MBA APPLICATION
GUIDE 2020-21
Are you considering an MBA? In our
BusinessBecause MBA Application Guide 2020-21,
we list the latest MBA application deadlines for the
world’s top business schools and provide you with
an exclusive, step-by-step guide to a successful
MBA application.
BusinessBecause is a trusted source of information and inspiration for
worldwide business school applicants, supporting through every step
of the business school journey.
businessbecause.com
Content: Marco De Novellis
Design: dayone.io
© 2020 BusinessBecause
Access this feature on our website.
MBA APPLICATION
GUIDE 2020-21
MBA APPLICATION
GUIDE 2020-21
Introduction
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Is it worth pursuing an MBA? It’s the question we’re hearing
the most from BusinessBecause users right now.
The coronavirus pandemic has closed business school campuses, shifted admissions
timelines, and forced MBA students around the world into studying online.
The future is uncertain. If COVID-19 continues, even by the fall 2021 intake the full-time
MBA experience may be a little dierent, with hybrid learning—part-online, part-oine—
and classes divided into smaller groups.
However, we at BusinessBecause believe that the long-term value of an MBA will remain.
The MBA is still the world’s most popular graduate management degree. Employers hire
thousands of MBA graduates each year. 93% of MBA alumni say they would still pursue
their degree knowing what they know now. Often, it’s at a time of crisis when applications
to MBA programs increase.
In our BusinessBecause MBA Application Guide 2020-21, we list the latest full-time
MBA application deadlines for the world’s top business schools to help you plan your
business school application for a 2021 start.
We explain how to navigate the dierent MBA application rounds this year; guide you
through the key components of a successful MBA application; and provide exclusive
insight and application tips from leading business school admissions directors.
Read on and ace your MBA application!
Marco De Novellis,
Editor,
BusinessBecause
MBA APPLICATION
GUIDE 2020-21
Planning your
MBA application
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The MBA application cycle is typically divided into
several rounds, although every business school is
dierent.
The traditional three-round application process has been extended to four, and even ve,
at some business schools.
Whatever your situation—and especially if you’re an international applicant or want
to stand the best chance of getting a scholarship—you’ll need to understand what the
dierent application rounds mean.
Early Action Round:
September/October 2020*
Just a handful of business schools have an Early Action (EA) (or Early Decision (ED))
round, but if you’re decided on your number one target school and it oers an EA
round, this is when you should apply. Early application conveys that you would take that
school’s acceptance above all others. Some schools also oer tuition fee discounts if you
apply early.
Be aware that some schools’ EA rounds are more binding than others. Columbia
Business School, for example, makes its ED candidates sign a statement of commitment
promising to withdraw all other applications and decline all other oers upon admission.
UVA Darden also has a binding deadline this year.
*Application deadlines vary by school and may fall outside of these dates which are
intended as a general guide.
Planning your MBA application
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Round 1
September/October 2020
If you’re number one school doesn’t have an EA or ED round, you should consider
applying in Round 1 (R1).
More spaces in an MBA class are lled with each passing deadline, and schools will have
less scholarship money to award. As a general rule, the earlier you apply, the more
chance you have of getting accepted and getting a scholarship.
Applying in R1 demonstrates that you are serious about a school and have been
planning your application for some time. International candidates should strongly
consider applying in R1 to allow time to apply for student visas.
“Strong candidates have a habit of leadership in past and
current endeavors, analytical appetite and curiosity, and a
penchant for contributing to the success of a community. We
want to get to know each applicant and to try to understand
how s/he will contribute in our classrooms and community.”
Chad Losee, MBA admissions director,
Harvard Business School
Round 2
December 2020/January 2021
Round 2 (R2) is often more competitive than R1 with more applicants and fewer places
remaining.* At some schools, R2 is nal application round for internationals. If you want
a scholarship, it’s a good idea to apply by R2.
By R2, many schools will have already lled a portion of their class with candidates, so
you need to take care to demonstrate how you’re dierent and how you can add to the
diversity of the class.
Are you an entrepreneur with a background in sustainable business? Have you spent
your entire career in the public sector? Are you from an emerging market looking to
contribute to the development of your country after an MBA?
You can succeed in R2 with a strong prole and a strong sense of career direction, and
especially if you come from a less traditional MBA background.
*Note that R2’s competitiveness can vary by school as some schools have larger R2 pools
where they admit more applicants.
