Your Guide to European MBA Admissions: From GMAT Requirements to Global Career Paths

What Makes European MBAs Stand Out?

European MBA programmes offer a combination of international exposure, shorter programme duration, and financial efficiency.

Nikki Harle, International Recruitment Manager at EDHEC, highlighted the international nature of European business schools, noting that “we’ve actually got as much as 97% of some of our programmes which are international.”

The one-year format is a defining feature.

“There are two-year programmes, one-year programmes — ours is even a little bit shorter than that,” said Mark Davies, Head of International Recruitment at EDHEC. He added that applicants should consider ROI and course content carefully: “Obviously some of the well-known rankings are good start points, but I would very much encourage you to dig deeper behind the rankings.”

How Much Does the GMAT Really Matter?

The GMAT remains a valued tool, but it’s not always mandatory.

“Not everyone comes to us with GMAT when they apply, but it can definitely add weight to your application — especially in terms of scholarship,” said Davies. He explained that test alternatives like the GRE or Executive Assessment are also accepted.

Importantly, applicants should time their preparation strategically. “It is a good idea to set your GMAT test date in advance and then work towards that… otherwise you tend to keep pushing it off,” said Harle.

Both Harle and Davies cautioned applicants to be mindful of offers of GMAT waivers that come too easily. “If you are granted a GMAT waiver a bit too easily, especially without any real legitimate reason… sometimes that can be a warning bell,” Harle explained.
 

Watch the webinar replay: How to Ace your Application to a European Business School

What is the Admissions Process Like?

The process is competitive, but highly personalised.

Harle explained: “The first contact that you make with the admissions team is really important.” She encouraged applicants to reach out early for feedback: “You can also request a profile evaluation… and be invited to a one-to-one call — very informal — just to give some more information and make sure that they are able to understand what this programme can offer them.”

Interviews play a vital role in evaluating soft skills and communication.

“The interview could be a pre-recorded interview, it could be face to face… but the idea is to mix motivational questions and situational questions,” Harle explained. Situational questions might include prompts like “describe a time you had to overcome a challenging obstacle.”

Davies advised preparing with the STAR method: “S is for Situation, T is for Task, A… is what actions did you take, and R stands for Result.” He stressed the importance of including outcomes: “A lot of people leave this out… and they just end after action. I want to know — were you successful? What did you learn?”

Are Scholarships and Support Available?

European schools generally offer strong financial support.

“We currently have an application fee waiver… and candidates can still benefit from our guaranteed scholarship policy,” Harle noted.

Equally important is the guidance available throughout the process. “One of the compliments we often get at EDHEC… is that we’re always available to offer guidance,” she said.

That accessibility is particularly reassuring for international candidates navigating unfamiliar systems.

Learn more about EDHEC's scholarship opportunities

At EDHEC, the scholarship process is simple and transparent. There’s no extra application required — if you qualify, you’re automatically considered for one of our four core scholarships, which reduce tuition by 20% to 40%, depending on your profile. These include awards for GMAT excellence, women in leadership, entrepreneurial or ESG focus, and cultural diversity.

We also offer three honorary awards, including the Forté Fellowship, the Swati Kansal Memorial Scholarship, and the International Advisory Board Fellowship, providing additional financial support and community engagement opportunities.