Updated on Jan 27, 2025 12:35 IST
Parul Thapa

Parul ThapaSenior Executive Content

International Business courses are one of the popular fields in business management which promises a corporate career in top MNCs and global business enterprises. International Business courses aim to develop candidates into professionals who have knowledge of the international business environment and can work there without lagging behind their counterparts.

International Business courses are mainly taught in the BBA, BCom, MBA and PGDM course levels. International Business courses are one of the few specializations in the Business Management domain which is sought by many aspirants but offered by a very few B-Schools in India. 

To be eligible for International Business courses, candidates must make sure to have passed Class 12 in any stream with a minimum of 50 per cent aggregate marks. The popular entrance exam scores that are accepted for admission to International Business courses are CAT, XAT, MAT, CMAT, ATMA, etc. The average International Business course fees range between INR 47,000 and INR 24.7 Lakh. The popular colleges offering International Business courses are IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, IIM Lucknow, etc.

Once graduated with International Business courses, candidates can opt for job profiles such as International Business Development Manager, Export Manager, International Business Consultant, International Finance Manager, etc. The average salary that a graduate of International Business courses earns ranges between INR 5 LPA and INR 22 LPA.

International Business Courses Latest Updates:

The MAH MBA CET 2025 registrations are open for admission to MBA/PGDM and MMS courses, and the last date to apply has been extended to Jan 31, 2025. The MAH MBA CET 2025 exam date is Apr 1, 2, and 3, 2025.

International Business Courses: Highlights

International Business courses typically cover a wide range of topics related to conducting business on an international scale and are offered at undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate levels.

Candidates can check the table below to learn more about the key points of International Business courses.

Particulars

Details

Course Level

UG and PG

Course Duration

2 - 3 years

Course Fees

INR 47,000 - INR 24.7 Lakh

Entrance Exam

CAT, XAT, MAT, CMAT, ATMA, etc.

Popular Colleges

IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, IIM Lucknow, etc.

Job Profiles

International Business Development Manager, Export Manager, International Business Consultant, International Finance Manager, etc. 

Average Salary

INR 5 LPA - 22 LPA

Top Recruiters

Abbot, Amazon, Ernst & Young, Cargill, HCL, Hennes & Mauritz, etc.

Also Read: 

What is the difference between an MBA and a PGDM?

Is an MBA an Art or Science?

All About International Business Courses

International Business courses are educational programs that focus on the global aspects of commerce and trade. 

International Business courses often incorporate case studies, real-world examples, and simulations, and sometimes include internships or study abroad programs to provide students with practical experience and exposure to international business environments.

Here are reasons why candidates should pursue International Business courses:

  • Global Perspective: It provides a broader understanding of the interconnectedness of economies, cultures, and businesses worldwide.
  • Career Opportunities: International business skills are highly sought after by multinational corporations, government agencies, NGOs, and small to medium-sized enterprises looking to expand globally. 
  • Networking Opportunities: Studying international business often involves interactions with students from various countries and backgrounds, creating a diverse network that can be beneficial in future career endeavours.

Also Read:

MBA After Class 12 from IIMs

Popular Integrated MBA Programmes in India

What are good skills to have when studying in International Business?

Studying international business requires a blend of academic knowledge, practical skills, and personal attributes to succeed in the global marketplace. Here are some essential skills that are valuable in the field of international business:

Skills for International Business

Cross-Cultural Communication

Adaptability and Flexibility

Global Business Acumen

Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills

Negotiation and Diplomacy

International Finance Knowledge

Strategic Thinking 

Teamwork and Leadership

Technology Proficiency

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International Business Courses: Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility criteria for International Business courses can vary based on the course levels and the specific requirements of each educational institution. 

However, here are some general eligibility criteria for International Business courses often seen:

  • For UG courses, the eligibility criteria for pursuing International Business courses is class 12 or equivalent pass with a minimum of 50 per cent in aggregate (45 per cent for reserved category candidates).
  • For PG courses, the candidate must have passed graduation with a minimum of 50 per cent aggregate in any stream or equivalent from a recognised university.
  • Candidates in their final year of Graduation are also eligible to apply.

You might also want to know:

Get Admission to IIMs After Class 12

Click to know CAT Previous Years Question Papers

International Business Entrance Exams 2023

For admission to International Business courses, candidates have to appear for a common entrance test, conducted by institutes or government agencies. 

Given below are the top national-level for International Business courses.

