An MBA (Master of Business Administration) is a postgraduate degree designed to build broad, practical expertise in how organisations operate and grow, covering core disciplines such as strategy, finance, marketing, operations, leadership, and organisational behavior. It emphasizes real-world application through case studies, team projects, and experiential learning, preparing professionals to make data-driven decisions, manage people and resources, and lead in complex, competitive environments across industries and geographies.
What is an MBA?
What is the difference between an Online MBA and an Executive MBA?
The differences between an Online MBA and an Executive MBA lie mainly in their audience, format, admission requirements, and level of flexibility.
The EDHEC Online MBA is a distance-learning diploma that spans 24 months and offers a high degree of flexibility. Courses and educational activities are accessible at any time, empowering participants to manage their schedules in full autonomy. This format is suitable for those who need to balance work, family, and education. The EDHEC Executive MBA is a 16-month part-time programme with classes during evenings or weekends.
Participants to both an Executive MBA and an Online MBA are active professionals who want to level up their career and reinforce their leadership. The EDHEC Executive MBA is tailored for managers boasting at least 7 or 8 years of experience. Meanwhile, the EDHEC Online MBA requires a minimum of 3 years of professional experience for eligibility.
While both programmes are well-suited for working professionals, the Online MBA allows for greater convenience and flexibility given the programmes is designed to accommodate distance learners with busy schedules. The choice between the two depends on your career stage, goals, and preferences for learning format and schedule.
Is an MBA worth it?
An MBA is worth pursuing in today’s business climate because it strengthens leadership and strategic thinking skills needed to guide teams and navigate constant change, while also accelerating career growth by opening pathways to senior roles and enabling successful career pivots across functions and industries. It often delivers a strong return on investment through increased earning potential, faster advancement, and access to higher-impact opportunities.
At the same time, an MBA builds in-demand capabilities in data analysis, finance, technology, and strategy—skills that are essential in a global, AI-driven economy. Beyond technical expertise, it offers a powerful professional network of peers, alumni, and recruiters that can shape opportunities long after graduation, provides a strong foundation for entrepreneurship and innovation, and develops a global perspective that prepares leaders to operate effectively across cultures, markets, and borders.
The EDHEC Online MBA is accredited by the AMBA (Association of Masters of Business Administration), a hallmark of excellence that acknowledges our rigorous teaching, the richness of our academic content, and the exceptional value of our student experience. The AMBA’s accreditation, awarded to just 3% of business schools worldwide, attests to the demanding standards and selectivity of our programme.
Graduates gain recognised academic credentials from a triple-accredited business school and build the confidence and capability to make sound financial decisions, drive performance, and contribute meaningfully to business success.
How much time should I budget each week for the Online MBA programme?
The Online MBA is based on a flexible teaching approach, designed for professionals and students seeking agility and convenience.
You will alternate between different formats:
- Live online courses with the entire class,
- Group activities and collaborative work, and
- Self-study modules to complete at your own pace
To successfully complete this programme, we recommend planning 15 to 20 hours of individual study per week.
Our programmes are designed to fit your schedule and personal life. This balance is essential for staying engaged throughout the programme and achieving your professional goals.
Will an Online MBA help me advance in my career?
An Online MBA can be a true career booster because it exposes you to the many facets of the world of business—from strategy and critical thinking, to operational planning, and budgets, the skills you will learn and develop are highly sought after by companies of all sizes and in all industries.
The Boost360 component of the programme gives you the opportunity to discover different industries and roles in today’s global job market. Whether you are looking to advance in your current role or make a career change, the Online MBA will prepare you for a future leadership role in: General Management / Leadership, Finance, Investments & Accounting, Strategy & Innovation, Information Technology, Corporate Responsibility, Marketing & Product Management, Business Operations, Sales & Business Development, Supply Chain & Logistics, Business Intelligence & Analytic, Artificial Intelligence, and more.
In addition to the expertise acquired, joining the EDHEC Online MBA also gives you access to an international network of over 60,000 alumni, present in all sectors and ready to share their experience.
What is the difference between an MBA completed online and one that is attended in person?
Online programmes use two different formats: asynchronous and synchronous learning. Asynchronous courses provide flexibility, allowing students to access course materials and complete assignments at their own pace. Synchronous classes require students to attend virtual sessions at scheduled times, enabling real-time interaction with professors, mentors, coaches, and classmates from anywhere. EDHEC Online programmes combine both e-learning types: synchronous activities with weekly live classes and real-time messaging between participants, professors and coaches, and high-quality asynchronous content by following an approach founded on user experience and gamification.
EDHEC is a Top 10 Business School in Europe (Financial Times 2025 ranking) with triple accreditation (EQUIS, AACSB and AMBA). This guarantees academic excellence of all of our programmes, the expertise of the teaching staff, as well as the school’s close ties to leading global businesses. Upon completion of an EDHEC Online programme, we hold official graduation ceremonies at one of our campuses.
Will my degree refer to “Online”?
Your online degree will be delivered by EDHEC Business School, clearly indicating the online delivery format.
Can I participate in the Online MBA programme without any business skills?
One of the admission requirements for the Online MBA is a minimum of 3 years of work experience. The programme has been designed to support candidate profiles from diverse backgrounds, offering a gradual progression of skills development in the fundamentals of business strategy and operations.
Want to know if the Online MBA is right for you? Take the 4-minute quiz!
What can I expect in terms of how the EDHEC Online programme is structured?
The Online MBA programme is divided into content modules—and for each module, there will be a set of required deliverables that is to be completed either individually or in groups.
With the EDHEC Online virtual campus, you have access to weekly interactive online classes, workshops, and chat-based discussions. All participants are expected to work in groups on a collaborative project throughout the programme.
Our world-class platform is compatible with tablets and mobile devices, and online campus is accessible 24/7 from anywhere in the world. Our support team is always available to help participants get and stay organized, succeed in their learning path up all the way up until graduation, and achieve their career goals.
Does EDHEC offer any scholarships or discounts to help with tuition fees ?
EDHEC Business School has developed a specific scholarship system for its online programs and diplomas. Scholarships can offer up to 40% on tuition fees.
These scholarships are meant to foster diversity and inclusion within our student and participant profiles. Eligibility is contingent upon meeting specific criteria.
In what language is the Online MBA taught?
The Online MBA is taught in English. If English isn’t your first language, you are expected to have a strong command of spoken and written English.
Does EDHEC offer any scholarships or discounts to help with tuition fees?
EDHEC Business School has developed a specific scholarship system for its online programmes and diplomas. Scholarships can offer up to -40% on tuition fees.
These scholarships are meant to foster diversity and inclusion within our student and participant profiles. Eligibility is contingent upon meeting specific criteria.












