If you're a working professional looking to advance your career without the hassle of standardized tests, several top universities offer Executive MBA (EMBA) without GMAT. An EMBA puts more focus on leadership and professional achievements than test scores as would be required for an MBA. In this blog, we will discuss the 10 best executive MBA programs without GMAT, the top colleges, and their requirements.
Key Highlights:
- Top institutions that provide Executive MBA programs without GMAT scores are MIT, London Business School, Cambridge Judge, and INSEAD.
- The average cost of these EMBA programs ranges from USD 75,000 to USD 200,000 (INR 62 lakhs to INR 1.6 crore), depending on the university and location.
- An EMBA is usually a 1-year program, in contrast to a general PGDM of 2 years.
|
Table of Contents: |
What is an Executive MBA?
An Executive MBA or an EMBA program is designed for working professionals with 5-10 years of industry experience. This degree prepares professionals for executive-level jobs. It helps you further hone your leadership and strategic skills. Since this is taken up by working professionals, you can either get a full-time executive MBA (usually a 1-year program), or you can also do it part-time, while working. The coursework is similar to a traditional MBA, but here the focus is more on advanced classroom discussions across industries. After an Executive MBA program, you can expect to make around USD 1 million.
Do You Need a GMAT for an Executive MBA Abroad?
Many aspiring professionals wonder if a GMAT score is necessary for pursuing an Executive MBA (EMBA) abroad. While some programs still require standardized tests, a number of prestigious institutions are increasingly offering options for candidates to apply without giving the GMAT exam. This flexibility allows experienced individuals to leverage their professional backgrounds and achievements as alternatives to traditional testing, opening doors to advanced business education.
- Research Programs: Look for EMBA programs that don’t require the GMAT. Check their rankings and specialisations that match your career goals.
- Leverage Work Experience: Demonstrate a history of increasing responsibilities to show your readiness for advanced study.
- Prepare Application Materials: Clearly express your reasons for pursuing an EMBA and how it fits your career plans. Choose recommenders who can highlight your strengths and contributions.
- Engage with Admissions Staff: Attend informational sessions or meetings to learn more about the program.
- Consider Financial Aspect: Look into tuition and other expenses. Evaluate scholarships or employer sponsorships. If the program has residencies, consider travel and accommodation needs.
- Apply to Multiple Programs: Apply to several schools to improve your chances of acceptance. Tailor each application to fit the program's culture and requirements.
Top 10 EMBA Programs that Don’t Require GMAT
Although many universities that offer EMBAs require the GMAT, numerous other universities also offer EMBAs without the requirement. We've covered the best universities and executive MBA programs that don't require a GMAT in addition to some important information like costs, locations, rankings, and other specifics.
|
University Name |
QS Ranking (2025) |
Location |
Duration |
Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
MIT Sloan |
4 |
Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA |
20 months |
USD 192,000 (INR 1,59,68,820) |
|
London Business School |
5 |
London, England |
20 months |
GBP 108,100 (INR 1,14,15,280) |
|
Judge Business School |
7 |
Cambridge, England |
20 months |
GBP 75,800 (INR 80,01,400) |
|
INSEAD |
11 |
Fontainebleau, France |
14-17 months |
EUR 128,775 (INR 1,17,19,520) |
|
Kellogg School of Management |
11 |
Evanston, Illinois, United States |
2 years |
USD 111,096 (INR 92,40,780) |
|
UCLA Anderson |
14 |
Los Angeles, California, USA |
22 months |
USD 176,490 (INR 1,46,78,840) |
|
Said Business School |
19 |
Oxford, England |
22 months |
USD 98,590 (INR 81,99,820) |
|
Imperial College Business School |
18 |
London, England |
23 months |
GBP 63,400 (INR 66,93,000) |
|
Boston University |
35 |
Boston, Massachusetts, USA |
22 months |
USD 4,000 per module (INR 3,32,680) |
|
NYU Stern |
43 |
New York, United States |
22 months |
USD 213,100 (INR 1,77,24,590 |
1.MIT Sloan
MIT Sloan’s 20-month Executive MBA program is designed for senior executives. The tuition is USD 192,000. Although the GMAT is not required, candidates may take the exam if they feel their academic transcripts don’t reflect their abilities. The program emphasizes innovation and leadership.
|
Location |
Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States |
|
QS World Ranking |
4 |
|
Program Name & Duration |
Executive MBA; 20 months |
|
Tuition Fees |
USD 192,000 (INR 1,59,68,820) |
|
EMBA Without GMAT Details |
While the GMAT test is not required, consider taking the exam if you feel your school transcripts do not adequately represent your academic abilities. |
2. London Business School
London Business School offers a 20-month Executive MBA program. Tuition is GBP 108,100, and a GMAT or GRE waiver may be granted in exceptional cases, particularly for candidates with strong professional experience and analytical skills. The program fosters global leadership and strategic thinking.
