There are lots of perks associated with working at one of the Big 4. And you might have heard a rumor that they will pay for your MBA? Is this true?
After extensive digging, I learned Big 4 firms would pay for your MBA degree through their own sponsorship programs. However, you must work for them for some years after completing the degree (and fulfill some other requirements to become eligible.)
In this article, I’ll go through:
- The specific policy of each Big 4 firm – Deloitte, EY, KPMG, and PwC
- Their eligibility criteria
- The ins and outs of how their sponsorship programs work
Table of Contents
Will Big 4 Firms Pay For Your MBA?
In a nutshell – yes, they probably will!
The Big 4 firms will financially support you to pursue your MBA degree. They have introduced different programs for their employees, for that matter. (Source)
Below, I’ll discuss:
i) the sponsorship programs
ii) eligibility criteria
iii) the application process to apply for the MBA at these firms.
1. Deloitte
Deloitte provides sponsorship for the top 20 MBA programs. It claims that its employees have a higher acceptance rate in this regard. (I can’t categorically say this is true, but I believe them!) (Source)
1. Sponsorship Program
Deloitte has designed the Graduate School Assistance Program for its employees to offer them sponsorship in the top business schools. (Source)
Here’s the table for the benefits of this sponsorship program.
| Benefits | Description |
| Job Security | Secures Senior Consultant position at the firm |
| Fee Coverage and Allowance | Full tuition fee coverage after a 2-year commitment to the firm and tech allowance for computer-related purchases |
| GMAT Preparation | Discount for GMAT preparation classes along with events, activities, and sessions for application |
| Meeting with Admission Directors | Symposium with the MBA admission directors or representatives from the approved programs |
| Mentorship | Mentorship and alumni network to match analysts with Deloitte business school graduates for support and guidance |
| Internship | Non-consulting or Deloitte summer internship options during the first and second years of the MBA program |
2. Eligibility Criteria
Here’s how it works…
If you are eyeing out the MBA sponsorship program at Deloitte, you need to clock in for at least 3-4 years before applying for the sponsorship program.
The company won’t pay for your MBA program up-front while you are studying. But – here’s a bonus – it will reimburse the fee if you complete 2 years at Deloitte after graduation. (Source)
Deloitte wants to ensure that it invests in professionals who are committed to their careers. And, of course, it wants those that can contribute to the company’s success.
3. Application Process
The application process for the Deloitte MBA Sponsorship program is a two-step journey that involves:
- acceptance to the GSAP or Graduate School Assitance Program
- enrollment.
To apply for MBA, you must fulfill the eligibility criteria given in the GSAP process and guidelines, which are distributed for each program cycle. (Source)
2. PwC
Like Deloitte, PwC also offers a comprehensive sponsorship and helps its selected employees to pursue their MBA degrees.
1. Sponsorship Programs
The PwC Advisory Scholars program provides exceptional career growth opportunities to its workforce.
This program offers a $1200 to $5000 fee/semester or year to the Associates and Senior Associates.
You can also apply for PwC’s super competitive program that will pay your tuition fee for your MBA.
2. Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility for the Advisory Scholars program at PwC requires at least 3 years of service. They also want a track record as a top performer.
Not only that, you must make a 2-year commitment to return to the firm after completing your degree. (Source)
3. Application Process
PwC usually accepts applications for the Advisory Scholars program from September till 1 February next year.
For the application process, you need to:
- Fill out the form
- Get recommendations from two partners
- Have your vertical/sector/practice lead finalize a business case (Source)
3. EY
EY offers all its employees MBA scholarships to give them a better shot at advancing their careers. (Source)
1. Sponsorship Programs
EY has 2 MBA sponsorship programs:
- Part-time or executive MBA
- Fully accredited online MBA in association with Hult International Business School
(Source)
I’m a big online Quora consulting geek, and here’s what a graduate has to say about the EY online MBA program on Quora: “See what I observed is, EY in collaboration with Hult International Business School is offering an MBA degree to its employees. It will be on the online platform. So certainly not be considered as a threat to the B-schools. The employees can choose the subjects on their own and form their curriculum. This is been initiated to improve the leadership and communication skills of their employees.” (Source)
2. Eligibility Criteria
For the executive or part-time MBA sponsorship program, you must work for 2-4 years at the EY. You must also hold a senior (or above) position.
However, you must return to the firm for 3 more years after completing your MBA or pay back the sponsorship amount. (Source)
If you want to apply for the EY fully-accredited online MBA program, you need to:
- Be an employee at EY
- Complete 16 badges
- Get approval from a partner
- Complete 3 pillar papers and 1 final capstone project
(Source)
3. Application Process
For a part-time MBA, simply submit your application to the school of your choice and then apply for the sponsorship program at EY.
If you are interested in the EY fully-accredited online MBA program, you must register through the Hult online form after fulfilling all the requirements. You can request the link to the form from the program team via email. (Source)
4. KPMG
Just like the rest of the Big 4 firms, KPMG has also designed sponsorship programs to assist their employees in pursuing higher education while still working.
1. Sponsorship Programs
KPMG has three MBA sponsorship programs in place, including:
- Full coverage
- Partial coverage
- Loan Program
(Source)
2. Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for applying to the KPMG MBA sponsorship program include:
- Working at KPMG for the last 3 years
- 2-year commitment to the company after graduation
- Stay a top performer and show growth potential at the firm
- Get admission to an accredited business school
- For the loan program, you must have a minimum of 650 credit score
(Source)
3. Application Process
To apply for the sponsorship program at KMPG, you have to submit a formal application that includes a personal statement, academic transcript, and resume.
Afterward, the firm will invite you for a phone or in-person interview and give you an offer letter if you get selected for the sponsorship program.
If you’re interested in finding out more about salaries and perks involved with working at the Big 4, then I found the following Youtube video useful:
