Best universities to get an online MBA or remote Business Master in 2025
Photo by Vlada Karpovich
When considering your career goals, online Master's programmes can be a particularly advantageous choice in 2025.
They offer not only flexibility and convenience but also tend to be less expensive than on-campus or hybrid degrees. This makes them more accessible, especially if you're balancing work-life responsibilities.
You might worry about whether online degrees are of high quality and if they are well-accepted in the professional world. It’s understandable. The good news is that online Master’s degrees from accredited institutions have gained considerable respect over the past years, with many employers viewing them as equivalent to traditional on-campus programmes.
Keep on reading to find out more!
Study Business: Find online Masters fully taught in English
Choosing the right online Master requires careful consideration.
First, assess whether online learning suits your personality and lifestyle. You’ll need to be self-disciplined, possess strong communication skills, and be flexible with your schedule. Many programmes offer asynchronous learning, meaning you can access lectures and assignments at any time, while others may have live sessions that require you to be available at specific hours. You could also consider a blended degree, where you have to attend university only some days a week or a few months per year.
Here are some of the most important factors to consider:
Accreditation and Rankings: There are many fake degrees offered online, so it’s good to be careful and diligent in selecting a university that is accredited and well-ranked by reputable organisations like QS or the Financial Times.
Curriculum and Specialisations: Business is a broad field, and many remote programmes offer specialisations such as digital marketing, supply chain management, or entrepreneurship. Choose a specialisation that aligns with your career goals to stand out in the job market.
Flexibility: While online programmes offer flexibility, check if the courses require live participation at set times to ensure it fits into your schedule.
Student Support Services: A strong support system is critical to success in distance learning. Look for universities that offer robust student services such as career counselling, technical support, and access to internships.
Alumni Network: A well-connected alumni network can offer excellent networking opportunities and provide insight into how the degree is perceived in the industry.
Cost and Financial Aid: The cost of an online Master’s degree can vary widely, so make sure to evaluate tuition fees and explore financial aid options, including scholarships and grants.
If you're unsure about whether to pursue a Master's degree now or start working, this article may help you weigh your options.
According to various rankings such as the Financial Times and QS, here are some of the top universities and business schools in Europe offering online MBAs in 2025:
| University | Accrediting country | Online degrees | Total students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Durham University Business School | United Kingdom | 1 MBA | 4,400+ |
| EU Business School | Spain | 3 Bachelors, 6 MBAs, 7 Masters | 3,000+ |
| IE Business School | Spain | 1 MBA, various short courses | 8,000+ |
| Imperial College Business School | United Kingdom | 1 MBA, 2 Masters | 23,000+ |
| Luiss University | Italy | 2 Masters | 9,900+ |
| OPIT - Open Institute of Technology | Malta | 2 Bachelors, 4 Masters | - |
| Polimi School of Management | Italy | 1 MBA, 1 Executive MBA, 4 Masters | 4,900+ |
| Tomorrow University of Applied Sciences | Germany | 2 Bachelors, 1 Master, 1 MBA | 1,000+ |
| Universidad Católica de Murcia (UCAM) | Spain | 3 Masters | 14,000+ |
| Warwick Business School | United Kingdom | 1 MBA, 1 Executive MBA | 6,000+ |
Study your Master Online: Find more universities
Tuition fees for online Masters typically ranging between €5,000 and €20,000.
One key advantage of online learning is that it tends to be less expensive than on-campus programmes, partly because universities have lower logistical costs for online students.
Other financial advantages of online learning include:
No commuting or relocation costs, which is particularly beneficial if you live far from the university.
The flexibility to work alongside your studies, which allows you to continue earning money while pursuing your degree.
If you’re a caretaker, studying online allows you to continue taking care of your responsabilities.
Additionally, EU students may benefit from free or low-tuition options if they enrol in a university from certain European countries.
Yes, pursuing an online degree in Business is definitely worth it, especially as many business-related jobs have shifted to remote work since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Online programmes are well-suited for business studies because they don't require practical lab work or hands-on projects, making them an ideal option for distance learning.
However, there are some downsides to consider.
You can get a European degree by studying online, but you will miss out on the experience of living in a foreign country and interacting with fellow students in person. An online degree from a certain country will not necessarily make it easier to later find work there; unlike campus studies, when you are already there and can do an internship during your studies.
Additionally, online degrees tend to have higher dropout rates, as it's easier to disengage without the structure of an on-campus experience.
That being said, if you're committed to your studies and have clear career goals, an online degree in Business can be a valuable investment in your future.
Online degrees have gained a solid reputation in recent years, especially when offered by accredited institutions with strong academic track records.
Many employers consider online education as being of equal value to traditional on-campus programmes. If the institution offers both online and on-campus degrees, graduates typically receive the same qualification.
However, some employers may still prefer graduate applications who got their Business Master on-campus, so it’s important to choose a programme that offers networking opportunities, internships, and a good reputation to enhance your degree’s marketability.
Study.eu Tip: If you’d like to evaluate how a certain programme or business school will help advance your career, look for alumni profiles on LinkedIn and check where they work at. You can even reach out to some of them to get more information if you feel like testing your networking skills. Who knows, maybe they’ll recommend you to their employer for an internship!
Online Master’s programmes in Business offer specialisations that can help you stand out in the job market. Here are some examples:
Aviation Management at IU International University of Applied Sciences
Digital Business & Innovation at OPIT - Open Institute of Technology
Hospitality Management at Universidad Católica de Murcia (UCAM)
Sustainability, Innovation & Technology at Tomorrow University of Applied Sciences
Each specialisation offers a unique focus, helping you align your degree with specific career goals in a competitive job market.
Not sure which degree to choose? To learn more, read about the differences between an MBA and Master and the top 10 business schools in Europe to get an MBA.
Let’s test it out!
Before committing to an online Master’s programme, consider whether you have the following traits that are essential for success in distance learning:
Self-discipline: You must be able to manage your time and complete tasks independently.
Good communication skills: As you’ll be engaging with professors and classmates virtually, clear communication is key. As you may know, communicating online is much more prone to misunderstandings than when done in person.
Flexibility: You’ll need to be adaptable, as online learning can sometimes require juggling multiple responsibilities.
Goal-oriented mindset: Having clear career goals will help keep you motivated throughout the programme.
In conclusion, pursuing an online Master in Business in 2025 offers a flexible, cost-effective, and reputable way to advance your career.
Whether you're looking to specialise in a niche area or broaden your business knowledge, the opportunities available through online learning are vast and varied.
Good luck! :)
96 Business & Management Masters in Europe
