Singapore
Business
School

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about the SBS Online MBA — admissions, tuition, duration, accreditation, exams, payment plans

General Information

Is everything really online? Do I have to attend classes in person?

Yes — the Singapore Business School Online MBA is delivered 100% online, including all lectures, course reports, and the final examination. You are not required to attend any class in person, travel to Singapore, or sit a proctored test, which makes this one of the most flexible distance learning MBA programs available. All course materials are pre-recorded and hosted in our LMS, which you can access 24/7 from anywhere in the world using a laptop, desktop, tablet, or smartphone with a stable internet connection. The fully online, self-paced format is also what makes SBS one of the fastest online MBA programs — most students complete the degree in 4 to 6 months.

Are SBS study programs accredited?

Yes — the Singapore Business School MBA program holds several international accreditations that confirm the program meets international standards for online MBA education. The full list of accreditations, including the issuing body for each, is published on our Accreditations page. If an employer, recruiter, or admissions office needs to verify the accreditation status of your SBS MBA degree, they can also request written confirmation by emailing contact@sbs-online.world, and we will respond directly.

Will an SBS Online MBA help me get a promotion or a better job?

Yes — the Singapore Business School Online MBA is designed to support career growth, salary increases, and promotion. Adding an internationally recognized MBA degree to your CV signals to employers that you have advanced business management skills, strategic thinking, and the discipline to complete a graduate-level program while working full-time. Many of our students use the SBS MBA degree to strengthen their candidacy for senior management roles, support a career transition into a new industry, and back up promotion requests with a formal credential during performance reviews. Because the program is 100% online and self-paced, you can earn an MBA without leaving your current job — and the affordable $990 USD price point makes the SBS Online MBA one of the highest-ROI MBA programs for working professionals.

I don't have much time on my hands. How can I even manage to complete an online course on the side?

Yes — the Singapore Business School Online MBA is built specifically for working professionals with limited time. The program is 100% online and fully self-paced, so you can study during evenings, weekends, lunch breaks, or whenever your schedule allows, with no live classes to attend and no fixed deadlines for individual lectures. Most students spend 10 to 15 hours per week on coursework, but you can study irregularly without losing progress because your LMS access remains open for up to 24 months. This flexibility is what makes SBS one of the few online MBA programs that students can realistically complete on the side of a full-time job — without putting your career, family, or personal life on hold.

How many hours a week will I need to study?

Students typically need 10 to 15 hours per week to complete the Singapore Business School Online MBA, although the exact amount depends on your pace and chosen study duration.

  • To finish the fastest online MBA track in 4 to 6 months, plan for around 20 hours per week.
  • To complete the program at a steady one-year pace, around 10 hours per week is sufficient.
  • If you have less time available, you can study irregularly without any weekly minimum — the only constraint is the 24-month maximum LMS access period included in your tuition.

Because the program is 100% online and self-paced, you choose when and how intensively you study.

What if I won’t be able to complete my degree within my chosen duration of studies?

If you need more time than the standard 24-month LMS access period included in your tuition, Singapore Business School offers a paid extension — you can extend your study term for an extra 12 months by paying a $300 USD extension fee. This brings the total maximum study window to 3 years (24 months standard + 12 months paid extension). Most students never need the extension because the 24-month standard window is enough to complete the Online MBA at a comfortable pace; the program is designed to be finished in 5-10 months at a focused pace or one year part-time. If you reach the 24-month limit and still need more time due to work, family, or any other reason, contact your Student Advisor to arrange the extension. The self-paced, distance learning format means you never lose progress on previously completed coursework.

What courses are included in the SBS Online MBA curriculum?

The Singapore Business School Online MBA curriculum consists of 6 mandatory core courses totaling 120 credits — sufficient on their own for graduation — plus a portfolio of 8 optional elective courses you can add to specialize the degree. The 6 mandatory courses are: Introduction to Finance, Accounting, Modeling and Valuation; Financial Analysis; Digital and Social Media Marketing; Product Management; Project Management; and Building a Team. Optional electives include Blockchain and Bitcoin Fundamentals; Build a Virtual Web Design & SEO Team; Communication Skills; Copywriting; Data Analysis Essentials Using Excel; Logistics and Supply Chains; Minimum Viable Product; and Probability and Statistics for Business and Data Science. Full descriptions of each course, including learning outcomes and credit values, are available on our Program Structure page.

How does SBS compare to other online MBA programs?

Singapore Business School differs from most online MBA programs in three key ways: price, format, and examination model.

