If you have ever wondered whether you could study an MBA in UK without GMAT, then look no further! In this article, we talk about the different ways you can pursue your dream course without having to present GMAT scores in the UK. While it may seem preposterous, more and more B-schools in UK are choosing to enrol students in MBA without GMAT.
GMAT, the Graduate Management Admission Test, is the world-renowned standardised test used by top B-schools to enrol prospective students on a variety of management programmes. However, in recent years, several business schools around the globe have offered alternative routes for aspirants to apply for MBA without GMAT in UK and other countries as well.
From alternative entrance exams to reference and recommendation letters and much more, universities and colleges accept a range of options that qualify a prospective student’s candidature. In this article, apart from different methods you can choose to pursue an MBA in UK without GMAT, we will also highlight the different universities that accept MBA applications without GMAT and other crucial information as well.
Can I Study MBA in UK Without GMAT?
Quite simply, yes, you can study MBA in UK without GMAT. GMAT is a standardised aptitude test that can help universities and business schools evaluate the basic aptitude of an applicant. However, with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, many universities have waived their GMAT requirements, allowing applicants to study MBA without GMAT.
Many UK universities now base their admissions on other criteria such as past academic record (GPA), CV, work experience, Statement of Purpose (SOP) and Letters of Recommendation (LORs).
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Eligibility to Study MBA in UK Without GMAT?
Since we know it is possible to study MBA in UK without GMAT, it is important to understand how you can make it possible for yourself. Listed below are some of the ways you can still enrol in an MBA without GMAT in any one of the top UK universities this year.
Bachelors Degree
UK universities will require applicants to have a bachelor's degree in a field relevant to the fields of business and management. Although not a compulsion, having a degree in a relevant field will show that the student is not new to the field.
GPA
GPA is already a compulsory requirement for international students to apply for MBA courses in the UK. However, every university has its own GPA requirement.
In general, to get admission to UK business schools for MBA without GMAT, international students need to have a GPA of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.
English Proficiency Requirement
The IELTS exam is highly regarded in the UK, so much so that UK universities ask international students applying to MBA courses to meet their specific IELTS band score requirement.
The minimum IELTS bands score required is 6.5 bands although section-wise requirements may be set at 6.0 or 5.5 bands.
Having said that, scores of other English proficiency tests such as TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo, can be submitted alternatively.
Work Experience
Work experience in corporate organisations, or institutions applying principles of business, is required from international students applying for MBA in UK without GMAT.
This requirement may or may not be a compulsion depending on the university or business school. However, having work experience can boost ones chances of admission.
Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation (LOR) from authorised persons are also required for MBA admissions in the UK.
UK universities and business schools ask for a specific number of LORs (at least two at most b-schools). Additionally, they mention specific recommenders. Students can submit additional LORs, if they so wish, as far as they satisfy the requirements mentioned by the university.
MBA SOPs
Almost all MBA universities in UK ask applicants to submit an MBA SOP, with or without GMAT scores. However, in the case of an MBA application without GMAT, the importance of an SOP increases. UK universities expect the SOP to act as the voice of the applicant and state their reasons and motivation behind choosing their university, course, and specialisation. An MBA SOP can help universities get an idea about the knowledge and passion of the student and how they can be an ideal fit for the university.
How to Study MBA in UK Without GMAT?
The GMAT is a standardised exam, most often used for admission to courses in the fields of business and management. However, in case a university chooses to do away with GMAT scores for MBA admissions, they look at alternatives such as:
GRE Exam
Same as the GMAT exam, the GRE is also used for admission to graduate programs. However, unlike GMAT its applicability is not limited to MBA courses. MS courses in STEM, humanities, liberal arts, etc. require GRE scores. Banking on its widespread acceptance, UK universities have started accepting the exam as an alternative to GMAT scores for MBA courses.
Before applying for MBA with GRE scores, students are advised to check whether the university accepts GRE scores or not.
Work Experience
Work experience is also one of the most crucial factors in MBA admissions in the UK. This is primarily because work experience means that the student has worked in the industry and can be expected to be aware of general norms and practices. So, the higher the years of experience, the greater the chances of admission.
Projects
UK business schools often assess a candidate based on the projects they have been a part of. These projects can be academic or non-academic. While academic projects include those assigned as part of the Bachelor's degree, non-academic projects can often mean volunteering or extra-curricular activities such as being an active member of a committee on campus.
Online & Part-time MBA Courses
Online and part-time MBA courses can be a suitable option for international students who want to study an MBA without GMAT but are unable to enrol in a full-time MBA degree.
Top Universities for MBA in UK Without GMAT
Here are some of the top UK universities and business schools along with their alternative requirements for applying for MBA without GMAT:
UK MBA University |
Admission Requirements without GMAT |
GRE scores MBA SOP stating post-MBA goals Personal statement with any additional information about their achievements |
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Meet academic requirements Work Experience Evidence for having skills in critical reasoning, analytical writing, problem-solving, and data analysis |
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Meet academic and other eligibility requirements GRE verbal score of 160 and quantitative score of 160 |
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Imperial College Business School |
GRE verbal score of 156 and quantitative score of 158 Copy of transcripts detailing modules taken and grades achieved Up-to-date Academic CV |
GRE test scores |
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GRE test scores The Warwick test |
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Honours degree or equivalent professional degree Five years of work experience IELTS: 7.0 bands, with 6.5 bands in each section |
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Honours degree or equivalent professional degree Appropriate work experience IELTS: 6.5 bands, with 5.5 bands in each section |
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Recognised bachelor's degree from a recognised university with 60% or above aggregate percentage IELTS/Evidence of English medium education with 80% or above in English subject |
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Northumbria University |
Recognised bachelor's degree from a recognised university with 60% or above aggregate percentage IELTS Appropriate Work Experience |
How to Apply for MBA in UK Without GMAT?
If you have decided to study MBA in UK without GMAT and possess the necessary qualification that allows you to do so then, you must complete the application process for the same, as outlined by your dream university in the country. Detailed in brief here is the general application process commonly followed by business schools in the UK for MBA admissions without GMAT scores.
Step 1: Students must go through the university's eligibility criteria to understand whether they are accepting applications without GMAT scores or not.
Step 2: Go through the alternative eligibility criteria of GMAT scores submission listed by the university.
Step 3: Complete the alternative requirements as listed by the university.
Step 4: Collect all the required application documents and compile them with alternative requirements.
Step 5: Submit the application to the university by paying an application fee, and wait for the offer letter.
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Documents Required to Apply for MBA in UK Without GMAT
The final application for MBA in UK without GMAT will include general application documents, and documents relevant to alternative eligibility criteria of the university. These are:
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Application Form,
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Academic CV (including Work Experience details),
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Academic Transcripts (including BBA degree),
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MBA SOP,
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IELTS band score,
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English Proficiency Test Scores,
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LORs,
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Research Project Outlines.
Note: This list is non-exhaustive. Students may be asked to submit only selected documents or additional documents.
Therefore, if you are planning to study MBA in UK without GMAT, then it is important for you to understand the ways you can prove your candidature for the programme. In other words, with the help of your professional experience and qualifications, or your academic report and achievements, you may qualify as an eligible candidate. However, it should be noted that submitting a valid GMAT score will significantly boost the chances of enrolment at any top B-school in the UK or around the world.
MBA colleges in UK are among the best in the world. Let the experienced study abroad experts guide you with the selection and application process. You can also write to them at abroad@collegedekho.com.
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