MBA in HR Exams

Exam Dates

Exam Schedule

CAT

26 Nov '23

CAT Schedule

XAT

7 Jan '24

XAT Schedule

MAT

Sep '24

MAT Schedule

CMAT

May '24

CMAT Schedule

ATMA

May ‘24

ATMA Schedule

Also Read: 

Top MBA/BBA Entrance Exams

International Business Courses: Syllabus

Along with domain-specific papers, the syllabus for the International Business course includes core subjects of business administration and management. 

Take a look at the syllabus of International Business courses below:

Semester 1

Management Process & Organisational Behaviour

Accounting for Managers

Quantitative Techniques 

Managerial Economics

Semester 2

International Marketing

International Economics 

Foreign Trade Management 

International Human Resources Management

Semester 3

International Strategic Management

International Business Laws & Arbitration

Global Logistics & Supply Chain Management

Global Financial Management 

Semester 4

Global Business Ethics and Corporate Governance

Expert Import Procedures

Foreign Trade Policy and Management

Export & Import Finance 

Detailed syllabus for International Business courses

Also Read: Importance of Studying International Business During MBA

Is International Business Management a good major to study or is Finance better?

MBA in International Business program emphasizes global business strategies, cross-cultural management, international trade, and global market trends.

On the other hand, an MBA in Finance delves into financial management aspects, including corporate finance, investment analysis, portfolio management, financial planning, and risk management.

Candidates can check the table below to see the comparison between the three courses.

Particulars

MBA in International Business

MBA in Finance

Course Level

UG and PG

Postgraduate

Course Duration

2 - 3 years

2 years

Course Fees

INR 47,000 - INR 24.7 Lakh

INR 1.4 Lakh - INR 23.9 Lakh

Entrance Exam

CAT, XAT, MAT, CMAT, ATMA, etc.

CAT, XAT, NMAT, CMAT, MAH CET, etc.

Job Profiles

IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, IIM Lucknow, etc.

Financial Analyst, Finance Manager, Assistant Vice President - Corporate Banking, etc.

Average Salary

International Business Development Manager, Export Manager, International Business Consultant, International Finance Manager, etc. 

INR 4 to INR 10 Lakhs

Top Recruiters

INR 5 LPA - 22 LPA

KPMG, HDFC, ICICI Bank, J P Morgan, Deutsche Bank etc

Also Read:

Top 80 Group Discussion Topics for MBA 2023

Top Colleges for International Business Courses

The preferred choice among students for International Business courses is after graduation, i.e. MBA or PGDM. Given below are the 10 popular MBA colleges in India for International Business courses.

Top Government Colleges for International Business Courses 

In India, several government colleges and institutions offer excellent International Business courses. 

Here are some of the top government institutions known for their International Business programs:

College Name

Total Fees 

IIM Bangalore

INR 1 Lakh

IIM Calcutta

INR 4.3 Lakh - INR 12.89 Lakh

IIM Lucknow

INR 2.4 Lakh

IIM Indore

INR 2.41 Lakh

Jamia Millia Islamia

INR 38,500 - INR 47,000

Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, Delhi

INR 75,000 - INR 21.77 Lakh

Banaras Hindu University

INR 99,310

Aligarh Muslim University

INR 5.92 Lakh

Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University

INR 2 Lakh

Top Private Colleges for International Business Courses 

In India, several private colleges and universities offer top-notch international business courses. 

Here are some of the prominent private institutions known for their programs in international business:

College Name

Total Fees 

Management Development Institute

INR 24.7 Lakh

Chandigarh University 

INR 5.56 Lakh

Amity University, Noida

INR 13.44 Lakh

LPU 

INR 3.2 Lakh - INR 9.6 Lakh

Christ University

INR 6.2 Lakh - INR 8.6 Lakh

T A Pai Management Institute, Manipal, MAHE

INR 16.5 Lakh

UPES

INR 75,000 - INR 1.5 Lakh

Birla Institute of Management Technology

INR 14 Lakh

Galgotias University

INR 2.98 Lakh

Also Read:

List of Top IIMs in India

Top MBA Colleges for Placements

List of Top 100 B-Schools in India Accepting GMAT Score

International Business Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary and Top Recruiters

The career scope for International Business in India is substantial and continues to grow as the global economy becomes more interconnected. 