  • Price: at $990 USD with our 67% scholarship, the SBS MBA is one of the cheapest internationally accredited online MBA programs available — typical online MBAs cost $10,000 to $80,000 USD.
  • Format: the program is 100% online with no live classes, no campus visits, and no fixed schedule, while many competing programs still require synchronous Zoom sessions or short residencies.
  • Examinations: SBS exams are entirely assignment-based — you submit written course reports and a Capstone Project rather than sitting timed proctored exams.

This combination — affordable, fully online, and assignment-based — is designed for working professionals who want a fastest-completion online MBA without disrupting their job or finances.

Course Fees and Scholarships

What are the course fees?

The Singapore Business School Online MBA costs $990 USD as a one-time all-inclusive tuition fee with our 67% scholarship applied (regular price $2,990 USD), which makes it one of the most affordable online MBA programs in the world. The $990 scholarship fee covers all 6 mandatory courses (120 credits, sufficient for graduation), up to 24 months of study time, regular tutor support, the final examination, and the electronic MBA Degree Certificate with academic transcript.

You can also split the $990 fee into up to 3 monthly installments (a small surcharge applies). If you prefer a lower upfront payment, choose the Split Tuition Plan with scholarship: $590 USD Tuition Fee + $590 USD Examination Fee, each of which can also be paid in up to 3 monthly installments. There are no application fees or hidden charges. Full pricing details are on the Fee Structure page.

Can I pay the course fees in installments?

Yes — the Singapore Business School Online MBA can be paid in monthly installments under any of our scholarship plans. For the $990 USD all-inclusive plan with our 67% scholarship, you can pay in one of three ways:

  • One-time payment of $990 USD
  • Two monthly installments of $550 USD (30 days apart)
  • Three monthly installments of $390 USD (30 days apart)

For the Split Tuition Plan with scholarship, both the $590 USD Tuition Fee and the $590 USD Examination Fee can also be paid in up to 3 monthly installments each. Monthly installments are billed 30 days apart, and there are no late fees as long as payments are made on schedule. All payment plans give you immediate LMS access after the first payment.

Which payment methods are available?

Singapore Business School accepts major credit and debit cards (MasterCard, Visa) and PayPal for all Online MBA tuition payments, including one-time payments and monthly installment plans. Payments are processed securely through industry-standard payment gateways, and you can pay in USD from any country. Once your payment is received, you will receive LMS login credentials by email within 30 to 60 minutes, so you can start the program the same day.

Next to the course fees, are there any other charges that apply at SBS?

No — the Singapore Business School Online MBA tuition fee is all-inclusive, with no hidden charges. The $990 USD scholarship fee (or the equivalent Split Tuition Plan) covers all 6 mandatory courses, up to 24 months of study, regular tutor support, the final examination, and the electronic MBA Degree Certificate with academic transcript. There are no application fees, no exam fees beyond what is included, and no graduation fees. The only optional charges apply if you choose to add extra elective courses or services — for example, a printed hard-copy degree certificate is available for an additional $250 USD. All optional fees are listed on the Fee Structure page, so you can decide in advance exactly what you want to pay for.

Are scholarships available?

Yes — Singapore Business School currently offers a 67% scholarship on the Online MBA tuition fee, reducing the all-inclusive cost from $2,990 USD to $990 USD. The scholarship is available until May 22, 2026 and applies automatically to all eligible applicants — there is no separate scholarship application form or essay required. Apply now to confirm your eligibility. The 67% scholarship is what makes the SBS Online MBA one of the most affordable accredited online MBA programs available worldwide, and it can be combined with our monthly installment plans for an even lower upfront cost. Important: to receive the scholarship you must complete your tuition payment before the promo deadline — after the promotional period ends, the full price applies.

How to Study Online

How does distance learning work at SBS?

Distance learning at Singapore Business School is 100% online and fully self-paced, with no live classes, no fixed enrollment dates, and no requirement to travel to a physical campus. Once your tuition payment is processed, you receive login credentials to our Learning Management System (LMS) within 30 to 60 minutes, where you access all pre-recorded video lectures, course materials, and assignments. You study when and where it suits you — at home, during commutes, on lunch breaks — using any laptop, desktop, tablet, or smartphone with internet access. Exams are assignment-based: you submit course reports after each module and a final Capstone Project. The flexible distance learning format is designed for working professionals who need an affordable, fastest-completion online MBA that fits around their job.

What equipment do I need for my studies?

