In today’s competitive business landscape, pursuing an MBA is a strategic move to accelerate your career, expand your professional network, and enhance your earning potential. Singapore, recognised as a global business hub, offers many MBA programs tailored to diverse professional needs. Notably, MBA graduates in Singapore can command impressive salaries, with investment bankers earning over SGD 182,500 annually.
However, a pivotal decision awaits aspiring MBA candidates: Should you opt for a full-time or part-time MBA program? Each pathway offers distinct advantages and challenges, catering to different career trajectories and personal circumstances. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the nuances of both options, helping you determine the best fit for your professional aspirations.
Understanding Full-time and Part-time MBA Programs
Full-time and part-time MBA programs offer the same quality of education and degree. The curricula at the institutes that offer both programs are similar. The main difference is the time commitment needed for each.
Overview of Full-time MBA
Generally, the full-time MBA programs are designed for early-career professionals who want to make career advancements or changes. Here, the candidates go through full-time studies for around two years to pursue their degrees. Besides, these classes are scheduled during weekdays. Since these programs are often conducted in person, candidates are generally required to relocate to the institution’s campus to participate fully. Usually, these programs last four semesters, and candidates are often required to pursue an internship with them.
Overview of Part-time MBA
Part-time MBA programs are designed for working professionals who work full-time while pursuing these degrees. Therefore, these classes are usually held on the weekends or at night. The main aim of these programs is to offer the candidates advancements in their careers. Another thing about these courses is that they are very flexible, and even in the case of in-person part-time programs, the candidates can attend the classes at institutes close to their places. As these programs are less intense, the candidates can reduce the course load in case of any life or career development.
How are Full-time MBA and Part-time MBA Different?
| Comparison Factors | Full-time MBA | Part-time MBA |
| Program Duration | Usually spans 2 years | Varies, often extends beyond 2 years |
| Class Schedule | A structured academic calendar with semesters | A flexible schedule, where the students can study at their own pace |
| Flexibility | Needs full-time dedication, involves immersive learning experiences, extracurricular activities, and internships | Curated for working professionals, this program allows them to balance study with employment |
| Eligibility Requirements | A bachelor’s degree and a minimum GPA | A bachelor’s degree and a minimum GPA |
| Cost of the Program | Depends on the school, but it is comparatively higher than part-time MBA programs | Depending on the school, relatively less than full-time MBA programs |
| Earning Potential During the Program | Zero | Earning potential exists |
| Career Impact (e.g., promotion, switch) | Candidates can enjoy faster career progression due to the networking opportunities and depth of knowledge offered | Candidates can continue their jobs while pursuing their studies. Therefore, can apply their newly acquired skills to work |
| Work Experience Requirement | 2-3 years of work experience | 6+ years of work experience |
| Learning Experience (immersion, peer engagement) | An immersive and focused learning experience for students | A flexible learning experience for working professionals |
| Networking Opportunities | Better networking opportunities | Limited networking opportunities |
| Campus Involvement | Better campus involvement | Limited campus involvement |
| Internship/Placement Opportunities | Better internship/placement opportunities | No or limited internship/placement opportunities |
| Suitability for (career switchers vs. working professionals) | Suitable for career switchers | Suitable for working professionals |
| Work-Study Balance | No work-study balance | Better work-study balance |
| Time to ROI (Return on Investment) | Higher than a part-time MBA | Lesser than full-time MBA |
Full-time Vs. Part-time MBA – Which One to Choose?
Selecting the right MBA program depends on factors like individual circumstances, personal commitments, and career goals. Consulting with professionals in that field can also be very helpful in making the right decision.
Career goals
Your choice of an MBA program depends on your preference for immersing yourself in academic life, gaining extensive opportunities for networking, or making a significant career switch.
Personal commitments
If you have family or other personal responsibilities, then joining a part-time MBA program is the best option.
Financial situations
A Full-time MBA requires a substantial financial investment compared to a part-time MBA, which can be a decisive factor.
