杏吧论坛

Master in Management (MiM) is a popular management program that focuses on business fundamentals, global exposure, and work experience. It is popular among new graduates and early career professionals planning to start their own businesses or management roles. 

However, securing admission to top business schools abroad is challenging due to the requirement of GMAT or GRE scores. Some top MIM colleges do not require GMAT or GRE scores, as preparation takes time and meticulous effort. Some candidates who have already taken these exams but haven't secured the desired scores prefer to apply to their dream colleges that offer MIM without GMAT or GRE scores. Some universities in top study-abroad destinations like Canada and Australia do not require GMAT or GRE scores for admission.

The GMAT is very important for MiM admissions, and a good score can help you get into the top B-schools. However, a competitive GMAT score is not the only deciding factor for your MIM admission. Now, how does that work?

An MiM is a professional course, and students usually pursue it to gain a competitive edge in the job market. The course prepares you with management skills, analytical thinking, and leadership skills that prepare you for the professional world. Usually considered a cheaper alternative to an MBA, a MiM takes into account your academic profile, work experience (but not mandatory), and extracurriculars. Hence, although important, a GMAT score is not mandatory in MiM admissions.

Focus on strong essays, a solid CV, and a promising interview. About 40% of the weightage goes to the application and 30% to interviews, making them an important part of the admissions process. 

GMAT is a globally standardized and trusted aptitude test that is used by all the B-schools to evaluate a candidate’s skill set. Although good GMAT scores don’t ensure the chances of selection, but could slightly tilt the decision in the student’s favour. 

That said, only around 60% of MiM programs actually require a GMAT score.

Every year, many candidates take the GMAT but fall short of the required score and don't have enough time to retake the test. If you’re in that boat, don't worry.

You can still apply for a Master’s in Management without a GMAT. While a strong GMAT score can enhance your profile, it’s not mandatory for many top programs.

Some universities require it. Others waive it off or accept alternatives like academic performance, internships, or relevant work experience. You just need to check the requirements of your dream university. 

Suggested: Complete Guide to MIM in Canada

There are many renowned universities across Asia and Australia for a top-notch MIM if you do not want to consider the US. Some of the top universities across the world offer an MIM (master’s in management) without a GMAT score, such as the University of Sydney and Warwick Business School. 

Let’s take a look at the top MIM programs without GMAT:

Let’s go through some of the top MIM colleges without the GMAT.

1. NUS Business School, Singapore

The NUS Business School in Singapore is one of the best universities for MIM in Asia. NUS offers MIM without GMAT for a 1-year duration. The MIM course provides graduates with a solid foundation in management focus areas and a firm grounding in business leadership concepts. 

2. University of Melbourne

The University of Melbourne, recognised as one of the leading institutions for MiM, offers internships, consulting projects, and global study opportunities. You benefit from a vast network of over 60,000 business alumni in more than 100 countries. The program also provides the flexibility to pursue Graduate Certificates in Sustainable Business or Supply Chain and Operations Management concurrently.

3. Singapore Management University

The Singapore Management University’s Master of Science in Management (MiM) program is one of the best universities for MiM in Asia. It promotes interactive, seminar-style learning and is one of the top-ranked MiM programs in Asia, offering a dual degree option with the prestigious ESSEC Business School.

4. University of Sydney

The University of Sydney’s Master of Management (MM), one of the best MiM programs in Australia, holds the number one spot in the QS Business Masters Rankings. With industry collaborations at firms like Deloitte and PwC, it prepares students for global careers.

5. University of Edinburgh

Ranked 6th in the UK by the Financial Times 2025 and 33rd globally in the QS Management Master’s Rankings, the University of Edinburgh’s MSc in Management helps you solve real-world business challenges. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up in your career, this program helps you combine practical knowledge with a solid management foundation.

6. Australian National University (ANU)

The Master of Management (MoM) at ANU, one of the top universities for MiM, offers specialisations in areas like Digital Transformation, Entrepreneurship, or International Business while gaining real-world experience through internships. With Australian National University’s strong reputation and a global network of nearly 100,000 alumni, you’ll find great career opportunities in management, consulting, policy advising, and leadership roles.

7. Monash University

Monash University offers one of the top MiM programs in Australia, providing flexible exit options. Students can choose to graduate with a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in Business if they decide not to complete the full Master in Management program.

8. University of Illinois

The MSc in Management (MSM) at the University of Illinois stands out as a top MiM program, offering a STEM designation that grants international students a 24-month OPT extension in the U.S., expanding their career prospects.

9. University of Bath

Bath’s MiM program is ranked among the UK’s best master's in management programs. It allows students to refine their studies with specializations in marketing, operations, finance, and entrepreneurship, complemented by a three-month business consultancy project for real-world experience.

10. IE Business School

The Master in Management at IE Business School, one of the best universities for MiM globally, offers a customizable, future-focused curriculum with concentrations, internships, and global opportunities. Designed for impact, it helps you learn in-demand skills to shape your career.

