt must be at least 16 days apart.

inTernATionAl recogniTion

GMAT is a registered trademark of the Graduate Management Admission Council. More than 5,900 programs offered by more than 2,100 universities and institutions use the GMAT exam as part of the selection criteria for their programs. Business schools use the test as a criterion for admission into a wide range of graduate management programs, including MBA, Master of Accountancy, and Master of Finance programs. The GMAT exam is administered in standardized test centers in 112 countries around the world.

In recent years, it has been taken more than 230,000 times annually. Initially used in admissions by 54 schools, the test is now used by more than 2,100 schools and 5,900 programs worldwide. On June 5, 2012, GMAC introduced an integrated reasoning section to the exam that aims to measure a test taker’s ability to evaluate information presented in multiple formats from multiple sources.

According to a survey conducted by Kaplan Test Prep, the GMAT is still the number one choice for MBA aspirants despite the increasing acceptability of GRE scores. According to GMAC, it has continually performed validity studies to statistically verify that the exam predicts success in business school programs.

coMPonenTs • Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) The AWA consists of one 30-minute writing task—analysis of an argument. It is important to be able to analyze the reasoning behind a given argument and write a critique of that argument. • Integrated reasoning Integrated Reasoning (IR) is a relatively new section (introduced in June 2012) designed to measure a test taker’s ability to evaluate data presented in multiple formats from multiple sources. • Quantitative section The quantitative section of the GMAT seeks to measure the ability to reason quantitatively, solve quantitative problems, interpret graphic data, and analyze and use information given in a problem. • Verbal section The verbal section of the GMAT exam includes the following question types: reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction. Each question type gives five answer options from which to select.

APPlicAnTs Quality graduate business programs rely on the GMAT to make admissions decisions, so if you’re serious about business school, then the GMAT is your best first step. Applicants are generally aged about 30

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regions

Top MBA programs in north America

t is important to note that we are talking about North America in general here, not just about the United States. If you look at the table below, it is easy to make such a mistake, because all of the universities in the top 10 represent the US. In fact – to be more precise – the American domination goes on to 14th place, where Canada finally manages a breakthrough with the University of Toronto.

why Are AMericAn MBA ProgrAMs so PresTigions? Don’t forget that we are only comparing them to Canada, which also has world class education and a strong economy, requiring highly skilled management professionals. The QS’s Top MBA Ranking for 2015 points out that “As the historical home of business schools, and MBA education, North America has always been an attractive

Rank

University

Country

Average GMAT score

Harvard Business School

730

Stanford University

732

The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania

725

University of Chicago

723

Columbia Business School, Columbia University

716

Northwestern University

715

Sloan School of Management

713

Ross School of Business, University of Michigan

701

UCLA Anderson School of Management

707

NYU Stern School of Business

721

Yale School of Management

714

Haas School of Business

714

The Fuqua School of Business

634

University of Toronto

Canada

674

Ivey Business School

Canada

662

prospect for employers to recruit MBAs from, with The Wharton School established in 1881 as the first ever collegiate business school, and Harvard Business School in the USA, which introduced the first MBA over a century ago.” Both of the mentioned education institutions are based in the US so we can assume that tradition can explain this phenomenon at least in part. Another possible explanation is the so called „protestant” (or puritan) work ethics. Protestants, beginning with Martin Luther, reconceptualized worldly work as a duty which benefits both the individual and society as a whole. Thus, the Catholic idea of good works was transformed into an obligation to consistently work diligently. This worldview is what triggered the development of capitalism in the first place. In other words - hard work is not simply a necessity in order to get by, but also a sign of virtue.

The AdvAnTAges of cAnAdA

The fact that Canadian business schools are ranked behind USbased ones, doesn’t necessarily mean that education there is not the best option for you. When applying for an MBA degree, one should consider their potential career development, personal interests and social contacts – things that are not included in any ranking system. Canada undoubtedly has beautiful natural scenery, a welcoming environment for international students, a high quality of life for locals and foreigners alike. It is not surprising that researchers, scientists, and entrepreneurs have settled there and have helped develop Canada into one of the most intellectually stimulating places to learn. An MBA in Canada will provide students with top-notch education making graduates highly sought after in the competitive business job market. MBA programs in Canada are often enhanced by internships, international exchanges, professional certifications, and specialization areas. In addition to core business coursework, students pursuing an MBA in Canada will focus on leadership and management, corporate social responsibility, sustainable innovation, and international business. In 2015 Canadian media reported that applications from Canadian students were in decline following the economic crisis, and competition for the smaller pool of students was raging with hundreds of other MBA schools across the continent.

Top MBA programs in Europe

urope is the the smallest continent and arguably the most fragmented one. It includes 47 countries and a number of dependencies, islands and territories. It is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the south, Asia to the east, and the Atlantic Ocean to the West. Despite its apparent geographical limitations, Europe has been the most influential part of the world. It is the home

of modern philosophy, art and science. The Age of Enlightenment changed education in the continent and it has consistently been the most progressive and prestigious for several centuries. Today, Europe retains in important position in the international community, despite competition from our cousins in North America and the East Asian “tiger economies”. The European economy took

Rank

University

Country

Average GMAT score

INSEAD

France

704

London Business School

698

IE Business School

Spain

680

University of Oxford

698

IMD

Switzerland

670

SDA Bocconi School of Management

Italy

650

IESE Business School - University of Navarra

Spain

672

ESADE Business School

Spain

670

Copenhagen Business School

Denmark

620

HEC Paris MBA

France

689

University of St. Gallen

Switzerland

660

Trinity College Dublin

Ireland

600

University of Cambridge

680

Imperial College Business School

660

Universität Mannheim

Germany

675

a severe hit in the early 2000s but is now on the road to recovery. Remember that economic stability is a key concern when choosing the region for your MBA studies.

why An MBA in euroPe is A good ideA?

