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SolutionsProblem: Student wants to do an MBA or master's abroad but doesn't want to take GMAT or GRE.

How to Study Abroad Without GMAT or GRE

Study abroad for MBA or MS without GMAT or GRE — complete list of countries, programs, and universities that don't require entrance exams.

Quick Answer

Many reputed universities globally have eliminated mandatory GMAT/GRE requirements — especially post-COVID. UK, Ireland, Canada, Germany, and Australia have hundreds of strong programs that do not require GMAT or GRE for admission. This guide explains which programs waive requirements and how to strengthen your application without test scores.

Step-by-Step Solution

  1. 1

    Target UK universities — most don't require GMAT/GRE

    The majority of UK universities including Russell Group members (Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Warwick, Sheffield) do NOT require GMAT or GRE for taught master's programs. Requirements are based on undergraduate degree, GPA, IELTS, and work experience.

  2. 2

    Apply to Canadian universities and colleges

    Canadian universities including UBC, Calgary, and Simon Fraser offer MBA/MS programs without mandatory GMAT/GRE. Colleges (Seneca, Humber, Conestoga) never require GMAT/GRE. Many programs consider GMAT/GRE as optional enhancements.

  3. 3

    German and EU universities don't use GMAT/GRE

    No German, French, or most continental European universities require GMAT or GRE. Admission is based on degree certificate, transcript quality, German language (for German-taught programs), and motivation letter.

  4. 4

    Look for GMAT waiver programs in USA

    Many US MBA programs offer GMAT waivers for applicants with strong work experience (5+ years) and other evidence of business acumen. Kellogg EMBA, executive programs at USC Marshall, Indiana Kelley, and others offer formal waiver processes.

  5. 5

    Build a strong alternative application profile

    Without GMAT/GRE, emphasise work experience (internships, full-time roles), academic GPA, letters of recommendation from employers/professors, and a highly specific, well-researched Statement of Purpose.

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Country-Specific Options

UK

GMAT/GRE not required at most universities

Manchester Business School, Warwick Business School, Birmingham, Leeds, Sheffield, Exeter offer MBA/MSc programs without GMAT. Exception: LBS, Oxford, Cambridge require GMAT for MBA programs.

Germany

No GMAT/GRE system — European admissions model

German universities assess based on transcripts, subject-specific prerequisites, and motivation letters. No standardised business test. English-taught programs at WHU, HHL, Frankfurt School accept without GMAT.

Canada

Colleges: never require GMAT. Universities: optional at many

UBC Sauder, Calgary Haskayne, Simon Fraser: GMAT optional with strong GPA. Canadian colleges: PGWP-eligible diploma programs never require GMAT/GRE.

Australia

Group of Eight MBA programs: most accept without GMAT

Melbourne Business School, AGSM UNSW, QUT Business School, and Macquarie offer MBA without mandatory GMAT. Requirements: relevant work experience, undergraduate degree, IELTS.

AS

Written & reviewed by

Arjun SinghAcademic Counsellor — Test Prep & Complex Profiles
600+ students

Frequently Asked Questions

UK: Manchester Business School, Warwick, Birmingham, Leeds, Sheffield, Exeter, Hull (Russell Group and beyond). Germany: Frankfurt School, HHL, WHU. Australia: Melbourne Business School, AGSM UNSW. Canada: UBC Sauder (optional), Calgary. Hundreds of programs globally no longer require GMAT.
Top-20 global MBA programs (HBS, Wharton, LBS, INSEAD) generally still require GMAT/GRE. Some have waiver processes for strong candidates. Russell Group UK universities (rank 50–200 globally) typically don't require GMAT — strong quality without exam requirement.
Strong GPA (ideally 7.0/10+), relevant work experience (2–5 years for MBA programs), detailed CV, strong letters of recommendation from employers, and a well-crafted SOP explaining your career motivation and why this specific program.

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