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Round 3
March/April 2021
Applying in Round 3 (R3) or later isn’t easy as most seats in the MBA class have been lled
by this point. You risk missing out on your top choices, particularly if you’re targeting big-
name business schools in the US.
You should ask yourself four key questions before applying in R3: Is it the right time? Do I
have enough time? Do I oer something dierent? Are my target schools right for me?
If you can answer ‘Yes’ to these questions, you can still be successful in R3 or later at many
schools—including those big-name US. In R3, unique proles with strong GMAT scores
become even more important, and you need to make a convincing argument in your
application as to why you waited to apply in R3.
After the nal application round, some schools will still accept applications on a rolling basis.
“An MBA is a journey that is meant
to transform the way you face new
business challenges; this pandemic and
its consequences on our economy is one
of them. Deciding to move forward with
one’s original plans when all we hear
around us is pessimism takes courage,
but don’t put a hold on an education that
will train you for the future.”
Andrea Flores, Head of Admissions,
IE Business School
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ü There will be new entrants to the MBA market in 2020-21 as people who’ve lost
their jobs due to COVID-19 consider MBA programs.
ü Some candidates who were set to start their MBA in late 2020 deferred until
2021.
ü Candidates who decided against applying in the later rounds of the last MBA
application cycle may now apply in R1 2020 for a 2021 start.
COVID-19 may make applying for MBA programs more competitive in 2020-21, with
more candidates and deferrals lling up available seats. However, admissions experts
are still advising that candidates apply in R1.
R2, rather than R1, is expected to be especially busy as new entrants to the market
are more likely to have their applications ready by then; visa issues may be resolved;
and some business schools, keen to ll classes in R1 after the disruption of 2020, will
use R2 to optimize rather than build their classes.
If your application is strong enough, you will still get into a top MBA program in
2020-21, so don’t panic! There may also be fewer candidates applying to US MBA
programs this cycle due to visa issues, coronavirus, and depending on the results of
the US Presidential election. If you’re an international candidate applying for the US,
your prole could stand out.
Ultimately, you should only apply when you’re ready, regardless of the application
round. A complete, well-researched, and carefully-thought-out application is more
likely to be a successful one.
COVID-19 Impact On Your Application
MBA APPLICATION
GUIDE 2020-21
MBA Admission
Requirements
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Applying to MBA programs is a little dierent in
2020-21. If you can’t visit a school’s campus, talk
to current students and alumni, and read our
exclusive MBA stories, to get a avor of the school.
If you’re applying internationally, a positive out of COVID-19 is that everyone has the same
opportunities to engage with business schools from all over the world online. Admissions
sta and virtual campus tours are just a click away!
Still, the core admissions process and what business school look for is the same. To apply
for an MBA, you’ll typically need an undergraduate degree or equivalent qualication and
a minimum level of work experience, which varies by program.
You’ll also need to prepare the following materials for submission:
GMAT
The GMAT Exam is the premier admission test for business schools, used as a quality
indicator when measuring your suitability for an MBA.
The GMAT tests your verbal and quantitative skills. It’s a computer-adaptive test, meaning
it gets easier or harder as you answer the questions, depending on whether you get an
answer right or wrong. Total GMAT scores range from 200 to 800.
What is a good GMAT score? There’s no straightforward answer. As with every part of
your application, the GMAT is just one component and schools will look at your holistic
prole. If you score low on the GMAT but shine elsewhere, you still have a good chance
of getting accepted.
MBA Admission Requirements
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Still, to stand the best chance of getting into your target school, you should consider the
average GMAT score of the current MBA class as well as the GMAT score range, which
tells you what both the lowest and highest scoring students in an MBA class earned on
their GMAT exam. This will give you a good idea of what GMAT score to aim for.
Still, to stand the best chance of getting into your target school, you should consider the
average GMAT score of the current MBA class as well as the GMAT score range, which
tells you what both the lowest and highest scoring students in an MBA class earned on
their GMAT exam. This will give you a good idea of what GMAT score to aim for.
Preparing for the GMAT can take several months. We recommend you have your GMAT
score ready at least three months in advance of your application deadline. Your GMAT
score is valid for ve years, but if you’re not happy with your rst score you can always take
the test again.
One big dierence in 2020-21 is the launch of the GMAT Online Exam in light of
COVID-19. If you can’t get to an open GMAT test center, you can take the GMAT Online
Exam at home from your computer.