Unlike the North America, in Europe there is no dominant educational system. The United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Switzerland and even the Republic of Ireland have universities among the continents top 10 (according to the QS Top MBA). Note that, European applicant tend to receive lower scores on average on the GMAT exam, compared to their American colleagues. This could be explained by the fact that English is not the native language for many of them. Having said that, European MBA programs have a distinct advantage when it comes to languages. While English is the de facto official language of business education, in Europe you could study in French, German, Italian or Spanish. This particularly relevant for candidates from those countries, as well as Bulgarians who have better command of one of these languages. Some media outlets argue that MBA programs in Europe are generally cheaper than the ones in the US and Canada, but tuition fees can vary greatly, so you shouldn’t jump to such conclusions.

whAT ABouT BulgAriA?

When talking about MBA in Europe it is only fair to consider the options in Bulgaria. You may be surprised to learn this, but there are actual, internationally recognized MBA degrees offered in our country as well. Bulgarians tend to be skeptical when it comes to the quality of education here (and sometimes - rightfully so), but in reality the American University in Bulgaria, CITY College, the International Faculty of the University of Sheffield, and the Varna University of Management offer strong MBA programs. Several public universities offer a master’s degree in Business Administration, but this isn’t exactly an MBA. The main differences are that the lecturers are most academics (as opposed to actual business practitioners) and the programs are not accredited by international institutions. Having said that, we must also admit that the programs often include similar materials and are considerably cheaper than MBA’s. So in short – you get what you pay for.

American University in Bulgaria

CONTaCTS

PROFILE OF THE INSTITUTION

Admissions (International) Elieff Center for Education and Culture, 1 Universitetski park Str., Studentski grad Sofia 1700 +359 2 960 79 17 emba@aubg.edu www.aubg.edu/emba

In 1991, the American University in Bulgaria (AUBG) was established to develop leaders in Southeastern Europe who could make a difference in the rapidly changing region. AUBG graduates develop into inquisitive and compassionate leaders, creative problem solvers and responsible global citizens. Our students have a reputation for success in their careers and in graduate studies, with many going on to the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading schools and employers, and all being valued members of our tight-knit global network of alumni.

mBa PROgRamS EMBA

PROgRamS

TUITION aNd FEES

AUBGÂŠ s Executive MBA, the first Executive MBA program in Bulgaria was established in 2003. It is highly selective and has successfully educated the business leaders of the country for more than a decade. It is recognized worldwide for its practical curriculum that provides up-to-date skills for high performance in a complex global business environment. Shortly after completing the program, many graduates assume senior leadership roles or move up within their industries.

Currency Tuition

EUR 14,000

admISSIONS REqUIREmENTS: Univertsity Degree Language Proficiency Recommendations Working experience Application form Application fee Application deadlines

Bachelor TOEFL/ IELTS/CPE/CAE 2 min. 2 years yes 35 EUR pre-selection 30th June; final selection 1st November

mBa PROgRam INFO Acreditaion

Type

Bulgarian - NAEA (National Agency for Evalluation and Accreditation); US - NEASC (New England Association of Schools and Colleges) Full-time, weekend classes

The curriculum is designed to develop and enhance current knowledge through a sequential, team-based learning experience focusing on the various business functions of an organization and facilitating the strategic thinking that allows for integration and successful decision-making. The case based approach will prepare students for real-life business situations through the study of existing organizations and their challenges. The EMBA program also has a class European business trip which allows the students to further focus on functioning businesses in one of the larger European cities. Through both case studies and the international trip, students will see and experience how successful international companies from a variety of cultures, locations and industry sectors operate.The team spirit of cohortbased learning and the interactive teaching approach of the program create a unique, developmental environment in which knowledge acquisition and experience exchange are key. The unique interactive

approach in the Executive MBA program will help students enhance skills which are keys for career success and advancement.

WHY EmBa aT THE amERICaN UNIvERSITY IN BULgaRIa? • US and EU accreditation. • Innovative curriculum focused on contemporary education concepts and best practices. • Outstanding international faculty with global know-how and local awareness. • Cultural diversity and rich professional experience of fellow participants. • A European business trip enabling students to learn from realworld business situations and practices at leading companies on the continent. • Excellent track record in career growth prospects and higher incomes for graduates. • Strong alumni network with over 4,000 AUBG graduates.

NEW: SOCIaL ENTREPRENEURSHIP COURSE Elvin Guri and Tom Higgins, seasoned professionals in the entrepreneurship sphere, joined forces to transfer their experience, knowledge and know-how to EMBA students for the first time in January 2016. Guri is CEO of Empower Capital Fund and River Styxx Capital, a former Chairman of the management board, CEO, and co-founder of JetFinance International, and Higgins is an investor, development professional, co-founder of Yatoto, and co-managing partner of Empower Capital Fund. This pair of entrepreneurs teamed up with entrepreneur and professor Steve Keil, CEO of Xentio and Mammoth, who teaches the foundations of entrepreneurship to EMBA students in their fourth semester of studies. Together they mentored, guided and worked with the students on inspiring social entrepreneurship projects. During the project-based learning experience, the students benefited from the knowledge, practical approach, and real-life expertise that Guri and Higgins brought to class.