Learning style
If you aim to study while working and directly apply your knowledge to your current job role, then you must pursue a part-time MBA course.
Also Read: MBA for Entrepreneurs: Building and Scaling Startups
Pros and Cons of Full-time and Part-time MBA Programs
So, if you are still not sure whether to opt for a part-time or full-time MBA program? Here are some pros and cons for each.
Full-time MBA Pros And Cons
Full-time MBA programs offer intensive and immersive educational experiences, allowing students to dedicate themselves completely to the pursuit of advanced business knowledge. Here is a list of the main pros and cons of full-time MBA courses.
Full-time MBA Pros
- This program allows degree-seeking candidates to complete their programs in less time. Therefore, they can rejoin the workforce and benefit from the increased earning potential.
- Full-time MBA students have enough chances to network with faculty members, peers, and industry professionals, creating proper connections for future career growth.
- Full-time MBA programs encourage candidates to focus only on their studies instead of dividing their attention between their studies and their jobs.
Full-time MBA Cons
- Full-time MBA candidates need to leave their jobs to earn the degree. This creates a gap in the work history and cuts into their short-term earning potential.
- Working professionals often struggle to balance their careers with full-time degrees.
- The rigid schedule of full-time MBA programs offers less time for internships or networking, which can be challenging for people with professional or personal commitments.
Part-time MBA Pros and Cons
Part-time MBA programs cater to working professionals looking to enhance their skills without interrupting their careers. Here are the main pros and cons of part-time MBA courses.
Part-time MBA Pros
- The additional flexibility of these programs makes it simpler for working adults to pursue an MBA without resigning from their jobs.
- Employers often offer incentives or tuition remission programs to cover the cost of the MBA degree.
- Some business schools have more students in full-time programs, which makes part-time courses less competitive.
Part-time MBA Cons
- Part-time MBA programs usually take longer time to complete compared to full-time courses.
- Depending on the schools, part-time MBA programs cost more in terms of fees and tuition.
- Part-time students often don’t qualify for many scholarship opportunities.
How upGrad Supports your MBA Journey
Whether you choose a full-time or part-time MBA, upGrad empowers you with globally recognised programs, expert mentorship, and flexible learning formats that fit your lifestyle. Join thousands of professionals across Singapore who are accelerating their careers with our online MBA offerings.
Explore upGrad’s MBA programs today and take the next step toward your dream career!
- MBA from O.P. Jindal Global University
- MBA from Paris School of Business
- Master of Business Administration (Edgewood College)
- Master of Business Administration from Liverpool Business School
- Master of Business Administration (Golden Gate University)
For details, email query@upgrad.com or call +65-6232-6730
FAQs on Full-time and Part-time MBA
Q: What is the main difference between a full-time and part-time MBA?
Ans – The full-time MBA course focuses on offering concentrated and comprehensive training in a shorter period, usually 1-2 years. Part-time MBA course offers flexibility in learning and can last for anywhere from 2-7 years.
Q: Why join a full-time MBA course?
Ans – One of the main reasons to enrol in a full-time MBA course is that it offers a potentially lucrative and more immersive path to career advancement.
Q: Why join a part-time MBA course?
Ans – One of the main reasons to join a part-time MBA course is that it blends career progression and education, allowing people to immediately apply new knowledge and pursue the degree while continuing to work.
Q: Is a full-time MBA better than a part-time MBA program?
Ans – Each type of course is good in its particular situations. However, if you compare these courses in terms of career growth, the full-time MBA offers better career opportunities.
Q: Factors to check when deciding between a full-time and part-time MBA program
Ans – When deciding between a full-time and part-time MBA program, the main factors to check are family and work responsibilities, time availability, and personal preferences.
Q: Is it worth joining a part-time MBA program?
Ans – Yes, a part-time MBA program from a recognised business school meets the same standard as a full-time MBA.
