An online MBA opens doors to new skills, career growth, and a better understanding of global business. But what if you could combine classroom learning with real industry experienceโeven while studying remotely?
Welcome to the new generation of online MBA programs that include internships.
These programs blend flexibility and theory with hands-on work opportunities, helping students build networks, learn practical skills, and stand out in competitive job markets.
In this guide, discover the top online MBAs with internship options in 2025, explore admission criteria, specializations, costsโand why these hybrid models might be your fastest track to professional success.
โ Why Internships Matter in Online MBAs
Many online MBAs are criticized for lacking the real-world element of traditional programs. Internships solve this.
Benefit | Why It Matters |
---|---|
Apply learning | Practice skills in real projects |
Build a network | Meet mentors, peers & industry leaders |
Resume boost | Employers value practical experience |
Career pivot | Easier to switch industries |
Higher ROI | Better job offers post-MBA |
โก Some schools require internships; others offer them as elective modules.
๐ Table 1: Quick View โ Top Online MBAs with Internship Options (2025)
Rank | University | Accreditation | Internship Type | Estimated Tuition (USD) |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Indiana University (Kelley School) | AACSB | Optional internship support | ~$78,000 |
2 | IE Business School (Spain) | Triple Crown | Virtual or in-person internships | ~$57,000 |
3 | Hult International Business School | AACSB | Global internships & projects | ~$79,000 |
4 | University of Illinois (iMBA) | AACSB | Elective experiential learning with partner firms | ~$23,000 |
5 | Imperial College London | Triple Crown | Internships via Career Service | ~$56,000 |
6 | Amity University Online (India) | UGC-DEB, WASC | Mandatory summer internship | ~$3,500 |
7 | Westford University College (UAE/Spain) | UCAM Accredited | Industry projects & optional internships | ~$7,000 |
8 | Liverpool Online MBA | AACSB | Live consulting + optional internships | ~$30,000 |
9 | EU Business School | ACBSP, IACBE | Global internships & capstone projects | ~$16,200 |
10 | University Canada West (UCW) | ACBSP | Optional internship track | ~$23,400 |
๐ Costs vary based on intake, electives & region; always confirm with the university.
๐ What Types of Internships Do These MBAs Offer?
Internships vary widely:
โ
Virtual internships with multinational companies
โ
Local in-person internships in your city
โ
Consulting projects solving real problems for startups
โ
Capstone projects with corporate partners
Even fully online students can access internships thanks to global partnerships & remote work trends.
โ๏ธ Table 2: Internship Model Details
University | Internship Model | Duration | Industry Options |
---|---|---|---|
Kelley School | Career Center support | Flexible | Finance, Marketing, Consulting |
IE Business School | Online or in Madrid | ~8โ12 weeks | Startups, MNCs |
Hult | Global internships | ~12 weeks | Tech, Finance, Retail |
iMBA (Illinois) | Live projects & optional internships | ~6โ12 weeks | Fortune 500, NGOs |
Amity | Mandatory summer internship | ~8 weeks | Indian firms, multinationals |
Westford | Project-based & internships | Varies | Healthcare, Logistics |
UCW | Optional internship | ~12 weeks | Canadian companies |
EU Business | Global internships | ~12 weeks | Hospitality, Marketing |
Liverpool | Consultancy & optional internships | ~6โ12 weeks | SMEs, large corporations |
Imperial | Support from Career Service | ~6โ10 weeks | London & global firms |
๐ฑ Who Should Choose an Online MBA with Internship?
