Apply for the Full-time MBA

Getting prepared is the first step to a strong MBA application, and taking the time to plan ahead will allow you to showcase your strengths and make a real impact.

There are several key elements you’ll need to have ready before submitting your application:

• Admissions Test: GMAT or GRE – register and start preparing early to give yourself the best chance of achieving a strong score. Don’t forget to share your results with us so we can verify them online.

• Register for the GMAT: use our code N1C-XL-39 (University of Manchester) when booking your test.

• Register for the GRE: use our institution code 1433 (Manchester U Bus Sch MBA) and department code 5199.

If you have a strong professional profile and are applying from a less-represented nationality, you may be eligible for a waiver and can take our own admissions test instead. Please contact our recruitment team with your CV for advice.

• English language test (if required)

If you need to demonstrate your English proficiency, allow plenty of time to prepare and take an approved test.

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Your CV is your chance to highlight your career journey, achievements, and unique skills. Keep it to two pages and list all roles since completing your undergraduate degree in reverse chronological order.

For each role, include the company name and job title, start and end dates, and bullet points showing your key responsibilities and achievements, including leadership experience. Adding a brief one-line description of the company helps provide context.

A well-crafted CV allows you to stand out and make a strong, positive impression.

• Essays

Start drafting your essays early. You can copy and paste them into the MBA application. For guidance and inspiration, see our guide on writing your Full-time MBA application essays (PDF). 

• Degree documents

You need PDF copies of your transcripts and certificates for any degrees or relevant professional qualifications you have completed, with official English translations if in a different language.

The documents should include your overall mark, percentage, grade point average (GPA) or classification and date of completion/graduation.

These documents are an important part of your application, helping us see your academic achievements and potential.

• MBA Scholarship application

If you’d like to be considered for an MBA scholarship, there’s an extra step designed to showcase your strengths. After submitting your MBA application, you’ll be invited to complete a short video assessment and upload a scholarship presentation via the Kira Talent platform.

You can prepare your presentation in advance to make sure it reflects your unique skills and achievements. For full details, see our MBA scholarships and how to apply.

To get started, register for an account on the University of Manchester Application Portal and select the Full-time MBA. You don’t need to complete the form all at once - you can save your progress and return to it whenever you like.

When filling out the form, provide details only for your current employer, as we’ll review your full career history from your CV.

At the end of the application, you’ll be asked to upload your supporting documents, as outlined in Stage 1. Submit your application only when it’s complete, including all required test scores and supporting materials, so it represents your strongest possible submission.

Taking your time to prepare and submit a complete application ensures we can see your full potential and the unique value you can bring to the Manchester MBA.

Apply through The University of Manchester application portal.

If your application is selected, you’ll be invited to an interview—an important opportunity to share more about yourself.

At this stage, alongside understanding more about your academic and professional achievements, we look to understand how you’ll fit within our MBA community, the unique perspectives and experiences you bring and your potential to enrich the programme and our diverse talented MBA cohort.

Interviews are by invitation only and help us see the full potential you could bring to the Manchester MBA.