MBA Without GMAT: How Test Waivers Work and Where to Look

Updated 27 October 2026

You can study an MBA without the GMAT — many executive, online and part-time programmes don't require it, and some full-time programmes grant waivers. But waivers have conditions, and sometimes costs.

Where the GMAT is commonly not required

• Executive MBAs: often admit on experience and interview — see EMBA eligibility.
• Online MBAs: many rely on degree and experience — see online MBA.
• Part-time and weekend MBAs.
• Some full-time programmes grant case-by-case waivers.

How waivers work — real examples

• One London school says the GMAT "is not a compulsory requirement" for its online, weekend and executive MBAs, while its full-time MBA requires a GMAT or GRE score (source, accessed 27 Oct 2026).
• One Singapore school's August 2026 brochure described case-by-case test waivers for experienced part-time applicants and stated that waiver recipients are not eligible for scholarships (source, accessed 27 Oct 2026). Waiver policies change each intake — confirm on the school's current page.
• One Australian programme accepts either strong academic results or a strong GMAT/GRE score (source, accessed 27 Oct 2026).

Trade-offs

• Some schools tie scholarships to test scores.
• A good score can offset a weaker academic record.
• Alternatives may be accepted: GRE, Executive Assessment or a school's own test.

Already have a practice score?

Use our GMAT score gap planner to see how far you are from a programme's published figures.