โ
Career changers wanting real-world exposure
โ
Fresh graduates needing resume strength
โ
Mid-career professionals moving to new industries
โ
Entrepreneurs wanting to understand different sectors
๐ Table 3: Admission Requirements Snapshot
University | Bachelorโs Degree | GMAT/GRE | Work Experience | English Test |
---|---|---|---|---|
Indiana (Kelley) | Required | GMAT/GRE (can waive) | 2+ years | IELTS/TOEFL |
IE | Required | Recommended | 3+ years | IELTS/TOEFL |
Hult | Required | Optional | 3+ years | IELTS/TOEFL |
iMBA | Required | GMAT waived | 2+ years | IELTS/TOEFL |
Imperial | Required | GMAT preferred | 3+ years | IELTS |
Amity | Required | Not required | Freshers accepted | NA (India) |
Westford | Required | Not required | 2+ years | IELTS |
UCW | Required | Not required | 2+ years | IELTS |
EU Business | Required | Not required | 1โ2 years | IELTS |
Liverpool | Required | Not required | 2+ years | IELTS |
โก Some schools waive GMAT for strong professional backgrounds.
๐ฆ Table 4: Specializations & Unique Features
University | Popular Tracks |
---|---|
Indiana (Kelley) | Finance, Digital Tech, Business Analytics |
IE | Digital Transformation, International Business |
Hult | Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Finance |
iMBA | Strategic Leadership, Data Analytics |
Imperial | Finance, Strategy |
Amity | HRM, Marketing, International Business |
Westford | Healthcare Management, Project Management |
EU Business | International Marketing, Digital Business |
UCW | Leadership, Marketing |
Liverpool | Finance, Marketing, Data Science |
๐ How Internships Work in Online MBAs
1๏ธโฃ Career Services help find roles: They coach, prep, and connect you with partner firms.
2๏ธโฃ Remote internships: Work on live projects for companies abroad.
3๏ธโฃ In-person internships: Local companies near you or short overseas residencies.
4๏ธโฃ Capstone projects: Sometimes double as internships by solving real client problems.
๐ก Standout Program Highlights
๐ Indiana University Kelley School of Business
- Highly ranked in the USA
- Optional internships with top firms
- Strong alumni network in Fortune 500 companies
๐ IE Business School (Spain)
- Flexible virtual internships or Madrid-based
- Focus on innovation & entrepreneurship
- Triple crown accreditation
๐ฑ Amity University Online
- Affordable
- Mandatory internship ensures practical exposure
- Recognized in India & globally
๐ฌ๐ง University of Liverpool
- Live consultancy projects
- Optional internships enhance employability
- Affordable compared to US/UK top MBAs
๐จ๐ฆ University Canada West
- Optional internship track in Canada
- Great for students wanting Canadian work experience
๐ ROI: What Do Graduates Gain?
Benefit | Details |
---|---|
Better job offers | Practical experience impresses recruiters |
Network | Mentors, peers & industry contacts |
Confidence | Apply theory in live business settings |
Career pivot | Easier to enter new sectors with real stories to tell |
๐ฅ Tips to Make the Most of MBA Internships
โ
Start early: plan internships from the first semester
โ
Use Career Services for CV & interview prep
โ
Treat every project as portfolio content
โ
Blog or share insights on LinkedIn
โ
Ask for references & recommendations
๐ค Is an Internship-Integrated Online MBA Right for You?
Choose it if:
- You want more than theory
- Youโre a fresher or career changer
- You value networking and practical projects
It may not be worth extra effort if:
- You already have strong industry experience
- You want only academic credentials
๐ Quick FAQ
Q: Are these internships paid?
A: Some are, some arenโt; depends on the company & location.
Q: Can I do them remotely?
A: Many MBAs now offer remote internships thanks to global companies.
Q: Will it delay graduation?
A: Usually not; internships are built into program schedules.
๐ข Final Thoughts
An online MBA with internship options bridges classroom learning and workplace realityโwithout forcing you to quit your job or move abroad.
Whether you choose:
โ
Indiana Kelleyโs big-brand support
โ
IE Business Schoolโs innovative internships
โ
Amityโs cost-effective Indian program
โ
UCW or Liverpool for international exposure
โฆyouโll finish not only with a degree, but also with real experience, stories to tell, and confidence to lead.
๐ฑ Ready to take the next step?
Comment below with:
- Your background
- Preferred industries or roles
- Country you live in
Iโll help shortlist the perfect program!