What are the entry requirements for an MBA?

When you start your MBA journey, the application process can feel like a maze. What are the MBA admission requirements at your target schools? What does the MBA admissions process look like?

Luckily, whether you’re applying for a full-time MBA, an online or part-time MBA, or an Executive MBA (EMBA) program, the requirements are largely similar.

While you’ll likely need more work experience to apply for an EMBA, and one- or two-year MBAs in the US might require some business background, the majority of global MBA programs have the same core requirements.

What are the entry requirements for an MBA?

In brief, the typical MBA requirements are:

• Work experience (MBA: 3-5 years; EMBA: 5+ years)

• Bachelor’s degree

• GMAT score

• Resume

• Recommendation letters

• Essays

• Proof of English proficiency (e.g., TOEFL)

If you’re considering applying for an MBA, you’ll probably already be able to tick off quite a few of these requirements without much planning. That’s not to say that the MBA application process is easy, though. Here’s a breakdown of each requirement and how to fulfil it.

Work Experience

Work experience is one of the MBA entry requirements that varies across program types. Some MBA programs are open to candidates with little or no work experience, but most will ask you for at least a few years of experience to meet their MBA eligibility criteria.

For a full-time MBA program, this typically looks like 3-5 years of work experience although there are variations, such as the early-career MBA at Baylor University’s Hankamer School of Business which requires 1-2 years in the workplace. Alternatively, a Master in Management can be an option if you’re still early in your career.

Meanwhile, if you’re applying for an Executive MBA program, you’ll be required by most schools to have a strong level of work experience, usually more than 5 years. Students in the London Business School Executive MBA Class of 2026 have an average of 15 years of work experience.

Online MBA programs vary, with some requiring as little as two years of work experience and others up to six. However, a cohort’s average work experience will usually be higher than this—on top-ranked Imperial Business School’s Global Online MBA, students have an average of 11 years of work experience.

Bachelor's degree

Business schools require you to submit a copy of your undergraduate degree transcripts. Most schools look for a bachelor's degree or an international equivalent from a recognized university.

It’s a common misconception that to apply for an MBA, you must have an undergraduate degree in business. However, many schools are open to and actively encourage applicants from non-traditional MBA backgrounds.

While there is rarely a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) requirement for MBA admissions, you should look at the average GPA and GPA range for the MBA class you’re applying to and assess your chances.

GMAT score

The GMAT Exam is the leading standardized admission test for business schools. It measures your suitability for an MBA program by assessing your verbal and quantitative skills, as well as your ability to interpret data.

The GMAT test is computer-adaptive, which means it gets easier or harder as you answer the questions, depending on whether you get an answer right or wrong. Scores range from 205 to 805.

When you’re trying to figure out what a good GMAT score is, the best thing to do is research the average GMAT score at your target schools. The GMAT score range will also indicate whether you fall within the typical candidate range at the school.

Your GMAT score is valid for five years, but if you’re not happy with your first score, you can always retake the test. You can take either the test center version of the GMAT or the equivalent GMAT Online exam.

Alternatively, you can take the more generalist GRE or another admission test if offered or accepted by your target schools. For some MBA and most Executive MBA programs, you can also submit an Executive Assessment score.

Resume

During the application process for business school, you’ll also need to upload your CV. But just like a job application, to stand out, you’ll need to craft a winning MBA resume.

Your starting point should be figuring out what qualities your target schools look for. Then, build your resume around your chosen school’s values and culture.

Your MBA resume should:

• Avoid industry jargon. Your resume audience is admissions officers, not industry-specific experts.

• Explain gaps in your work experience.

• Talk about extracurricular activities. You’ll want to focus on things that demonstrate leadership and teamwork and/or highlight individuality and diversity.

• Be concise—most schools prefer one page.

• Focus on the bigger picture. For each role, highlight how you grew in each position, additional projects you took on, promotions or awards you received, and impressive milestones you reached.

Recommendation letters

Schools will typically ask you for two MBA recommendation letters. Suitable recommenders include:

• Line manager (current or former)

• Colleagues you’ve worked with closely on projects

• Clients or suppliers

• Someone who’s seen you in a leadership role outside of work

Your letters of recommendation are your chance for your quality to shine through from an outside perspective. Choose people based on how well they can describe your skills and leadership potential, rather than their level of seniority.

Work closely with your recommender, explaining your reasons for pursuing an MBA and your future plans. You should explain the process to them and how they can tie your key attributes to the attributes your target schools value highly.

Essays

Your MBA application essay is your chance to tell business schools your story. You should focus on your personality, experiences, interests, and suitability for your target programs.

Essays are typically centered around your career goals and how a particular school’s MBA program will help you achieve those goals.

Example essay questions:

Harvard Business School: What experiences have shaped how you invest in others and how you lead?

London Business School: What are your post-MBA goals, and how will your prior experience and the London Business School program contribute towards these?

UCLA Anderson: What makes UCLA Anderson a top choice for you, and how will you engage with and contribute to the community?

HEC Paris: Imagine a life entirely different from the one you now lead, what would it be?

The biggest mistake you can make in your MBA essay is sending a template essay answer to multiple schools.

It is essential to tailor your essay answers to the school you’re applying to. If English isn’t your first language, don’t worry. The essay is less about testing your ability to write in English and more about assessing your fit for the program.

Some schools—including INSEAD, Kellogg, and MIT Sloan—will also ask you to submit a recorded video essay where you must introduce yourself and answer questions out loud.

Proof of English proficiency

An English proficiency test is only required for an MBA application if you attended an undergraduate institution where the sole language of instruction wasn’t English.

If that’s the case, you’ll need to sit one of the following English language tests:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

• Pearson Test of English (PTE)

What happens after I submit my MBA application?

After you’ve submitted your online application, you’ll need to ace the MBA interview to secure your spot in your dream program. This might be face-to-face or via video.

Typical MBA interview questions include:

• Why an MBA?

• Why our business school?

• What are your long-term goals?

• How will you add value to the MBA program?

The MBA eligibility criteria can seem like a lot. By starting your application and having a clear idea of the various MBA requirements, you can stand the best chance of success.