“Schools are looking for a diverse
group of candidates. Although it’s an
important part of what you bring to
the table, a particular score doesn’t
necessarily close or open doors for
you. Look at your GMAT score as part
of the overall value proposition that
you bring to a school.”
Vineet Chhabra, Global Product & Marketing Head
for the GMAT Exam
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You’ll be monitored by a human proctor through a live video feed to ensure you don’t
cheat. And the tests are pretty much the same aside from the exclusion of the Analytical
Writing Assessment (AWA) section—the essay section—from the online test.
While the GMAT is the most popular MBA admission test, there are alternative tests like
the GRE which may be worth considering.
Get the latest updates on GMAT test center closures.
Find out more about the GMAT Online Exam.
Month 1-2
GMAT prep, resume, plan essays, narrow your target schools, identify your
recommenders.
Month 3
Take the GMAT, essays, nalise recommenders.
Month 4
Finalise essays, reassess your target school list based on your GMAT score.
Month 5
Get recommendations, proofread your application.
Starting your application early is always best, giving you time get your materials
together and target those early deadlines.
What timeline should you work to? Read the full ve-month application plan by
Personal MBA Coach.
Your ve-month application plan
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Essays
The application essays are a chance to tell business schools your story. Your personality,
experiences, interest, and suitability to the program should shine through.
Essays are typically centered around your career goals and how the MBA program will help
you achieve those goals, although essay questions vary by school. Here’s a few examples:
Harvard Business School
As we review your application, what more would you like us to know as we consider your
candidacy for the Harvard Business School MBA program? (no word limit)
London Business School
1. What are your post-MBA goals and how will your prior experience and the London
Business School program contribute towards these? (500 words)
2. Is there any other information you believe the Admissions Committee should know
about you and your application to London Business School? (500 words. This question
is optional)
UCLA Anderson
How have events of the past year inuenced the impact you would like to make in your
community, career, or both? (250 words)
HKUST
1. Tell us about your short-term and long-term career goals after the MBA, and why you
think HKUST MBA would be a good t for you. (500 words)
1. Our mission is to inspire and transform individuals to be future business leaders
for Asia and the world. We embrace diversity, and are looking for ambitious and
open-minded candidates with a passion to contribute. With your background and
professional experience, what unique values can you bring in to enrich the learning
experience at HKUST MBA? (500 words)
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To submit a winning essay, research the school, write several drafts, edit, proofread, get
feedback from a colleague or friend and, most of all, make sure you’ve answered the
question at hand.
The biggest mistake you can make is sending a template essay answer to multiple
schools. Instead, you should tailor your essay answers to the school you’re applying to.
If English isn’t your rst language, don’t worry. The essay is less about testing your ability
to write in English and more about assessing your t for the program.
In addition to your written essays, some schools—including INSEAD, Kellogg, and MIT
Sloan—will ask you to submit a recorded video essay where you’ll be required to
introduce yourself and answer questions out loud.
“Candidates will sometimes tell us
what they think we want to hear,
rather than actually what’s the best
thing about them, or what are they
doing. The best thing to do is think:
‘Who am I? What do I want out of this,
and how should I put that across to
business schools?’”
David Simpson, MBA admissions director,
London Business School
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Recommendation Letters
Your professional recommendation letters are an opportunity for business schools to hear
about you from an outside perspective. Most schools ask for two.
Ideal recommenders include: your line manager; colleagues who you’ve worked with
closely on projects; clients or suppliers; or someone who has seen you in a leadership role
outside of work.
You should choose people based on how well they can describe your skills and leadership
potential, rather than their level of seniority. You may not want your current boss to
know that you’re planning on leaving your company to pursue an MBA, so asking a former
manager works just as well.
Schools will then ask your recommenders to rate you across various skills and personal
qualities as well as questions covering your achievements, strengths, and weaknesses.
If you’re applying to MBA programs outside your home country, apply early to give
yourself extra time to sort out your student visa.
For most countries, this should be a straightforward process, but make sure you’re
familiar with the various visa requirements [see US F-1 visa requirements].
If you did not attend an undergraduate institution where the sole language of
instruction was English, you will also have to take one of the following English
language tests:
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
• Pearson Test of English (PTE)
Scores from all these tests are valid for two years.
Applying internationally?
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INSEAD’s Recommender Questions:
• Com
ment on the candidate’s career progress to date and his/her career focus?
• What do you consider to be the candidate’s major strengths? Comment on the
factors that distinguish the candidate from other individuals at his/her level.
