MBA in UK Without GMAT: Top Universities, Fees, Eligibility, Admission, & Salary in 2026

Numerous universities in the UK do not require GMAT scores for MBA admission. Hence, if you want to pursue an MBA in UK without GMAT, no need to worry, you can easily go for it. These universities that offer MBA without mandatory GMAT requirements are often ranked highly under international ranking bodies such as QS and THE in 2026. Moreover, the common reason some universities allow MBA admission to international students without a GMAT is if they have an exceptional academic record and relevant work experience. 

Read the complete blog to check about everything you need to know, including the top universities, eligibility, admission process, and salary expectations in 2026 for MBA courses in UK without GMAT. 

Why Study MBA in UK Without GMAT?

Studying in the UK without the GMAT Exam offers international students many benefits, such as time and cost-saving flexibility, stronger career advancement, and more. Here are some of the top reasons why students must consider pursuing an MBA in the UK without the GMAT in 2026: 

Saves Time

The GMAT is an aptitude-based test that requires thorough preparation. Students need to devote a significant period of several months to prepare efficiently for the exam. By choosing to pursue an MBA in the UK without the GMAT, you save this time and utilise it to enhance your application in other ways, such as admissions essays, personal statements, work experience, and more.

Saves Money

The GMAT exam fee for Indian students is USD 300 for an online test, whereas it is USD 275 for the test at a test centre. This roughly translates to INR 24,959 to INR 27,227, excluding taxes. Moreover, if you opt for GMAT preparation courses or classes, you might also require some extra money. By choosing to go for an MBA without the need for the GMAT in the UK, international students save a lot of money, which can help with studying costs. 

Reduces Stress and Anxiety 

Students who opt for an MBA program that accepts applications without a GMAT score are often less stressed and anxious about the evaluation, and they focus on improving and enhancing their applications through work experience, leadership qualities, motivation, and other aspects. 

Holistic Admission Process

As some of the universities in the UK waive the GMAT requirement for admission to MBA courses, international students are evaluated holistically, with a focus on their individual profiles. This means that the admission decision is based not only on academic performance but also on the overall candidate, encouraging bright students with low GMAT scores to apply to some of the top universities in the UK. 

Also Read: MBA IT Vs MCA

Top Universities in UK Offering MBA Without GMAT in 2026

Although the GMAT is quite crucial for international students planning to pursue an MBA in the UK, there are several highly ranked universities that accept students without requiring GMAT scores. Some UK universities also offer GMAT test optional admission and evaluate students holistically. 

However, to gain admission in these universities, students need to work on their profile with a high GPA, or scores in bachelor’s, relevant professional work experience, good SOPs,  admission essays, and motivation letters. Let us have a look at some of the top universities in the UK that offer no GMAT MBA courses in 2026:

University	MBA Tuition	Eligibility Requirements
Imperial College Business School	GBP 78,000	– GMAT/GRE normally required; waiver possible for rare, exceptional students.  – UK 2:1 degree or equivalent – Minimum 3 years of work experience  – IELTS/TOEFL
Warwick Business School (WBS)	GBP 59,500	– GMAT/GRE or Warwick Test (GMAT not compulsory)+ Interview – Good undergraduate degree – Minimum 3 years of work experience  – IELTS/TOEFL
Cranfield School of Management	GBP 47,335	– GMAT optional – Good honours degree – Minimum 3 years of work experience – IELTS/TOEFL
University of Edinburgh Business School	GBP 45,410	– GMAT is test-optional  – UK 2:1 or equivalent – Minimum 3 years of work experience – IELTS/TOEFL
Alliance Manchester Business School (AMBS)	GBP 50,000	– GMAT/GRE or Manchester Admissions Test (MAT) – Good bachelor’s degree – Minimum 3 years of work experience – IELTS/TOEFL
University of Birmingham	GBP 41,500	– GMAT is optional  – UK 2:1 or equivalent – 3 to 5 years of work experience – IELTS/TOEFL
Glasgow Caledonian University	GBP 19,800	– GMAT not required – Bachelor’s degree – 2 to 3+ years of work experience – IELTS/TOEFL
University of Liverpool	GBP 30,000+	– GMAT not mandatory (may strengthen profile) – UK 2:1 or equivalent – Minimum 3 years of work experience – IELTS/TOEFL
University of Reading (Henley Business School)	GBP 36,000	– GMAT not required – Good undergraduate degree – Minimum 3 years of work experience – IELTS/TOEFL
Lancaster University	GBP 33,000	– GMAT optional – Good bachelor’s degree – Minimum 3 years of work experience – IELTS/TOEFL

