Your Cambridge MBA questions answered

How does the admissions process work?

We recruit one cohort each year to start the MBA in September. There are 5 application rounds and we review all applications and respond within 3 weeks of each deadline. Shortlisted candidates are invited to interview virtually. We assess every application on its own merit, regardless of which round you apply in. Cambridge MBA applications for the Class of 2027 are open now.

When is the best time to apply?

There is no single right answer. Applying early can give you more time to explore scholarship options and College preferences, but there are no quotas and your application receives the same consideration in round 5 as it does in round one. Apply when you are ready to put your best application forward.

Emily Brierley, MBA Head of Admissions, encourages prospective candidates to think beyond the application itself and reflect on what they will contribute to the programme: “Ask yourself, ‘Am I the right fit? What will I bring to the programme and what impact do I hope to have on the Cambridge MBA?’”

Ask yourself, ‘Am I the right fit? What will I bring to the programme and what impact do I hope to have on the Cambridge MBA?’

Emily Brierley, MBA Head of Admissions

Am I too old or too young?

We do not select candidates based on age. The average age of our cohort is typically 28 to 29 years, but this reflects who applies rather than a preference. We are interested in what you have done and what you are ready to do next.

I come from a non-traditional background. Will I fit in?

Yes. We actively look for candidates from a wide range of sectors, geographies and professional backgrounds. We value authenticity, resilience, critical thinking and creativity, not a specific career path. Recent cohorts have included professionals from healthcare, the arts, public policy, the military, technology and family business, among many others.

What characteristics do you look for beyond the basics?

Beyond the entry requirements, we look for candidates who are intellectually curious, self-aware and collaborative, people who will contribute to the cohort as much as they benefit from it and who are ready to be challenged as well as to challenge others.

What does the cohort look like?

The Cambridge MBA cohort is deliberately diverse. Students come from a wide range of nationalities, professional backgrounds and sectors, with typically over 40 nationalities represented across the wider Cambridge community. The programme consistently achieves 43% to 47% female representation which is well above the sector average, and draws students from across industry, finance, consulting, the public sector and beyond.

Do part-time jobs count towards work experience?

In most cases, no. We ask for at least 2 years of full-time, post-graduation work experience by the September start date. If there are exceptional circumstances that meant you could only work part-time or on temporary contracts, please tell us: we consider each case individually.

How are employment gaps viewed?

A gap in your employment history will not automatically count against you. Context matters. If there is a gap, explain it clearly in your application, whether it involved caring responsibilities, health, personal development or something else.

Is the GMAT or GRE compulsory?

All applicants need to submit a valid GMAT or GRE score. We accept both the test-centre and online versions and do not have a preference between the 2. We do not specify a minimum score, it is one of many factors we consider.

What scholarships are available and do they require a separate application?

We offer a range of merit-based scholarships, including the Forté Foundation Fellowship for women, the Scholarship for Professional Impact, the Scholarship for Global Impact, the Bridge to Business Scholarship, the Military Veterans Scholarship and more. For most awards, you indicate your interest on the MBA application form and your profile is reviewed by the Scholarships Committee after interview. We also recommend visiting our scholarships page to learn more about each award.

Riele Short, Class of MBA 2025, recipient of the Cambridge MBA Scholarship for Professional Impact from the United States, chose Cambridge for its collaborative and international learning environment: “Cambridge presents the opportunity to learn amongst a global cohort, broadening my understanding of business and my sector with diverse perspectives.”

Cambridge presents the opportunity to learn amongst a global cohort, broadening my understanding of business and my sector with diverse perspectives.

Riele Short (MBA 2025)

What is the programme structure like and can I specialise?

The Cambridge MBA is a one-year full-time programme. While it is a general management degree, you can tailor your experience through electives, concentrations and projects. MBA students can also take courses in other Cambridge departments, one of the more distinctive features of studying within a full university rather than a standalone business school. Take a look at our Cambridge MBA curriculum.

What support is there for entrepreneurs?

Cambridge Judge Business School has strong ties to the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Cambridge, often referred to as Silicon Fen. MBA students have access to venture support, entrepreneurship-focused courses and a network of founders, investors and innovators. A significant proportion of each cohort goes on to start or return to their own business after the MBA.

How does the Colleges system work?

Every Cambridge MBA student becomes a member of one of the 31 University Colleges, which is a distinctive part of the Cambridge experience. College membership is guaranteed to all students, and the admissions team will work with you on your preferences once you receive an offer.

What career support is available?

The careers team offers 1:1 guidance, sector-specific events and access to a global alumni network. Our most recent employment report shows that 82% of job-seeking graduates from the class of 2024 secured a full-time offer within 4 months of graduation, working across 24 countries.

Can I work in the UK after completing my MBA?

International students who have successfully completed a postgraduate degree can typically stay and work in the UK for 2 years through the Graduate visa route. We recommend checking the UK Visas and Immigration website for the most current guidance.

Do I need an English language test?

If English is not your first language, you will need a recognised test score taken within the 2 years before your intended start date. We accept TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT Home Edition and IELTS Online. Full details are in our English language policy on the MBA apply page.