While an MBA remains the most sought-after program for international students, taking the GMAT can be expensive and time-consuming. Around 3-4 months go into preparation, the costs are as high as INR 23,000 per exam and you may need many additional resources. While it’s true that a good GMAT score can increase your chances of admission into top B-schools, many programs offer an MBA without GMAT.
To learn more about such B-schools, read this blog!
Key Highlights:
- Some of the top business schools offering MBA without GMAT include MIT, Harvard, and Stanford GSB.
- The cost of studying for an MBA without GMAT range between USD 30,000 (INR 24 lakhs) to USD 81,000 (INR 69 lakhs).
- Countries like the US, UK and Canada offer top MBA programs to qualified candidates without requiring the GMAT.
- If you don’t have a valid GMAT score, you must have an excellent academic profile, extracurricular record, and 2-3 years of work experience.
Top 10 MBA Programs Without GMAT Requirement
Many top B-schools around the world offer MBA without GMAT, such as MIT (Sloan), Northwestern (Kellogg), and UC Berkeley (Haas). These programs focus on holistic evaluations, considering professional experience, academic performance, and personal attributes.
List of Business Schools offering MBA without GMAT:
|
QS Ranking (2025) |
University |
Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|
|
4 |
MIT Sloan School of Management |
USD 77,170 (INR 64.86 Lakhs) |
|
9 |
University College London (UCL) |
EUR 42,500 (INR 43.15 Lakhs) |
|
11 |
Northwestern University (Kellogg) |
USD 112,330 (INR 94.40 Lakhs) |
|
13 |
Haas School of Business, UC Berkeley |
USD 127,860 (INR 1.07 Cr) |
|
17 |
NYU Stern School of Business |
USD 76,780 (INR 64.55 Lakhs) |
|
22 |
Ross School of Business |
USD 72,000 (INR 60.56 Lakhs) |
|
57 |
Tuck School of Business |
USD 78,000 (INR 65.60 Lakhs) |
|
101-110 |
Durham University |
EUR 40,000 (INR 36.18 Lakhs) |
|
141-150 |
SP Jain School of Global Management |
USD 41,000 (INR 35 Lakhs) |
|
3 (Subject Ranking, Uni Ranking NA) |
London School of Business and Finance |
EUR 115,000 (INR 1.17 Cr) |
If you want to stay one step ahead in your MBA journey abroad, let Yocket Premium be your trusted guide, helping you understand every step with confidence and opening doors to your dream university.
Now, let us understand more about the top business schools offer an MBA program without requiring the GMAT.
1. MIT Sloan School of Management
With an undergraduate degree, you can apply to MIT Sloan's MBA program without a GMAT score. Highlight your academic, extracurricular, and professional achievements to strengthen your application. Take advantage of this opportunity, as few top schools offer a GMAT waiver.
|
University Type |
Private |
|
Location |
Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA |
|
Course Duration |
2 years |
|
Specialisations Offered |
Finance, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Operations, Strategy, Analytics |
|
Fees |
USD 77,170 (INR 64.86 Lakhs) |
|
Eligibility Criteria |
Work Experience - 5 years Average GPA - 3.6 |
2. University College, London
University College London (UCL) lets you apply for their MBA without a GMAT if you have significant professional experience or strong academic credentials. Their program stands out for its focus on sustainability and social impact.
|
University Type |
Public |
|
Location |
London, United Kingdom |
|
Course Duration |
1 year |
|
Specialisations Offered |
Finance, Management, Marketing, International Business, Digital Innovation |
|
Fees |
EUR 42,500 (INR 43.15 Lakhs) |
|
Eligibility Criteria |
|
3. Northwestern University (Kellogg)
You can apply to Kellogg School of Business MBA programs without GMAT scores if your GPA is 3.4/4.0 or higher. This waiver allows you to focus on showcasing other strengths in your application.
|
University Type |
Private |
|
Location |
Evanston, Illinois, USA |
|
Course Duration |
2 years |
|
Specialisations Offered |
Finance, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Operations, Strategy, Analytics |
|
Fees |
USD 112,330 (INR 94.40 Lakhs) |
|
Eligibility Criteria |
|
4. Haas School of Business, UC Berkeley
The Haas School of Business offers MBA without GMAT requirements if you have an undergraduate degree in a relevant field, such as economics and business. If you have a STEM-related degree with a GPA above 3.5, you can also get the GMAT waiver.
