Today’s blog theme is how to decide whether to apply for an EMBA or an MBA. Unfortunately, there is no absolute answer but would like to write a tip how to think.

When I applied for Oxford’s EMBA, the distinction between EMBA and MBA was relatively clear and common across schools. In European EMBA and MBA programs, there were roughly the following distinctions in ten years ago:

• More than 5 years of management experience
• Age: mid-30s or early 30s
• Part-time or full-time
• Tuition fee differences

However, in recent years, some EMBA courses have been further subdivided, with programs targeting those in their early 30s, just after the average MBA age of around 30. Additionally, some business schools without EMBA programs, MBA average ages are simiar to other schools’ EMBA programs.

As a result, the question of whether to apply for an EMBA or MBA depends on the school you are applying to. However, the four perspectives mentioned above remain important as axes of consideration.

One thing that can be said is that if the applicant is in their 20s, MBA is the basic choice. For the early to mid-30s the most challenging case to consider. In my case, I was in latter case – early to mid-30s -, so I struggled a lot but finally chose the EMBA program.