• What do you consider to be the candidate’s major areas for development/
improvement? Comment on the candidate’s potential for senior management. Do
you see him/her as a future leader?
• Describe the candidate as a person. Comment on his/her ability to establish
and maintain relationships, sensitivity to others, self-condence, attitude, etc.
Specically comment on the cand
idate’s behavior or skills in a group setting/team
environment.
Before choosing your recommenders, meet with them and talk over why you’re deciding
to do an MBA; what you hope to gain from it; and your plans afterwards.
Prep them, explain the process, and highlight the key attributes you’d like them to
address. You could also write a roundup of your target school’s key values.
Taking these steps will help ensure you get a recommendation letter that’s tailored to
your prole and supports the rest of your application.
“Consider when in your professional life
you’ve had the opportunity to work as part of
a team in accomplishing a goal; or handled a
situation where you needed to have a dicult
conversation with a co-worker; or solved a
challenging problem. These situations are not
unique to corporate experiences. Find ways
to include these examples in your resume,
essays, and interview.”
Shari Hubert, associate dean of admissions,
Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business
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Resume
When you apply for dierent jobs, you should adapt your resume, or CV, to each role
you’re applying for. It’s the same with an MBA resume.
To write a stand-out MBA resume:
• Fi
nd out what kind of qualities your target business school looks for. Then, tailor
your resume to align with its values and culture.
• Avoid industry jargon. Your MBA resume will be reviewed by admissions ocers,
not industry specialists.
• Explain gaps in your work experience.
• Mention extracurricular activities. Choose things that demonstrate things
leadership and teamwork and/or highlight individuality and diversity.
• Keep it concise. Most schools prefer one page.
• Focus on the bigger picture. Rather than listing the specics of each role, highlight
how you grew in each position, additional projects you took on, promotions or
awards you received, and impress
ive milestones you achieved.
Read more about writing a winning MBA resume.
MBA APPLICATION
GUIDE 2020-21
MBA Application
Deadlines
2020-21
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The business schools listed below are ranked
in the Financial Times Global MBA Rankings
2020 and/or are BusinessBecause partner
schools for 2020-21. All deadlines are for
full-time MBA programs.
MBA Application Deadlines 2020-21
North America
US and Canadian business schools are most loyal to the standard application process with
most schools having three or more rounds as well as deadlines for international applications.
Some US schools have Early Action rounds. Where this is stated below (e.g. Darden), Round
2 becomes Round 1. Many schools have rolling admissions after the nal application round
where they’ll continue to accept stand-out candidates to ll the class. Most of the deadlines
noted here are for a fall 2021 start.
One notable school with a dierent model is Columbia which uses a rolling admissions
process, rather than rounds, up until a nal deadline in April 2021.
