Applying
The application is completed online and is designed to be completed over several sessions. You can save your work as you go, allowing you to prepare a well thought-out, balanced application before submitting.
You will be given full instructions during the online process, but please read the information below carefully before you begin. This will give you a better idea of how the application process works and what additional documentation you will need to provide.
Important dates
We are now accepting applications for the September 2012 intake of the Executive MBA programme.
We operate a rolling admissions process, which means the sooner you apply, the sooner you receive a decision. In most cases, you will receive a final decision within six to eight weeks of submitting your completed application. You will be told whether you are shortlisted within 14 days of our receiving your complete application.
The recommended deadlines for the September 2012 intake are:
London
| Application date | Admissions decision date |
| 5 March 2012 | 16 April 2012 |
| 2 April 2012 | 14 May 2012 |
| 8 May 2012 | 18 June 2012 |
| 18 June 2012 | 30 July 2012 |
Dubai
| Application date | Admissions decision date |
| 5 March 2012 | 16 April 2012 |
| 2 April 2012 | 14 May 2012 |
| 8 May 2012 | 18 June 2012 |
| 18 June 2012 | 30 July 2012 |
We will still accept applications after the last deadline. However, priority will be given to applications received by the deadlines.
We operate a waitlist once the class is full, with priority given according to the order in which applications are received. Many waitlisted applicants are successful in getting a place in their chosen intake. If no places are available, there is an automatic transfer of admission to the next intake.
Please note that you do not need to submit all elements of your application at the same time. However, the admissions team will not be able to inform you as to whether you have been short listed for interview until all parts of your application have been received.
Top tip: Timing your application
In the following video, EMBA alumni provide insights on how to structure your time and balance all elements of the application to meet the recommended deadlines.
Watch: Timing your application
Admission requirements
The admissions process for the EMBA programme focuses on identifying candidates who have the potential to:
- learn from the programme
- contribute to the learning of the class
- apply the knowledge gained to their work environment.
Executive MBA candidates are expected to demonstrate a number of skills and attributes that are relevant to the programme:
Management experience
You should hold a position of responsibility and be a decision-maker in your role. Successful applicants typically have five to 22 years of relevant management experience. This could include the management of people, budgets, projects, resources or processes.
Educational background
You should have a good undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification. If you do not have a degree, we may still consider your application if you have worked in a position with a high level of responsibility.
Leadership potential
You should be proactive and driven with strong leadership potential and the ability to set and achieve goals.
Career progression
You should demonstrate healthy career progression during your employment history.
Motivations for applying
We want to understand your motivations for applying to the Executive MBA and how you feel the programme will help you fulfil your career objectives.
International exposure
The Executive MBA attracts students from between 20 and 30 countries. We select students with an international outlook, and/or those who can build on existing international exposure. You should demonstrate your ability to work with people from different backgrounds and in cross-cultural teams.
Team skills
We place particular emphasis on working in teams. You should demonstrate flexibility and respect for different approaches. You must be able to aid the development of your fellow students and contribute to the learning environment of the School.
Top tip: Preparing a successful application
Your unique experiences and personal qualities are as vital as your skills and professional track record. In the following video, EMBA alumni share their thoughts on how best to approach the application so it is a true reflection of you and your achievements
Watch: Preparing a successful application
Application checklist
When you complete your online application form, you will be asked to attach:
- your application essays
- a one-page CV/resume
- names and details of two referees.
You also need to arrange for us to receive:
- a transcript of grades from each university you have attended
- your GMAT score
- proof of your English Language ability
- your application fee of £160
- two passport-sized photographs.
The essays form an important part of your application, so do make sure you spend a significant amount of time on them. Thoughtfully completed answers and early preparation are highly recommended.
You need to attach your CV, which must be no more than one page long, to your application. If you have any significant gaps in your employment history, give your reasons on a separate sheet.
You need to ask two people to be your referees. They should be:
- someone who can comment on your managerial abilities, preferably your current supervisor
- a further professional referee, preferably a recent supervisor, or senior manager.
After you input your referees' details into the online application form, we will send your referees an email with login details for our online reference system. London Business School reserves the right to contact your referees for further information in connection with your application.
Top tip: Selecting your referees
Hearing other people's perspective on how you perform professionally and academically adds a new dimension to your EMBA application. Watch the following video to find out who you should approach and when.
Watch: Selecting your referees
You are required to send us transcripts of grades from all colleges, universities and professional schools you have attended. These must include:
- a list of courses completed
- grades
- degree class
- class ranking (if available).
If the original transcript is not in English, then you must provide a certified or notarised English translation.
Please send documents for the London stream to:
Executive MBA Admissions
London Business School
Regent's Park
London NW1 4SA
United Kingdom
Please send documents for the Dubai stream to:
Executive MBA Admissions
London Business School
DIFC Centre of Excellence
The Gate Village, Building 2, Level 3
P.O. Box 506630
Dubai, UAE
Please note, you may submit photocopies of your academic transcripts. However, if you are short listed for interview, you must provide the original documents or certified copies.
Before you apply, you are required to take the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT). GMAT is an essential part of the application and can not be waived, regardless of your experience or educational background. GMAT scores are valid for five years and must be valid on the programme start date. If you submit your application without a GMAT score, you must supply the date you are booked to take the test.
Please arrange for your score to be sent directly to the School. Our GMAT code number for the Executive MBA is Z11-J7-23.
You should aim to gain a GMAT score of at least 600, with at least 50 in the quantitative and verbal percentiles. The average GMAT score for Executive MBA classes is 650-665.
Preparing for the GMAT
Read the GMAT student experience
If English is not your native language, you must send us your score in a recognised English test taken within the last two years.
We accept these tests:
We may also consider tests from other recognised training programmes.
You do not need to submit your test score if:
- you have studied in an English-speaking environment, or
- you have lived or worked in an English-speaking country for at least two years.
Your English will be continually assessed during the admissions process.
Application fee
The application fee is £160. You must pay online after submitting your application. Your application will remain incomplete until we receive payment.
There is no fee for graduates of:
- London Business School
- The University of London
- Columbia University
- The University of Hong Kong.
You will need to produce your transcript as proof of graduation.
If you have the recommendation from a London Business School alumnus you may not have to pay the application fee. Alumni should email the Executive MBA Programme Office stating their relationship with the candidate and the reasons for the recommendation before you submit your application.
email: emba@london.edu
Admissions process
The Executive MBA admissions team will email you acknowledgment of all your application documents within two working days of submission. Your application is then reviewed and if short listed, you will be invited for an interview.
Interviews are conducted by Executive MBA alumni or by members of the Admissions Committee. During the selection day, you will be given the opportunity to tour the School and/or our facilities in Dubai, and to speak informally with the admissions team.
Following the selection day, the Admissions Committee will make a decision based on all the elements of your application. You will be notified of the decision within one week of your interview.
Successful applicants have up to two weeks to notify the School on whether they wish to accept their offer. A commitment fee will be required to secure your place on the programme.
Applicants to the London stream of the Executive MBA are required to pay a commitment fee of £2000.
Applicants to the Dubai stream are required to pay a commitment fee of $4000.
Employer support
You need your employer's full support for time away from the office to attend classes.
Around 30% of our students also receive financial support from their employers. To secure this, you will usually have to draw up a detailed business case outlining your reasons for wanting to do the Executive MBA and the benefits it will bring to you and your company.
To help you draft your case, see our sample business case (PDF 86.7KB)
Next steps
Information events
Discover more about London Business School Executive MBA programme.