Suggested: Top MBA Colleges waiving off GMAT

Not all business schools and universities mandate it to provide GMAT scores as part of the application process. Instead, the final admission is based on interview performance, the candidate’s profile, and the following crucial documents:

• GPA Score: If you wish to do MIM without GMAT, you need to score at least 70% above GPA, i.e. from 1.7 to 4 scale.
• Essays: Many MIM universities ask for an admission essay from the candidate. A well-written and coherent essay can improve your chances of getting admission to the MIM program. Universities provide topics for a MIM essay, so understand the nuances of the asked questions and draft an essay within the word limit.
• Letter of Recommendation (LOR): A well-structured 400 to 500-word from old teachers and professors can increase your chances of getting selected. Many MIM universities abroad ask for a LOR from their candidates.
• Statement of Purpose (SOP): A personal SOP document helps reflect your personality to the admissions committee and acts as a subjective aspect of your application.
• Work Experience: For MIM admission, the universities do not require immense work experience. Therefore, a student can attain an edge over other applications with 1-year work experience.
• English Language Score (if applicable): If your native language is not English, then you might have to take the with no less than a 6.5 band score and TOEFL with a score between 90-100. A higher score will help increase your chances of admission.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV): A CV will help present your academic and professional history to the MIM universities abroad. So create a one-page resume and help the admission officers validate your career.

Many world-renowned universities do not need a GMAT score for MIM, allowing you to focus on your academic performance rather than worry about test scores. Make sure your application is strong and narrates the best version of your story in the form of an SOP, 2-3 professional and academic LORs and an updated resume that aligns with your course. Let’s go through the steps for easy understanding:

Step 1: Write a Strong Statement of Purpose (SOP)

Your SOP is the most important part of your application if you’re skipping the GMAT. Use it to explain your academic background, career goals, and why you’re choosing MiM.

• Word Count: 500-1000 words
• Tone: Conversational, yet professional
• Content to include: Key academic projects, internships, career goals, and why that specific university
• Tip: End with how the program fits your long-term goals
• Format: Submit it in PDF format, and don’t copy content from the internet; be 100% plagiarism-free.

Step 2: Collect 2-3 Strong Letters of Recommendation (LORs)

LORs act as third-party validation of your abilities. Choose people who know you well.

• Academic LORs: From professors who taught you core subjects
• Professional LORs from managers/supervisors (for those with internships or work experience)
• Tip: Guide your recommender. Share your resume and course details so they can customize the letter
• Submission: Check if the university wants LORs in a specific format or directly uploaded via their portal.

Step 3: Create a University-Friendly Resume

Your resume should highlight academic achievements, internships, projects, and extracurricular activities relevant to business management.

• Length: 1 page max
• Things to Include: Education (with % or CGPA), internships with dates, and projects with outcomes, leadership roles, and certification
• Tip: Use a clean format with bullet points. Do not include generic job descriptions and focus on what you did.
• Important: This is not a job resume. Draft it as per your academic requirements

Step 4: Proofread and Cross-Check Requirements

• Recheck university-specific instructions. Some may require translated documents, specific file names, or formats
• Proofread all documents (or ask someone else to review them) to avoid typos or formatting errors
• Make sure all documents align with your story. 

Absolutely not! More than 60% of top universities assess your applications holistically, meaning they check your academic performance, work experience, achievements and contributions, so a single GMAT waiver won’t put you at any disadvantage. 

While some schools still consider GMAT scores, others like HEC Paris, ESSEC, and Warwick focus more on GPA, work experience, and certifications. Around 70% of admissions decisions are based on essays, recommendations, and interviews. So make sure that you give your 100% with the essays, SOP, and LOR. 

Need help with those? Get on a FREE consultation call with our expert counsellors

Yes, you can receive a scholarship with a GMAT waiver, but the eligibility criteria depend on the individual universities. For many merit-based scholarships, you need a stellar academic performance, leadership experience, and career achievements instead of test scores. 

On the other hand, if you’re applying for need-based scholarships, focus on financial requirements and strong academic records. Additionally, diversity and specialized scholarships are available for women, underrepresented groups, and students from specific regions.

Employer-sponsored programs and external scholarships like Fulbright, Chevening, and Erasmus Mundus also do not always require a GMAT score.

To take the GMAT or not take the GMAT - that is the question, right?

According to GMAC, 75% of MiM applicants with a 700+ GMAT score secure admissions into top European schools. However, 40% of programs offer waivers, focusing on GPA, work experience, or essays. Strong profiles can offset a low or missing GMAT. Whether you’ve taken the test or not, the application won’t be hampered too much. 

Here are some distinctions to help you understand the process better:

An MiM is more than just a degree, it’s your ticket to high-paying jobs anywhere in the world.. While the US may be popular for MBA, let its lesser known and more affordable sibling - the MiM, or master’s in management, not escape your sight! 

70% cheaper tuition fees, equally good ROI, top universities, and ample scholarship opportunities, MiM is the perfect program for you. And guess what? You don’t even need a GMAT score. Book a free consultation call and speak with 杏吧论坛’s top counselors to understand how to prepare your MiM application that help you stand out from the crowd - despite not having a perfect GMAT score.