10 Steps to Successfully Apply for an MBA in 2025

Decide between a full-time, part-time, or online MBA based on your career goals and schedule. Specialisations also impact your future career opportunities.
Work experience, GMAT/GRE scores, recommendation letters, and a well-crafted motivation essay all play a role in getting accepted.
Universities have strict timelines for application submission, exams, and interviews. Planning ahead can prevent last-minute stress and increase your chances of success.

Applying for a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree is a major step toward advancing your career. A business degree can open doors to leadership roles, higher salaries, and global career opportunities. But before you get there, you’ll need to navigate the MBA application process, which requires careful planning and preparation.

To help you stay on track, here’s a 10-step MBA application checklist, covering everything from choosing the right programme to acing your admissions interview.

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1. Pick the perfect MBA degree

Choose an MBA specialisation

Before applying to an MBA programme, you must choose an MBA specialisation. And there are plenty of options out there. We’ll list a few to get you started, but feel free to search for your favourite discipline:

Learn more about the different types of MBA specialisations.

Choose a business school for your MBA degree

According to the latest QS Rankings, these are some of the best business schools for future MBA students:

Stanford Graduate School of Business, the US
London Business School, the UK
HEC Paris, France
IE Business School, Spain
SDA Bocconi, Italy
Copenhagen Business School, Denmark
IMD Business School, Switzerland
Melbourne Business School, Australia
National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore
Rotterdam School of Management (RSM), the Netherlands

Here are other business schools we recommend:

Northeastern University, the US
Hult International Business School, the UK
BI Norwegian Business School, Norway
Sustainability Management School (SUMAS), Switzerland
Maastricht University, the Netherlands

Choose between online vs on-campus MBAs

Of course, the next step is to choose between an online MBA or an on-campus programme, depending on your schedule and possibilities. On-campus MBAs offer networking opportunities and in-person learning. Online MBAs provide flexibility for working professionals. Universities in the US, UK, Spain, Switzerland, and Australia offer high-quality online MBAs. If studying online is more appealing, you should check out:

Business people shaking hands

2. Prepare your transcripts of records

An accredited undergraduate degree is an essential prerequisite for your MBA application. Do take time to prepare official transcripts as evidence of your previous studies and achievements.

Depending on the country you come from and the university you are planning to apply to, there will be other materials that you will need to provide. The most required documents are passport and proof-of-identity documents and/or their copies, usually translated in English.

For most business schools, you don’t need a Bachelor's in Business itself to get in an MBA. Such programmes intentionally look for students with diverse backgrounds to join their ranks.

3. Consider if you need a high GPA for your MBA

Your GPA or grade point average is the number representing the average value of your final grades earned during previous courses. Your GPA is calculated by adding up all accumulated final grades and dividing that score by the number of grades awarded. The GPA is awarded on a 0 to 4.0 scale. A 4.0 score represents the “perfect” GPA score.

Usually, business schools ask for a GPA score ranging between 3.5 and 3.7. But if you come from a country with a different grading system, one that doesn't use GPAs, the university will convert the grades itself or it will ask for additional details. Check with your specific higher education institution to find out the exact score you should be aiming for.

Tips about your GPA from a pro:

Personal qualifications and professional experiences can help overcome a mid to low GPA. Karen Marks explains how she has helped candidates with a 2.4 or 2.6 GPA get admitted and funded at top-tier business schools:

"To admit you with a low GPA, the school needs to fall in love. You must convince them that you, personally, are so spectacular that it’s worth absorbing your low numbers and taking the academic risk. So, talk about what the opportunity means to you, why you know the school is a perfect fit, and TANGIBLY explain what you will contribute.”

4. Take the GMAT and GRE scores seriously

Most MBAs will require Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) scores as part of the application process. As Stacy Blackman, an admissions consultant told The Economist: “In a sea of highly qualified candidates, the GMAT is an important screening tool.”

You should also consider the GRE test. Especially if you feel the GMAT is too strict, the GRE is a viable alternative. The GRE test features questions that reflect the kind of thinking and analysis you'll do in graduate or business school.

