Is 640 GMAT score okay for Europe or Canada MBA?

Question

Divakshi Arora · Accepted Answer

Yes, a 640 GMAT Focus Edition score can work for many MBA programs in Europe and Canada, but it depends on the school. In general, European programs tend to be slightly more flexible on GMAT compared to top U.S. schools.
Here are a few examples:

Rotterdam School of Management (Netherlands): Average score around 640&ndash;660. A 640 is competitive here, especially if your profile is strong.
ESCP Business School (France): This school regularly accepts candidates with scores in the 620&ndash;640 range.
Schulich School of Business (Canada): Average GMAT Focus scores sit around 635&ndash;650, and they consider profiles holistically.
McGill Desautels (Canada): A 640 is very much within range, especially if you have good work experience or a strong academic background.

That said, for schools like HEC Paris or Rotman (University of Toronto), the bar is higher&mdash;typically 660+ is safer. But with a solid profile, good essays, and strong academics, 640 is a decent score for several mid- to high-tier MBA programs.
See which EU and Canadian B-schools accept 620&ndash;650 GMAT scores in this quick guide

Harshal G · Answer

A 640 GMAT score is within range for several MBA programs in Europe and Canada, but not for the most competitive ones. Top European schools like INSEAD, LBS, or HEC Paris usually have average GMAT scores above 690, so 640 would likely need to be balanced with exceptional work experience, usually 6&ndash;8 years in strong international roles or leadership positions.
Schools like Grenoble Ecole de Management, Vlerick, and EADA Barcelona are much more accessible with a 640. In Canada, schools like Schulich and McMaster DeGroote mention that applicants above 630&ndash;640 are competitive if they show strong academics and professional growth. Scholarships at top schools, however, often favor candidates with GMAT scores of 680 or higher, so funding options might be limited with a 640.

T Ronak · Answer

A 640 on the GMAT Focus Edition is workable for MBA programs in Europe and Canada, especially outside the top 5 schools. Most European B-schools don&rsquo;t treat GMAT as the only major filter&mdash;they look at your entire profile.
Schools like ESMT Berlin, Vlerick (Belgium), and York Schulich in Canada often admit candidates in the 630&ndash;650 range. Even EDHEC and NEOMA in France have accepted students with similar scores. These programs value professional experience, academic consistency, and international exposure more than just the GMAT number.
Of course, if you&rsquo;re aiming for HEC Paris, LBS, or Rotman, a 640 might be a bit on the lower side but not a dealbreaker. Some candidates with that score still make it in with great leadership stories, strong interviews, and a well-rounded application. Just make sure the rest of your profile picks up where the GMAT leaves off.

Aarushi S · Answer

A 640 GMAT score can work for MBA programs in Europe, especially at good schools outside the absolute top tier. Schools like ESMT Berlin, EDHEC, IESEG, and Maastricht accept candidates with GMAT scores in the 600&ndash;650 range, provided the rest of the application is strong. European MBA programs often place more weight on work experience (4&ndash;6 years minimum), leadership potential (such as managing small teams or projects), and international exposure (having worked or studied in at least two different countries).
For Canada, a 640 may be a bit low for schools like Rotman or Ivey, where the average GMAT is closer to 660&ndash;670, but schools like Concordia (John Molson), Saint Mary&rsquo;s (Sobey School), and Ryerson (Ted Rogers) are much more flexible and regularly admit candidates around 620&ndash;650.