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* = rolling admissions.
EA = Early Action deadline.
EB = Early Bird deadline.
Int = Deadline for international candidates.
North America R1 R2 R3 R4+
Baylor Nov 15, 2020 Feb 15, 2021 April 15, 2021 May 15, 2021
Bualo Oct 15, 2020 Dec 1, 2020 Feb 1, 2021 (Int)
April 15, 2021;
June 1
Carey, Johns Hopkins Oct 28, 2020 Jan 27, 2021 April 7, 2021
Carlson, Minnesota Oct 1, 2020 Dec 1, 2020 Feb 1, 2021 April 1, 2021*
Chicago Booth Sep 24, 2020 Jan 12, 2021 April 1, 2021
College of New Jersey* April 1, 2021
Columbia Business School* Oct 2, 2020 (EA) April 9, 2021
D'Amore-McKim, Northeastern Oct 21, 2020 Jan 13, 2021 March 16, 2021 (Int)
April 13 2021; June
15
Darden, Virginia Sep 2, 2020 (EA) Oct 5, 2020 Jan 4, 2021 April 7, 2021
Desautels, McGill Nov 1, 2020 Jan 15, 2021 March 15, 2021 (Int) May 1 2021
Edwards, Saskatchewan* Aug 31, 2021
Fisher, Ohio State Oct 18, 2020 (EA) Dec 6, 2020 Jan 10, 2021
Feb 28, 2021 (Int);
May 9*
Foster, Washington Oct 6, 2020 Jan 6, 2021 (Int) March 16, 2021
Fox, Temple Dec 15, 2020 March 1, 2021 (Int) June 30, 2021
Fuqua, Duke Sep 23, 2020 (EA) Oct 20, 2020 Jan 7, 2021 March 25, 2021
George Washington University* Jan 15, 2021
Goizueta, Emory Sep 23, 2020 Jan 13, 2021 March 17, 2021
Haas, Berkeley Sep 24, 2020 Jan 14, 2021 April 5, 2021
Harvard Sep 8, 2020 Jan 5, 2021
Ivey, Western (March 2021)
Sep 25, 2020 (R4,
Int)
Nov 9, 2020 (R5) Jan 4, 2021 (R6)
Jindal, UT Dallas Oct 15, 2020 Jan 15, 2021 March 1, 2021 May 1, 2021
John Molson, Concordia (Fall 2021) March 1, 2021 (Int) May 1, 2021 June 1, 2021
John Molson, Concordia (Winter 2021) June 1, 2021 (Int) Oct 1, 2021
Johnson at Cornell (1 Year & Tech MBA) Oct 8, 2020 Jan 5, 2021 March 8, 2021
Johnson at Cornell (2-Year) Oct 8, 2020 Jan 5, 2021 April 8, 2021
Jones, Rice Oct 16, 2020 Jan 5, 2021 April 1, 2021 (Int) April 15, 2021
Katz, Pittsburgh (1-Year) Oct 1, 2020 Dec 1, 2020 Feb 1, 2021
Katz, Pittsburgh (2-Year) Oct 1, 2020 Dec 1, 2020 Feb 1, 2021
April 1, 2021 (Int);
July 1
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North America R1 R2 R3 R4+
Kelley, Indiana Oct 15, 2020 Jan 5, 2021 March 1, 2021 April 15, 2021
Kellogg, Northwestern Sep 16, 2020 Jan 6, 2021 April 7, 2021
Kogod, American University Nov 15, 2020 Jan 15, 2021 March 15, 2021 May 15, 2021; July 1
Lindner, Cincinnati* March 15, 2021 (Int) June 30, 2021
Lubin, Pace University (Jan 2021) Oct 1, 2020 (Int) Dec 1, 2020
Lubin, Pace University (Summer 2021) March 1, 2021 (Int) May 1, 2021
McCombs, UT Austin Oct 13, 2020 Jan 5, 2021 March 30, 2021 (Int) May 11, 2021
McDonough, Georgetown Sep 28, 2020 Jan 6, 2021 March 29, 2021 April 26, 2021
Merage, UC Irvine Nov 1, 2020 Dec 1, 2020 Feb 1, 2021 (Int) April 1, 2021
MIT Sloan Oct 1, 2020 Jan 19, 2021 April 12, 2021
Neeley, Texas Christian University Oct 15, 2020 Jan 5, 2021 March 1, 2021 (Int) April 15, 2021*
NYU Stern Oct 15, 2020 Nov 15, 2020 Jan 15, 2021 March 15, 2021
Olin, Babson Oct 26, 2020 Jan 11, 2021 March 3, 2021
April 14, 2021; June
22*
Olin, Washington Oct 14, 2020 Jan 20, 2021 March 24, 2021*
Owen, Vanderbilt Oct 12, 2020 Jan 11, 2021 March 29, 2021 May 15, 2021*
Questrom, Boston Oct 21, 2020 Jan 7, 2021 March 17, 2021
Ross, Michigan Sep 14, 2020 Jan 4, 2021 March 29, 2021 June 1, 2021
Rotman, Toronto Oct 5, 2020 Jan 11, 2021 March 8, 2021 (Int) April 26, 2021
