MBA in UK Without GMAT: An Ultimate Guide Unlocked

Is GMAT Required for MBA in the UK?

Before jumping into learning about the best MBA colleges in UK without GMAT, let’s look at whether it is important to take the GMAT exam for pursuing an MBA degree. Pursuing this degree in the UK allows you to practice quality studies of business and also trains you for better roles, such as leadership in this field. Many scholars consider that the GMAT is a gateway for enrolling in an MBA degree, but they are wrong. As the GMAT is deemed one of the basic requirements for an MBA, it is not always necessary to get admission after meeting this condition.

An MBA is counted as the most sought-after PG program that qualifies scholars at an advanced level in management and business study disciplines. Thus, the blog further covers every detail for you to study MBA in UK without GMAT without worrying much.

Moving forward, the next section of the blog will uncover the best MBA colleges in UK without GMAT, along with key details about each of them.

Top 10 Universities in UK Offering MBA Without GMAT

An MBA in UK without GMAT stands to be in high demand nowadays and is considered a viable choice. Moreover, if you look deep into the facts reported by QS Top MBA, 60% of business schools offering an MBA in the UK either waive or do not consider the GMAT to be necessary. Thus, it reflects a shift in the direction of assessing applicants as per their academic qualifications, professional experience, and other necessary proficiencies instead of just standardised exam scores.

So, look into the top 10 best MBA colleges in UK without GMAT, such as Birmingham City Business School, and more, along with key details about them like courses, fees, etc. Let’s begin!

1. University of Edinburgh Business School

Established in the year 1583, the University of Edinburgh Business School stands as a public college in Edinburgh, UK. Moreover, this is one of the universities to pursue MBA in UK without GMAT and has constantly ranked among the top 30 colleges around the world. Along with this, international students can also explore diverse programs while availing the best facilities of its culturally vibrant campus. Besides, according to QS Global MBA Rankings 2025, it is positioned at the 58th place. Let’s look into the key details given below: -

2. University of Birmingham

Birmingham University was founded in the year 1900 and is situated in the West Midlands, UK. Moreover, it has a group of various schools, and one such is its Business School, which is well-reputed and is a home to over 10,000 global learners. Besides, it offers a wide range of diverse study programs and also a chance to pursue an MBA without GMAT in UK for everyone coming from any corner of the world. Also, it is ranked 80th in the QS World University Rankings 2025. At last, the MBA in UK degree offered here is amongst the 150 best QS Global MBA Rankings 2025. So, if you are also looking to study here, let’s delve into key details given below: -

3. University of Liverpool

The University of Liverpool stands to be globally renowned for its research prospects and was founded in the year 1881 in Liverpool, Britain. Moreover, it is one of the best colleges in the UK, which offers various courses, such as MBBS in UK, PhD, and many more. Further, the leading recruiters of this university’s MBA graduates are Deloitte, Bank of America, PwC, KPMG, among others. The following table stands to discloses key details about this college. Let’s look into: -

4. Glasgow Caledonian University

This university is a comparatively cheapest university in UK and has ranked between 1001 – 1200 in the 2025 QS World University Rankings. Besides, it offers the best global MBA programs in the UK without GMAT, and the program ranked 18th on the Better World MBA ranking in 2022. Given below are some necessary details about this university. Let’s look into: -

5. The University of Reading

The University of Reading stands as a public college specialised in research, established in 1892, in Reading. This college is less selective and recognised globally with its international campus, situated in Malaysia. Moreover, it offers around 139 PG programs along with better living options. The price of student accommodation in UK differs as on the chosen housing type in Reading. Besides, it is placed at 172 on the QS World University Rankings 2025. Let’s look at the major details: -

6. Birmingham City Business School

Birmingham City College was founded in 1971 and has two different university campuses. Moreover, it ranked in the 1001 – 1200 range in the 2024 QS World University Rankings. The University of Birmingham City offers an international MBA program for students coming from all around the world, and if you are also looking to study MBA in UK without GMAT, look into the details below: -

