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MBA application guide

Your guide to the application process for Nottingham Business School’s MBA programmes

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Applying to one of our MBA programmes is simple and convenient with our online application form. You can save your progress and return to complete your application at any time.

Along with the form, you’ll need to submit supporting documents. Full details of the requirements and application steps are outlined below.

If you’re an international candidate, we recommend applying as early as possible to allow sufficient time for visa processing.

How to create a successful MBA application

1. Start your online application

Create your account on our online Application Portal. Applying is free. You may complete your application over several sessions, allowing you to submit your application when you are ready. We recommend applying early to increase your chance of securing a place, accessing scholarship opportunities, and giving yourself more time to plan your next steps.

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2. Prepare your personal statement

Before preparing your personal statement, think about why you want to study an MBA, what are your career intentions and why have you chosen to apply to NBS. Consider your experience, achievements and skills and then demonstrate how an MBA will contribute to your future success.

3. Upload your supporting documents

Submit an up-to-date CV, two professional references and university transcripts showing your grades and modules. If you're applying from abroad, provide certified translations of your documents and demonstrate your English proficiency through IELTS, TOEFL, or Pearson PTE. You're welcome to submit your application before completing the English test, as long as you take it before the application deadline.

4. Meet the Course Team

There will be a chance for you to meet your Course Leader via Microsoft Teams. You'll be able to find out more about the course, ask questions and introduce yourself to the course team ahead of you joining the course. It's also a chance for you to tell us more about your career journey so far and your motivations for studying an MBA.

5. Receive and accept your offer

After the interview, our Admissions team will consider your application together with the interviewer's report and you will be notified of our decision by email. If you are offered a place, you will receive an offer letter outlining the full details of your offer and programme. If you received an offer - congratulations! To secure your place on the programme, please respond by accepting your offer in the online Application Portal.

Accept your offer

6. Apply for a scholarship

We offer a limited number of prestigious scholarships worth up to 50% of tuition fees for outstanding candidates joining our MBA programmes. To apply, you must first receive an MBA offer and then submit an online application, including a 500-word personal statement. Full eligibility criteria, advice, deadlines, and terms are available on our Scholarships page.

Bursaries and scholarships

MBA application FAQs

You are welcome to apply for multiple programmes; however, a separate application form must be submitted for each one. Supporting documents must also be uploaded for each application. Both your reference letter and personal statement should be tailored to the specific programme, clearly demonstrating your motivation for applying.

Yes, we currently offer a part-time Executive MBA and a distance learning Global Executive MBA.

If you have not yet graduated, you do not need to respond to this request at this stage. Please upload your most recent transcript when prompted. If you receive a conditional offer, you will need to upload your degree certificate as soon as you graduate.

We typically ask for a minimum of 3-5 years work experience with some leadership responsibility with oversight of something such as people, budgets or processes.

You may re-apply if you believe your application has significantly improved for the next admissions cycle. However, please note that we cannot guarantee an offer on your second application.

Of course, you may contact our friendly Enquiries team via our Ask NTU enquiry form or contact our dedicated Recruitment & Marketing Officer, Thomas Durham, on the TAP platform and he’ll provide you with an update and advise you on your next steps.

If you work for a family business or are self-employed, a reference from a client will also be acceptable. If you are not providing details of your current employer, please explain why in your cover letter.

Get support with your MBA application

If you have questions about the MBA application process, our Recruitment & Marketing Officer, Thomas Durham, is here to help. Thomas can:

  • Guide you through the application steps
  • Provide tips on writing a strong personal statement
  • Answer questions about supporting documents and deadlines
  • Offer advice on scholarships and funding options.

Book a 1-2-1 online chat with Thomas for personalised support and to get answers to any queries you may have.

Book your personal 1-2-1 with Thomas.