All Answers
Education Expert
Yes, applying to a UK MBA without a GMAT is absolutely possible. Many top schools offer flexible entry routes for experienced professionals.
Programs like Cranfield, Lancaster, Strathclyde, and Aston don’t require GMAT if the rest of your profile is solid. What they care about more is whether your background reflects leadership potential, career progression, and strong communication skills.
If you've got 3–5 years of meaningful work experience, solid academics, and a clear career vision, you're already in a good position.
Want a step-by-step breakdown on cracking top MBA programs without GMAT? Watch this quick video to learn how successful candidates did it.
MiM Student at Kellogg School of Management
Yes, you can apply for an MBA in the UK without a GMAT. Many well-known universities either don’t require it or offer waivers.
Some top options include:
- University of Edinburgh – No GMAT if your academics and experience are strong
- University of Manchester (Alliance MBS) – Case-by-case review, GMAT often waived
- Durham University Business School – GMAT not required
- University of Birmingham – No GMAT needed
- University of Liverpool – GMAT-free application process
What matters more is your work experience (typically 3+ years), good undergrad record, and clear professional goals. Schools may use interviews or essays to evaluate your readiness instead of standardized test scores.
Want a full list of UK MBA programs that don’t need GMAT, plus tips to strengthen your application? Read the full guide here
Experienced Study abroad consultant | Specializing in sales and Project Management | Expert in Sustainable sales practices
Yes, you can apply for an MBA in the UK without a GMAT score. Many top universities accept students without it or offer a GMAT waiver. At the University of Bath, you don’t need a GMAT to apply, although they say you can submit it if you want to make your application stronger.
Warwick Business School also does not require a GMAT, but if you have one, it can support your application. Their class average is around 670. At Imperial College Business School, GMAT is usually needed, but they sometimes waive it if you have strong academics and good math skills.
On the other hand, schools like Cambridge Judge Business School and Oxford Saïd Business School do ask for a GMAT or GRE score. Cambridge’s average GMAT score is about 680, and Oxford’s median score is around 690. So if you are aiming for these schools, you will still need a good test score.
In short, if you have strong work experience and good academics, you have many choices without GMAT. But for some of the very top programs, taking the test can still help you stand out.
Business analyst
Yes, you can apply for several MBA programs in the UK without submitting a GMAT. Some top schools like Warwick Business School, Cranfield School of Management, and Durham University offer GMAT waivers if you have strong academic performance (GPA above 3.3), professional experience of 3+ years, and proof of strong analytical abilities (like coursework or certifications in finance, statistics, or economics). Schools usually review your academic records closely to check your quantitative skills. Leadership exposure, such as leading projects or managing teams, also strengthens your case. However, highly competitive programs like London Business School typically still prefer a GMAT score, where the average falls around 660–675.
Study Abroad Consultant
Yes, you can apply for an MBA in the UK without a GMAT, depending on the school and your profile strength. The old GMAT has been discontinued—only the GMAT Focus Edition is now accepted, scored out of 805.
Several UK MBA programs like Manchester Business School, University of Edinburgh Business School, and Lancaster University Management School offer GMAT waivers. Applicants who apply without a GMAT usually demonstrate 5+ years of progressive work experience, strong academic performance with good quantitative courses (like finance, statistics, data analytics), and leadership experience such as managing teams or large projects. Many also show career growth through promotions or international exposure, which strengthens their application. Some schools may require an internal admission test or a detailed interview instead. Submitting a GMAT still helps for scholarships or for applying to highly selective programs.