How to Apply for a Master in Management (MIM)

Guest post: Thomas Graf

Not everyone can gain a place to study a Master in Management (MIM). Business schools have certain admission requirements, and usually the higher their position in the rankings, the more selective they are. To improve your chances of being accepted by your chosen school, follow the checklist below.

1. Make sure your undergraduate degree is accepted 

In order to apply to study a Master in Management, you need to have completed a first university degree. This would usually be a bachelor’s degree, but diploma programs may also be accepted. You should also check whether the school requires applicants to have studied a particular subject at undergraduate level, such as a bachelor’s in business or economics. The good news for those who have studied something else is that most MIM programs are open to applicants from all academic backgrounds, but make sure you match the requirements set by your chosen business school.

2. Find out whether you need to gain professional experience 

Most MIM programs do not require professional experience at all, while some may require applicants to have a small amount of professional experience – usually two years or less is sufficient. This is an important way in which MIM programs differ to the Master of Business Administration (MBA). The latter usually requires a minimum of three years’ professional experience; however, some MBA programs require only two years, which is similar to some MIM degrees.

3. Complete the required English language exams 

Most MIM programs are taught in English, and students who are not native speakers will usually be ask to complete the TOEFL or IELTS, gaining a certain grade to prove their proficiency. Some business schools also accept other test results, such as the Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE) and the Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE), while some schools set their own tests.

Bear in mind that the results of official tests are only valid for a limited amount of time. For example, the TOEFL expires after two years. So make sure your results are still valid, that the test you’ve taken is recognized by the schools you’re applying to, and that your results meet any specific requirements set.

If you’ve already studied in English, or have spent a significant period of time living in an English-speaking country, you may be exempt from submitting language test results. In this case, you may simply need to prove your language proficiency during an admission interview.

5. Find out if you need to take the GMAT or GRE 

Some universities require applicants to take the GMAT or GRE in order to apply to a Master in Management. In this case, there is no single set of guidelines about the scores you need. Some schools are content with a score of 500, whereas others require 600-800. As a general guide, many schools expect a minimum of 600 points, with scores of 650 upwards expected of those hoping to qualify for merit-based scholarships. A score below 600 does not mean you will not be accepted, but you may need to highlight other assets, such as high grades in your undergraduate degree, or outstanding extracurricular achievements.

6. Have a plan for your finances

Business schools usually want to see that you have a clear plan of how to finance your studies, covering both the tuition fees and your living costs. Often, students will use a combined approach of savings, loans and scholarships.

Thomas Graf is the founder of Master in Management Compass, a website dedicated to providing information about Master in Management (MIM) programs and other management degrees.