University of Birmingham, Birmingham Business School CONTaCTS

PROFILE OF THE INSTITUTION

University House, Edgbaston Park Road Birmingham B15 2TY Phone: 0121 414 8307 Fax: 0121 414 7380 mbaadmissions@contacts.bham.ac.uk www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/business/index.aspx

Birmingham Business School is dynamic, research-led and internationally focused, striving to develop a new generation of global business leaders and entrepreneurs. We put business in context, people at the heart of business and business at the heart of society.

mBa PROgRamS MBA International Business 12 months MBA International Business 21 months MBA International Business 24 months MBA Global Banking and Finance 12 months MBA Global Banking and Finance 21 months MBA Global Banking and Finance 24 months MBA Executive (UK)

Through our standards of teaching and care for our students, we have continued to hold a place at the forefront of business education for more than a century. Today, it is our dedication to guiding our students in the pursuit of their career ambitions that has helped us maintain our reputation as a prestigious and world leading business school. The Birmingham MBA is internationally acclaimed and consistently placed in global ranking tables. Our recent success of a placement of 92nd in the FT Global MBA Rankings and our attainment of the prestigious triple-crown accreditation from leading bodies AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS demonstrate our continued commitment to provide a truly world-class MBA.

MBA Executive (Singapore) MBA Distance Learning

STUdENT BOdY MBA

96 (full time and part time)

Average age of the students

Gender ratio

30% female

Nationality ratio

100% international

aCCREdITaTION Birmingham Business School, along with just a handful of the world’s business schools, holds the gold standard of triple-crown accreditation from the AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), AMBA (Association of MBAs) and EQUIS (European Quality Improvement System).

RaNkINg In the 2015 FT European Business School Rankings, we are ranked 70th overall and positioned 17th out of all the UK Schools that made the list. • In the 2016 Global Financial Times MBA rankings, our MBA achieved a global position of 92nd and a ranking of 12th out of those UK Business and Management Schools that have made the FT rankings. • In the 2015 Economist "Which MBA" rankings of the world© s leading MBA programs, we are ranked 89th globally, 14th

in the UK and 30th in Europe, with high scores in a number of categories including career opportunities and personal development. â&#x20AC;˘ Business & Management Studies and Economics at Birmingham Business School rank in the top 20 in The Complete University Guide 2016 subject rankings tables. â&#x20AC;˘ Birmingham Business School was recognised as a leading MBA provider by CEO Magazine 2016, after being classed as a Tier One European MBA provider.

TYPE We offer full-time, part time and online MBA programs.

admISSION REqUIREmENTS University Degree Language Proficiency Recommendations Working experience Application form

Bachelor or equivalent professional qualification (GPA 3/4) IELTS/TOEFL and Pearson accepted, a variety of requirements Yes, two professional references three years minimum Online application form

TUITION aNd FEES (aNNUaL) Currency Tuition Residence Other fees

Residence

GBP 22,590 140-240 per week We recommend students budget an additional 8,000-10,000 to cover living costs and all other expenses Depends upon type of residence, please see above

SCHOLaRSHIPS OR FINaNCIaL aId Scholarships are available: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/schools/ business/mba/fees-and-funding/scholarships.aspx

The University of Sheffield international Faculty, CiTY College

CONTaCTS

PROFILE OF THE INSTITUTION

Dessislava Pencheva, Country Manager 27 Tvardishki prohod Str. Fl. 8, Office 36, Sofia 1404 +359 2 961 63 63 acadreg@city.academic.gr bulgaria1@city.academic.gr www.citycollege.sheffield.eu

The University of Sheffield is one of the oldest British Universities. It belongs to the 1% of the best universities in the world, as it is ranked within the World© s top 100 Universities and constantly amongst the top 25 universities in Europe. It was named "University of the Year" for 2011-12 by Times Higher Education. CITY College is the International Faculty of the University of Sheffield, the only one located overseas and it is an integral part of the University. Stretched across borders, the International Faculty embraces internationalisation and gives to its students the experiences, curricula and traditions of the University. We aspire to transfer knowledge, in-depth research and academic excellence across the region through our education hubs.

ExECUTIvE mBa IN 6 SPECIaLIzaTIONS EMBA in General Management EMBA in Marketing, MBA in Finance EMBA in Logistics Management EMBA in Human Resource Management EMBA in Healthcare Management

LOCaTIONS OF STUdY Thessaloniki Sofia Bucharest Belgrade Kiev

STUdENT BOdY Number of International Students 2014-2015 Postgraduate MBA Average age of the students Gender Nationality

1,200 450 250 33 40:60 female:male International student body from more than 20 countries

PROgRamS The University of Sheffield Executive MBA program is a leading international Executive MBA offered in the region of South East and Eastern Europe. Taught by top class faculty and experts our MBA presents participants with invaluable international exposure, unique learning experience and valuable networking opportunities. Every year high level managers from leading companies and organisations across the region are admitted to our MBA program and share best practice with people from other cultures, countries and industries. The Executive MBA program’s holistic approach to education provides a broad understanding of business and management concepts with a strong focus on business strategy formulation and execution. More specifically the above goal is achieved a) through the course structure and content that includes 14 modules and a dissertation or business project and b) through a skills development programme that is designed exclusively to meet the needs of today’s manager acting in a globalised environment, thus providing students with the necessary soft skills as well as valuable international networking opportunities. The Executive MBA program balances between theory and practice and involves the study of real-world situations and cases in order to

allow students to enhance their analytical and decision-making skills. Each Executive MBA student will have a personal coach with whom he or she will have a number of personal meetings to assess their current personality type (includes taking the relevant test - instruments); set type development goals to be achieved by the student; and reflect on goals achieved.

aCCREdITaTION British Accreditation Council (BAC), UK NARIC, British Computer Society (BCS), Chartered Management Institute (CMI), Association of MBAs (AMBA), Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

RaNkINg The University is rated 28th in Europe and 80th in the world in the 2015 QS World University Rankings.