Scheller, Georgia Tech Oct 1, 2020 Dec 4, 2020 Feb 2, 2021
April 1, 2021; June
1*
Simon, Rochester Oct 15, 2020 Jan 5, 2021 Feb 15, 2021
March 31, 2021;
May 1
Smeal, Penn State Oct 1, 2020 Dec 1, 2020 Feb 1, 2021 June 1, 2021*
Smith, Maryland Oct 1, 2020 Nov 1, 2020 Dec 15, 2020
Jan 15, 2021; March
1; April 30*
Stanford GSB Sep 15, 2020 Jan 6, 2021 April 6, 2021
Tepper, Carnegie Mellon Oct 4, 2020 Jan 10, 2021 March 2, 2021 April 12, 2021
Terry, Georgia Oct 10, 2020 Dec 10, 2020 Jan 10, 2021 (Int)
March 10, 2021 ;
June 1*
Tuck, Dartmouth Sep 28, 2020 Jan 4, 2021 March 29, 2021 June 1, 2021*
UBC Sauder Oct 20, 2020 Jan 5, 2021 April 6, 2021 (Int) May 4, 2021
UCLA Anderson Oct 2, 2020 Jan 8, 2021 April 16, 2021
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North America R1 R2 R3 R4+
UCSD Rady Nov 1, 2020 Feb 1, 2021 April 1, 2020 (Int) May 1 2021; June 1
UNC Kenan Flagler Oct 13, 2020 Jan 5, 2021 March 1, 2021 April 12, 2021
University of Kansas May 1, 2021 (Int) July 1, 2021
University of San Francisco Nov 15, 2020 Jan 15, 2021 March 16, 2021
May 15, 2021; June
15 (Int); July 15
USC Marshall Oct 15, 2020 Jan 15, 2021 March 1, 2021 April 15, 2021
Warrington, Florida Oct 15, 2020 (Int) Jan 15, 2021 May 15, 2021
Wharton Sep 15, 2020 Jan 5, 2021 March 31, 2021
Wisconsin Sep 25, 2020 (EA) Nov 1, 2020 Jan 10, 2021
March 1, 2021; April
10 (Int); June 1*
Wyoming* June 30, 2021
Yale SOM Sep 15, 2020 Jan 7, 2021 April 13, 2021
Zicklin, Baruch Dec 1, 2020 Feb 1, 2021 April 1, 2021 June 1, 2021
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Europe R1 R2 R3 R4+
Aston Business School* Sep 20, 2021
Birmingham Business School* July 1, 2021 (Int) Sep 10, 2021
Cambridge Judge Sep 7, 2020 Oct 19, 2020 Jan 11, 2021
March 8, 2021 ; April
26
Cass Business School Sep 27, 2020 Nov 8, 2020 Jan 10, 2021
Feb 14, 2021; Mar
28; May 9; June 13*
Copenhagen Business School Jan 10, 2021 April 10, 2021 June 10, 2021 (Int) July 10, 2021
Craneld Oct 25, 2020 Jan 24, 2021 April 25, 2021 June 13, 2021
Durham* Sep 20, 2021
EDHEC May 31, 2021 (Int) June 30, 2021
EMLYON* Sep 21, 2021
ESADE Oct 6, 2020 Nov 24, 2020 Jan 12, 2021
Feb 9, 2021; March
9; April 13; May 18
(Int); June 1
ESMT (Jan 2021) Aug 31, 2020 Oct 4, 2020 Nov 1, 2020 (Int) Dec 6, 2020*
ESSEC Oct 19, 2020 Jan 4, 2021 March 1, 2021 April 26, 2021
EU Business School (Jan 2021)* Dec 11, 2020
EU Business School (March 2021)* March 5, 2021
EU Business School (Sep 2021)* Sep 17, 2021
Frankfurt* Nov 30, 2020 (EB) Jan 31, 2021 (EB2) April 30, 2021 (EB3) July 31, 2021
Europe
Whereas most US business schools oer two-year MBA programs, many European schools
oer one-year MBAs, with some start dates in January.
Admissions processes are more varied. Some schools have no xed application deadlines or
rounds and accept applications at any time until the program start date. German business
schools, like WHU and Frankfurt, have Early Bird (EB) deadlines where you can get a discount
on your tuition depending on how early you apply.
Bigger-name schools like LBS stick to the traditional application rounds. We’ve included
INSEAD’s two intakes below, although the school has campuses in both France and
Singapore. Deadlines are the same for either campus.
For most schools within the European Union, the international application deadlines listed
below are for non-EU candidates.