|
University Type |
Public |
|
Location |
Berkeley, California, USA |
|
Course Duration |
2 years |
|
Specialisations Offered |
Finance, Marketing, Management, Data Science |
|
Fees |
USD 127,860 (INR 1.07 Cr) |
|
Eligibility Criteria |
|
5. NYU Stern School of Business
NYU Stern School of Business allows you to apply for the MBA program without a GMAT if you have significant work experience or a strong academic record. The program focuses on finance and offers unique opportunities in New York City, including access to top companies and networking events.
|
University Type |
Private |
|
Location |
New York City, USA |
|
Course Duration |
2 years |
|
Specialisations Offered |
Finance, Marketing, Business Analytics |
|
Fees |
USD 76,780 (INR 64.55 Lakhs) |
|
Eligibility Criteria |
|
6. Ross School of Business
The Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan accepts MBA applications without a GMAT score if you have substantial work experience or a strong academic background. A key feature of the program is the Multidisciplinary Action Projects (MAP), where you work on real-world business problems.
|
University Type |
Public |
|
Location |
Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA |
|
Course Duration |
2 years |
|
Specialisations Offered |
Strategy, Finance, Marketing, Operations |
|
Fees |
USD 72,000 (INR 60.56 Lakhs) |
|
Eligibility Criteria |
|
7. Tuck School of Business
If you have 2+ years of professional experience, the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth University can offer you a GMAT waiver. Submit an additional waiver form and provide valid work experience documents.
|
University Type |
Private |
|
Location |
Hanover, New Hampshire, USA |
|
Course Duration |
16 months |
|
Specialisations Offered |
MBA in Global Business |
|
Fees |
USD 78,000 (INR 65.60 Lakhs) |
|
Eligibility Criteria |
|
8. Durham University
Durham University offers MBA admissions without the GMAT for candidates with significant work experience, strong academic backgrounds, or relevant professional qualifications. You can demonstrate your potential through interviews and personal statements.
|
University Type |
Public |
|
Location |
Durham, United Kingdom |
|
Course Duration |
1 year |
|
Specialisations Offered |
Marketing, Finance, International Business, Management, Operations. |
|
Fees |
EUR 40,000 (INR 36.18 Lakhs) |
|
Eligibility Criteria |
|
9. SP Jain School of Global Management
With campuses in India, Dubai, and Singapore, SP Jain is one of the leading B-schools today. While a good GMAT score is preferred, you can also be eligible for admission if you crack the SP Jain Aptitude Test (SPJAT).
|
University Type |
Private |
|
Location |
Dubai, Singapore, Sydney, Mumbai |
|
Course Duration |
16 months |
|
Specialisations Offered |
MBA in Global Business |
|
Fees |
USD 41,000 (INR 35 Lakhs) |
|
Eligibility Criteria |
|
10. London School of Business and Finance
Although most MBA programs in the London School of Business require a valid GMAT score, some programs like an MBA in International Business offer a GMAT waiver. You need 2 years of professional experience to be eligible for this program.
|
University Type |
Private |
|
Location |
London, United Kingdom |
|
Course Duration |
1 year |
|
Specialisations Offered |
MBA in International Business |
|
Fees |
EUR 115,000 (INR 1.17 Cr) |
|
Eligibility Criteria |
|
MBA in USA without GMAT
Many top MBA universities in the USA have introduced flexible admission policies for MBA. This allows candidates to apply without submitting GMAT scores. Instead, the universities focus on other factors such as work experience, academic performance, and leadership qualities when evaluating applicants. Some top B-schools that offer an MBA without GMAT in the USA are:
|
Business School |
Eligibility for GMAT Waivers |
|---|---|
|
GMAT is optional |
|
|
NYU Stern |
GMAT is waived if you qualify for the 22-month program. |
|
15+ years of work experience |
|
|
MIT Sloan |
10+ years of work experience. |
|
Ross School of Business, University of Michigan |
The GMAT isn’t required unless there are concerns about your analytical skills or academic background. |
Suggested: A Guide to Studying MBA in USA Without GMAT
MBA in Canada without GMAT
Schools like Rotman, Ivey, and Schulich in Canada offer MBA without GMAT scores. A few others are: consider work experience, leadership roles, or professional certifications, allowing candidates to apply without the GMAT requirement.