India's increasing participation in the global economy and its evolving trade relations with various countries create a favourable environment for International Business professionals. Continuous advancements in technology and communication further fuel the demand for skilled individuals who can navigate the complexities of global markets. 

Therefore, pursuing a career in International Business in India offers diverse and promising opportunities across multiple sectors.

International Business Average Salary in India

International Business courses open up the gate for a career in international trade and business, apart from running a business in export and import, candidates can find high-paying jobs in MNCs and tech giants at the managerial level. 

Some of the job profiles are mentioned below:

Job Profiles

Description

Average Salary (in INR)

International Business Development Manager

A business development manager assists their firm in acquiring new clients and businesses, by way of marketing or sales.

9.9 LPA

Export Manager

Export managers’ main responsibility is finding international buyers for their product manufacturers domestically. 

9.5 LPA

International Business Consultant

International or foreign business consultants’ main role is to advise and assist a business in international deals. 

5 LPA

International Finance Manager

The role of an international finance manager includes handling critical fronts of a business, like fundraising, risk minimization, understanding international trends and forecasting, etc. 

22 LPA

International Marketing Manager

The role of an international marketing manager includes finding buyers and markets overseas; ensuring that the business is being run as per the latest market trends and developing products to satisfy consumer’s demand. 

16.4 LPA

Also Read:

List of all International Business colleges in India

Top MBA in International Business colleges in India

International Business Top Recruiters

International Business graduates are high in demand for various profiles at managerial levels in multinational companies as well as start-ups planning to expand their business. Foreign banks, finance companies as well as manufacturing industry hire graduates of International Business courses in various capacities. 

Some of the top recruiters in India are listed below:

International Business Top Recruiters

Abbot

Amazon

Ernst & Young

Cargill

HCL

Hennes & Mauritz

Bharati Airtel

Cipla

Citi Bank

Cognizant Business

Deloitte

RBS

KPMG

Reckitt Benckiser

Nokia

Philips

JP Morgan

Goldman Sachs

Google

Tolaram Group

Also Read:

Top 5 MBA Specialisations in India

14 MBA specialisations you should definitely know about

International Business Courses FAQs

Q. What is an International Business course?

A. International Business courses are an educational program that prepares individuals to navigate the complexities of conducting business on a global scale. International Business courses are designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the global marketplace, international trade, and the intricacies of managing businesses across borders.

International Business courses are offered at various academic levels, including undergraduate, postgraduate, and specialized certifications. International Business courses often include case studies, real-world projects, internships, or study abroad opportunities to provide practical exposure to global business environments.

Q. What should I study for International Business?

A. In Class 12, focusing on a well-rounded education is beneficial if you're considering pursuing a career in international business. While there might not be specific subjects dedicated solely to international business at this level, you can prioritise certain subjects that can lay a strong foundation for your future studies in this field:

  • Commerce or Business Studies: These subjects provide fundamental knowledge about business principles, economics, management, and trade that are relevant to international business.
  • Economics: Studying economics helps understand market dynamics, global economic trends, trade policies, and factors influencing international business environments.
  • Mathematics: Developing strong analytical and quantitative skills through mathematics is valuable for financial analysis, statistics, and strategic business decisions.

Q. What is the scope of the International Business course?

A. The scope of an International Business course is vast and continues to expand as the world becomes more interconnected. 

The scope of the International Business course is diverse and ever-expanding due to globalization, technological advancements, and evolving trade relations between countries. A career in International Business offers opportunities across various sectors, requiring a mix of business acumen, cross-cultural understanding, strategic thinking, and adaptability to succeed in the global marketplace.

Q. Is International Business a difficult course?

A. The difficulty of an International Business course can vary depending on various factors such as the complexity of the curriculum, individual strengths, and the level of commitment put into the studies. 

Here are some considerations regarding the perceived difficulty:

  • Multifaceted Content: International Business covers a wide array of topics, including global economics, cross-cultural management, international finance, marketing, supply chain management, and trade policies. 
  • Complexity of Global Business Environment: Understanding the complexities of global markets, cultural differences, geopolitical factors, and navigating international regulations can be challenging. 
  • Continuous Changes in Global Landscape: Staying updated with market trends, technological advancements, and geopolitical shifts can require a constant learning curve.
  • Practical Application and Experience: Some aspects of International Business might be more effectively learned through practical experience, internships, or exposure to real-world scenarios. 

Q. Is International Business an MBA?

A. International Business itself is not necessarily an MBA, but it can be a specialization or concentration within an MBA program.

