Business School Application FAQs

If you’re applying to study a specialized master’s program or MBA, it’s likely you’ll need to take an admissions test, designed to show you have the quantitative and analytical skills needed to study business at postgraduate level. A selection of internationally recognized business school admissions tests are available, but the two most widely used are the GMAT (Graduate Management Admissions Test) and the GRE (Graduate Record Examination), both of which have test centers around the world.

Related articles:

• Graduate Admissions Tests at a Glance
• Preparing for Graduate Admissions Tests
• Understanding Your GMAT Score
• What GRE Scores Do You Need?

The GRE is currently priced at US$195 worldwide (+ fees for any additional services) while the GMAT is slightly more at US$250 worldwide.

Before applying to take a test, you should check the specific admission requirements set by your chosen school, and ensure the test you intend to take is recognized. This will save you paying to take a test you may not need or that will not be sufficient.

The application process varies dramatically depending on the country and place of study. To identify the exact process for your chosen school, make sure to read all the resources available on the institution’s website. Generally, however, you are likely to be able to download an application form from the school’s own website, which is then submitted online, along with all your supporting documentation and test results.

Although every business school will have its own application system, the majority of schools now accept online applications. This may make your life easier than in the days of hand-written applications, but you will still need to prepare supporting documents. Many schools ask for a selection of the following:

• Statement of purpose
• Academic transcript and degree certificate
• Academic references
• CV/résumé
• Proof of English-language proficiency
• Admission test results
• Copy of passport

Your application isn’t just a collection of academic documents. It is your chance to define your motivations, your suitability for business school, and what you think you can offer the program as well as what you hope to gain. These points should be covered in your statement of purpose; for more guidance, see the related articles below.

Related articles:

• Grad School Application Tips
• University Applications and Admissions: Expert Advice
• What you Need to Apply for Grad School

Many top business schools charge a fee for every application, to ensure that only those who are really serious about the program apply. This fee is usually no more than US$100.

Again, this depends on the business school you’re applying to, but it’s not uncommon to be invited for an interview after submitting your application. If you live abroad and getting to the school is a problem, you may have the option to set up a video interview instead.

Related articles:

• 7 Essential Skype Interview Tips
• Admissions Interviews Dos and Don’ts

For programs such as an MBA (Masters in Business Administration) it is very likely you will be asked to show at least several years’ experience of working in a business environment. For some other specialized master’s degrees, however, this is not the case. Work experience requirements should be included in the admissions requirements listed by each school.

This depends on the school you’re dealing with, but often if you’re due to complete your degree in the next few months, you can apply for a business school program without a degree certificate. Check with the school in question, and include the transcripts of your grades and module results to date in your application.

In the case of pending English-language test results, many schools will still process your application, but won’t offer you a place until you submit proof of your English ability. Make sure to include details of when you expect to receive your results within the application.

Many schools offer the chance to defer entry, after gaining admission. Deferring entry may come at a price, however; at top business schools expect to pay a reservation fee of between US$500-US$1,500.

In some countries it is common to have an age restriction on higher education programs. But in most cases, as long as you have the required experience (often a minimum of three years of undergraduate study plus any required work experience) and meet all other requirements, there is no upper or lower age restriction.

Programs such as an MBA or other highly specialized business degree will be markedly more expensive compared to other postgraduate degrees. But the majority of degrees offered at business school, such as an MA or MSc qualification, will charge tuition fees similar to the regular postgraduate fees offered at the main university. For information on tuition fees for specific programs, contact the business school or check the website.

As fees to study at top business schools are not cheap, there is a wide range of funding opportunities available. Your first port of call for funding and scholarship information should be your chosen school’s website. Often you’ll find information about various funding options, fellowships and scholarships with details on how to apply. For external funding information, you should consider governmental funding schemes, either from your home country or the country in which you wish to study. Funding may also be available from external organizations in the form of scholarships, sponsorships and loans.

If you have any further general questions about business school applications, please ask us in the comments below or in our international student forum. For more specific questions related to particular programs and schools, contact the business school’s admissions team directly.

For more information about applying to business school, different types of business degree, specializations, costs, funding and careers, take a look at the resources below.

• Business & Management Degrees (course guides)
• What Can You Do With a Business Degree?
• Top Universities in the World for Social Sciences & Management
• Top Universities in the World for Accounting & Finance
• Top Universities in the World for Economics & Econometrics