Cheapest MBA Universities in UK Without GMAT

There are several universities in the UK that offer affordability and admission to MBA courses without the mandatory requirement to submit GMAT scores. These universities are renowned for their rigorous MBA curriculum and post-study work opportunities in the job market. In the table below, check out some of the cheapest universities in the UK for an MBA without GMAT requirements in 2026. 

Cheap University in UK	MBA Tuition Fees	Requirements
London School of Commerce	GBP 6,950	– 2.2 Bachelor’s.  – IELTS 6.0 or above.  – Candidate’s age must be 21.  – Relevant work experience.
York St John University	GBP 11,800	– 2.2 Honours degree – 2 years of work experience – IELTS 6.0 or above.
Wrexham University	GBP 13,000	– Minimum 2.2 first honours. – 2 years of work experience – During studies, a high GPA and attendance maintenance are required.
Teesside University	GBP 17,000	– First honours degree – Minimum 2 years of work experience – IELTS score 6.0 or above.
Leeds Trinity University	GBP 15,250	– 2.2 honours or minimum 6 years of work experience
University of Bolton	GBP 17,500	– 2ii bachelor’s degree – Minimum 2 years of relevant work experience – If you don’t have a bachelor’s degree, minimum of 3 years of work experience.  – LOR from the current employer. – Interview (If the university asks).
Staffordshire University	GBP 16,750	– 3 year bachelors with 60% or 4 year bachelors with 55%.  – IELTS 6.0 or above
University of Cumbria	GBP 17,500	– 3 year bachelors with 60% or 4 year bachelors with 55%. – 1 year of work experience  – IELTS 6.5 or above
University of Ulster	GBP 18,310	– Bachelor’s degree  – Work experience  – IELTS 6.5 or above (Conditional offer available on not meeting the English language requirements).
Leeds Beckett University	GBP 18,440	– Second-class degree or equivalent work experience. – IELTS 6.5 or above.
University of Portsmouth	GBP 19,200	– Second-class degree or equivalent work experience.  – IELTS 6.5 or above.
University of West London	GBP 18,500	– UG degree in the relevant field.  – IELTS 6.5 or above.

MBA in UK Without GMAT Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility requirements for MBA courses in the UK without GMAT can vary and it completely depends on the chosen university. Still, we have mentioned the list of common eligibility criteria for MBA courses in UK without GMAT requirements for Indian students in 2026: 

Particulars	Details
Academic Requirements	– A Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university, which is equivalent to a UK 2:1 honours degree.  – Some universities may consider strong professional experience for candidates with lower grades.
Work Experience	– A minimum of 3 years of full-time professional experience is commonly required. – It must demonstrate career progression, leadership exposure, or managerial responsibility. – Also, Executive MBA programs usually require 5+ years.
English Language Test	– IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/DET are generally required.  – Scores vary as per institutions, usually an IELTS bandscore of 6.0 to 7.0 or equivalent is acceptable.  – It can be waived off if students have completed their studies in an English-medium institution.
Additional Documents	– SOP – Admission Essays – Resume Academic or Professional LOR
Interview	– Some universities might require candidates to appear for an online or face-to-face interview.

