Can international students do a part-time MBA in the UK?

International students on a UK Student visa generally cannot do a part-time programme on that specific visa, as Student visas require full-time study. However, there are legitimate options:

Option 1: Full-time MBA (1 year)
The most common route for international students. UK 1-year MBAs (LBS, Oxford Saïd, Cambridge Judge, Warwick, Cranfield) are world-class and time-efficient. Eligible for Graduate Route visa afterward.

Option 2: Executive MBA (EMBA) as a visitor
If you are employed by a company that is paying for an Executive MBA, and you will be doing most of your study remotely from your home country with short residential modules in the UK, you may be able to attend those UK residentials on a Standard Visitor visa (permitted activity: academic visits). This is commonly done.

Option 3: Online/Distance Learning MBA
Many UK business schools offer fully online or hybrid MBAs. Heriot-Watt, University of London Worldwide, and Manchester Global MBA offer programmes studied remotely. No UK visa needed.

Option 4: Change your visa status
If you have ILR, settled status, or another long-term leave in the UK, you can study part-time without a Student visa restriction.

What to avoid:
Do not enrol in a part-time programme on a Student visa expecting to attend — this breaches visa conditions.

Conclusion: For international students seeking a UK MBA, the full-time 1-year programme on a Student visa is the standard route and is excellent value. For those already working, an online or EMBA with UK residentials is the practical alternative.