MBA Programs with No GMAT and GRE Requirements 2021

In 2020, the coronavirus pandemic forced HE institutions to cancel all in-person activities, with many b-schools deciding to ease GMAT and GRE requirements for upcoming MBA admissions. Some MBA programs allowed candidates to submit at-home test scores, while others waived test submissions entirely.

When TopMBA spoke to admission representatives in October 2020, most believed a test-free application process would be beneficial for MBA programs and business schools alike, as they found it aided the recruitment of more talented and diverse cohorts.

Now that MBA application rounds are firmly underway at b-schools across the globe, it seems that the test-optional trend is here to stay throughout 2021, and perhaps even beyond.

Here are the top schools around the world that are now accepting applications from candidates without standardized test results.

Canada

• Lakehead University: Lakehead University offers a GMAT and GRE-optional approach to MBA admissions. In fact, students can choose to complete the Business Skills Development Program offered by the faculty instead of taking standardized tests. If they pass with a score of or above 70 percent, they are guaranteed a spot on the program
• Smith School of Business: Instead of GMAT or GRE scores, recruiters at Smith School of Business assess candidates based on their academic record, work experience and leadership skills
• Thompson Rivers University Business and Economics: MBA recruiters at Thompson Rivers University offer a GMAT/GRE waiver to all candidates. However, applicants must demonstrate good computer and quantitative skills in their application
• New York Institute of Technology (Vancouver): Instead of GMAT or GRE scores, MBA candidates who hope to land a spot at the British Columbia campus of the New York Institute of Technology must have a basic GPA of 3.0 or above.
• Sobey Business School of Saint Mary’s University: Instead of standardized tests, candidates can appeal to Sobey MBA recruiters if they have five years or more professional experience and previous degrees with high scores

Europe

• University of Edinburgh Business School: The MBA program at The University of Edinburgh is one of the most popular top programs with no standardized test requirements. Instead, the school asks for a bachelor’s degree with a final score of above 60 percent, at least three years of professional work experience, and an IELTS score of 6.5 and above for international applicants
• Leeds University Business School: Leeds University Business School has the same MBA admissions requirements as The University of Edinburgh
• Lancaster University Management School: The Lancaster MBA assesses applicants based on their work experience. The only testing requirement is an IELTS exam for international applicants, with a score of 7 or above

Asia-Pacific

• ANU College of Business and Economics: The ANU MBA accepts candidates without a GMAT or GRE. However, they must have a GPA of over 5.0 out of 7.0, at least five years’ work experience and language qualifications if they’re international
• Melbourne Business School: Recruiters at the Melbourne Business School require a minimum of two years of full-time work experience
• Macquarie Business School: Aside from a bachelor’s degree and fluency in English, candidates must have a GPA of 5.0 and above out of 7.0

USA

Here’s a complete list of all the US b-school that have waived GMAT and GRE requirements.