7. Cardiff Metropolitan University

Cardiff, UK, stands to be the home to this public institution known as the Cardiff Metropolitan University, which was founded in 1883. It is known to offer the best MBA courses in UK without GMAT and helps students flourish to get better career opportunities in future. Besides, it is also globally esteemed as graduates from this college get varied chances to earn a competitive MBA salary in UK without GMAT as compared to others. Thus, because of this, many global scholars apply every year, yet due to its moderately selective nature, only a few become lucky. Let’s now look at the key details about this place: -

8. Durham University Business School

University of Durham stands as the oldest university situated in England, offering the right opportunity to study MBA in UK without GMAT, along with various globally recognised degree programs. These programs range from a Master’s in Artificial Intelligence, to MBBS, MIM in UK, and more. Besides, the world-class MBA course offered here is ranked 23rd in Europe and 8th in the United Kingdom on the 2023 Financial Times Global MBA Ranking. Let’s see other key details: -

9. Lancaster University Management School

This university stands to be a well-known public research educational body in Lancaster, UK, established in 1960. Moreover, it ranked 141st in 2025’s QS World University Rankings and amongst 131 – 140 by QS Global MBA Rankings 2025 for the MBA full – time program. Below are a few key details for the same: -

10. University of Strathclyde

Strathclyde University was founded in 1796 and is a public university mainly focused on research opportunities in Glasgow, UK. It offers over 200 + UG and PG programs for both its domestic and international scholars. This university reflects upon various rankings and one of which is on the Corporate Knights Better World MBA 2022. Here are its key details unlocked: -

So, this was all about the top colleges offering an MBA in UK without GMAT, along with their key details. Next, you are going to look into the eligibility criteria for the same program. Let’s dive in!

Eligibility Criteria for MBA Without GMAT in the UK

Now that you have the right insights into top MBA universities in the UK without GMAT, it is time to understand the eligibility grounds for pursuing the same. So, the following stands to be a list of pointers that should be met for getting accepted or being eligible: -

• Bachelor’s Degree: - You must hold a UG degree from a renowned university, along with having a minimum GPA of 6.0 or 60%.
• English Language Tests: - The English language proficiency is a necessity that has to be met for being eligible as an international candidate. This can be through the IELTS exam or the TOEFL, which are mainly accepted in the UK institutions.
• Work Experience: - There stand to be numerous programs under the MBA degree that require candidates to have at least 3 to 5 years of work experience.
• Application Credentials: - You must attach the required documents correctly to run the application process smoothly. Records like academic qualification proof, SOP, LOR, and more are needed strictly.

So, this was all about the eligibility bar that had to be kept in mind while applying to the UK universities for the MBA program. Moving forward, you will now understand the application process for enrolling on this degree.

MBA in the UK Without GMAT Application Process/Admission process

Let’s now quickly delve into the 7-step application process for MBA in UK without GMAT, typically same for all the universities. Below are the steps: -

• The first step is to pick the perfect university as per your preference.
• The next step includes reviewing the eligibility criteria of that particular college, such as academic qualifications, work experience, and more.
• Thirdly, assemble your application required documents in one place, like transcripts, work experience proof, updated CV, and more.
• Now it’s time to submit your application.
• The fifth step includes appearing for an interview if asked by the university in case you get shortlisted.
• The next step, after the interview, is to wait patiently for an admission decision from the college.
• Lastly, if you get selected, you will get an offer via email and on the university’s website. Just accept that and finalise your enrolment.

Hence, this is the application process explained briefly. Now, quickly check the list of scholarships you can avail for pursuing an MBA in the UK without a GMAT.

Scholarships for MBA without GMAT in the UK

In this section of the blog, we will provide you relevant data about the financial aid options you can choose to get relief from monetary strain while studying in the UK. So, let’s look at the table below, which offers a list of scholarships: -

So, we hope you are now fully aware of these financial grants available for students to study in UK. Moving forward, you will familiarize yourself with the cost of living in the United Kingdom.