You only need a reasonably modern computer (laptop or desktop) and a stable internet connection to complete the Singapore Business School Online MBA. The LMS works in any modern web browser — Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge — and does not require installing specialized software, proctoring tools, or hardware accessories like webcams. Tablets and smartphones also work for watching lectures and reading materials on the go, although writing course reports and the Capstone Project is easier on a full-size keyboard. Because the program is 100% online and self-paced, no physical books, no campus visits, and no specialized equipment are required — making this one of the most accessible distance learning MBA programs for students anywhere in the world.

Can I get a demo?

Yes — Singapore Business School offers a free LMS demo so you can preview the Online MBA learning experience before applying. Visit our demo page at lms.sbs-online.world and click "Demo Login" to access example lectures, sample course materials, and the assignment interface for our mandatory MBA courses. The demo shows the actual platform our enrolled students use, so you can verify that the distance learning format, video quality, and self-paced structure work for you before committing to the program. No registration, payment, or personal information is required to access the demo — it is open to anyone considering an affordable online MBA.

How do I get help from tutors during my studies?

Singapore Business School provides full tutor support throughout your Online MBA. You submit your questions through the support form on our website, and the tutor's reply arrives in your email inbox. Under the standard Regular Support plan, which is included in every scholarship tuition fee, our tutors respond within 7 business days. If you want faster turnarounds — for example, if you are completing the fastest online MBA track in 4 to 6 months and need quicker replies — you can upgrade to our Premium Support plan, which guarantees a response within 1 business day. Tutors mainly help with technical questions about the LMS, study materials, and clarifying course content.

What language is the SBS Online MBA taught in?

The Singapore Business School Online MBA is taught 100% in English — all video lectures, course materials, written assignments, and tutor communication use English exclusively. Course reports and the final Capstone Project must also be submitted in English. We do not require a formal language test such as IELTS or TOEFL. If English is not your native language, the best way to check whether your level is sufficient is to try our free LMS demo — log in and watch a sample lecture to confirm you can comfortably follow the tutor's explanations before applying. Because English is the global language of business and is used in most international accreditation frameworks, completing the SBS MBA in English makes your degree directly usable on your CV with employers worldwide, without the need for translation or certification of your diploma.

Admission and Enrolment

What are the eligibility criteria?

Singapore Business School maintains accessible eligibility criteria so that the Online MBA is open to a wide range of working professionals.

English proficiency: the program is delivered entirely in English, so you must be able to follow lectures and write assignments in English. If English is your native language or you graduated from an English-speaking school or university, no proof of English is required. If English is your second language, you can check whether your level is sufficient by trying our free LMS demo — log in and watch a sample lecture to confirm you can comfortably follow the tutor's instructions.

Education: the minimum required level is a High School diploma, Two-Year College certificate, or Associate's degree. A Bachelor's degree is not required, but advanced credentials may qualify you for course exemptions.

We accept applicants from any country, with no geographic restrictions. Full details are on our Admission Requirements page.

How does the application process work?

The Singapore Business School Online MBA application process takes only a few minutes and consists of five simple steps:

  1. Fill out the short application form on our website.
  2. Receive approval from your dedicated Student Advisor — usually within an hour.
  3. Confirm your program choice and any optional courses.
  4. Pay the scholarship tuition fee in full or via a monthly installment plan.
  5. Receive your LMS login credentials by email within 30 to 60 minutes after payment and begin your studies.

For the discounted scholarship plan, the process is even shorter — you can fill out the form, pay the scholarship tuition fee in one click, and start studying the same day. There are no application fees and no entrance exams.

Are there any application fees?

No — Singapore Business School does not charge any application fees for the Online MBA program. You can submit the application form, receive a response from your Student Advisor, and confirm your eligibility entirely free of charge. The only fee involved in starting the program is the tuition fee itself, which is $990 USD with our 67% scholarship (or the Split Tuition Plan equivalent) and is paid only after your application is approved. There are also no entrance exam fees, no document review fees, and no enrollment deposits — making the SBS Online MBA one of the most accessible and affordable online MBA programs to apply to.

When can I start studying?

You can start the Singapore Business School Online MBA on the same day you pay your tuition fee — there are no fixed enrollment dates or semester start cycles. Once your payment is processed, LMS login credentials are sent to your email within 30 to 60 minutes, giving you immediate access to all course materials. If you prefer to begin later, you can also postpone your start date by up to 12 months from the payment date at no extra cost; just let your Student Advisor know the date you want to begin. This rolling enrollment is part of what makes SBS one of the most flexible distance learning MBA programs — you control exactly when your studies begin.

I have already taken similar courses. Can you make an exemption?