TYPE Masters: Part-time - 2 years in Sofia, Bucharest and Thessaloniki (classes on weekends). One study week in Sheffield, UK and one study week in Thessaloniki, Greece.

admISSION REqUIREmENTS University Degree Language Proficiency

Working experience Recommendations Application fee

A bachelorÂŠ s degree from any discipline A fluent command of the English language proven by TOEFL: paper based 575/computer based 232/Internet based 89-90 or IELTS: 6,5 or CAE (A or B) or equivalent qualifications. Applicants who do not hold formal English language qualifications and meet all other entry requirements should contact the International Faculty and sit an institutional test of the University of Sheffield. Minimum of three years 1 professional recommendation 390 EUR

TUITION aNd FEES (aNNUaL) Currency Tuition and fees for the full course in Bucharest Tuition

EUR 14,500 Tuition fees vary depending on the program and the region of delivery. Please contact our local office for more information.

ESCP Europe Business School

CONTaCTS

PROFILE OF THE INSTITUTION

Jeanne Weckler Berlin, London, Madrid, Paris, Turin, Warsaw jweckler@escpeurope.eu escpeurope.eu

Established in 1819, ESCP Europe is the oldest business school in the world. Our mission is to develop the next generation of transnational business leaders, preparing them to embrace the opportunities offered by cultural diversity.

maSTER PROgRamS Master in Management Master in European Business MSc in Marketing and Creativity MSc in Marketing and Digital Media MSc in International Sales Management MSc in Business Project Management Master in Agribusiness Management MSc in Energy Management Master in International Food & Beverage Management MSc in Hospitality and Tourism Management

mBa PROgRamS

mBa PROgRam ESCP Europe is the only business school to provide its Executive MBA participants with the opportunity to study at five campuses across Europe (Berlin, London, Madrid, Paris and Turin), as well as in Beirut at its sister school ESA. This international positioning is what makes the program unique: participants plan their education in various countries, enjoying the benefits of both academic and personal experiences.

aCCREdITaTION EQUIS, AACSB, AMBA

RaNkINg

Executive MBA

Financial Times: - Master in Management: № 7 - Executive MBA: №13

STUdENT BOdY Number of International Students 2014-2015 Postgraduate Average age of the students Gender ratio Nationality ratio

With our six urban campuses in Berlin, London, Madrid, Paris, Turin and Warsaw, ESCP Europe© s true European Identity enables the provision of a unique style of cross-cultural business education and a Global Perspective on international management issues.

50% 50% 23 50/50 50/50

TYPE Master programs: full time Executive MBA: part time

admISSION REqUIREmENTS University Degree Language Proficiency Recommendations

Working experience University Entrance Exams

Application fee Application deadlines

Bachelor Fluent English Varies according to program. Some programs require 2 recommendations. Masters: ranges from 0 - 2 years. Executive MBA: 5 years. Varies according to program. Can be GMAT, GRE, Tage-Mage or an ESCP Europe test (SHL) Varies according to program. Ranges from €120 - €170. Varies according to program. Some have rolling admissions.

TUITION aNd FEES (aNNUaL) Currency Tuition

Residence

Transportation Registration and other fees Scholarships or Financial Aid

EUR Varies according to program. Masters: ranges from €10,900 to €23,900/ per year. Executive MBA: €51,000. Varies according to the city. Ranges from €400 - €740/ per month. Varies according to the city. Ranges from €30 - €60 per month. Meals: range from €180 - €270/ per month. Yes, based on financial need or merit.

HErioT WATT UniVErSiTY,

EDinBUrGH BUSinESS SCHooL – iCon

CONTaCTS

PROFILE OF THE INSTITUTION

iCon International Training 6 Polkovnik Drangov Str. Petrich, 2850 0899285529 info@ebs-icon.org www.ebs-icon.org

Heriot Watt University (Edinburgh) was established in 1821. It has excellent rankings and is an international university with campuses not just in Scotland, but also in Dubai and Malaysia. The University and its Graduate Business School, the Edinburgh Business School (EBS), have appointed iCon as their Approved Leanring Partner in Bulgaria. Thus Bulgarian students have the opportunity to study in their home country with no need to move elsewhere and receive the original post-graduate degrees of the University.

mBa PROgRamS Master of Business Administration MBA in Finance MBA in Marketing MBA in Human Resource Management MBA in Strategic Planning MBA in Oil & Gas Management

maSTER'S PROgRamS MSc in Financial Management MSc in Human Resource Management

In April 2013, the Financial Times ranked The Edinburgh Business School MBA as the most (no 1) popular MBA in the world, for a fifth consecutive time since it has more MBA students than any other university in the world, who come from all parts of the globe! In the business world, EBS has a predominant place, since 40% of the largest firms in the world, based on the rankings (Fortune 500), have among their staff EBS MBA graduates! With a worldwide successful alumni network, recognition by organizations, international companies and the media, the EBS offers programs and degrees which are aimed to improving students’ skills, furthering their professional potential and providing companies with skilled and high quality graduates.

