How can I secure a GMAT waiver for UCL MFin?

Question

I’m an Indian applicant with a BCom (Hons) degree and 8.3 CGPA, plus CFA Level 1 cleared. I’ve also done internships in corporate finance. Since UCL says GMAT/GRE isn’t mandatory, I wanted to ask what kind of profiles usually get a waiver approved, and if strong academics plus CFA are enough to avoid taking the test?

Jayant M · Accepted Answer

UCL usually approves GMAT waivers for applicants who already show clear quantitative strength. That means high marks in courses like statistics, econometrics, or financial mathematics during undergrad. Since you have a BCom (Hons) with 8.3 CGPA, the admissions team will look at your transcript to see how much of it is math-heavy rather than purely accounting or theory. CFA Level 1 is useful because it proves comfort with quantitative finance concepts, but on its own it doesn&rsquo;t carry the same weight as GMAT.
To strengthen the waiver request, highlight quant-heavy courses you excelled in, include professor recommendations that speak to your analytical ability, and attach transcripts early in the process. A strong application story showing how your corporate finance internships demanded data analysis or valuation skills will also back up your case.

S Raghav · Answer

GMAT waivers at UCL are granted case by case, but there&rsquo;s a pattern. Candidates from well-recognized Indian universities with a strong GPA and evidence of math-based coursework usually succeed. CFA Level 1 adds weight because it shows you can handle time value of money, portfolio math, and quantitative methods, which overlap with the MSc curriculum.
What matters most is whether the admissions team feels you can handle modules like asset pricing and econometrics without GMAT proof. To improve your chances, include details of quant projects or coursework from undergrad, and explicitly mention them in your personal statement. Send your transcripts early along with the waiver request so they can assess before your file is complete. If your internships included financial modeling or valuation work, describe that clearly &mdash; it can substitute for the kind of problem-solving GMAT normally demonstrates.
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