Find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions
we get about our Global MBA program.
Global MBA FAQs
Is the Global MBA a full-time program?
Yes, the Global MBA is a full-time program that offers continuous instruction without significant breaks between terms. Sponsors should not expect their employees to continue working while enrolled in the program.
What English proficiency exams does Ross accept?
If your native language is not English, you must demonstrate competence in English by taking the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the Pearson Test of English (PTE) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). For the TOEFL, we require the Internet-based test (iBT).
What is the minimum TOEFL, PTE, or IELTS exam score required for international students who apply to the MBA program?
We strongly recommend a TOEFL score of 100 or higher on the internet-based test (iBT). The Michigan Ross TOEFL score reporting code is 1839. Ross will accept the PTE or IELTS as an alternative to the TOEFL, and we strongly recommend a PTE score of 70 or higher, or IELTS exam score of 7 or higher.
Are there instances in which I would not be required to take the TOEFL, PTE, or IELTS exam?
International applicants who have completed an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution where the sole language of instruction was English are exempt from the TOEFL/PTE/IELTS requirement. Those who have been living, working, and conducting daily business in an English-speaking country for two or more years are also exempt from the requirement.
How long are TOEFL/PTE/IELTS scores valid?
TOEFL/PTE/IELTS exam scores taken within two years of the application deadline are valid.
What is the minimum GMAT/GRE required for admission to the Global MBA program?
There is no minimum score requirement for either exam.
Your standardized test score is only one of a number of criteria we review in determining admission. We encourage you to apply to our program regardless of your score. However, if you feel your score has room for improvement, you may want to consider retaking the exam.
Do you require the GMAT? Can I take the GRE instead?
The GMAT or GRE is a required component of our application, unless you are approved for a waiver, are eligible to submit an EA score, or pass the QRC. Please review our application requirements.
Your performance on either the GMAT or GRE will be used as part of our assessment of your academic ability, and you are at no advantage or disadvantage by taking one exam instead of the other. The Ross GRE reporting code is 1839.
How long are GMAT/GRE scores valid?
Ross will keep GMAT/GRE scores on file for two years. Test scores are valid for five years from the date you took the test to the deadline date when you apply; scores more than five years old are not acceptable. We encourage you to take the GMAT/GRE no later than one month prior to the application deadline, and preferably earlier. You can self-report test scores on the application to assist with our review until we receive your official results from the testing agency.
How many days before the application deadline should I take the GMAT/GRE?
We recommend taking the GMAT/GRE test 30 days before the application deadline. Thirty days will allow sufficient time for the official report to reach the Office of Admissions by the application deadline. You can self-report your scores on your application or email a copy of your unofficial score report to rossgmba@umich.edu to assist with our review until we receive your official results from the testing agency.
Can the GMAT/GRE requirement be waived if I am not able to schedule the test due to reduced availability as a result of COVID-19?
If circumstances related to COVID-19 make it difficult for you to complete the GMAT or GRE and you have more than four years of full-time professional work experience, you may be eligible to receive a test waiver for the current application cycle. Waiver criteria are available under the GMAT/GRE heading at Application Requirements.
Candidates who do not meet waiver criteria are welcome to apply by submitting valid GMAT or GRE results to support their application. You may also be eligible to submit an EA score, or elect to take our QRC, in lieu of submitting a GMAT/GRE score.
What is the GPA requirement for applying to the Global MBA Program?
There is no minimum GPA requirement, though GPAs for our incoming students are typically in the 2.9 - 3.8 range. Your GPA is only one of a number of criteria we review in determining your admission. We encourage you to apply to our program regardless of your GPA.
How much work experience do I need before I can apply?
We do not require a specific number of years of work experience prior to entering the Ross Global MBA program, but almost all incoming Ross students have worked for at least 3 years. The average Ross Global MBA student enters the program with 7 years of work experience with a range from 2 - 14 years.
That said, we evaluate work experience not in terms of quantity, but in terms of quality. We examine the impact you have had on your organization and the leadership qualities you have demonstrated. We consider the range of stories and experiences you will be able to share with your classmates. If you have limited work experience, you should demonstrate on your application why it is the right time to pursue an MBA, and what you will be able to contribute to the Ross community.
What type of work experience are you looking for in the admissions process?
We seek diversity in the professional backgrounds of our admitted students, just as we do in other parts of our applicants' profiles. No one industry or field is favored over another. We are more interested in your contribution to the group or organization.
Do you offer an Executive MBA Program?
Ross offers an Executive MBA Program for candidates with progressive management and supervisory experience. Candidates typically have 10 or more years of experience. Refer to the Executive MBA Program website for further details.
Do I need an undergraduate business degree or business classes to be admitted?
We welcome applications from a wide variety of backgrounds and do not look for or favor specific undergraduate majors. Business classes are not required before entering the program.
Is a three-year undergraduate degree from India acceptable to apply?
Yes, we will consider applicants who hold a three-year undergraduate degree from India.
Can I apply to both the Full-Time MBA and the Global MBA programs for the same term?
No, you must choose between programs and may only apply to one program in any given cycle.
Can I transfer into the MBA Program?
No, previous coursework will not transfer into our MBA Program. In addition, students admitted to Ross may not be simultaneously enrolled in two graduate programs unless enrolled in an approved dual-degree program.
I already have an MBA. Can I still apply to the Ross MBA Program?
We do accept applications from individuals who have an MBA. However, you must explain through your application why you feel you need another MBA degree.
Do you offer a hard-copy application?
No, we no longer accept hard-copy applications. You can only apply using our online application.
Is sponsorship required for the Global MBA Program?
Sponsorship is not required, however, the majority of the candidates are sponsored or have an established network to rely on for opportunities after graduation. An internship and placement services are not provided.
