Top B Schools without GMAT Requirement: Rankings, Fee & Eligibility Criteria
Did you know you can still be admitted to top B-schools abroad without a GMAT score? Many prestigious universities abroad offer MBA, MiM, Business Analytics, and other business programs without requiring GMAT submission. However, specific eligibility criteria must be met for a GMAT waiver. In this blog, we have provided detailed information on top B schools without GMAT requirements
B-Schools without a GMAT Score: Top Reasons for Waiver
GMAT, or Graduate Management Aptitude Test, is conducted by GMAC to evaluate the quantitative skills of business school aspirants. More than 200,000 business school candidates take the GMAT exam every year to gain admission to graduate management programs. However, there are certain reasons for the university to provide a GMAT waiver fully or optionally.
- Many B-schools prefer to evaluate the comprehensive academic and professional background of the candidates rather than one-time test scores.
- Universities provide alternative test methods and requirements in place of GMAT to assess the candidates of students for top business management programs.
- B-schools prefer candidates who possess real-life experience and practical skills to compete in a dynamic business environment, which a single GMAT score can’t provide.
Top Business Schools without GMAT
The GMAT requirements vary across universities and business schools. Some institutions offer GMAT waivers without additional eligibility criteria for international students, while others grant waivers only if specific requirements are met.
EDHEC
EDHEC is one of the leading French business schools that provide business and management programs such as MBA and MiM. MiM provides 3 specialisations in finance, business management, and global master’s in management track. It is one of the top business schools without a GMAT.
| Courses | QS World University Rankings 2025 (by subject) | Financial Times Ranking 2024 | Total Tuition Fee | Duration | GMAT Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MBA | 51 | 57 | EUR 52,500 | 10 months | Optional (TageMage score is required) |
| MiM (Business Management) | 21 | 4 | EUR 49,450 | 24 months | Optional (TageMage score is required) |
| MiM (Finance) | 21 | 4 | EUR 49,450 | 24 months | Optional (TageMage score is required) |
| Global Master’s in Management | 21 | 4 | EUR 49,450 | 24 months | Optional (TageMage score is required) |
ESCP
ESCP stands out as a leading international business school with a network of about 90,000 alumni, students, and faculty committed to driving innovation in the dynamic business world. ESCP provides courses like MBA, MiM, and Master’s in Strategy & Digital Business. It is one of the top B-schools without GMAT.
| Courses | QS World University Rankings 2025 (by subject) | Financial Times Ranking 2024 | Total Tuition Fee | Duration | Condition of GMAT Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MBA (International Management) | 27 | 25 | TBA | 10-22 months | Not Required |
| MiM | 8 | 6 | EUR 53,000 | 24 months | Optional (TageMage/CAT score is required) |
| M.Sc in Strategy & Digital Business | 8 | 6 | EUR 32,790 | 24 months | Not Required |
University of Warwick
The Warwick Business School of the University of Warwick is a leading UK business school that offers some of the top business programs, such as MBA, M.Sc Management, and M.Sc International Business. The institute’s mission is to impart change and make students aware of their true potential and skills that they can use to succeed in the business world.Â
| Courses | QS World University Rankings 2025 (by subject) | Financial Times Ranking 2024 | Total Tuition Fee | Duration | Condition of GMAT Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MBA | 30 | 60 | GBP 57,500 | 12 months | Optional (GPA of Upper Second Class 2:1) |
| M.Sc Management | 22 | 33 | GBP 37,270 | 12 months | Not Required |
| M.Sc International Business | 22 | 33 | GBP 36,270 | 12 months | Not Required |
Imperial College London
The Imperial College Business School of Imperial College London combines innovative thinking with the latest technology to develop solutions to real-world issues that benefit the business and improve society. It provides life-long professional career development services and access to a global alumni network to have successful careers in the business world.
| Courses | QS World University Rankings 2025 (by subject) | Financial Times Ranking 2024 | Total Tuition Fee | Duration | Condition of GMAT Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MBA | 18 | 39 | TBA | 12 months | Optional (GPA of Upper Second Class 2:1) |
| M.Sc Management | 15 | 24 | TBA | 12 months | Optional (CGPA 7.5/10 or 65%) |
Audencia Business School
The Audencia Business School offers an MBA without a GMAT requirement. Applicants can choose from a variety of specialisations that will help them gain creative skills, entrepreneurial abilities, and in-depth knowledge of the business and management fields.
| Courses | QS World University Rankings 2025 (by subject) | Financial Times Ranking 2024 | Total Tuition Fee | Duration | Condition of GMAT Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MBA | 89 | 77 | EUR 31,500 | 11 months | Not Required |
University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh MBA and M.Sc in Management programs place more emphasis on strategic leadership and development, which helps students realise their career aspirations and achieve their full potential.Â
| Courses | QS World University Rankings 2025 (by subject) | Financial Times Ranking 2024 | Total Tuition Fee | Duration | Condition of GMAT Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MBA | 58 | 92 | GBP 43,300 | 12 months | Not Required (Honours Degree 2:1) |
| M.Sc Management | 33 | 88 | GBP 33,100 | 12 months | Not Required (Honours Degree 2:1) |
| M.ScR Management | 33 | 88 | GBP 30,500 | 12 months | Not Required (Honours Degree 2:1) |
University College Dublin
The business and management programs offered by University College Dublin cover comprehensive subject topics like finance, strategy management, asset management, marketing, etc. UCD is one of the top Irish business schools that provide master’s in management and MBA without GMAT requirements.