Yes — Singapore Business School recognizes prior learning and allows course exemptions for subjects you have already completed at other accredited institutions. We accept any degree, diploma, or certificate as the basis for an exemption, provided the course content matches our MBA curriculum.

You can coordinate the list of exemptions either before or after enrollment — exemptions do not affect the scholarship price either way, so you pay the same $990 USD all-inclusive tuition fee (or Split Plan equivalent) regardless. To request exemptions, simply send your previous diplomas and academic transcripts to your Student Advisor in reply to your application approval email. Exemptions reduce the time you need to spend on the Online MBA, which is useful if you want to use the fastest online MBA track and graduate in 4 to 6 months.

Examination and Graduation

What is the examination process?

The Singapore Business School Online MBA uses a two-stage, fully online, assignment-based examination process — there are no proctored sit-down exams or trips to a test center.

Stage one: after completing each course, you submit a written course report that demonstrates your mastery of the material. Your tutor reviews and grades each report as the first part of your overall examination.

Stage two: at the end of the program, you complete a Capstone Project — a business plan for a venture, industry, or market of your choice. SBS provides a structured template you can follow to write a strong project, and your tutor supports you throughout the process. You do not need to actually launch or implement the business plan — a well-written theoretical plan is sufficient for graduation. Many students treat the Capstone as a planning exercise that doubles as a real future blueprint, but the academic requirement is the written document only.

What degree and documents do I receive from SBS?

Singapore Business School awards graduates an MBA Degree Certificate — formally a Master of Business Administration (MBA) — accompanied by an official academic transcript listing all completed courses, credits earned (120 credits for the standard program), the grades awarded, and the Capstone Project topic. The Degree Certificate identifies you as a graduate of the Master of Business Administration program at Singapore Business School. Both documents are issued as electronic versions (high-resolution PDFs with verification details), which are sufficient for most employers, recruiters, and further education applications such as DBA or PhD programs. If you also want printed hard copies sent by international courier (DHL or EMS), you can order them for an additional Hard Copy Fee of $250 USD. Sample images of the Degree Certificate and academic transcript are shown on our Examination Process page and on the MBA landing pages.

Does SBS hold a graduation ceremony?

No — Singapore Business School does not hold an in-person graduation ceremony, because our Online MBA is 100% online and our students live and work all over the world, finishing the program at different times and at their own pace. Organizing a single physical ceremony for a globally distributed, self-paced student body is not practical. Instead, your graduation is finalized entirely online: once your Capstone Project is approved, your electronic MBA Degree Certificate and academic transcript are issued within 3 business days. The fully online graduation process is one of the practical benefits of a distance learning MBA — you do not need to travel, take time off work, or arrange international flights to receive your degree.

How can I verify the degree issued by your school?

The Singapore Business School MBA degree can be verified directly by your employer or educational institution by sending a written verification request to contact@sbs-online.world. We respond to all official verification requests with formal confirmation of degree authenticity, the graduate's enrollment dates, and the courses completed — at no charge to either the graduate or the requesting organization. As an alternative, third-party diploma verification agencies can also confirm and certify the validity of your SBS MBA degree; one such agency is QualificationCheck. If you need an official certified true copy of your Degree Certificate — for example, for legal or government purposes — SBS can issue one for an additional $100 USD fee. For most career and education purposes, direct email verification from SBS is sufficient and is the fastest method.

How long does it take to receive my MBA degree certificate after graduation?

Singapore Business School issues your electronic MBA Degree Certificate and academic transcript within 3 business days of your Capstone Project being approved by your tutor. The electronic documents are delivered as high-resolution PDFs by email, ready to share with employers, recruiters, or university admissions offices. If you ordered a printed hard-copy certificate (additional $250 USD), it ships in our next outbound batch — typically within approximately 1 month of your e-Certificate issuance — and is sent by DHL or EMS international courier with tracking. You do not have to order the hard copy right after graduation — you can request it at any later date, whenever you actually need it (for example, when an employer asks for an original document). Delivery times depend on your country's customs and courier processing; occasional delays due to force majeure events are possible but rare.

How can I use my SBS MBA degree in my country?

Most employers worldwide accept the Singapore Business School MBA degree as-is, without requiring any additional government certification or notarization, thanks to the international accreditations that back the program. You can add the MBA Degree Certificate directly to your CV, LinkedIn profile, and job applications, and use it during interviews, performance reviews, and promotion discussions as a formal credential. If an employer or recruiter wants to verify the degree, they can email contact@sbs-online.world for written confirmation directly from SBS at no charge, or use a third-party diploma verification agency such as QualificationCheck.