University of Edinburgh Business School
University homeEligibility
The MBA has an admission requirement of a 1st class or a 2:1 Honours degree from a good university in any subject, or an appropriate professional qualification, plus at least three years’ continuous work experience in substantial positions.
For guidance, a 2:1 degree equates to GPA 3.25 or its equivalent. Other equivalent qualifications can be requested from the Admissions Team.
We are looking for evidence of work experience that shows progression and responsibility. The Edinburgh MBA's minimum requirement is three years experience, although our students often have much more. Experience can be from any industry, including the public sector, charitable organisations or the arts.
If you have a lower class of degree than a 2:1 equivalent then professional qualifications with substantial work experience would also be considered. If you do not hold a degree or professional qualifications, you may still be considered if you have a very strong employment record demonstrating a high degree of responsibility.
The Edinburgh MBA has a very strong international focus and we are looking for students with an international perspective. We look favourably on candidates who have experience living and working in other countries; working on international teams; or working in international environments.
Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT)
Generally a GMAT score is an essential component of your application. A minimum score of 600 is preferred. However if your score falls below this minimum, and you meet the other prerequisites for entry and if your application shows you to be an outstanding candidate, then your application will be given due consideration.
In addition in exceptional circumstances the GMAT may be waived when a prospective candidate has considerable business experience, demonstrates entrepreneurial expertise or has an excellent or very good academic record combined with a career path that evidences high level performance.
It is essential you prepare for your GMAT test in good time and, if possible, detail the test date on the application form in the “relevant knowledge” space.
Conditional offers can be made on a satisfactory GMAT and/or language test result if your application is otherwise complete.
Student Visa Requirements
Applicants requiring a visa to study in the UK will need a Certificate of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from the University in order to apply for one. The CAS will be issued by the College of Humanities and Social Science (HSS) and not directly by the Business School.
What is a CAS?
Your visa application needs to include a reference number that shows the visa authorities you have an unconditional offer to study at the University of Edinburgh. This reference is called the Certificate of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
When will we send you the CAS?
When you have accepted an unconditional offer HSS will apply for a CAS from the UK Border Agency (UKBA) and email it to you together with other information you will need.
Further Information
- For enquiries about your CAS, please contact hsspgCAS@ed.ac.uk.
- Full details regarding the requirements and application process for a visa can be found on the University's International Office web site. If you require additional information about your visa application, please contact immigration@ed.ac.uk
English language
Before we can provide you with an unconditional offer you must give us evidence that you meet our English competence requirements. These incorporate the English competence standards required by the UK Borders Agency (UKBA) for those applicants needing visas.
Evidence required
We accept the results from several Secure English Language Tests (SELT), as detailed below:
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System): 7.0 (with no score lower than 6.0 in each section)
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) iBT: 100 (with scores no lower than 20 in each section)
- PTE (Pearson Test of English): 67 (with no score lower than 56 in each section)
- CPE (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English): Grade B
- CAE (Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English): Grade A
No other testing systems are acceptable as equivalent scores.
Please note that we accept the results from one certificate only: we do not accept multiple certificates from two or more tests each partially meeting our requirements.
Exemptions from showing evidence
If English is your first language then, unless you need a visa, we will usually not require you to provide evidence of your English competence. If English is your first language and you need a visa then we may need you to provide evidence of your English competence.
Evidence by means other than a SELT tests (exemptions/waivers from taking English language tests) may be acceptable under certain circumstances:
- If you can provide evidence that the degree you are offering as evidence in support of your application was taught and assessed in English (for a minimum of 3 years), and
- If you completed your degree no earlier than two years before the entry date of the postgraduate programme.
If you completed the degree over two years ago we may accept evidence that you have regularly continued to use academic-standard English in the interim. Acceptable evidence would include testimonials from line managers from an English-speaking company who can attest to written and spoken English language capability.
Please note that we reserve the right to require any applicant to undertake an approved English language test if we feel this is necessary.
English for Business Masters
This programme is run every year, one month before the MBA and MSc programmes begin. It is held at the English Language Teaching Centre and the cost in 2011 is £977. If you have been accepted by the School and wish to brush up on your English skills before joining the programmes, please check for details at www.ials.ed.ac.uk/EL/EnglishBLM/EnglishforMBA.htm
or email eltcinfo@ed.ac.uk.
