If you’re considering a Master’s in Management (MiM) and have LBS on your radar, you’re in the right place. London Business School MiM program is often seen as the top-tier option for management degrees, especially in the UK. But is it truly the best? Or are you better off looking at HEC Paris, ESSEC, INSEAD, or even Imperial College? Let’s break it all down—fees, scholarships, ranking, job market reputation, and even what Reddit has to say about it.
London Business School MiM Requirements & Acceptance Rate
First things first: getting into London Business School MiM is no walk in the park. The school is highly selective, with an acceptance rate hovering around 15-20%. What do you need to stand a chance?
- A strong GMAT/GRE score (Think 680+ to be competitive)
- A stellar undergraduate record
- A well-crafted personal statement (No generic “I love business” essays, please)
- Some solid extracurriculars or internships
- A touch of luck? Maybe
Many applicants with great profiles get rejected, often without an interview. (More on this in the Reddit section)
London Business School MiM Fees & Scholarships
If you’re thinking about studying at LBS, get ready for a significant financial commitment. The tuition fee for the London Business School MiM program is around £47,500. And that does not include London’s living expenses, which can easily add another £15,000-£20,000 per year.
Can you get a scholarship?
Yes. LBS offers merit-based scholarships, but competition is fierce. Some popular options include:
- The LBS Merit Scholarship (for top applicants)
- The LBS Women in Business Scholarship
- External funding sources like Chevening or Inlaks
Ranking: How Does LBS MiM Compare to HEC, ESSEC, INSEAD & Imperial?
Now, the big question: Is LBS MiM better than HEC Paris, ESSEC, INSEAD, or Imperial?
LBS vs. HEC Paris
- LBS wins if you want to work in London or the UK.
- HEC Paris is stronger for European job markets, especially France.
LBS vs. ESSEC
- ESSEC offers a more flexible curriculum (great for specializations).
- LBS has a stronger alumni network in the UK.
LBS vs. INSEAD
- INSEAD’s MiM is new, whereas LBS has an established brand.
- INSEAD’s global reputation is huge, but for MiM specifically, LBS wins.
LBS vs. Imperial
- LBS is considered more prestigious in management education.
- Imperial is more tech/STEM-focused, so if that’s your angle, it’s a solid choice.
LBS vs. Oxbridge
- Oxford and Cambridge MPhils are more research-focused.
- If you want to enter consulting, finance, or a corporate job, LBS is a better choice than Oxbridge for an MiM.
How Prestigious is LBS MiM in the UK Job Market?
How does London Business School MiM stack up against Russell Group and Oxbridge grads in the UK job market?
Finance & Consulting: LBS is a top-tier brand, highly respected by firms like McKinsey, BCG, Goldman Sachs, and J.P. Morgan. It even competes well with Oxbridge grads in these fields.
Tech & Startups: LBS is not as dominant, but it’s still respected. If tech is your goal, Imperial or even a specialized program at Oxford might serve you better.
General Corporate Jobs: Compared to top Russell Group universities like Warwick, LSE, or UCL, LBS still has an edge—especially for international students looking for sponsorship.
Bottom line? If you want to work in London and break into consulting, finance, or strategy roles, LBS is a fantastic choice.
Reddit’s Take on LBS MiM: What We Can Learn
Now, if you’re someone who religiously stalks r/MBA, you’ve probably seen discussions about LBS MiM. Let’s summarize the key takeaways from Reddit.
Rejections Without Interviews? Brutal.
Several users report being rejected from LBS without even an interview despite having strong GMAT scores and good profiles. Why? Most likely, a weak personal statement or lack of a compelling story. (Moral of the story: Don’t submit a generic application.)
Which Round to Apply In?
A common debate: Round 1 vs. Round 2 vs. Round 3.
- Round 1: Best chance for scholarships and admissions.
- Round 2: Still a good shot, but tougher than Round 1.
- Round 3: Possible, but very competitive (especially for international students).
Lack of MiM-Specific Forums
One complaint is the lack of active MiM forums compared to MBA programs. This makes it harder to find insights and connect with other applicants.
Final Verdict: Should You Pick LBS MiM?
Choose LBS if:
- You want to work in London.
- You’re aiming for consulting or finance.
- You want strong alumni connections in the UK.
Consider other schools if:
- You prefer flexibility (HEC or ESSEC might be better).
- You’re more interested in tech or startups (Imperial could be a smarter choice).
- You’re looking for a guaranteed job—LBS opens doors, but you still have to hustle.
At the end of the day, LBS MiM is an elite program, but it’s not the only great option out there. The key is knowing what you want in terms of career goals, location, and return on investment.
