Best MBA programs that don't require GRE/GMAT?

Asked by A.D Singh 17 days ago

3 Answers
Mansi Jain

Mansi Jain

Study Abroad Specialist

Hi A.D,

Here are some of the top MBA programs that do not require GRE / GMAT, either by default or through waivers.

United States:

→ MIT Sloan (Early Admission) - Test not required
→ NYU Stern (Part-time/EMBA) - Waivers available
→ University of Washington (Foster) - Test waivers offered

UK:

→ Oxford Saïd and Cambridge Judge - No GMAT/GRE required for strong profiles
→ Warwick Business School - GMAT optional

Europe:

→ IE Business School (Spain) - No GMAT/GRE required; offers its own test
→ EDHEC (France) - Does not require GMAT/GRE

Canada:

→ Schulich (York University) and Smith (Queen’s University) - Waivers available for experienced candidates
→ Rotman EMBA (University of Toronto) - Usually doesn’t require tests

Most programs offer waivers on request, especially for applicants with strong academics or 5+ years of experience. With several top MBA programs moving toward flexible admissions and test-optional policies, applicants now have greater opportunities to focus on showcasing their professional achievements and academic strengths.

Navigating this criterion can be much simpler with the right guidance and support from a study abroad expert, making your dreams of studying abroad a reality.


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Ishaan M

Ishaan M

Seasoned Sales Manager & Study Abroad Expert | Helping Students Achieve Global Education Dreams

Some MBA programs don’t require GRE or GMAT at all—not even a waiver. These schools have test-optional or test-free admissions, especially if you meet other criteria like GPA or experience.

Here are a few examples:

  • SDA Bocconi (Italy) – no GMAT/GRE required for many tracks
  • Hult International Business School (USA/UK) – fully test-optional
  • Babson College (USA) – test-optional for full-time MBA
  • University Canada West (Canada) – no GMAT required

A unique thing about these programs is they focus more on your work experience, goals, and application strength rather than standardized tests. It’s ideal for professionals who’ve been out of school for a while or want to avoid test prep altogether.

If you’re confident in your career story and application materials, these can be strong options without worrying about a test score.


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Preet J

Preet J

Education consultant | Expertise in Client Relationship Management & Business Development | Driving Revenue Growth

The best MBA programs that don’t require GRE or GMAT, especially if you have strong academics or work experience are as follows:

  • MIT Sloan (USA) – offers waivers based on academic or professional background
  • Darden (University of Virginia) – known for offering waivers to candidates with solid quantitative backgrounds
  • Rotman (Canada) – grants GMAT waivers to applicants with high GPAs or strong work records

These schools don’t advertise as "no GMAT" but have flexible waiver policies. If your resume shows leadership, quant skills, or strong academic performance, you can apply without a test.

The key is to submit a GMAT waiver request early and support it with a strong resume, transcripts, and sometimes even short essays explaining why the waiver is justified.


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