MSc in Marketing MSc in Strategic Planning MSc in Real Estate Investment & Finance MSc in Real Estate Management & Development MSc in Construction Project Management MSc in Quantity Surveying MSc in Facilities Management

STUdENT BOdY MBA

The EBS has nearly 12,000 students in 166 countries

Postgraduate

11,964

MBA

9,526

Edinburgh Business School presents unrivalled opportunities for study, whether you stay at home in Bulgaria or join the school at key locations across the globe. Wherever you study, you’ll have the full support of its engaging international faculty and have the opportunity of interacting with your fellow students.

PROgRamS iCon is the Approved Learning Partner of Heriot Watt University and Edinburgh Business School in the region. iCon provides administrative support as well as a structured program of tuition support for the MBA program, including specialisms, and the MSc programs. Programs in a variety of disciplines are offered including Marketing, Finance, Human Resource Management, Real Estate, Construction, Facilities Management. For more information please visit www.ebs-icon.org.

AlPartner in the Balkans mBa PROgRam INFO Bring your passion and drive to learn and we© ll give you a world class business qualification. More people from more countries study the EBS MBA than any other. Across the globe, students are drawn by its intellectual challenge and its ability to greatly enhance their career prospects. They’re also drawn by its sheer flexibility; no other MBA program gives you as much freedom. You can study the subjects you want, in the order you wish. You can begin and end whenever you choose, and you pay your fees as you progress. You can study at home in Bulgaria or Greece or wherever you move with the constant support of iCon or at the campuses of the University in Edinburgh, Dubai or Malaysia. The EBS MBA program covers key management disciplines, including people skills, economics, marketing, accounting, finance, strategic planning and project management. To achieve your MBA you must pass seven core courses and two electives from a choice of 40 excting and up-to-date courses. For each course that you complete successfully EBS issues a Certificate of Achievement which allows you to enhance your CV and prove that you have gained knowledge and been sucesfuuly assessed in the subject matters relevant to your work.

aCCREdITaTION As part of The Heriot Watt University which is a Royal Charter institution, the quality of the programs is guaranteed and recognised worlwide.

• Most popular MBA in the world for 4 consecutive years (Financial Times, 2009-2013) • Top employability in the world’s largest firms (Fortune 500) • 2nd Best among 41 Universities, Building & Town & Country Planning, (Guardian, 2015) • 4th Best among 113 Universities in Business, Management & Marketing (Guardian, 2015).

admISSION REqUIREmENTS University Degree

Language Proficiency

Recommendations

The MBA and the MSc programmes have different admission requirements. Please contact us for further details. The MBA programme is provided in English, Spanish, Arabic and Chinese. Please contact us for further information Yes

TUITION aNd FEES (aNNUaL) Currency Tuition Other fees

BGN, EUR or GBP Tuition fees vary depending on the program. Please contact us. Course examination fee 140 GBP, Graduation fee 140 GBP, other expenses

RaNkINg

SCHOLaRSHIPS OR FINaNCIaL aId

Heriot Watt University:

Special fees and scholarhsips are available for students studying with iCon in Bulgaria. Please contact us.

• Scottish University of the Year 2012–13 (The Sunday Times, 2013) • Best (No: 1) University in Scotland National Students Survey (NSS) 2012 • Νο 1 University in the UK "Student satisfaction" (Sunday Times, 2013) • 9th out of 130 UK Univerities (Sunday Times, 2013) • Top 10 in the UK for Alumni employability (NSS, 2012)

PwC's Academy Bulgaria

CONTaCTS

PROFILE OF THE INSTITUTION

9-11 Maria Louisa Blvd. Sofia 1000 +359 2 9355 361 PwCÂŠ s Academy Bulgaria pwcacademy.bulgaria@bg.pwc.com www.pwc.com/bg/en/academy.html

PwCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Academy Our academy can provide you and your company with continuous professional education and development. The services we deliver are designed with high quality to assure tailored answers to your specific needs and demands. Approach Our philosophy is to develop the best in people through interactive and challenging learning. We provide high-level tax, accounting and soft-skills seminars as well as professional qualification programs and tailor-made client solutions.

mBa PROgRam PwC Mini MBA Program

TYPE Part time

admISSION REqUIREmENTS Application form

You can register via our website

Our tutors & network The Academy education is conducted by highly qualified and skilled tutors, who are practitioners with proven long-term experience gained in various industries including specific areas of knowledge that are part of our program. With over 184,000 professionals in 157 countries, we bring our accumulated business knowledge and experience to you through the Academy.

mINI mBa PROgRam PwC Mini MBA training program is focused on developing the most important business skills. The training course provides the participants with a clear picture of organisations, their structure and management methodology. They will have the opportunity to acquire knowledge that has value and can be used in everyday business activities. Who is it for? The training course is intended for managers at all levels in all lines of service, owners of small and medium-sized enterprises and those who intend to start their own businesses. Methodology of training PwC Mini MBA Program comprises nine related sessions designed to offer insight into successful business strategies in the modern world.