| Courses | QS World University Rankings 2025 (by subject) | Financial Times Ranking 2024 | Total Tuition Fee | Duration | Condition of GMAT Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MBA | 101 | 91 | EUR 37,910 | 18 months | Optional (GMAC Executive Assessment/GRE is required) |
| M.Sc International Business | 46 | 28 | TBA | 12 months | Not Required |
| M.Sc Management | 46 | 28 | TBA | 12 months | Not Required |
| CEMS Management | 46 | 28 | TBA | 16 months | Not Required |
| M.Sc Strategic Management | 46 | 28 | TBA | 12 months | Not Required |
IE Business School
IE Business School, Spain, provides International MBA, MBA Dual Degree, and MiM programs to international students, which equips them to navigate the challenges of a dynamic business environment.Â
| Courses | QS World University Rankings 2025 (by subject) | Financial Times Ranking 2024 | Total Tuition Fee | Duration | Condition of GMAT Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| International MBA | 9 | 20 | EUR 82,300 | 11-15 months | Optional (IE Global Admission Test) |
| MBA Dual Degree | 9 | 20 | EUR 82,300 | 19 months | Optional (IE Global Admission Test) |
| MiM | 9 | 21 | EUR 43,300 | 15 months | Optional (IE Global Admission Test) |
Cornell University
Cornell SC Johanson School of Business of Cornell University is ranked number 15 out of 124 business schools in the USA. It provides 3 business management programs to international students, which are MBA, Tech MBA, and MPS in Management.
| Courses | QS World University Rankings 2025 (by subject) | Financial Times Ranking 2024 | Total Tuition Fee | Duration | Condition of GMAT Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MBA | 31 | 9 | USD 83,106 | 24 months | Not Required (A strong personal statement is required) |
| Tech MBA | 33 | 9 | USD 129,918 | 12 months | Not Required (A strong personal statement is required) |
| MPS in Management | - | - | TBA | 10 months | Optional (3.4/4 GPA is required) |
B-Schools without GMAT: Eligibility Criteria to Pursue Management Programs
As discussed above, universities or B-schools where the GMAT requirement is either optionally or fully waived for granting admission to business management courses set up alternative eligibility criteria to evaluate the academic readiness and relevant skill sets of the candidates. Some of these most common eligibility criteria are discussed below:
Academic Background
Many institutes require applicants to have a strong GPA to demonstrate their overall educational background instead of submitting a GMAT score. The average GPA should be around 3.0-3.5 out of 4.0 GPA or 65%-70% in their previous undergraduate program to avail the benefit.
Work Experience
Business schools also require students to have significant professional experience (post-study internship/work experience), depending on the course.
| Course | Years of Work Experience Required |
|---|---|
| MBA | 3-5 Years |
| MiM | 1-2 Years |
| Other Master’s in Management programs (Business Analytics, International Business, Global Master’s, etc.) | 1-2 Years |
Alternative Standardised Test
Business schools also consider candidates based on their performance in the alternative standardised and university-specific tests such as the GRE, GMAC Executive Test (EA), individual business school admission test, etc., as they serve to evaluate the competitiveness of the candidates more holistically.
Certifications
Having professional certifications such as CFA II or CPA can strengthen the management course application under a GMAT waiver.
Conclusion
Pursuing business management programs such as MBA and MiM without GMAT is possible when you have fulfilled certain requirements such as a high academic GPA, relevant professional experience, extra certifications, appearing in other types of standardised tests, etc.Â
If you want to know more about these benefits and make your profile strong for admission into top business schools, schedule a free consultation call with AdmitX.
FAQs
Which US business schools don’t require a GMAT?
Cornell University, University of Virginia Darden, University of Maryland, Boston University, Boston University, Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), Dartmouth College (Tuck), Texas A&M University, etc., don’t require GMAT for their business and management programs.
Is it required to submit a GMAT score at Harvard University?
You can submit the GRE instead of the GMAT score to pursue an MBA program at Harvard Business School. Having either a GRE or GMAT score is a prerequisite for admission into the MBA program.
How can I skip the GMAT requirements?
Depending on the institute, you can skip the GMAT requirements by submitting your strong GPA scores, significant work experience or certifications, and strong and compelling SOPs and LORs that you possess.
What are some of the best business schools that provide MBA programs without GMAT?
Some of the best business schools that provide MBA without GMAT requirements are EDHEC, University of Edinburgh, University College Dublin, ESCP, IE Business School, Audencia Business School, etc.
Does an internship count as professional experience?
Yes, an internship counts as professional experience, but when it is pursued after completing the undergraduate courses. Internships while studying bachelor’s courses are not counted as professional experience in terms of years of experience.
