The costs of studying for an MBA can be high. Although you may expect to see a return on your investment over time in increased earnings and quicker career progression, you may still be left with a large bill to settle before these rewards kick in. You may, however, be able to reduce your fees if you find sponsorship, bursaries or grants. Where should you be looking and what's on offer?

Do Employers Sponsor or Fund MBAs?

In the past it was often possible to have an employer pay business education fees for some employees. Nowadays, you are less likely to find a UK company willing to bear all of these costs, although some still do, so it doesn't do any harm to ask. Even if your employer won't sponsor you directly, they may offer other useful career development initiatives.

Some, for example, will give low cost or interest-free career development loans; others will give paid study leave or grants towards the costs of books and materials. If your employer is big enough to have an HR department, then this may be the place to start. If you work for a smaller company, your best bet will be talking to whoever runs it.

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