Will my degree be the same as if I attended the Full-time MBA Program?
Yes, there is only one Master of Business Administration degree granted by the Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan.
Is an interview required for admission?
Yes, an interview is required for admission, and is by invitation only. If the Admissions Committee invites you to interview, you will receive the invitation and scheduling information via email. The interview provides the Admissions Committee with more information about you. It is not an indication of the outcome of your application.
What should I do if my recommender has not received my online invitation to recommend me?
This tends to be a problem with a recommender's email account spam or junk email filter settings. The emailed invitation is either blocked or automatically filtered into a junk mail folder. You can check the status of your recommendations, resend a recommendation request, and even update a recommender if the recommendation is not yet started via the Personal Activity page. You can access this under the "Apply Online" section of your online application homepage by clicking on the Review Your Submitted Application/Manage Your Recommendations link.
Will we have the same professors as students in the Full-Time and Weekend programs?
Yes, our faculty teach across all programs.
What is the program schedule? How is the term divided?
The Global MBA begins Feb. 13, 2023 at Michigan Ross in Ann Arbor with Global Leadership Foundations in the first week. After that, immediately begin your work on the MBA core. The 9 core courses are delivered in an intensive format, one course at a time every two weeks from Feb. 20 through June 29. Our signature, team-based Multidisciplinary Action Project course follows from July 5 through August 18.
In the fall term, participate in the first elective term in Ann Arbor. Elective courses are offered over 14 weeks from September through December or divided by half-terms in a 7-week format with the Fall A term courses from September through the end of October, and the Fall B term from November through the end of December.
In the program’s second winter term (January through April 2024), study abroad through our Global Semester Exchange at one of our partner institutions or remain in Ann Arbor to complete a second term of electives taught by Ross professors.
For my Winter term abroad, will I have to pay tuition to the partner school?
No, tuition is paid to the University of Michigan. However, living expenses are additional and the responsibility of the student. Actual final costs will vary by host school, location, and from student to student based on each student's anticipated personal expenses. Visit the Ross Global Partner School web page for estimates for housing, living, visa, and other costs for each host school.
Is the completion of a college-level calculus course a prerequisite to admission to the Global MBA program?
Michigan Ross has no prerequisite courses for admission to the MBA program. However, due to the analytical rigor of the program, it is expected that you have a working knowledge of college-level mathematics, including basic calculus. If you have not had this coursework, we recommend that you take a course that emphasizes business mathematics prior to beginning the program. If you have basic math knowledge but need a refresher, you will want to utilize our Quantitative Skills Resources prior to the start of classes.
What if I cannot furnish my official transcripts by the application deadline?
The Office of Admissions can use unofficial transcripts for evaluation purposes. If admitted, your admission would be conditional upon receipt of your official transcripts. These would need to be received by the Office of Admissions prior to the start of classes.
What career management services are provided?
Michigan Ross provides Global MBA students with a sequence of individual consultations and cohort-based sessions throughout their time in the program. Resources on transition planning, personal branding, career strategy, interviewing tips, and negotiation skills allow you to develop a personalized career management strategy. Global MBA students do not participate in on-campus recruiting, internships, or job placement through the Career Development Office.
Quantitative Readiness Course (QRC)
Is there a cost associated with taking the QRC?
The QRC is free. You are under no obligation to apply to the program if you take the course.
What does the QRC include?
- The QRC consists of six learning modules with 4-6 topics per module. Each module has practice questions as well as a practice quiz at the end. The quizzes do not count towards the final assessment of your performance in the course.
- There is a final exam consisting of approximately 25 questions that serves as the final assessment of your performance in the course. The exam takes three hours and you may use notes you have taken during the course.
How much effort does the course require?
We estimate that the average student will need to put in 20-30 hours of work in order to score well on the final exam.
How do I enroll in the course?
To enroll in the QRC, complete this form. Within seven days, you will receive an email from 4help@umich.edu with a link to the University of Michigan Guest Invitation page.
How long do I have to take the course?
You have 60 days to complete the course once you have been given access to the course site. After that date, your name will be removed from the list.
What score do I need to achieve in the course in order to qualify for a GRE/GMAT test waiver?
To qualify for a GMAT or GRE waiver, you must receive an absolute score of 80% or better on the final exam.
When will I receive the results of the final exam?
You will receive your score immediately after taking the final exam.
What if I fail the course or do not complete it within the 60 days? Can I take it again?
If you fail the course or do not complete it within 60 days, you must wait 60 days before repeating the course.
If I start the class and do not complete it, will it negatively impact my application?
No. This is just one way for you to complete your application. If you start the class and feel that the GRE/GMAT test is a better option for you, you are welcome to submit a score instead.
Will I receive an email confirming my final exam score?
Yes. You will receive an email within three business days from rossgmba@umich.edu with your score. The email will also include next steps if you choose to proceed with an application.
If I pass the course, how do I use it for a GRE/GMAT test waiver?
On your application to the program, under test waiver options check the box that says “I have earned an 80% or better in the Ross QRC.” The admissions team will then verify that you have passed the course and will proceed with your application review.
Will it help my application if I take the QRC and submit a GMAT or GRE score?
The QRC course is a great refresher/preparation tool as you get ready to begin your MBA studies. Taking both the QRC and a standardized test for your application would provide the committee with the most comprehensive view of your candidacy, and potentially ease your transition into the start of school, but it is certainly not required.
How long is my QRC score valid?
Scores are valid for 18 months from completion date of the exam.
Will I receive academic credit for this course if I enroll at Michigan Ross?
No. The QRC is not a credit-bearing course and you will not earn any academic credit toward your degree by completing it.
Who should I contact if I have questions or problems while I am taking the course?
You may email rossgmba@umich.edu. We will answer you within three business days.