MBA in UK Without GMAT and Without Work Experience

If you want to pursue an MBA in the UK without GMAT scores or relevant professional experience, it is possible, but not from a top-tier university. This is because, in cases where students want to apply for an MBA without GMAT, they need to show relevant professional experience to cover the gap. On the other hand, if candidates would like to apply for MBA courses in the UK without work experience, a strong academic performance through GMAT and previous studies is crucial. Let us understand in detail whether or not you can apply for an MBA without GMAT, as well as work experience in the UK: 

The majority of top universities in the UK require international students to have 2 to 3 years or more of work experience as a mandatory eligibility requirement for MBA admissions. Even students who want to apply for MBA courses without the GMAT are accepted, as these courses are test-optional. This is further compensated for through a holistic evaluation of your professional experience, leadership qualities, and overall profile.

Realistically speaking, you cannot directly get into a top MBA program in UK universities and colleges in 2026 without both the GMAT and relevant professional experience. This is because one or the other is expected for the admission decision. 

However, some institutions in the UK offer MBA admissions without mandatory work experience or the GMAT. Although these are preferred, international students’ applications without them are often selected if they have an exceptional academic background and strong potential. Here are some of the UK universities that accept MBA admission without work experience and GMAT: 

• University of Bedfordshire
• Anglia Ruskin University
• University of East London
• Middlesex University London
• University of West London
• University of Northampton

In case of no work experience and GMAT scores, international students can also go for alternative courses such as MSc Management or MSc International Business. These are management courses; however, the career trajectory and opportunities are quite different from MBA. 

Admission Process for MBA in UK Without GMAT (Step-by-Step)

The application process for MBA in UK without GMAT is almost similar to the application with GMAT. You are required to apply for the MBA course at the admission portal, add relevant documents, review, and submit. Here is the step-by-step process for admission to an MBA in the UK, common for all universities: 

• Shortlist universities that offer MBA without GMAT or test option admission. 
• Choose one of the universities that is best, as per you, and then go to the official website of the chosen university. 
• Understand the requirements and gather the documents required for the application, such as IELTS, a degree certificate, a work experience letter, and more. 
• Go to the admission portal and fill out the MBA application form. 
• Attach the soft copies of the documentation along with SOPs, LORs, and a resume. 
• Pay application fee, if any. 
• Review and submit. 
• There might be cases where you are required to apply separately for a GMAT waiver, so apply for it as well. 
• Once you get the admission letter from the university, you are generally required to accept it, pay the required tuition fee deposit, and then apply for a UK student visa. Although it is not mandatory for every applicant, you may be required to attend a credibility interview.

Documents Required to Study MBA Without GMAT

International students must understand the documents they need to gather to study for an MBA in the UK without the GMAT. Here are some of the common documentary requirements for MBA courses in the UK for Indian students: 

• Academic Transcripts
• Valid Passport
• Photograph
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
• English proficiency certificate
• Updated Resume
• Application Form
• Fee Payment Receipt
• Work Experience Certificate

Cost of MBA in UK Without GMAT

The total cost of an MBA in the UK without the GMAT for international students comprises many factors, including the university’s tuition fee and living costs. In the headings below, we have mentioned the average tuition fee at some of the top universities that offer MBA courses without the GMAT, as well as the average cost of living in the UK. 

Tuition Fees for MBA Universities in UK Without MBA

Check this table for 20+ universities in the UK offering MBA without the need for GMAT scores, along with the tuition fees: 

University	MBA Tuition
Imperial College Business School	GBP 78,000
Warwick Business School (WBS)	GBP 59,500
Cranfield School of Management	GBP 47,335
University of Edinburgh Business School	GBP 45,410
Alliance Manchester Business School (AMBS)	GBP 50,000
University of Birmingham	GBP 41,500
Glasgow Caledonian University	GBP 19,800
University of Liverpool	GBP 30,000+
University of Reading (Henley Business School)	GBP 36,000
Lancaster University	GBP 33,000
London School of Commerce	GBP 6,950
York St John University	GBP 11,800
Wrexham University	GBP 13,000
Teesside University	GBP 17,000
Leeds Trinity University	GBP 15,250
University of Bolton	GBP 17,500
Staffordshire University	GBP 16,750
University of Cumbria	GBP 17,500
University of Ulster	GBP 18,310
Leeds Beckett University	GBP 18,440
University of Portsmouth	GBP 19,200
University of West London	GBP 18,500

Cost of Living for International Students in UK

While budgeting for tuition fees at UK universities, it is also important for international students to understand the cost of living while studying there. You should also note that the cost of living in the UK depends on the city you are living in, as well as your personal choices and lifestyle. For instance, London is one of the most expensive cities in the UK, whereas some of the cheapest universities in the UK include Hull, Cardiff, and Lincoln.

