LBS MBA Admissions: Requirements, Deadlines and Essays for 2027

What is the LBS MBA and who is it for?

The MBA is a full-time programme in London that runs 15 to 21 months, with exit points at 15, 18 or 21 months and exchanges with more than 30 partner schools. The next intake starts in August 2027, with 15 core courses and more than 100 electives. Experienced masters graduates can also consider the 11-month One-year MBA.

The LBS MBA class profile for MBA2027 shows 514 students, 44% women and 66 nationalities. Around 90% come from outside the UK, including 6% from the Middle East, and the average work experience is 5.5 years.

What are the LBS MBA requirements?

• A university degree, with transcripts from every institution you attended.
• A GMAT or GRE score less than five years old. The GMAT average is about 645, and LBS says its minimum is usually around 555.
• Work experience: the average is 5.5 years. Candidates with less than three years can be admitted with superior academics and outstanding leadership.
• An English test (IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge CPE or CAE, PTE Academic or Duolingo) unless you qualify for an exemption.
• A one-page CV, one professional reference and a £200 application fee.

Our guide to MBA requirements explains how schools weigh each part.

LBS MBA deadlines for the August 2027 intake

There are three rounds, each closing at 17:00 UK time.

Check the official application calendar before you submit, as dates can move.

The LBS MBA essays are short and focused:

1. What are your post-MBA goals, and how will your experience and the LBS programme help you reach them? (500 words)
2. What makes you unique? (200 words)
3. An optional essay for anything else the committee should know (500 words).

Selected applicants are interviewed by alumni or senior admissions staff, usually in their own region. Decisions are offer, reject or waitlist.

LBS MBA tuition and career outcomes

LBS MBA tuition for the 2026 intake was around £123,950, covering the whole programme whatever your exit point, plus a £400 Student Association Fee. Fees change each year.

According to the employment report for the class of 2025, 86% accepted an offer within three months, with a mean base salary of £91,928. Graduates joined consulting (40%), finance (25%), technology (24%) and diversified industries (11%). Some 43% work in the UK and 11% in Africa and the Middle East, with employers including McKinsey, Goldman Sachs, Amazon and Aramco.

How to stand out in LBS MBA admissions

• Make your goals essay specific: the role, the industry and the region, and why London is the right base for them.
• Use the 200-word essay for one memorable story, not a summary of your CV.
• Show international range. With a class this diverse, LBS looks for people who add a perspective and learn from others.
• Pick the right programme. With 10 or more years of experience, LBS EMBA admissions may fit your life better. Our overview of London Business School compares every option.

Frequently asked questions

What is a good LBS MBA GMAT score?

The class average is about 645, with a range of 555 to 805. LBS says its minimum is usually around 555. A score near or above the average helps, especially if your degree was not quantitative. LBS accepts the GRE equally and prefers scores above 160 in each section.

How much work experience do I need for LBS MBA admissions?

The class average is 5.5 years. LBS can admit candidates with less than three years if they show superior academics and outstanding leadership. Beyond the number of years, the committee looks at the quality of your experience: progression, responsibility and the impact you have had.

Should I choose the LBS MBA or the Executive MBA?

The MBA suits professionals with about five years of experience who can step away from work full-time. The Executive MBA is for senior leaders, averaging about 15 years of experience, who keep working while they study in London or Dubai.