MBA Scholarships 2025 Without GMAT (Fully Funded)
Last updated: August 18, 2025 • Editor: Chgr Team
Hunting a fully funded MBA in 2025 without the GMAT? Here’s the reality: true full-ride MBAs are rare, but you can reach full tuition or full cost of attendance (COA) through a mix of major scholarships and university funding. Many MBA programs now offer GMAT/GRE waivers for experienced candidates, accept alternative assessments, or run test-optional pilots. Below you’ll find programs and scholarships that can fully fund your MBA and where a GMAT is not required or waivable. Always confirm each school’s current policy before applying.
Quick Comparison Table (2025)
| Program/Scholarship | Region | Coverage | GMAT/GRE Policy (2025) | Deadline Window | Official |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevening (for 1‑year MBAs) | UK | Tuition + stipend + flights/fees (some MBAs may need top‑up) | Chevening doesn’t set GMAT rules; many UK MBAs grant waivers for experience | Aug–Nov | chevening.org |
| DAAD EPOS — selected MBA/Management | Germany | Stipend, insurance, travel; some programs cover tuition | GMAT usually not required; English proof needed (program‑specific) | Dec–Mar | daad.de |
| ADB–JSP (partner MBAs/management) | Asia/US partners | Tuition, stipend, travel, insurance | GMAT often not required; depends on host program | Jan–Apr (varies) | adb.org |
| Fulbright Foreign Student (MBA eligible) | USA | Tuition, stipend, airfare, insurance | No GMAT at scholarship level; host MBA may require or waive | Feb–Sep (by country) | fulbrightonline.org |
| UVA Darden MBA Merit Awards | USA | Full/partial tuition awards | GMAT/GRE waiver available by request | Round‑based | darden.virginia.edu |
| UNC Kenan‑Flagler MBA Fellowships | USA | Full/partial tuition fellowships | Waiver available for qualified candidates | Round‑based | kenan-flagler.unc.edu |
| Georgetown McDonough Merit Scholarships | USA | Large merit awards (some full tuition) | Waiver available via petition | Round‑based | msb.georgetown.edu |
| Rice Business (Jones) Scholarships | USA | Full/partial tuition awards | Waiver available for experienced applicants | Round‑based | business.rice.edu |
| IE Business School MBA Scholarships | Spain | Significant awards; some near full | IE Global Admissions Test accepted instead of GMAT/GRE | Rolling | ie.edu |
| Warwick MBA Scholarships | UK | Up to full tuition (competitive) | GMAT may be waived for strong quant + experience | Round‑based | wbs.ac.uk |
Chevening (UK) — MBA Funding
Covers: Tuition, monthly stipend, flights, and fees for a one‑year master’s. Some high‑fee MBAs may need co‑funding from the university.
GMAT: Chevening doesn’t set test rules; you must meet the university’s entry requirements. Many UK MBAs will waive GMAT for senior/excellent profiles.
Deadline: Typically August–November.
Official: chevening.org
DAAD EPOS — Development MBAs (Germany)
Covers: Monthly stipend, health insurance, travel allowance; some EPOS MBAs also waive/cover tuition.
GMAT: Often not required; English proficiency required per program. Examples include MBAs with development/SME/CSR focus.
Deadline: Program‑specific, commonly December–March.
Official: daad.de
ADB–Japan Scholarship Program (ADB–JSP)
Covers: Tuition, monthly stipend, travel, medical insurance at partner universities in Asia and select U.S. programs.
GMAT: Depends on host university. Many partner MBAs/management programs do not require GMAT if other criteria are strong.
Deadline: Typically January–April (varies by partner).
Official: adb.org
Fulbright Foreign Student (USA)
Covers: Tuition, living stipend, airfare, and insurance for master’s degrees (including MBAs at many host schools).
GMAT: Not required by the scholarship itself; your host MBA program may require, waive, or accept alternatives.
Deadline: Country‑specific (approximately February–September).
Official: foreign.fulbrightonline.org
UVA Darden MBA — Merit + GMAT Waiver
Covers: Competitive full and partial tuition scholarships for top candidates.