We have included the average cost of living while studying an MBA at UK universities without GMAT below: 

Expense List	Average Costs Per Month
Accommodation	GBP 1,250
Food	GBP 180
Internet	GBP 50
Miscellaneous Expenses	GBP 150
Transport	GBP 75
Utilities	GBP 280
Total	GBP 1,985

Scholarships for MBA in UK Without GMAT

There are many scholarships offered in UK for Indian students, including the fully funded ones such as Chevening and Commonwealth, and partially funded ones such as university-based tuition reductions. Although the eligibility requirements vary as per the scholarships, international students generally need to be citizens of eligible countries, have an admission letter from UK university, demonstrate an excellent academic record, showcase leadership qualities, and more. 

We have mentioned a list of universities you can consider for studying an MBA without GMAT in UK. The fully funded scholarships often cover full tuition fees, offer a monthly stipend, travel allowances, and airfare. 

Scholarships in UK	Benefits
Chevening Scholarship	Fully funded
Commonwealth Shared Scholarship	Fully funded
GREAT Scholarship	Fully funded
Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships	Fully funded
Clarendon Fund Scholarship	Fully funded
MBA Scholarships (London Business School)	Partial to full tuition support
Birmingham MBA Scholarships (University of Birmingham)	Up to GBP 25,000 tuition fee discount
Brunel MBA Scholarships (Brunel University London)	GBP 7,375 to GBP 14,750
Future Sustainable Leaders Scholarship	Approx. GBP 12,000
Essex Dean’s Award (University of Essex)	10 to 100% tuition waiver

Check out: 23+ UK Masters Scholarships for International Students

Salary After MBA in UK Without GMAT in 2026

Understanding what you will earn after completing an MBA degree in UK where you have invested lakhs of money, is crucial to evaluate your return on investment. An average salary after completing an MBA in the UK ranges from GBP 24,000 to GBP 48,000 per year, as per the recent reports by Glassdoor in February 2026. Check out the table below to check the average salaries in UK for international students after graduation from MBA without GMAT: 

Popular Job Roles	Salaries for MBA Graduates in UK	Average Base Pay
Business Consultant	GBP 29K – GBP 50K per year	GBP 38K per year
Investment Banker	GBP 37K – GBP 90K per year	GBP 58K per year
Product Manager	GBP 44K – GBP 71K per year	GBP 56K per year
HR Manager	GBP 28K – GBP 45K per year	GBP 35K per year
Supply Chain Operations Manager	GBP 37K – GBP 54K per year	GBP 44K per year
Data Analytics Manager	GBP 48K – GBP 69K per year	GBP 57K per year

Top Recruiters Hiring MBA Graduates in UK

The UK has many top companies that hire MBA graduates from top universities and colleges each year. These recruiting companies include big names such as EY, Deloitte, BCG, Bain, McKinsey, etc, that pay GBP 16,000 to GBP 120,000 on average for MBA roles. Here are the top recruiting companies for MBA graduates without GMAT in UK: 

• Deloitte UK 
• PwC 
• EY 
• KPMG 
• McKinsey 
• BCG 
• Bain 
• Barclays 
• HSBC 
• JP Morgan 
• Amazon 
• Google 
• Microsoft 
• Unilever 

Post-Study Work Visa After MBA for Indian Students

After completing the MBA course without GMAT in UK, international students have an option to stay back and work in the job market through a post-study work permit. It is known as a UK Graduate Route visa for international students. It allows you to search for jobs and work freely in the UK job market for up to 2 years. 