We recommend you take special classes that help you prepare rigorously. For both the GMAT and GRE, the results are valid for 5 years from the moment you receive them.

5. Prepare your resume and professional experience

Business schools want candidates with strong professional experience, leadership skills, and a clear career trajectory.

Highlight your biggest achievements, leadership roles, and unique skills.
Keep it concise—one to two pages maximum.
Focus on what makes you different from other applicants.

Pro tip: Business schools look for candidates who stand out. Define your unique value—what can you bring to the programme that others can’t?

Tips from a pro about your MBA resume:

Chioma Isiadinso explains in The Financial Times:

“You can have 10 investment bankers doing the same types of deals but the schools will only take one or two. Those are the people who show how they add value beyond just doing a good job... Know your difference and how you add value.”

6. Write a professional motivation essay for your MBA

Writing your motivation essay is not exactly like meditating while standing on one foot on top of a mountain, but it’s no piece of cake, either. Start by putting down your ideas for the essay in a draft. Your MBA motivation essay should clearly explain:

Why you want to pursue an MBA.
How the programme fits your career goals.
What makes you a strong candidate.

Pro tip: Make a “brag sheet” listing your strengths, personal achievements, and experiences that don’t appear on your resume. This can help you craft a stronger, more personal essay.

Motivation essay pro tip:

Stacy Blackman suggests putting together a “brag sheet” at this stage in the process:

“Write down all of the things about you that would not necessarily appear on a résumé: languages you speak, all extracurricular involvements, family traditions and more. This can also be mined for essay content.”

7. Don’t dismiss your recommendation letters

Professional endorsements increase the credibility of your MBA application. At the same time, this is a great opportunity for you to reflect on yourself as a professional. Make sure that the person who is recommending you is familiar with your personal achievements.

Choose recommenders who know you well and can speak to your strengths.
Give them at least 4-6 weeks to write the letter.
Ensure the recommendation is tailored to the business school’s values.

how to apply to an MBA

8. Make sure you have the necessary English skills

If you don’t speak English as your first language, you will need to prove your language proficiency by taking an accredited English test. The most known and accepted English examinations are TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE Academic.

Check the minimum the university expects and the accepted exams. After that, you can take the right language test.

9. Prepare for the admission interview

After submitting all your documents, it's likely you will be invited to participate in an admission interview. For your interview, you will need to have a clear idea about why you have chosen this particular MBA and business school. You'll have to be able to talk in depth about your career goals and interests.

Most common interview topics include leadership, entrepreneurship, cultural fit, and your future plans matching the programme. Think about your expectations and the goals you plan to achieve until you graduate.

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10. Check your deadlines and application fees

Depending on your chosen university, you will have to respect certain deadlines regarding your MBA application. Keep track of:

Document submission deadlines
Your English language proficiency exam dates
Your GMAT/GRE test dates

Final thoughts

Taking part in an intense MBA programme is a rewarding development opportunity. Most programmes employ a diverse set of mentors, that will guide and grow your business know-how together with your network.

Also, these study options connect directly with the job market via a large business partner network. All you have to do to get into these fantastic learning incubators is to start applying!

You can also check out the Studyportals Scholarship to get some help on financing your studies abroad.

FAQs

1. Can I apply for an MBA without a business degree?

Yes! Most business schools accept students from diverse academic backgrounds, including engineering, social sciences, and humanities. However, some foundational business courses may be required.

2. How much work experience do I need for an MBA?

Most MBA programmes require 2 to 5 years of professional experience, but some executive MBAs require more. Check your chosen programme’s requirements.

3. Do all MBAs require the GMAT or GRE?

Not always. Some universities offer GMAT/GRE waivers based on work experience or academic performance. Research individual schools to see if you qualify.

4. How long does it take to complete an MBA?

Full-time MBA: 1 to 2 years
Part-time MBA: 2 to 3 years
Executive MBA (EMBA): 1 to 2 years (for experienced professionals)
Online MBA: Flexible, typically 2 to 3 years