|
Location |
London, England |
|
QS World Ranking |
5 |
|
Program Name & Duration |
Executive MBA; 20 months |
|
Tuition Fees |
GBP 108,100 (INR 1,14,15,280) |
|
EMBA Without GMAT Details |
GMAT or GRE can be waived in exceptional or very rare cases only if the candidate whose work experience, professional status or prior degree/training indicates a high level of analytical or quantitative ability. |
3. Judge Business School
Cambridge Judge’s 20-month Executive MBA program has tuition fees of GBP 75,800 for the Cambridge EMBA and GBP 86,600 for the Global EMBA. The GMAT can be waived if you demonstrate the required skills through other parts of your application. The program focuses on leadership and global business strategy.
|
Location |
Cambridge, England |
|
QS World Ranking |
7 |
|
Program Name & Duration: Business & management studies |
Cambridge Executive MBA; 20 months Global Executive MBA; 20 months |
|
Tuition Fees |
Cambridge executive MBA: GBP 75,800 (INR 80,01,400) Global Executive MBA: GBP 86,600 (INR 91,41,440) |
|
EMBA Without GMAT Details |
If you feel that the skills covered by the GMAT can be demonstrated elsewhere in your application then you may request a waiver; this may be granted at the discretion of the Executive MBA Director. |
4. INSEAD
INSEAD’s Global Executive MBA spans 14-17 months, with a tuition fee of EUR 128,775. Candidates can opt for INSEAD’s in-house admissions test instead of the GMAT. The program provides a global learning environment with campuses across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
|
Location |
Fontainebleau, France |
|
QS World Ranking |
11 |
|
Program Name & Duration: Business & management studies |
Global Executive MBA; 14-17 months |
|
Tuition Fees |
EUR 128,775 (INR 1,17,19,520) |
|
EMBA Without GMAT Details |
Candidates can take the INSEAD’s In-House EMBA admissions test instead of the GMAT. In addition, in March 2016 the new “Executive Assessment” was accepted instead of the GMAT. |
5. Kellogg School of Management
The Kellogg Executive MBA is a two-year program that emphasizes leadership growth and global networking. A GMAT score is only necessary if there are doubts about academic capabilities. The tuition for the program is USD 111,096, and it caters to seasoned professionals looking to enhance their management expertise.
|
Location |
Evanston, Illinois, United States |
|
QS World Ranking |
11 |
|
Program Name & Duration |
Executive MBA; 2 years |
|
Tuition Fees |
USD 111,096 (INR 92,40,780) |
|
EMBA Without GMAT Details |
No GMAT required. Applicants may be asked to take the GMAT if the initial review of their transcripts reveals specific areas of concern or question. The admissions committee will make this request only in special circumstances. |
6. UCLA Anderson
UCLA Anderson’s 22-month Executive MBA program costs USD 176,490 and provides a flexible approach to GMAT requirements. While the GMAT/GRE is optional, additional quantitative support may be requested based on the review of your application.
|
Location |
Los Angeles, California |
|
QS World Ranking |
14 |
|
Program Name & Duration |
Executive MBA; 22 months |
|
Tuition Fees |
USD 176,490 (INR 1,46,78,840) |
|
EMBA Without GMAT Details |
GMAT/GRE is optional. Sometimes, additional quantitative support may be required upon further review of your application after submission. |
7. Said Business School
The University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School offers a 22-month Executive MBA program. With tuition fees of USD 98,590, the program emphasizes leadership and innovation. GMAT exemptions are available for highly experienced professionals demonstrating significant career achievements.
|
Location |
Oxford, England |
|
QS World Ranking |
19 |
|
Program Name & Duration |
Executive MBA; 22 months |
|
Tuition Fees |
USD 98,590 (INR 81,99,820) |
|
EMBA Without GMAT Details |
GMAT exemptions available for only highly experienced candidates. |
8. Imperial College Business School
Imperial College’s 23-month Executive MBA program offers tuition of GBP 63,400. The GMAT is not compulsory but may be recommended if academic performance doesn’t fully reflect your potential. The program combines cutting-edge business education with a global perspective.
|
Location |
London, England |
|
QS World Ranking |
18 |
|
Program Name & Duration |
Executive MBA; 23 months |
|
Tuition Fees |
GBP 63,400 (INR 66,93,000) |
|
EMBA Without GMAT Details |
GMAT is not compulsory. You can take the test if you feel your degree performance does not reflect your academic potential. |
9. Boston University
Boston University offers a 22-month Online MBA with modular pricing of USD 4,000 per module. The program’s flexible admission requirements include an optional GMAT or GRE, which can be waived for applicants demonstrating sufficient quantitative aptitude.