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Europe R1 R2 R3 R4+
HEC Paris (Jan/Sep 2021) Oct 14, 2020 Nov 16, 2020 tbc tbc
HHL Leipzig Jan 31, 2021 (EB)
March 31, 2021
(EB2)
May 30, 2021 (Int) June 30, 2021
IE* Sep 1, 2021
IESE Oct 6, 2020 Jan 5, 2021 March 10, 2021 May 4, 2021
Imperial Sep 25, 2020 Nov 6, 2020 Jan 22, 2021
March 5, 2021 ; April
30; June 18
INSEAD (Jan 2022) March 5, 2021 April 23, 2021 June 18, 2021 July 30, 2021
INSEAD (Sep 2021) Sep 11, 2020 Nov 6, 2020 Jan 8, 2021 Feb 26, 2021
Lancaster July 31, 2021*
Liverpool (Oct 2020)* Oct 1, 2020
Liverpool (Feb 2021)* Feb 1, 2021
London Business School Sep 11, 2020 Jan 5, 2021 March 4, 2021 April 27, 2021
Maastricht (Jan 2021) Sep 15, 2020 Nov 4, 2020 (Int) Dec 7, 2020
Manchester Oct 5, 2020 Nov 2, 2020 Dec 1, 2020
Jan 5, 2021; Feb 8;
March 15; April 19;
May 24; June 1
Mannheim* May 31, 2021 (Int) Sep 13, 2021
MIP Politecnico di Milano* June 30, 2021
Nyenrode* Jan 15, 2021 (EB) April 1, 2021 (EB2) July 31, 2021
Oxford Saïd Sep 11, 2020 Oct 30, 2020 Jan 8, 2021 April 9, 2021
Rotterdam SOM* Feb 11, 2021 April 7, 2021 June 9, 2021
August 4, 2021;
October 6; Novem-
ber 3
SDA Bocconi* July 31, 2021
Smurt* Aug 1, 2021
St Gallen Oct 1, 2020 Dec 1, 2020 Feb 1, 2021
April 1, 2021 ; June
1; August 15
The Lisbon MBA (Jan 2021) Sep 30, 2020 Nov 11, 2020
Trinity* June 30, 2021
University of Edinburgh Oct 7, 2020 Nov 11, 2020 Dec 16, 2020
Jan 27, 2021 ; March
10; April 21; June 2;
July 21
Warwick Oct 27, 2020 Jan 26, 2021 May 31, 2021 (Int) July 31, 2021
WHU (April 2021) Aug 31, 2020 (EB) Oct 31, 2020 (EB2) Dec 31, 2020 (Int) Feb 29, 2021
WHU (Sep 2021) Jan 31, 2021 (EB)
March 31, 2021
(EB2)
May 31, 2021 (Int) July 31, 2021
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Asia R1 R2 R3 R4+
Antai, Jiao Tong Oct 23, 2020 Dec 25, 2020 March 5, 2021 April 23, 2021
Asia School of Business Oct 29, 2020 Jan 26, 2021 April 1, 2021
Athena School of Management Nov 30, 2020 (EA) Jan 15, 2021 Feb 28, 2021 March 31, 2021
Beijing International MBA (BIMBA at
Peking University)
June 30, 2021
CEIBS Oct 28, 2020 Jan 6, 2021 March 10, 2021 April 14, 2021
CityU Jan 31, 2021 tbc
CKGSB Oct 19. 2020 Dec 7, 2020 March 1, 2021
April 19. 2021 ; June
28
CUHK Oct 19. 2020 Dec 14, 2020 Feb 22, 2021 April 19, 2021
Fudan-MIT IMBA Nov 15, 2020 Dec 31, 2020 March 15, 2021 April 30, 2021
HKU Nov 20, 2020 tbc
HKUST Nov 18, 2020 Jan 13, 2021 March 17, 2021
IIM Ahmedabad Aug 31, 2020 Oct 19, 2020 Jan 4, 2021
IIM Bangalore Aug 31, 2020 Oct 29, 2020 Jan 4, 2021
IIM Calcutta Aug 30, 2020 Oct 31, 2020 Jan 1, 2021
ISB Sep 20, 2020 Jan 10, 2021
Nanyang Nov 1, 2020 Jan 15, 2021 March 31, 2021
NUS Business School Jan 27, 2021 March 31, 2021
Renmin May 15, 2021
Singapore Management University (Jan
2022)
March 15, 2021 July 15, 2021 Oct 30, 2021
Tsinghua Nov 1, 2020 Dec 1, 2020 Feb 14, 2021
March 21, 2021;
May 2
Asia
Most top Asian schools stick to the US application process, although start dates vary.
MBA programs in China and Hong Kong tend to start in August. SMU’s deadlines are for its
January 2022 intake (R3 for a January 2021 start is October 30, 2020). Nanyang’s start date
is in July. The start date for the IIMs in India is April 2021.
