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Master in Management Student at Georgetown University | Aspiring Business Leader with a Passion for Innovation and Strategy
Most international MBA programs require either the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) or the GRE (Graduate Record Examination). These exams assess your analytical, writing, quantitative, verbal, and reading skills in written English. While the GMAT is specifically designed for business school applicants, the GRE is accepted by many MBA programs as well. It's important to check the specific requirements of each program you're interested in, as some may prefer one test over the other.
In addition to the GMAT or GRE, if English is not your native language, you'll likely need to demonstrate English proficiency. This can typically be done by taking the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or the IELTS (International English Language Testing System). These tests evaluate your ability to read, write, speak, and understand English at the university level. Again, requirements can vary by program, so it's essential to verify the specific criteria for each school.
Want in detail information about GMAT and GRE? Read this BLOG to find out which suits you better
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The main exam you need to take is the GMAT or the GRE. Most business schools accept both. GMAT is made specially for MBA programs, but some schools are okay with GRE too. You can choose the one you feel more confident about.
Apart from that, if English is not your first language, you also need to take an English test. The most common ones are TOEFL or IELTS. These tests check how well you can read, write, speak, and understand English.
Some schools also accept Duolingo English Test, but it's always better to check the official website of the college you want to apply to. They clearly mention which exams they accept and what score they expect.
So, in short, you’ll need the GMAT or GRE, and also an English test like TOEFL or IELTS. Once you have these scores ready, you can start applying to your dream MBA schools abroad.
To apply for an MBA abroad, you'll need to take a few key exams depending on the program and country:
- GMAT Focus Edition: This is the new version of the GMAT (the old one is no longer offered). It’s accepted by all major business schools globally. A competitive score is usually 645+ for top schools like Harvard, INSEAD, LBS, and Wharton.
- GRE General Test: Also widely accepted for MBA admissions. It’s a good alternative if you're stronger in verbal reasoning or prefer a different exam structure. A score of 320+ is considered strong.
- IELTS or TOEFL: Required if your undergraduate degree wasn't taught in English. Most schools expect an IELTS score of 7.0+ or TOEFL iBT score of 100+.
Some European and UK schools offer GMAT/GRE waivers if you have strong academics and relevant work experience (usually 4–5 years or more). Start by checking the specific requirements of the schools you're targeting, as test policies can vary slightly.
To study abroad for an MBA, you should take the GMAT Focus Edition or the GRE General Test. The traditional GMAT has been discontinued—GMAT Focus is now the only version accepted by business schools globally. Most top schools don’t have a preference between GMAT Focus and GRE, so you can choose based on your strengths.
In addition to that, if your bachelor’s degree wasn’t in English, you’ll likely need to submit an English proficiency test like IELTS (minimum 7.0) or TOEFL (minimum 100). Some MBA programs, especially in the UK and Europe, may waive the GMAT or GRE if you have strong academic scores and 4–5 years of professional experience.
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