THE SHaOLIN WaY "The Shaolin Way" is a unique for Bulgaria cycle of business courses. It allows the participants to enhance their managerial skills by employing authentic Buddhist know-how. Two experts - Shi Heng Zong, 35th generation Shaolin Buddhist Master and Abbot of the Shaolin Temple. Europe, and Shi Heng Yi, 35th generation Shaolin master and Shifu of the Shaolin Temple. Europe, lead the program. The cycle consists of 4 one day sessions: • Stress Management the Shaolin way • Shaolin Conflict Management • Dealing with uncertainty the Shaolin way • Self-Empowerment the Shaolin way Important note: While the speakers are both monks, we would like to clarify that the content of the training is in no way religious.

aCCa: FOUNdaTION IN aCCOUNTaNCY (FIa) Foundation in Accountancy (FIA) is the set of entry-level awards developed by the ACCA, with the needs and expectations of employers in mind. FIA offers various entry points, allowing maximum flexibility to select the most appropriate entry route and progression to upper levels, based on previous qualifications, experience and further career aspirations. Exams The FIA exams are all CBE (computer based exams), and students can sit them at any time in our accredited CBE centre in PwC’s Academy Sofia. The test duration is 2 hours and the results are known immediately. Study Materials The Academy uses Kaplan Publishing learning materials. Each set includes a Text Book, an Exam Kit and Pocket Notes. In addition, the Academy tutors have developed Course Notes, which contain key information, additional articles, examiners’ reports and examples of past exam papers.

WU Executive Academy

Vienna University of Economics and Business

CONTaCTS

PROFILE OF THE INSTITUTION

Welthandelsplatz 1, Building EA Vienna, Austria, 1020 0043-1-31336-4816 0043-1-31336-904816 executiveacademy@wu.ac.at executiveacademy.at

The WU Executive Academy, the business school of the Vienna University of Economics and Business (WU), Europe© s largest business university, brings more than 100 years of experience and an excellent reputation to the field of executive education and is one of the leading providers in Central and Eastern Europe. The executive education portfolio of the WU Executive Academy includes MBA and Master of Laws programs, university certificate programs, custom programs and open programs. The WU Executive Academy provides access to the expertise of both internationally renowned professors in over 200 partner universities, and to top executives. At present, residencies and programs are conducted in more than 15 countries on 3 continents. The WU Executive Academy also has one of the most impressive campuses in Europe.

mBa PROgRamS Global Executive MBA Executive MBA Bucharest Executive MBA PGM (taught in German) Professional MBA in Energy Management Professional MBA in Finance

PROgRamS

Professional MBA in Marketing and Sales

The WU Executive Academy offers:

Professional MBA in Entrepreneurship and Innovation

• triple accredited part-time Executive MBA programs designed for experienced executives who are seeking a general management education rather than proficiency in a function; • triple accredited part-time Professional MBA programs with an ideal combination of general management, leadership and functional specialist know how; • Master of Law programs for executives in the private, public and non-profit sectors.

Professional MBA in Project Management Professional MBA in Public Auditing (taught in German) Professional MBA in Health Care Management (taught in German) Professional MBA in Social Management (taught in German)

maSTER'S PROgRamS Master of Legal Studies (taught in German) Master of Legal Studies in European Business Law Master of Business Law (taught in German) Master of Laws in International Tax Law

The MBA and Master of Laws programs of the WU Executive Academy are designed to meet today’s challenges of highly demanding industries or business functions. Their modular structure, with blocked classes (every 4-6 weeks), allows managers and high potentials to take a world-class MBA while pursuing their careers. Teaching takes place in Vienna, and depending on the chosen program or specialization some modules take place outside Austria, e.g. the USA, South America and Asia. Duration is approx. 14-18 months and the program language is English. Participants of the Global Executive MBA receive two MBA degrees.

aCCREdITaTION EQUIS, AMBA, AACSB (FIBAA)

RaNkINg Global EMBA - 44th in the world (Financial Times 2015)

admISSION REqUIREmENTS University Degree Language Proficiency Recommendations Working experience

University Entrance Exams Application form Application fee Application deadlines

BachelorÂŠ s degree Proficiency in written and spoken English (or German, depending on the program) 2 letters of recommendation: one from your direct supervisor, another one from a person of your choice Minimum 3 years of relevant work experience for PMBA and Master of Laws programs /Minimum 5 years of relevant work experience for EMBA programs No Online application form Application fee 200 EUR - MBA and Master of Laws Various; please refer to executiveacademy.at for the deadline of the program of your interest

STUdENT BOdY Number of International Students 2015-2016 Postgraduate MBA Average age of the students Gender ratio Nationality ratio

68-72% 730 680 33-37 35%:65% F/M 68%-72%

TUITION aNd FEES (aNNUaL) Currency Tuition Residences Transportation Registration and other fees Scholarships or Financial Aid

EUR 17,500-45,000 Various residencies - Austria, China, India, Russia, USA Travel and accommodation cost not included. Application fee: 200 Up to 35%-50%

Top MBA programs in Asia

or decades, Asians interested in entering the best business schools had little choice but to head to the West. Now business schools throughout Asia are trying to become more competitive with the top schools in the US and Europe. As a part of that effort Asian business schools increasingly are partnering with one another or with schools from the West to offer more options to their students. With the global economy in disarray, the competition to enter

business schools is growing far more intense as students look to escape the limited job market and improve their chances of getting a well-paying position when the interconnected global recovers. So even though Asian schools are still no match yet for the semi-legendary names the western world, more and more Asian students are now looking to them as alternative places to get their MBAs.