GMAT: Waiver available upon request (based on academic/professional evidence). Strong quant coursework, certifications (e.g., CFA), or work experience help.
Official: darden.virginia.edu
UNC Kenan‑Flagler MBA — Merit + GMAT Waiver
Covers: Large merit awards including full tuition fellowships (highly competitive).
GMAT: Waiver available for qualified applicants with strong evidence of readiness.
Official: kenan-flagler.unc.edu
Georgetown McDonough MBA — Merit + Waiver
Covers: Significant merit scholarships, including some full‑tuition awards each year.
GMAT: Waiver available via petition; strong academics and experience required.
Official: msb.georgetown.edu
Rice Business (Jones) MBA — Merit + Waiver
Covers: Full and partial tuition scholarships; competitive and profile‑driven.
GMAT: Waiver available for qualified candidates; evidence of quantitative readiness is key.
Official: business.rice.edu
IE Business School MBA — IE Admissions Test
Covers: Multiple scholarships; some candidates achieve near‑full funding when stacked.
GMAT: Not mandatory if you take the IE Global Admissions Test (ieGAT) or present alternative evidence per IE policy.
Official: ie.edu
Warwick MBA (UK) — Scholarships + Possible Waiver
Covers: Scholarships up to full tuition for exceptional applicants.
GMAT: May be waived for strong quantitative background and senior experience; otherwise GMAT/GRE recommended.
Official: wbs.ac.uk
How to Secure a GMAT Waiver (Template)
- Collect evidence: 5+ years impact, quant coursework (calc/stats), certifications (CFA/CPA), analytics work, quant‑heavy roles.
- Check policy: Each MBA has a waiver page/forms. Some require the waiver before you submit.
- Be early: Waivers are reviewed case‑by‑case; apply in earlier rounds.
- Tie to success: Show how your background proves readiness without a standardized test.
Sample email
Subject: GMAT Waiver Request – Full-Time MBA (Fall 2025) Dear Admissions Team, I plan to apply in Round [X]. I have [Y] years of work experience in [function/industry] with quant responsibilities, a GPA of [X.X] with coursework in [stats/calc], and [CFA/CPA/quant certifications]. Could you please advise on eligibility for a GMAT/GRE waiver and the required documentation? Thank you, [Your Name] [Country] • [Email]
English Tests (IELTS Alternatives)
- TOEFL iBT (Home/Center)
- PTE Academic
- Duolingo English Test (accepted by some MBAs; verify)
- Cambridge C1/C2
- MOI letter (English‑medium degree) — accepted case‑by‑case
Note: Scholarship providers rarely set English tests; your host university does. Always check the program’s page.
FAQs: MBA Scholarships Without GMAT (2025)
Are there truly “fully funded” MBAs without GMAT?
Yes, via scholarships like DAAD EPOS, Chevening (with MBA co‑funding for pricey schools), ADB–JSP, and university‑level full‑tuition merit at U.S. MBAs that offer GMAT waivers. Availability is limited and highly competitive.
Which U.S. MBAs offer GMAT waivers and big scholarships?
Darden, UNC, Georgetown, Rice, and several others offer waiver processes and large merit awards (including some full‑tuition).
Can I apply to UK MBAs without GMAT?
Often yes for experienced candidates. Many UK MBAs consider waivers and still offer significant scholarships (e.g., Warwick). Verify each program’s criteria.
Does Chevening remove GMAT requirements?
No—Chevening funds the degree, but you must meet the university’s entry rules. If your MBA waives GMAT, you can pursue Chevening without GMAT.
What makes a strong no‑GMAT MBA application?
Clear leadership impact, strong quant evidence (work + courses), excellent essays, and persuasive recommendations demonstrating readiness.
You can build a no‑GMAT path to a fully funded MBA in 2025 by combining major scholarships (Chevening, DAAD EPOS, ADB–JSP, Fulbright) with university merit awards at schools that offer GMAT waivers. Shortlist 5–7 targets, request waivers early, and assemble quant proof, standout essays, and strong references. Explore more in our MBA and Fully Funded labels.