Despite there not being any rigid GMAT exam eligibility criteria, securing a seat in a globally recognized MBA College can be a daunting task. However, as much as it sounds like a far-fetched dream, getting an MBA without GMAT is achievable.
That’s right! Some of the best MBA colleges in Ireland do not require the GMAT for admission, particularly if applicants have significant professional experience and strong academic backgrounds. Moreover, you could pursue an MSc in related subjects alternatively and still proceed on the same career path.
Why Study in Ireland for an MBA?
Ireland is home to institutions among the top 3% globally, recognized by recruiters and rankers alike. Also, Ireland is the only English-speaking European country providing 2 years of post-study work permit after masters, besides offering Irish Permanent Residency.
Ireland university fees for an MBA range from 12,500 to 36,990 EUR (11.12 to 32.90 lakhs INR) for an international student – which is among the lowest fees for MBA not only in Europe but globally. Not only that, after graduating from the top B schools in Ireland with an MBA or MSc in other related disciplines, you could earn a salary of 55,000 EUR (48.85 lakhs INR) or more per annum – a high return on investment!
But wait, what are the jobs I can get after pursuing an MSc or MBA in Ireland without GMAT?
The sectors one could get into are Consulting, Strategy, Marketing, Banking, Finance, Sales, Human Resources, Product Development, Supply Chain and more. Depending on the industry you choose, the designations could be Management Consultant, Business Development Manager, Financial Analyst, Marketing Manager, Human Resources Manager, Operations Manager, Product or Project Manager.
So without further ado, Global Edge presents to you a list of universities in Ireland offering MSc or MBA without GMAT:
1. University College Dublin (UCD)
UCD is ranked 171 by the QS in 2024, is a Tier one research university, and is seen consistently topping the Ireland university ranking. Its global exposure and diverse cohort are its greatest highlights, making it the best college to study in Ireland.
The UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School has an MBA programme that may waive the GMAT requirement for candidates with substantial professional experience or exceptional academic records. However UCD prefers students with the GMAT 550 plus.
Besides, its MSc in Strategic Management, International Business, Finance, HRM, etc are high-yielding alternatives to consider and pursue.
As the University website lists: “A minimum of three years’ professional experience (excluding summer placements, part-time or temporary work experience)” is required to be considered for the course.
2. Trinity College Dublin (TCD)
First started in 1964, the Trinity MBA offers participants a transformative experience with its flexible options by accelerating your career, increasing impact in your current role or pivoting industry.
TCD offers a 1-year, full-time MSc in Marketing, Management, Human Resource Management, Finance and several other disciplines.
Trinity offers full-time as well as part-time, flexible MBA. Known for its expert faculty and international study trips, Trinity focuses on leadership and strategic management.
TCD requires a GMAT for its one year MBA program.
3. Dublin City University (DCU)
Dublin City University has a student exchange program with more than 100+ countries all over the world, making it a multicultural hub. The DCU Business School offers MSc in HRM, Finance, Strategic Learning and Development, Finance, Strategy, Digital Marketing and Management.
DCU Business School has specialized streams, research opportunities and part-time internships which add to the benefit of pursuing Masters from here.
4. University of Galway
A public research university known for 175 years of excellence in education based in Galway, Ireland, University of Galway was established in 1845. The University of Galway ranking is 289 in the world by QS World University Rankings in 2024.
MSc in International Management, Business Analytics, Digital Marketing, Management and Sustainability, and Business and Hospitality, are some of the alternatives to MBA without GMAT that the University of Galway offers.
5. University of Limerick (UL)
Kemmy Business School at the University of Limerick offers an MA in Business Management, and MSc in International Management and Global Business programme that considers professional experience and academic performance.
UL is renowned for its global network due to strong connections within the industry, entrepreneurial focus, and emphasis on experiential learning.
6. Griffith College Dublin
The Graduate Business School at Griffith College has an MSc in International Business programme without a GMAT requirement. Griffith College offer a full time MBA without a GMAT requirement.
With the lowest Ireland university fees, Griffith provides flexible learning options and a practical approach to business education.
7. Maynooth University
The School of Business at Maynooth University, Ireland is known for its small class sizes that allow faculty to pay attention to each individual of the cohort. It offers an MSc in Business Management that allows students to combine multiple business interests in a flexible manner.
With over 15,000 students from more than 100 countries, Maynooth University offers a range of international programs and partnerships.
8. Dublin Business School (DBS)
DBS offers MBA without work experience and GMAT to students. DBS offers MBA with specialization in Project Management, Finance, HRM, Marketing, Cloud Computing and Information System.
The course is QQI awarded with very low fees. DBS offers the learner practical aspects of management with significance of managing strategy.
Key Considerations for an MBA in Ireland
1. Professional Experience: Most of these programs emphasize professional experience over standardized test scores. Having substantial managerial or leadership experience can significantly enhance your application.
Although 2-3 years of relevant professional experience is the basic criterion, some universities in Ireland for masters in business administration may seek up to 5 years, especially for roles which require leadership.
2. Academic Performance: A strong academic record, particularly in fields relevant to your application, can also be a deciding factor in the admissions process.
3. Personal Interview: Many universities conduct personal interviews to assess the applicant’s suitability for the MBA program, further reducing the emphasis on GMAT scores.