MBA admissions
Build the application, and plan the funding around it.
We help you build the strategy, essays and interview preparation for a top business school, and plan the scholarship route from day one.
- Typical length
- 1–2 years, depending on school
- Start planning
- 12 months before your round
- Tests
- GMAT or GRE, plus an English test
At a glance
Who it’s for
Is MBA the right path for you?
- Professionals targeting a top global MBA
- Candidates who want scholarship and funding strategy from day one
- Applicants who want guidance from people who have been through MBA admissions
What’s included
Everything that builds a strong application.
01
Essay and interview strategy
MBA essays and mock interviews that show clear goals and real impact.
02
School and round strategy
The right schools, the right round, and positioning that fits each one.
03
Profile and story
Turn your career into a clear, compelling narrative for the admissions committee.
04
Scholarship strategy
Target merit scholarships that make the MBA worth the cost.
What admissions look for
How MBA applications are read.
Work experience and impact
What you achieved, not only where you worked.
Leadership and teamwork
Examples of leading and collaborating, in and outside work.
Clear goals
Why an MBA, why this school and what you will do next.
GMAT or GRE
A competitive score for the school you are targeting.
Timeline
When to do what.
12–18 months before
Take the GMAT or GRE and research schools, programs and rounds.
9–12 months before
Define your goals, start your essays and approach recommenders.
Chosen round
Submit applications. Round 1 often falls in the autumn.
Interviews and offers
Prepare for interviews, compare scholarships and plan the visa.
Approximate. Deadlines differ by country and university.
The funding picture.
MBA funding is mostly merit-based tuition scholarships, plus loans in some countries. Scholarships are competitive and are often decided alongside admission, so applying in an earlier round can matter. Work out your return on investment before you apply.
Talk to a counselorTests to plan for.
Most business schools accept both the GMAT and the GRE. Take the one you can score higher on.
Popular destinations.
Each guide covers intakes, funding and the student visa route.
Common MBA questions.
What does Passage Global help with for MBA admissions?
We help with school and round strategy, essays, interview preparation and scholarship planning, then the visa once you have an offer.
Is MBA funding included?
Funding strategy is part of our work: we help you find and apply for scholarships, assistantships and aid. We cannot promise funding, because it depends on the program, the university and your profile. Most MBA funding is merit-based and competitive.
How much work experience do I need?
Most full-time MBA programs expect several years of professional experience. Each school publishes its class profile, which shows the typical range.
GMAT or GRE?
Most schools accept both. Compare practice scores and check that each school on your list accepts your choice.
Last reviewed November 2026.
Other degree levels.
Ready to start your MBA application?
Tell us your goals and we'll map out the route: Navigator to do the research, our counselors to guide it.