Furthermore, International Business courses are mainly taught in the BBA, BCom, MBA and PGDM course levels. 

Q. Can I study International Business after Class 12?

A. Yes, you can pursue studies in International Business after completing Class 12. Typically, after finishing secondary education (Class 12), students can enrol in undergraduate programs that specialize in business administration or management with a focus on International Business.

Admission requirements might include:

  • Completion of Class 12 or equivalent.
  • Meeting specific academic performance criteria (often minimum GPA requirements).
  • Language proficiency tests (if the program is in a language other than your native language).
  • Some institutions might require additional entrance exams or interviews as part of the admission process.

Q. Which is better MBA or MBA IB?

A. MBA in International Business specifically concentrates on global business strategies, cross-cultural management, international trade, and operating in the global marketplace.

On the other hand, a general MBA provides a broad understanding of various business functions such as finance, marketing, operations, human resources, and management without a specific focus on international aspects.

Candidates can check the table below to see the comparison between the courses.

Particulars

MBA in International Business

MBA 

Course Level

UG and PG

Postgraduate

Course Duration

2 - 3 years

2 years

Course Fees

INR 47,000 - INR 24.7 Lakh

INR 2 Lakh - INR 27 Lakh and above

Entrance Exam

CAT, XAT, MAT, CMAT, ATMA, etc.

CAT, XAT, NMAT, CMAT, MAH CET, etc.

Job Profiles

IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, IIM Lucknow, etc.

Finance Manager, Marketing Manager, Sales Manager, Human Resources Manager, etc.

Average Salary

International Business Development Manager, Export Manager, International Business Consultant, International Finance Manager, etc. 

INR 5 LPA - INR 25 LPA

Top Recruiters

INR 5 LPA - 22 LPA

Boston Consulting Group, McKinsey, Bain & Co, Morgan Stanley, Citibank, JP Morgan Chase, Amazon, Facebook, Google, Adobe, etc.

Q. Which MBA is better HR or International Business?

A. MBA in International Business emphasizes global business strategies, cross-cultural management, international trade, and navigating the complexities of the global marketplace. 

On the other hand, an MBA in HR concentrates on human resource management strategies, talent acquisition, training and development, organizational behaviour, and workforce management.

Candidates can check the table below to see the comparison between the three courses.

Particulars

MBA in International Business

MBA in HR 

Course Level

UG and PG

Postgraduate

Course Duration

2 - 3 years

2 years

Course Fees

INR 47,000 - INR 24.7 Lakh

INR 1.4 Lakh - INR 23.9 Lakh

Entrance Exam

CAT, XAT, MAT, CMAT, ATMA, etc.

CAT, XAT, NMAT, CMAT, MAH CET, etc.

Job Profiles

IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, IIM Lucknow, etc.

Financial Analyst, Finance Manager, Assistant Vice President - Corporate Banking, etc.

Average Salary

International Business Development Manager, Export Manager, International Business Consultant, International Finance Manager, etc. 

INR 4 to INR 10 Lakhs

Top Recruiters

INR 5 LPA - 22 LPA

KPMG, HDFC, ICICI Bank, J P Morgan, Deutsche Bank etc

Popular International Business Colleges in India

Following are the most popular International Business Colleges in India. Learn more about these International Business colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
1.04 L
1 L
13.05 L
2.41 L
1 Course
26 L
25.58 LPA

Popular Private International Business Colleges in India

1 Course
4.69 L
2.8
1 Course
9.5 L
9.5 LPA

International Business Applications open. Apply Now

1 Course
8.95 L
4.4
MNC Co-Certified PGDM with Industry Collaborations: IBM,JLL,Manpower. Highest CTC 9.25L
2 Courses
3 L - 3.5 L
4.0

International Business Applications open. Apply Now

6.75 L
5.2 LPA

International Business Applications open. Apply Now

2.9 L - 4.26 L
3.7

International Business Applications open. Apply Now

Popular International Business UG Courses

Following are the most popular International Business UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

UG Courses

Popular International Business PG Courses

Following are the most popular International Business PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

Popular Exams

Following are the top exams for International Business. Students interested in pursuing a career on International Business, generally take these important exams.You can also download the exam guide to get more insights.