As there are changes introduced by the UK government recently, if you apply for the graduate visa in the UK before December 31, 2026, the duration of the visa will be 2 years. On the other hand, if the application for PSW in the UK is submitted after the said date, the visa lasts for 18 months. Here are some of the details about the post-study work visa after MBA in UK without GMAT: 

Particulars	Details
PSW for International Students	Graduate Route Visa
Duration	For Bachelor’s and Master’s:  – Applications before 31st December 2026: 2 years – Applications after 31st December 2026: 18 months For PhD:  – It can be extended to 3 years.
Eligibility	– Candidates must apply from within the UK after completing the degree on a valid student visa. It has to be valid at the time of application as well.  – There must be a notification from your university to the UK Home Office about the completion of the course.  – The course duration must be at least 1 year
UK PSW Fee-	– Application fee: GBP 880 – Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): GBP 1,035 per year
Processing Time	Within 8 weeks

Also Read: Pre-Med Courses in the UK: Universities, Courses, Fees, Scope

MBA in UK Without GMAT vs With GMAT

Before applying to universities in the UK for MBA courses, it is a crucial decision for Indian students to decide whether to appear for the GMAT or choose universities that offer a GMAT waiver and apply directly. Here is a table that compares both options for an MBA in the UK with and without the GMAT: 

MBA in UK Without GMAT	MBA in UK With GMAT
The majority of MBA programs in the UK will accept international applicants without the GMAT for MBA courses. They assess based on work experience, academic credentials, statement of purpose, and interview performance.	– You must go for the GMAT exam if you want to apply to some of the most competitive business schools, as it is a crucial criterion.
So, having good professional experience puts you in a good position to avoid taking the GMAT exam for your MBA program.	IT is also helpful if you have an average score in the previous studies or have limited work experience.
This also saves you time in preparing for the exam and money on test fees.	GMAT can also be a beneficial test for a scholarship or competitive admission rounds.
However, compared to those with GMAT, limited universities and course options are available for an MBA without GMAT.	Overall, it is best suited if you have time to prepare for the test and want to explore a wide range of options for an MBA in the UK.
You have the option to pursue an MBA in the UK with or without the GMAT, based on your personal choice after considering the aspects discussed above. Typically, if you wish to study at a top business school in the UK and do not have any previous work experience, taking the GMAT examination can be the right choice for you. On the contrary, if you hold strong work experience and have an excellent academic score, you can consider going to the UK for an MBA without GMAT

Is MBA in UK Without GMAT Worth It?

Pursuing an MBA in the UK without the GMAT is definitely worth it for you. However, make sure that the university you choose for your MBA does not require the GMAT beforehand. Many business schools in the UK consider international students holistically, not just on their academic marks in standardised tests. You can strengthen your profile through relevant work experience, an SOP that highlights your strengths and leadership skills, a strong GPA in previous studies, and strong performance in any interview. 

It is also quite worth it for experienced professionals who want to advance their careers through an MBA, but don’t have time to prepare for the GMAT exam. 

Choosing to study without GMAT also saves a lot of time and money by avoiding prep time and fees. You can utilise this time to improve your profile

You can study MBA in the UK without GMAT by targeting some of the universities that either offer test-optional policies or waive it off completely. After completion, the MBA course also offers many job opportunities in different industries based on the specialisation in UK. The graduate route visa makes sure than you have enough time to search for work in UK and gain global work experience after an MBA without GMAT. However, make sure to choose wisely after evaluating your personal and academic goals.

Also Read: Pre-Masters Courses in UK

FAQS

Related Reads: 

Is it Hard to Get a 500 on the GMAT?	Government Education Loans to Study Abroad
ICICI Bank Exchange Rate for Your Study Abroad Journey	GMAT vs CMAT: Here’s All You Need to Know

We hope that this blog was able to provide you with all the information regarding the MBA in UK without GMAT for Indian Students. Many Indian students dream of pursuing education in foreign nations due to the exposure and career growth they offer. Consider joining a free counselling session with Leverage Edu if you plan to study abroad.