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

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.

You don’t need a GMAT or GRE score to get into a solid MBA program anymore, especially if your profile is strong elsewhere.

• Babson, Suffolk, and Questrom (Boston University) offer test waivers for candidates with strong academics or work experience.
• MIT Sloan Fellows and Cornell Tech MBA are test-optional for select profiles.
• European schools like HEC Paris (part-time EMBA) and IESE consider waivers based on career history.
• Many programs now prefer applicants to show quant skills through undergrad transcripts or certifications like CFA, CPA, or even Excel-heavy job roles.
• If applying without a test, the rest of the application needs to shine, especially essays, career clarity, and leadership roles.

For mid-career or high-performing applicants, skipping the test is more possible than ever, without sacrificing school quality.

For more details, you can read this blog on " Top MBA Programs Without GMAT"

Many top MBA programs offer GMAT/GRE waivers, often based on strong academic records, significant work experience (especially in quantitative roles), advanced degrees, or professional certifications. While some schools are fully test-optional, others offer waivers on a case-by-case basis.

Some notable MBA programs that frequently offer GMAT/GRE waivers or are fully test-optional include:

1. MIT Sloan School of Management (often for Executive MBA or with strong rationale) 
2. University of Michigan - Ross School of Business (may require a Statement of Academic Readiness) 
3. NYU Stern School of Business (waivers for certain programs or strong candidates) 
4. Cornell University - Johnson Graduate School of Management (waivers available for Full-Time MBA with strong rationale) 
5. UCLA Anderson School of Management 
6. University of Virginia - Darden School of Business 
7. Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management (often for Executive MBA or Evening & Weekend MBA) 
8. University of California, Berkeley - Haas School of Business (for "Cal Advantage" applicants)
9. Boston University - Questrom School of Business 
10. University of Rochester - Simon Business School 
11. University of Maryland - Robert H. Smith School of Business
12. Babson College - F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business 
13. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Gies College of Business) (especially for online iMBA) 
14. Georgia Tech - Scheller College of Business 

It's crucial to check each school's specific waiver policy, as eligibility criteria and availability can vary by program (e.g., Full-Time, Part-Time, Executive, Online) and may change. 

I would suggest you get free counseling from a study abroad consultant and get into the right direction.

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.