Tuition Fees and Living Expenses

In this section, you are going to understand the cost of living, along with tuition fees that have to be taken care of while planning to study in a different nation. Moreover, the cost can vary as per the program and type of living you choose, yet it is mandatory to acknowledge this financial investment beforehand.

• Tuition Fees for MBA in the UK without GMAT score: - The cost of MBA without GMAT in UK usually ranges from £20,000 to £40,000 per year, that is INR 22,40,738 to INR 44,81,476.
• Living cost: - Besides the tuition fees, it is important to properly look after the cost of living in UK, which differs as per your preferences and way of living. However, it is affordable, and you can easily manage to live here while managing studies and everything together.

So, this is all about the MBA fees in UK without GMAT, along with the cost of living that includes accommodation, groceries, and sundry expenses.

• Point to remember: - Studying costs can vary according to your chosen specialisation, along with living cost, which depends on your preferences.

Advantages of Studying MBA in the UK Without GMAT

There stands to be various advantages of pursuing an MBA without GMAT in the UK, and this section is going to highlight the major ones. So, let’s delve in!

• Global Recognition: - Various colleges rank among the best 50 colleges for MBA degree programs globally. Thus, pursuing an MBA from here adds to your resume.
• Flexible Admission: - Universities in the UK offer flexibility in admission for an MBA degree by not making GMAT an essential requirement and focusing on candidates’ holistic profiles.
• Cost Efficiency: - The price of studying an MBA in the UK is manageable, along with this, it offers various part-time jobs that allow students to work and study altogether.
• Work Prospects: - MBA graduates from UK universities are hired by leading recruiters like Bank of America, Amazon, PwC, and more. Hence, there stands to be a pool of work opportunities after an MBA degree in the UK without GMAT.
• Scholarship Opportunities: - The financial aid options for an MBA stands to typically cover 50% of the total tuition fees or, at times, cover complete fees, along with the cost of living.
• Research and Innovation: - MBA scholars get their hands on world-class trending resources along with quality research opportunities.

Thus, this is all about the benefits get along seeking an MBA degree in the UK, also that without the GMAT.

Also Read: - Top 10 reasons to study in UK

Conclusion

To sum up, seeking an MBA degree without the GMAT in the United Kingdom paves the way to a better future. Moreover, it allows you to explore top globally esteemed UK universities offering MBA specialisation with lucrative career prospects without GMAT. Also, with easily manageable costs, varied scholarship options, and a thorough focus on holistic profiles instead of just GMAT scores, students grow comprehensively. Thus, by all this, the UK becomes a practical option for your higher studies and for being an aspiring business leader.

Additionally, if you are looking to pursue an MBA in the UK but lack appropriate guidance, just give us a call today or book a session with our experts now.

FAQs

1. Can I pursue an MBA in the UK without taking the GMAT?

Definitely, you can pursue an MBA degree in the UK without a GMAT. Various UK universities focus on your holistic profile that includes your academic records, extracurricular activities, and more, rather than just on the GMAT score.

2. Does not having a GMAT score reduce my chances of admission?

Yes, sometimes not having a GMAT score can result in reducing your chances of admission, particularly for competitive degree programs, which value standardised exam scores. Nevertheless, some universities do not solely focus on GMAT, thus it depends.

3. What are the alternatives to GMAT in UK MBA admissions?

There stands to be alternatives for GMAT that include university-specific tests, GRE, or application as per your holistic profiles, such as educational & professional understandings.

4. Do I need work experience for MBA in the UK without GMAT?

Various universities require approximately 2 – 5 years of professional experience to pursue an MBA degree without a GMAT in the UK.

5. What is the average cost of studying MBA in the UK without GMAT?

An average cost of pursuing an MBA degree in the UK without a GMAT ranges between INR 28,00,217 to INR 50,40,391 (£25,000 to £45,000). It varies as per the university’s protocols and program.