19 Dec ' 24

CAT 2024 result announcement

3 Dec ' 24 - 5 Dec ' 24

CAT 2024 answer key challenge

12 Apr ' 25

SET 2025: Last date of Registration and fee payment

25 Apr ' 25

SET 2025 admit card availability (Test 01)

25 Dec ' 24 - 10 Feb ' 25

MAH CET 20245 registration process

Mar '25

MAH MBA CET 2025

TENTATIVE

31 Jan ' 25 - 2 Feb ' 25

CMAT 2025 Answer Key Release and Challenge

25 Jan ' 25

CMAT 2025 exam date

Important Exam Dates

DatesUpcoming Exam Dates
To Be Notified

URAT PG 2025 Application Process (Phase 1)

To Be Notified

URAT PG 2025 Exam Dates

To Be Notified

URAT PG 2025 Course-Wise Answer Keys

To Be Notified

URAT PG 2025 Phase II Application

To Be Notified

URAT PG 2025 Document Submission for Admission

To Be Notified

URAT PG 2025 First Merit List

DatesPast Exam Dates

09 Jun '18

MMET 2018 June exam

24 Mar '18

MMET 2018 March exam

22 Jul '24 -

30 Jul '24

SHIATS Entrance Exam 2024 Offline Counselling

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Student Forum

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Write here...

Answered 5 days ago

Yes, you can pursue an MBA with a dual specialisation in International Business and Human Resource Management (HR). Many universities and business schools offer MBA programs that allow you to specialize in multiple areas. These dual specializations are designed to equip you with a broader skill set,

...Read more

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Amit Saini

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

Here are some top colleges in the UK and Germany for International Finance and International Business:

 

United Kingdom:

1. University of Oxford: Offers a Master of Financial Economics program.

2. University of Cambridge: Provides various MSc programs in Finance.

3. London School of Economics and Politic

...Read more

A

ABHINAV SRIVASTAVA

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a month ago

Saint Joseph's University offers a master's in International Business for international students. The course includes Management, Marketing, Finance, and Global Strategic planning. The course is suitable for those who have a graduate degree in Sales, Marketing, Policy, International Banking, Human R

...Read more

J

Jasleen Shukla

Beginner-Level 5

Answered a month ago

EMPI Business School accepts multiple national-level management exams, including XAT, for admitting students to its PGDM courses. In 2024, the XAT cutoff percentile for admission to the PGDM in International Business course was 60 for the students belonging to the General AI quota. So, candidates se

...Read more

R

Rashmi Sinha

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Yes, you can pursue studies in International Business after completing Class 12. Typically, after finishing secondary education (Class 12), students can enrol in undergraduate programs that specialize in business administration or management with a focus on International Business.

Admission requireme

...Read more

H

Himanshi Bisht

Beginner-Level 5

Answered a month ago

The significance of PGDM programme in International Business is given below:

  • JIMS PGDM-IB is a dual specialisation (both majors) course which provides the opportunity to select between Finance & Marketing specialisation along with International Business 
  • Extensive course curriculum covering all aspect

...Read more

A

Anangsha Pandey

Beginner-Level 4

Answered 2 months ago

With the increasing movement of domestic companies in the overseas markets and establishments of Global companies in India, the Corporate world prioritises individuals with exposure to Global business understanding. Candidates can explore the significance of the JIMS PGDM programme in International

...Read more

J

Jaya Madavi

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 2 months ago

After completing MBA in International Business from Guru Kashi University candidates can purse various global opportunities. Some of the job roles include, International Marketing Manager, Export and Import Manager, International Business Consultant, Global Supply Chain Manager, International Financ

...Read more

V

Vishakha

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Admission to the MBA in International Business program at the Delhi School of Economics is strictly based on the CAT score. For general category cut-offs, they generally range near the 90 percentile rank. For other categories, it's almost a notch down: some 87-88 percentile for EWS and PWD candidate

...Read more

10284439
Ujjwal Gupta

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 months ago

SAGE University Bhopal offers a total of 60 seats for BCom in International Business & Finance. The university offers a total of 300 seats which are equally divided among its specialisations. Candidates can find the seat distribution for other specializations below:

CoursesSeats
B.Com. in Computers60
B.Com in Liberal Education60
B.Com. in Financial Analysis60
B.Com. in Business Economics60

R

Ranjeeta Rai

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

The curriculum of the MBA in International Business covers a wide range of subjects, including international trade and analytics, international business, international marketing, global finance, cross-cultural management, and strategic management. However, the first-semester subject is meant to make

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V

Vishakha

Contributor-Level 10