|
Location |
Boston, Massachusetts, United States |
|
QS World Ranking |
35 |
|
Program Name & Duration |
Online MBA; 22 months |
|
Tuition Fees |
USD 4,000 (INR 3,32,680) per module or USD 533 (INR 44,330) per credit |
|
EMBA Without GMAT Details |
GMAT or GRE is optional. You must have enough quantitative aptitude to waive off the GMAT or GRE. |
10. NYU Stern
NYU Stern’s Executive MBA program spans 22 months, offering a rigorous curriculum designed for working professionals. The program does not require a GMAT or GRE, but candidates lacking demonstrated quantitative or academic skills may consider taking the exam. With a tuition of USD 213,100, the program equips students with leadership skills and global business expertise.
|
Location |
New York, United States |
|
QS World Ranking |
43 |
|
Program Name & Duration |
Executive MBA; 22 months |
|
Tuition Fees |
USD 213,100 (INR 1,77,24,590) |
|
EMBA Without GMAT Details |
GMAT, GRE, etc is not required. However, you may consider taking the exam only if you have not demonstrated sufficient academic or quantitative ability |
Without a GMAT, these were some of the top executive MBA programs, however, are not the only ones. Numerous other universities provide comparable courses. Research thoroughly and apply to the top executive MBA programs without taking the GMAT.
How to Pursue an Executive MBA Without a GMAT?
Unable to administer a GMAT? Hold onto your hope! Without a GMAT, you can still pursue an executive MBA. Let's see how: The following standards and prerequisites that you must meet to study executive MBA without taking the GMAT will be considered by the admissions officers:
- Work Experience: Candidates must have a minimum of four to eight years of work experience since this demonstrates their professional growth, and indicates whether they have advanced in their careers.
- Higher Education: If the university you are applying to allows it and grants waivers, you can usually avoid the GMAT exam if you already hold a master's or doctoral degree.
- High GPA: With an extremely good GPA, you can pursue an executive MBA without taking the GMAT. A GPA of 3.0-3.5 is required by several elite B-schools. A high GPA shows that you can manage challenging coursework without sacrificing your academic performance.
- Expert Accreditation: In many business-related occupations, licensure and/or certification (such as CFA, CPA, or Six Sigma) are necessary. Licensed candidates have proven they possess the skills and credentials needed to pass industry exams. Based on licenses or certifications, some universities may choose to disregard GMAT scores.
- Recommendation Letters: You can increase your chances of being accepted into a reputable business school by obtaining recommendation letters. It can assist admissions officers in evaluating both your general performance and your managerial skills.
- Essays or Personal Statements: You get the chance to express in your own words why you should be accepted into the program and how you want to succeed there in the essay or personal statement. Highlight your professional and academic accomplishments in this essay, along with how you intend to apply your MBA overseas.
The best universities offering executive MBA programs without a GMAT can easily accept you if you can prove your managerial prowess. A list of these colleges is tabulated below.
How to Apply for An Executive MBA Without A GMAT?
Applying for Executive MBA programs without the GMAT is a feasible option at many top universities. The process is straightforward, requiring you to research suitable programs, meet the eligibility criteria, and submit your application online. By following a few simple steps and preparing key documents, you can apply to prestigious EMBA programs and take your career to the next level.
Applying to Executive MBA programs without the GMAT can be straightforward if you follow these simple steps:
- Step 1: Research Programs
Find Executive MBA programs that match your career goals and preferences. - Step 2: Check Requirements
Review the eligibility criteria and GMAT waiver policies on the university’s website. - Step 3: Prepare Documents
Gather necessary documents like your resume, transcripts, recommendation letters, and a personal statement. - Step 4: Apply Online
Submit your application through the university’s online portal well before the deadline. - Step 5: Pay the Application Fee
Cover the application fee, as required by the program. - Step 6: Prepare for an Interview
If needed, schedule and prepare for an admissions interview. - Step 7: Track Your Application
Monitor your application status through the university’s portal and await their decision.
From the Desk of Yocket
Pursuing an Executive MBA without the GMAT is possible at many top institutions worldwide. These programs focus on leadership, global business strategy, and innovation, often valuing professional experience over standardised test scores. Each university has specific requirements, with many offering GMAT waivers or alternative assessments for experienced candidates. Are you planning to study abroad but unsure where to start? Book a free consultancy call with Yocket today! Our expert counsellors will guide you through university selection, application processes, scholarships, and visa procedures—all personalised to your profile and goals