Some top B-schools that offer an MBA without GMAT in Canada are:
|
Business School |
Conditions for GMAT Waiver |
|---|---|
|
5 years of work experience or CPA/CFA certification. |
|
|
GMAT isn’t required if you’ve held leadership positions and have strong professional accomplishments. |
|
|
5 years of work experience or relevant certifications. |
|
|
Strong academic background and at least 3 years of work experience. |
|
|
3+ years of professional experience. |
MBA in UK without GMAT
In the UK, several top business schools, like Warwick, Durham, and Birmingham, allow you to apply for an MBA program without GMAT if you have professional experience. They focus on work experience and leadership roles instead.
Some top B-schools that offer an MBA without GMAT in the UK are:
|
Business School |
Conditions for GMAT Waiver |
|---|---|
|
5 years of work experience and leadership experience. |
|
|
A GMAT is not required if you have notable professional achievements and leadership experience. |
|
|
Strong academic record and professional background. |
|
|
3 years of work experience and have held leadership roles. |
|
|
Strong academic record and professional background. |
Suggested: A Guide to Studying MBA in UK Without GMAT
MBA in Australia without GMAT
Many leading business schools in Australia offer MBA programs that do not require the GMAT. Instead, they assess candidates based on factors like work experience, leadership achievements, and academic performance top B-schools that offer an MBA without GMAT in Australia are:
|
Business School |
GMAT Waiver Conditions |
|---|---|
|
5 years of professional experience and demonstrated leadership. |
|
|
A strong academic record and leadership experience. |
|
|
5+ years of experience and professional certifications like the CFA. |
|
|
Minimum of 3 years of work experience and notable professional achievements. |
|
|
Relevant work experience and a solid academic background. |
Suggested: A Guide to Studying MBA in Australia Without GMAT
Eligibility Criteria for Studying MBA Abroad without GMAT
To be eligible for an MBA program without the GMAT, you need a strong academic record, 2+ years of work experience, relevant professional certifications, and demonstrated leadership skills. Some schools may also consider exceptional circumstances, such as health issues or personal situations preventing standardised testing. Some more eligibility criteria points are:
- Professional Experience: Most schools abroad need work experience for an MBA, and if you’re applying without GMAT, you should have 3-5 years of relevant work experience.
- Academic Record: A strong undergraduate GPA, particularly in quantitative courses or STEM fields, is essential for eligibility, with a GPA above 3.5.
- Certifications: Holding professional certifications, such as CFA or CPA, can strengthen your application under a GMAT waiver.
- Exceptional Circumstances: Schools may also consider situations where you were unable to take standardized tests due to personal, professional, or health-related reasons. Make sure to check the official website for test scores to know where you stand.
Return on Investment (ROI) of Pursuing an MBA without GMAT
MBA programs even without the GMAT can provide great returns, up to 200%. Here are some top business schools without GMAT, along with their potential return on investment (ROI):
|
School Name |
Tuition Fees |
Avg. Salary |
ROI % |
|---|---|---|---|
|
MIT (Sloan) |
USD 112,000 (INR 93 Lakhs) |
USD 224,000 (INR 1.88 Cr) |
199% |
|
University of Chicago (Booth) |
USD 111,000 (INR 92 Lakhs) |
USD 218,000 (INR 1.83 Cr) |
196% |
|
Tuck School of Business |
USD 78,000 (INR 65.60 Lakhs) |
USD 175,000 (INR 1.47 Cr) |
200% |
|
NYU Stern |
USD 76,780 (INR 64.46 Lakhs) |
USD 140,000 (INR 1.18 Cr) |
150% |
|
Northwestern University (Kellogg) |
USD 110,000 (INR 91 Lakhs) |
USD 206,000 (INR 1.73 Cr) |
187% |
|
University of California Berkeley (Haas) |
USD 107,000 (INR 89 Lakhs) |
USD 200,000 (INR 1.68 Cr) |
185% |
|
London Business School |
USD 90,000 (INR 75 Lakhs) |
USD 194,000 (INR 1.63 Cr) |
213% |
How to Build a Strong MBA Application without GMAT Scores?
To build a strong MBA application without GMAT scores, highlight key components that demonstrate your ability, experience, and readiness for the program. Showcase your professional achievements, leadership roles, and relevant skills in your resume, recommendation letters, and personal statement to reflect your unique journey and goals.
Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to do so:
1. Highlight Work Experience and Achievements
Focus on significant career milestones, leadership roles, and any measurable impact you've made. Demonstrate how these experiences have prepared you for the MBA. Use metrics to show your contributions, such as increased revenue or team success. For example - Reduced development costs by 25% by streamlining product management processes.
2. Strong Letters of Recommendation
Choose recommenders like your manager, who know you well and can validate your leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. Their insights should reflect your strengths and align with the qualities the MBA program values. Ensure they provide specific examples rather than generic praise.
3. Write Compelling Essays
Your essays should tell a cohesive story about your career, goals, and why this MBA program is right for you. Focus on your motivations, how the MBA fits into your future, and highlight experiences that have shaped your journey. Be authentic and specific about why the school is a good match.
4. Prepare for the Interview
Without a GMAT score, the interview holds more weight. Practise common questions about your career, goals, and fit for the program. Demonstrate strong communication skills and show that you’ve researched the school thoroughly. Present yourself as someone who will contribute positively to their community.
5. Strengthen Other Areas
Some other things you may need to take care of are:
- Alternative Tests: Consider taking the GRE, Executive Assessment, or school-specific tests (if any).
- Academic Record: Highlight a strong GPA above 3.5/4.0 or relevant coursework.
- Certifications: Mention professional certifications or courses that add value to your application.
How do B-schools Assess Applicants Without GMAT Scores?
When MBA programs don’t require GMAT scores, they evaluate applicants by focusing on other important areas like academic records, professional experience, personal essays, interviews, and recommendation letters. These elements provide a well-rounded picture of a candidate’s potential and readiness for the program. Here’s what they focus on:
- Academic Records: They closely review your school and college grades to ensure you're capable of handling the academic rigor of an MBA program.
- Professional Experience: Your work achievements and skills become essential. They want to see how you've grown professionally and the impact you’ve made at work.
- Personal Essays: This is your chance to tell your story. Share your goals, challenges, and what makes you unique beyond just numbers.
- Interviews: Some schools might invite you for an interview to better understand your personality and communication skills.
- Recommendation Letters: Letters from managers or teachers help provide insight into your character and potential.
MBA without GMAT vs MBA with GMAT: Key Differences
An MBA without GMAT focuses more on holistic aspects of an applicant's profile, while an MBA with GMAT relies heavily on standardised test scores. Both programs assess a candidate's potential for success but differ in the weight given to various factors during admissions.
1. Admissions Focus:
- Without GMAT: Greater emphasis on professional experience, leadership, and academic performance.
- With GMAT: Test scores are a major factor alongside other application elements.
2. Application Flexibility:
- Without GMAT: Suitable for candidates with strong work experience but who may struggle with standardised tests.
- With GMAT: Often favours those with strong academic test-taking skills.
3. Time and Cost:
- Without GMAT: Saves time and money on GMAT prep and exam fees.
- With GMAT: Requires significant time and financial investment in test preparation.
4. Assessment of Skills:
- Without GMAT: Focuses on real-world achievements and career growth.
- With GMAT: Measures analytical and problem-solving abilities through a standardised test.
Benefits of Applying to MBA Programs Without GMAT
An MBA without GMAT is affordable, saves time, and gives you more time to focus on your application. Some benefits of an MBA without a GMAT are:
- More Time for MBA Applications: Instead of spending weeks or months on GMAT prep, you can dedicate that time to improving other application components like your essays and interviews.
- Reduced Pressure: Without the GMAT, there’s less pressure and anxiety around preparing for and taking a high-stakes test.
- More Affordable: Bypassing the GMAT means avoiding costs related (approx INR 30k to INR 40k) to test fees, prep courses, and study materials.
- Highlight Your Strengths: You can focus on showcasing your leadership, work experience, and academic performance, which may better reflect your potential.
- Fair Opportunity: For applicants who excel in professional environments but may struggle with standardised exams, a GMAT waiver allows them to compete more effectively.
From the Desk of Yocket
If you’re planning to skip the GMAT for your MBA application, don’t worry, all is well. Many top universities offer an MBA without GMAT score, as you’ve seen in this blog. Some may have specific requirements like years of work experience, GPA, and others, but that is quite similar across major MBA programs. To know more about how you can present your profile for admission to the world’s best business schools, schedule a call with us. A free 30-minute consultation call with industry experts, to answer your questions.
