How to apply

The application process is focused on your unique strengths and potential. You’re required to demonstrate your individual contribution to the EMBA-Global learning experience, and how you will benefit from the programme.

Join EMBA-Global in May 2027

Applications for the May 2027 intake will open at the beginning of August. Deadlines:

The application process

Applications are completed online. Full instructions are included within the online application.
A joint London Business School and Columbia Business School Admissions Committee evaluates each submitted application.
Within one to two weeks of the stage deadline, you’ll hear whether you’ve been selected for an interview.
You will normally receive a final decision within one to two weeks of your interview. We reserve the right to defer decisions in order to ensure the highest calibre, and best mix, of participants in the programme.

To maintain the highest standards, 100% of admitted candidates are interviewed prior to offer. For a complete guide to the admissions process, download:

Company sponsorship

Build your case for support

As you work on your application and discuss your development plans with your employer, be sure to read our advice on creating a business case. This document will help you build a case for your employer’s support, either financial or time away from the office. You can also research by attending events on campus and talking to students about their own and their family’s experience.

Application checklist

To be considered for an interview you should provide:

a completed online application, including the application form, essays and a personal statement
a two-page CV/resume
official academic transcripts or certificates
a current Executive Assessment / Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) / Graduate Examination Record (GRE) score*
evidence of completion of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) / International English Language Testing System (IELTS) / Personal Test of English (PTE) - for non-native English speakers
one reference, which must be from your manager or supervisor
signed statement of employer support for the time commitment required within the programme
a non-refundable application fee of US$250.
* All EMBA candidates are encouraged to submit a valid standardized test score as part of the application process. Test scores are one helpful data point used in evaluating candidates. However, we also offer GMAT/EA/GRE waivers to exceptional candidates who are able to demonstrate the skills covered by the test through academic achievements and work experience. If you feel you may be eligible for a waiver please send your CV and your reason for a waiver request to embaglobal@london.edu.

Executive Assessment / GMAT / GRE

We accept GMAT and GRE. We also accept the Executive Assessment, a new way of assessing candidates’ readiness to study. The EA has been developed for time sensitive executives, is shorter in duration and requires only modest preparation.

There are no minimum scores but we recommend appropriate preparation. You should supply a self-reported score in the application and a verified score if selected for interview.

Please arrange for your score to be sent directly to Columbia Business School. The code for GMAT and EA is QF8-N6-06, while for GRE is 6442.

Required documents

English language certificate

If your native language is not English and you have not obtained a degree from an institution where English was the language of instruction, you are required to submit official evidence of your English language proficiency.

There are three standardised tests you may take:

Official academic transcripts

You are required to submit academic transcripts from your undergraduate or graduate educational institutions, with certified translated copies if they are not in English.

If offered admission, you will be required to provide encrypted digital copies of your transcripts from each of the colleges or universities submitted on your application. Offers of admission are not binding until academic records have been verified.

Proof of support

Signed statement of employer support

Proof of support from you employer for the time you will be out of the office is required to apply to the programme. You must provide a signed letter from an authorised person within your company stating that they agree to allow you the required time away from the office to complete the programme. The authorised person may be your department head, president, chief executive officer or head of HR.

Many EMBA-Global students are also financially sponsored by their employers – either fully or partially. If you are financially sponsored to any extent, you must submit complete information on the terms of this financial support, signed by the authorised person within your company.

If you are self-employed, you must submit a letter stating that you understand the time commitment needed away from work to successfully complete the programme. You may also be required to provide evidence of your current engagements/contracts.

Any questions?

If you have any questions about the application process or your eligibility for the programme, please contact us.