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GMAT is the exam of choice for MBA aspirants across the world. The first GMAT was administered in 1954 as an MBA entry exam to 2,900 test-takers. Since then the exam has come a long way. Today more than 200,000 students and working professionals sit for the computer- adaptive exam every year at 650 test centers in 114 countries. There are some advantages to GMAT vis a vis other MBA entrance exams:

Why the GMAT trumps other MBA entrance exams

Although the past few decades saw steady growth in the number of GMAT test-takers, the pandemic has led to a slump. B-schools around the world realised that test-takers will not have access to GMAT test-taking centers and many of them including top B-schools waived GMAT score requirement. They are now considering applicant profiles holistically taking into account academic performance at college level, extracurricular activities, internships and volunteering, relevant work experience and even interviews. In the UK too, many B-schools followed suit going either test-optional or completely test blind.

Which MBA colleges in UK are waiving GMAT?

Admission experts at Jamboree have compiled a list of B-schools in the UK that have waived GMAT scores. Take a look at the schools, their application deadlines, fees and eligibility criteria below:

Durham University Business School

Durham does not mandate GMAT score. It primarily considers three years’ continuous work experience in high responsibility roles after graduation. Aside from that, it requires IELTS score above 7 (with sectional scores above 6).

Course type: Full time; 12 to 15 months

Round 1 deadline: 8 November ‘21

Round 2 deadline: 24 November ‘21

MBA fees: £35,000 per year

University of Edinburgh Business School

MBA at Edinburgh is one of the most popular management programs in UK with GMAT waiver. This B-school drops the GMAT and takes into account bachelor’s degree with minimum 60 percent, at least three years of relevant work experience and an IELTS score of 6.5 and above. According to the school, if an applicant does not meet any of the above requirements then they can submit GMAT score to add weight to their application.

Course type: Full time; 12 months

Application deadline: multiple, from October to July

MBA fees: £35,900 per year

Middlesex University London

Middlesex is open to conditional GMAT waiver for candidates with two or more years of relevant business experience and a strong graduate-level professional qualification. It evaluates profiles on the basis of work experience, grad school academics and IELTS score (minimum 6.5).

Course type: Full time; 12 months

Round 1 deadline: 15 January ‘21

MBA fees: £18,000 per year

Leeds University Business School

Leeds asks for three years of appropriate management work experience showing career progression. According to the B-school’s website, a well-recognized bachelor’s degree with IELTS score more than 6.5 are sufficient for a strong profile. Leeds also conducts online/in-person interview to determine the suitability of the candidate.

Course type: Full time; 12 months

Application deadline: 30 June ‘22

MBA fees: £31,250 per year

Lancaster University Management School

Lancaster assesses applicants on the basis of their professional experience. The only testing requirement is an IELTS exam score of 7 or above. The B-school gives the option to submit either their 500-word MBA essay or to furnish GMAT score. Candidates also have to interview with one member from the admissions committee.

Course type: Full time; 12 months

Application deadline: 30 June ‘22

MBA fees: £34,500 per year

Warwick Business School

WBS generally considers applicants with minimum GMAT score of 600. Their current GMAT average is 650. But in some cases you can request for GMAT waiver and take the Warwick Test. The waiver and alternate test request will only work for applicants with a strong profile.

Course type: Full time; 12 months

Round 1 deadline: 17 October ‘21

Round 2 deadline: 30 January ‘22

MBA fees: £45,950 per year

Imperial College Business School

Normally, this prestigious institution considers applications with GMAT scores above 600. However, for MSc International Management, it considers waiver requests from candidates with exceptional academic backgrounds.

Course type: Full time; 12 months

Application deadline: multiple, from September till June

MBA fees: £57,200 per year

If you are interested in pursuing your MBA in the UK without GMAT scores, it is a great time to connect with Jamboree counselors. We specialize in helping students build and showcase their profile, shortlist the right universities, review student’s LORs and also help with interview preparation. Connect with our counselors for a free 15 minute session and have your personalized admissions roadmap drawn now!

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