Rank

University

Country

Average GMAT score

INSEAD, Singapore

Singapore

704

Indian Institute of Management (IIM) - Ahmedabad

India

767

Melbourne Business School

Australia

664

National University of Singapore (NUS)

Singapore

590

Indian Institute of Management Bangalore

India

780

Indian School of Business

India

709

BiMBA: Beijing International MBA, Peking University

China

676

University of New South Wales

Australia

652

Indian Institute of Management Calcutta

India

780

Nanyang Business School, Singapore

Singapore

680

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Hong Kong

673

Macquarie Graduate School of Management

Australia

680

The Australian National University

Australia

630

Sydney Business School

Australia

500

where Are The ToP MBA ProgrAMs?

If you read the previous articles regarding MBA programs across the world, you would find the name of the most prestigious MBA university in Asia (according to QS Top MBA) familiar. It is INSEAD, which operates campuses in both France and Singapore. This will be a recurring theme in Asian business schools. The MBA programs in the east are largely influenced by western tradition, even many of the lecturers are westerners. That is why countries like Singapore and Hong Kong (and yes, it is technically part of China, but largely independent when it comes to education) have particularly strong and prestigious MBA programs. We wouldn’t want to underestimate the diligence and entrepreneurial spirit of their people, but arguably their traditions in education are inherited from the British colonial empire.

new Powers Are rising

But enough about the East Asian city-states. Let’s discuss the big players in the region. Undoubtedly, in the foreseeable future we will be talking even more about countries like China and India. Their rapidly expanding economies will increase the demand for highly skilled professionals and managers, which – in turn – will stimulate the development of better MBA programs at local universities. This means that the new global superpowers will eventually push out countries like Singapore, South Korea, Australia and Japan. And Japan is already notably absent in the top 15. The country is pulled back by a persistent demographic and economic stagnation, which surely has its negative effects on the educational system.Also – these rankings do not include the Middle East, which is usually regarded as a separate region. The oil-rich Arabian monarchies have been investing heavily in education, in apparent preparation for the time when the black gold runs out. Some of the best lecturers in the world have also been invited to the Gulf states and several British and American universities have set up affiliates in the region. However, the culture of those countries is radically different from what we are used to seeing in the West.

ACCA

Association of the Chartered Certified Accountants

PREMIER MEMBER GLOBAL NETWORK

cerTificATes AwArded • • • • •

Diploma in Accounting and Business (F1-F3) Advanced Diploma in Accounting and Business (F1-F9) Professional Level Certificate (P1-P7) Diploma in International Financial Reporting Standards (DipIFR) BSc (Hons) degree in Applied Accounting awarded by Oxford Brookes University

who is iT suiTABle for?

The ACCA Qualification is designed to provide the accounting knowledge, skills and professional values which finance professionals need to build successful careers in various business sectors. ACCA is not just for accountants. Members acquire the knowledge and skill to succeed in other areas such as business consulting, taxation, IT and outsourcing, strategic planning, general management.

BenefiTs froM The cerTificATe

As an ACCA student, member and fellow (FCCA) you will: 1. Become part of an unrivalled global network with presence in 181 countries. 2. Hold a globally relevant qualification, recognised by key regulatory and education authorities around the world, with joint membership of other international accountancy bodies. 3. Gain the skills and knowledge respected by employers and be work ready. 4. Put yourself in charge of your studies and career 5. Progress at your own pace and start at the right level for you available exemptions allow you to complete faster. 6. Have both financial and management accounting skills so that you can move between roles, industries and sectors

suPPorT And TrAining Provider in BulgAriA

MDV Professional Education is a GOLD Approved Learning Provider for ACCA. For more details, call +359 887 492 126 or visit www.mdvtraining.bg

sTudy Modes AvAilABle in BulgAriA • Face-to-face classes • Online Classroom • Self-study materials

exAMs

Fundamentals (9 papers in total) Knowledge - (computer-based) F1 Accountant in Business F2 Management Accounting F3 Financial Accounting Skills F4 F5 F6 F7 F8 F9

Corporate and Business Law (computer-based) Performance Management Taxation Financial Reporting Audit and Assurance Financial Management

Professional (5 papers in total) Essentials P1 Governance, Risk and Ethics P2 Corporate Reporting P3 Business Analysis Options (two to be completed) P4 Advanced Financial Management P5 Advanced Performance Management P6 Advanced Taxation

vAlidiTy

Life-long, guaranteed by annual membership subscription. Members are encouraged and required to ensure their continuous professional development (CPD).

fees

From 72 GBP to 110 GBP per exam

oPTiMAl grAduATion Period 3 years

CiMA

The Chartered institute of Management Accountants

PREMIER MEMBER GLOBAL NETWORK

cerTificATes AwArded

• Certificate in Business Accounting (C01 - C05) • Diploma in Management Accounting (Operational level 1) • Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting (Management level 2) • Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA)

who is iT suiTABle for?

CIMA is an internationally recognized accounting qualification for business. CIMA prepares you for a career in all areas of an organization It teaches you the skills you need to offer strategic advice, manage risk and make key decisions. Your in-depth understanding of the business means you can preempt and adapt to changing needs. CIMA is ideal for finance professionals working in production entities and business service organizations.

