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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

Think about why you want to study an MBA, what your career intentions are, and why you have 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 a full and up-to-date CV and university transcripts (if applicable) showing your grades and modules. If you're applying from abroad, provide certified translations of your documents and demonstrate your English proficiency through an approved qualification such as IELTS. You can submit your application before completing your English test, and upload this afterwards when you receive it.

English language requirements

4. Meet the Course Team

There may 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 before joining the MBA. 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

Our Admissions team will review your application and you will be notified of our decision by email. You can also track the progress of your application by logging into the Applicant Portal. If you are offered a place, congratulations! You will receive an offer letter outlining the full details of your offer and programme. To secure your place on the programme, you can accept your offer in the Applicant Portal.

Accept your offer

6. Apply for a scholarship

Once you receive an offer, you can apply for a scholarship. We offer prestigious MBA scholarships worth up to 50% of tuition fees for outstanding UK and international candidates. To apply, you must submit an online application form. Full eligibility criteria, advice, deadlines and terms are available at the MBA Excellence Scholarship webpage.

MBA Excellence Scholarship

7. Fulfil any outstanding requirements

We require one reference (academic or vocational) sent directly from your referee's official email address to ntureference@ntu.ac.uk. International applicants will also need to upload a copy of their passport, and submit an advance payment.

Advance payment guidance

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, our Global Executive MBA is a flexible part-time programme delivered in a blended learning format, designed to fit around your work and personal commitments.

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 require at least three years of post-graduation professional experience in a role with responsibility for managing people, projects, budgets or organisational resources.

Applicants without a degree may be considered with 8+ years of professional experience.

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.

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.