MBA APPLICATION
GUIDE 2020-21
27
Rest of the world R1 R2 R3 R4+
AGSM @ UNSW (Jan 2022) May 1, 2021 June 1, 2021 July 1, 2021
Aug 1, 2021 ; Sep 1;
Oct 1 (Int); Oct 30
EGADE* Sep 3, 2021
Lagos Business School Dec 4, 2020 tbc
Macquarie (Jan 2021) Nov 8, 2020 (Int) Dec 13, 2020
Macquarie (March 2021) March 7, 2021 (Int) March 21, 2021
Macquarie (June 2021) May 23, 2021 (Int) June 6, 2021
Macquarie (Sep 2021) Aug 22, 2021 (Int) Sep 5, 2021
Melbourne Business School Aug 31, 2020 Dec 31, 2020 March 31, 2021 (Int) April 30, 2021
Otago* Feb, 2020
University of Sydney* Aug 1, 2020 Oct 1, 2020 Nov 1, 2020
Feb 1, 2021 ; April 1;
June 15
HKUST Nov 18, 2020 Jan 13, 2021 March 17, 2021
IIM Ahmedabad Aug 31, 2020 Oct 19, 2020 Jan 4, 2021
IIM Bangalore Aug 31, 2020 Oct 29, 2020 Jan 4, 2021
IIM Calcutta Aug 30, 2020 Oct 31, 2020 Jan 1, 2021
ISB Sep 20, 2020 Jan 10, 2021
Nanyang Nov 1, 2020 Jan 15, 2021 March 31, 2021
NUS Business School Jan 27, 2021 March 31, 2021
Renmin May 15, 2021
Singapore Management University (Jan
2022)
March 15, 2021 July 15, 2021 Oct 30, 2021
Tsinghua Nov 1, 2020 Dec 1, 2020 Feb 14, 2021
March 21, 2021;
May 2
Rest of the world
Australian business schools typically have several application rounds, although applications
are accepted throughout the cycle.
Melbourne Business School and the University of Sydney’s deadlines are for August
intakes, while the MBA at the Australian Graduate School of Management
(AGSM @ UNSW) starts in January.
Macquarie University stands out as it has four intakes each year with two application
deadlines for each intake—one for domestic candidates and one for internationals.
Other schools listed here are located in Lebanon, Mexico, Nigeria, and New Zealand.
MBA APPLICATION
GUIDE 2020-21
Funding your
MBA
29
MBA APPLICATION
GUIDE 2020-21
Success! You’ve submitted an outstanding MBA
application and have been invited for an interview
at your target school. You’ll be interviewed by
admissions sta or alumni at some schools, like
INSEAD, and you’ll probably interview online this
cycle.
At the interview stage, your chance of admission increases signicantly. At Harvard, you
have about a 50-to-60% chance of being admitted if you reach the interview stage. Your
chance of admission at most schools will be even higher. You’ll nd out if you’ve been
successful around three weeks after your interview.
Now you’ve been admitted—and likely a long time before—you’ll be asking yourself the
question: ‘How am I going to pay for this?!’
In our BusinessBecause Cost of MBA Report 2020, we broke down the total cost of the
world’s top MBA programs covering MBA tuition fees, living costs, healthcare, and more.
The most expensive MBA programs can cost upwards of $150k in tuition alone.
However, with business schools oering generous scholarships and funding options, the
fact that the MBA comes at a cost shouldn’t put you o.
Funding your MBA
30
MBA APPLICATION
GUIDE 2020-21
There are many ways of funding an MBA which will reduce your overall cost
signicantly:
• Business schools oer very generous scholarships, including full-ride scholarships
which cover the your entire b-school experience (including tuition, room and board,
books, and sometimes even living expenses), and full-tuition scholarships
• Some schools automatically consider every accepted student for some sort of
scholarship (most commonly a percentage reduction in tuition fees)
• There are various scholarships based on nationality, gender, industry background,
and academic performance.
• Most of the scholarship money that schools award is done so through the standard
application process or through essays requested after the application process.
• There is also support available from governments and nonprot organizations
• You can take out a student loan to cover your studies.
• You can even crowdfund your tuition.
Ultimately, the return on investment you will eventually get from an MBA— whether
that’s doubling your salary, entering an exciting new industry, or starting a successful
business—will likely make that initial expense more than worth it.
This guide was produced with support from leading MBA admissions consulting
companies Personal MBA Coach and Management Masters.
31
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About BusinessBecause
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• Keep up to date with the latest business school news—rankings, reports, and the rest
• Uncover the personal stories of business school students and grads
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You can also check out our weekly Applicant Question feature and our videos of
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