BenefiTs froM The cerTificATe

As a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) you will: 1. Become part of the world’s largest and leading professional body of management accountants. 2. Connect to a community of like-minded peers. 3. Gain the skills needed in today© s fast changing and complex business world. Increase your earning potential. 4. Combine financial expertise and business acumen, learn how to drive the decisions critical to creating and sustaining organisational value. 5. Get access to tools, webinars, reports and research that will keep you at the forefront of your profession and give you a competitive edge. 6. Open up global job opportunities in whatever sector you choose to work.

suPPorT And TrAining Provider in BulgAriA

exAMs

Flexible objective tests and case study exams - all computer-based. Certificate Level C01 - Fundamentals of Management Accounting C02 - Fundamentals of Financial Accounting C03 - Fundamentals of Business Mathematics C04 - Fundamentals of Business Economics C05 - Fundamentals of Ethics, Corporate Governance and Business Law Operational level E1 - Organisational Management P1 - Management Accounting F1 - Financial Reporting and Taxation Operational Case Study Exam Management level E2 - Project and Relationship Management P2 - Advanced Management Accounting F2 - Advanced Financial Reporting Management Case Study Exam Strategic Level E3 - Strategic Management P3 - Risk Management F3 - Financial Strategy Strategic Case Study Exam

vAlidiTy

Life-long, guaranteed by annual subscription. Members are encouraged and required to ensure their continuous professional development (CPD).

MDV Professional Education is CIMA© s partner in Bulgaria. For more details, call +359 887 492 126 or visit www.mdvtraining.bg

fees

sTudy Modes AvAilABle in BulgAriA

oPTiMAl grAduATion Period

Online Classroom Self-study materials

From 56 GBP to 120 GBP per exam 3 years

AAT

Association of the Accounting Technicians

PREMIER MEMBER GLOBAL NETWORK

cerTificATes AwArded

Level 2: Bookkeeping Transactions Bookkeeping Controls Elements of Costing Using Accounting Software Synoptic Assessment for the Level

who is iT suiTABle for?

Level 3: Advanced Bookkeeping Final Accounts Preparation Management Accounting: Costing Indirect Tax Synoptic Assessment for the Level

• • • • •

Foundation Certificate in Accounting - Level 2 Advanced Diploma in Accounting - Level 3 Professional Diploma in Accounting - Level 4 Certificate in Computerised Accounting and Ethics Certificate in Bookkeeping and Ethics

• you have little or no background in accounting and finance • you run your own business or work in a finance department and need a short refresher course • you’re interested in finding out what accountancy and finance involves • you want to build your basic business and finance skills • you work in accounts and would like a formal qualification • you would like to acquire new skills to help in your career • you’re a school leaver looking for an introduction to accounting.

BenefiTs froM The cerTificATe

As an AAT student you will benefit from: 1. A globally recognised qualification, valued by leading employers 2. Flexible study options 3. Progression opportunities to a great choice of careers 4. Boost in your earning potential through progressing each level and becoming a full member 5. Fast track to chartered studies in other professional bodies with exemptions 6. Access to all important study support resources and career support tools.

suPPorT And TrAining Provider in BulgAriA

MDV Professional Education will help you with your AAT studies. For more details, call +359 887 492 126 or visit www.mdvtraining.bg

sTudy Modes AvAilABle in BulgAriA Online Classroom Self-study materials

exAMs

All exams are Computer Based, limited re-sits

Level 4: Mandatory papers: Financial Statements of Limited Companies Management Accounting: Budgeting Management Accounting: Decision and Control Synoptic Assessment for the Level Optional papers: Personal Tax Business Tax Credit Management Cash and Treasury Management External Auditing

vAlidiTy

Life-long, guaranteed by annual subscription. Members are encouraged and required to ensure their continuous professional development.

fees

From 40 to 90 GBP

oPTiMAl grAduATion Period 1,5 to 3 years

CFA

Certified Financial Analyst

PREMIER MEMBER GLOBAL NETWORK

CertifiCates awarded

The Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA) credential has become one of the most respected and recognized investment designations in the world.

who is it suitable for?

Portfolio and wealth managers, investment and research analysts, professionals involved in the investment decision-making process, and finance students who want to work in the investment management profession.

benefits from the CertifiCate

Earning the CFA charter demonstrates you have the knowledge, skills, and experience needed for investment analysis and management in today’s dynamic global markets. The CFA® Program curriculum covers concepts and skills you will use at all stages of your career, connecting academic theory with current practice and ethical and professional standards to provide a strong foundation of advanced investment analysis and realworld portfolio management skills.

support and training provider in bulgaria

exams

The program includes three levels of exams. All exams are obligatory – without exemptions. Level 1: Tests your knowledge of the ethical and professional standards (basic knowledge and comprehension questions focused on investment tools; some questions will require analysis). Level 2: Тests how you apply those standards to situations analysts face (emphasize more complex analysis, along with a focus on valuing assets). Level 3: Tests how you apply the standards in a portfolio management and compliance context (synthesis of all the concepts and analytical methods in a variety of applications for effective portfolio management and wealth planning).

validity

Life-long, guaranteed by annual subscription. Members are encouraged and required to ensure their continuous professional development (CPD).

MDV Professional Education supports CFA students in Bulgaria. For more details, call +359 887 492 126 or visit www.mdvtraining.bg

fees

study modes available in bulgaria

optimal graduation period

Online Classroom Self-study materials

From 630 GBP to 1,280 GBP per exam 4 years