When it comes to pursuing an MBA abroad, the popular study destinations are the UK, Germany, France, the USA, Canada, Ireland, etc. Do you know what’s common between them? Most of these countries are located in Europe. Students across the world are moving to Europe to pursue their higher studies. There is an increase in the number of MBA education providers in the UK, which has nearly doubled in the previous ten years, owing to the increased number of applications to European schools. With the increased number of applicants comes greater competition. GMAT is a common entrance exam that MBA aspirants take to get admission in countries like Europe. But is it possible to study in Europe without undergoing the GMAT Exam? The answer is yes! In this blog, we will discuss some business schools that offer an MBA in Europe without the GMAT.
This Blog Includes:
What is a GMAT Exam?
The Graduate Management Admission Test, or GMAT, is an essential aspect of the application process for business schools. The GMAT is a computer-based, computer-adaptive multiple-choice standardised exam that is frequently required for entrance to graduate business programs (MBA) worldwide. The GMAT assesses your ability to perform basic math, algebra, geometry, multi-source data processing, and grammar. More importantly, it assesses your ability to read and analyse the written information, as well as your ability to think critically and solve problems.
Is the GMAT Required for an MBA in Europe?
While many colleges urge students to take the GMAT exam, not all colleges require it, as there are business schools that offer an MBA in Europe without the GMAT. If a student is unable to obtain a good GMAT or GRE score and does not wish to retake the exam, or do not have the time to prepare and give the GMAT exam again, they can try their luck in business schools that do not require the GMAT, where the emphasis will be placed on an overall assessment of the candidates.
Also Read: Study in Germany without IELTS
Other Requirements than the GMAT
Although each school’s application requirements may vary slightly, there are a few fundamental requirements that nearly all major schools demand, which entail the following:
- Entrance exam test scores (GMAT/GRE)
- Test scores of English proficiency tests (TOEFL/PTE/IELTS)
- Work Experience (If Any)
- CV/Resume
- Letter of Recommendation
- Statement of Purpose
- Personal Interview/Group Discussion
Top Colleges to Study MBA in Europe without GMAT
It is difficult to select the right university because Europe is home to some of the finest institutions around the world. Here are the top colleges to study an MBA in Europe without GMAT:
| Schools Offering MBA in Europe Without GMAT | Country |
| Institut d’Economie Scientifique et de Gestion (IESEG) | France |
| ISG Business School | France |
| RTU Riga Business School | Latvia |
| Kiel University | Germany |
| University of Sheffield Management School | UK |
| University of Exeter Business School | UK |
| University of Bremen | Germany |
| University of Bath School of Management | UK |
| Strathclyde Business School | UK |
| Salford Business School, University of Salford | UK |
| University of Ulm | Germany |
| Nottingham University Business School | UK |
| Nottingham Business School (NTU), Nottingham Trent University | UK |
| University of Stuttgart | Germany |
| Lord Ashcroft International Business School, Anglia Ruskin University | UK |
| Kingston Business School, Kingston University | UK |
| Technical University of Munich | Germany |
| Geneva Business School | Switzerland |
Also Read : January Intake in Europe for MBA
Universities with Alternate Options to GMAT in 2025
Many top universities around the world now accept alternative exams in place of the GMAT, especially if you have a strong academic profile, work experience, or relevant qualifications. Here’s a list of universities offering GMAT alternatives or waivers in 2025:
| University | Location | GMAT Alternative |
| INSEAD | France/Singapore | GRE accepted |
| IE Business School | Spain | IE Global Admissions Test (ieGAT), GRE |
| University of Oxford – Saïd | UK | GRE accepted |
| University of Manchester – AMBS | UK | GRE or relevant work experience |
| NUS Business School | Singapore | GRE accepted or GMAT waived for exceptional profiles |
| Rotterdam School of Management (RSM) | Netherlands | GRE accepted |
| University of Toronto – Rotman | Canada | GRE accepted |
FAQs
There are many universities and colleges in the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand that do not ask for GMAT scores.
Scores of MBAs are not mandatory, but it is generally recommended to do so, as it gives weightage to your application. Having said that, to answer the question, there are universities and colleges in Germany that won’t make GMAT scores a prerequisite to enrol students in an MBA program.
GMAT scores are a must in some universities and colleges for the MBA program in Europe, and the desirable GMAT score ranges from 550 – 730. Having said that, there are B-schools in Europe that do not ask for a GMAT score, and some of them are also listed in the top B-schools list by The Financial Times.
Yes, many European B-schools waive the GMAT if you have 2–5 years of strong work experience. It helps prove your practical knowledge and leadership potential during the application process.
Germany is one of the most affordable options for an MBA in Europe. Public universities have little to no tuition fees, making them ideal for budget-conscious students.
Related Reads:
| Career Objective For Resume For Fresher | MBA in Financial Management |
| MBA in Japan | MBA Abroad for Indian Students |
| MBA In Forest Management | MBA Engineering Management |
Planning to study abroad? We at Leverage Edu are all about helping students to realise this dream, which can open the door to many career opportunities. To get assistance in your application process, just register on our website or call us at 1800-572-000.
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I want to do MBA for one year without GMAT
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Hi, Get in touch with our study abroad experts at 1800-57-2000 they will surely assist you
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I want to do MBA for one year without GMAT
Hi, Get in touch with our study abroad experts at 1800-57-2000 they will surely assist you