Does LBS MiF give GMAT waivers if you already have CFA Level 1 and strong grades?

Question

V Ritik · Accepted Answer

Yes, LBS MiF does sometimes waive the GMAT, but it&rsquo;s not automatic even with CFA Level 1 and strong academics. The school looks at the whole profile to decide. For applicants who can already show strong quantitative ability through their degree marks, finance-related coursework, or CFA, the admissions team may agree that a GMAT isn&rsquo;t necessary. However, the waiver is given only after reviewing the transcripts and professional background in detail.
It&rsquo;s also worth noting that LBS often prefers the GMAT because it helps standardize applicants from very different education systems. For international candidates, submitting a strong GMAT score can still strengthen the application and signal competitiveness. Some people have received waivers, but in many cases the school still recommends taking the test to avoid being at a disadvantage compared to applicants with a 680&ndash;700+ GMAT.

T Mehta · Answer

Plenty of people assume CFA Level 1 is enough for LBS to waive the GMAT, but the reality is a bit different. The school does offer waivers, but they are not guaranteed.
What matters most:

Academic transcripts need to show consistently high grades in quantitative courses like economics, statistics, or math-heavy finance subjects.
CFA Level 1 helps, but it only shows basic finance knowledge &mdash; it doesn&rsquo;t replace the GMAT&rsquo;s reasoning and problem-solving assessment.
International applicants, especially from India or China, are often encouraged to submit GMAT because it puts their profile on equal footing with others.
A waiver request can be made during the application process, but approval depends on how convincing the overall case is.

One thing many overlook is timing &mdash; applying earlier in the cycle increases the chances of a waiver being considered more favorably.
For more details you can read this blog on "LBS MFin GMAT"

Hema A · Answer

Yes, LBS MiF does offer GMAT waivers in certain cases, but it isn&rsquo;t automatic even with CFA Level 1 and strong grades. The admissions team reviews the full academic and professional record before deciding. If transcripts already show strong quantitative ability through finance or math-heavy courses, plus the CFA, there&rsquo;s a good chance they&rsquo;ll consider a waiver.
That said, LBS often encourages applicants to take the GMAT because it allows them to compare candidates from very different academic systems. International applicants especially benefit from submitting a score, since it adds a standardized measure alongside grades and CFA. Some students have received waivers, but those who submit a 680+ GMAT often stand out more in the competitive pool.

Mansih K · Answer

Plenty of applicants assume that CFA Level 1 plus strong academics means a guaranteed GMAT waiver at LBS MiF, but that&rsquo;s not how it works.
&bull; Waivers are possible if transcripts show clear quantitative strength and professional experience backs it up. &bull; CFA Level 1 helps, but it&rsquo;s seen as one part of the profile, not a substitute for the GMAT on its own. &bull; For international candidates, LBS still leans toward the GMAT since it standardizes comparisons across different education systems. &bull; Applicants who got waivers usually had both excellent grades in quant-heavy courses and relevant finance work experience. &bull; Submitting a solid GMAT (680&ndash;700+) can improve odds for admission and scholarships, even if technically eligible for a waiver.
So while waivers are granted in some cases, relying only on CFA Level 1 and grades can be risky if the goal is to be competitive in a very selective applicant pool.

Jayant M · Answer

LBS MiF rarely grants GMAT waivers, even for candidates with CFA Level 1 or strong academics. The school uses the GMAT as a standardized way to compare applicants from diverse academic backgrounds. Having the CFA helps showcase financial knowledge and discipline, but it doesn&rsquo;t fully replace the GMAT&rsquo;s quantitative benchmark.
In some cases, candidates with exceptional academic records in quantitative fields like economics, finance, or engineering may be considered without GMAT, but this is rare and handled case by case. If you&rsquo;re serious about the program, it&rsquo;s safer to take the GMAT. A good score not only strengthens your chances but also signals commitment and readiness for the program&rsquo;s analytical rigor.