Requirements 

To apply for the Oxford MBA, you should have:

1. A good undergraduate degree or equivalent : as guidance, a 2.1 degree (GPA 3.5 or its equivalent). Applicants who do not hold such a qualification may be considered if they have a very strong employment record demonstrating a high degree of responsibility.

2. University academic transcripts, these should outline the subjects studied and grades obtained.

3. GMAT score : Several of the programme’s core courses require a high level of quantitative and analytical skills and we do look for evidence of these in GMAT results. The average GMAT score of our MBA students is around 690. It is a mandatory requirement that all sections of the GMAT test are taken.

Please ensure that the test scores are forwarded by GMAC (Graduate Management Admissions Council) to the Saïd Business School (code Q0G-4B-59). Please contact GMAC directly to arrange to take the test. GMAT scores will not be valid if they are more than five years old on the application deadline for the stage in which you are applying.

4. A Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Test Scheme (IELTS) If your first language is not English*, you must supply suitable evidence that you have reached the relevant level before submitting your application.

Waivers: The requirement to provide proof of English language proficiency may be waived, at the discretion of the University, in cases where you have successfully completed a full-time degree-level course of a minimum of nine months at a recognised institution where the medium of instruction and assessment is entirely in English.

If you wish to apply for a waiver to the English language requirement, you must:

Click on the relevant option at the TOEFL/IELTS section of the application form indicating that you would like to request a waiver of the English Language  Test requirement for one of the following reasons:

(a) You have completed a degree in a majority English speaking country.*

As evidence we will review the transcripts you submit with your application.

(b) You have completed a degree at a recognised institution where the medium of instruction was English. 

As evidence we will require either that the transcripts you submit with your application state that the sole language of instruction was English
or an official letter from your university stating that the medium of instruction throughout your course was English.  This letter must be also be uploaded to the TOEFL/IELTS section of the on-line form.

*List of majority English speaking countries as defined by the UKBA

Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Belize, Guyana

Exchange programmes/ distance learning/ online courses can not be considered for the waiver.

The institution code for ordering your official TOEFL score sheet from ETS is 0807.  There is no department code, this can be left blank.
If you choose to take the IELTS you need to sit the Academic test.  If you sit the TOEFL it must be the general test.

TOEFL and IELTS scores will not be valid if they are more than two years old on the application deadline for the stage in which you are applying.

Please note that we reserve the right to request a test of English to be taken at any time.

5. Relevant professional experience: Whilst most of our students have more than three years experience, we do consider those with less work experience. If this is the case, we look for candidates who are able to demonstrate a high level of maturity, combined with evidence of leadership ability.

6. Two references, professional or academic (only online recommendations can be accepted).

7. Two essays:

1) Explain why you chose your current job. How do you hope to see your career developing over the next five years? How will an MBA assist you in the development of these ambitions? (750 words)

2) What should Oxford expect from you? (750 words)

Re-applicants will need to complete the two essays mentioned above and a third essay on the topic:

- What improvements have you made in your candidacy since you last applied to the Oxford MBA? (250 words)

Please ensure your application is complete upon submission. The Admissions Committee can only consider a candidate once all supporting documentation has been received.

We conduct spot checks on a regular basis to ensure the credibility of applicants' references, work experience and academic background. We also reserve the right to ask for supporting evidence if necessary.

Click here to view our full graduate admissions criteria >