MBA Admissions

Globally ranked and accredited, the UCD Smurfit MBA attracts applications from an international, innovative, and driven cohort of students from a wide range of professional backgrounds each year. Please note that meeting the minimum Entry Requirements does not guarantee you an offer.  Competition for places on our MBA / EMBA programmes is intense.  We conduct a holistic review on all applications and fit to the programme is also considered.

  • A university degree*
  • A minimum of three years’ (for Full-Time MBA) and five years' (for Executive MBA) quality professional experience (excluding summer placements, part-time or temporary work experience) at the time of application.    
  • GMAT requirements:

    Full-Time MBA:  A valid score on the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT). GMAT Focus , GMAC Executive Assessment (EA) or GRE are also now accepted. Preferred minimum score of 600 (565 on the GMAT Focus).  Please note that we look at applications on a holistic basis, and a high GMAT score does not guarantee admission. The average GMAT for our current MBA class is 646 (approx. 595 on the GMAT Focus). OR An EA score of 151 and above is required for the FT MBA.  Alternatively can submit a valid GRE Test Score. Indicative equivalencies can be calculated here. If you have any questions in regards to your application we recommend that you contact the MBA Admissions team.  Apart from meeting the minimum overall GMAT/EA score, candidates must also do reasonably well in the quantitative component of this test.  

    Executive MBA: GMAT score of 520 (495 on the GMAT Focus) or above required.  OR An EA score of 149 and above is required. More information on the EA available here. Alternatively can submit a valid GRE Test Score. Indicative equivalencies can be calculated here. If you have any questions in regards to your application we recommend that you contact the MBA Admissions team.  IMPORTANT NOTE for Executive MBA applicants: Where a candidate’s professional achievements and qualifications exhibit the skills and competencies evaluated by the GMAT /Executive Assessment, the UCD MBA Academic Director may grant a waiver for GMAT/EA test  following an interview. A candidate with extensive management experience or holders of a master's or PhD qualification in a quantitative discipline from a reputable University will be considered for a test exemption. The decision to grant a GMAT Executive Assessment waiver is at the discretion of the UCD MBA Academic Director. UCD Smurfit reserves the right to request any candidate to submit a GMAT exam.  Please note  that scholarship competitions may require submission of a GMAT/EA  score. 
      

    NB: Please note that scholarship competitions may require earlier submission of a GMAT score, which may vary from those noted above. View our Scholarships page for more details.

  • English Language Requirements: All applicants are required to demonstrate a high level of competence in English language. If English is not your first language you must present with the minimum standard in a recognised English language test, as outlined below. The exception to this rule is if you have completed your primary degree or an entire third level qualification through English, in a majority English speaking country.**
    • An average IELTS score of 7.0 over all components and a minimum of 6.5 in each band on the Academic Version.         
      OR
    • A minimum score of 100 is required in the Internet based TOEFL (iTB) with minimum score 24 in Writing, and minimum score 20 in Reading, Listening and Speaking components.
      For all proficiency tests the results must normally have been issued within two years prior to the start of your programme.      
      OR
    • UCD has approved the use of the Duolingo Test of English (DET) for the 2023/24 intake. A DET score of 130 will be accepted with at least 110 in each subscore.

Through our rigorous selection process we endeavour to manage expectations so that the candidate’s aspirations for the programme and career objectives are aligned with what the programme can deliver.

*If you do not hold a university degree equivalent to NFQ Level 8 please contact Admissions for further advice on the non-standard admissions process.

**List of majority English speaking countries:
Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Belize, Guyana.

Candidates are required to apply online via the UCD applications system. The application fee is €60.

Candidates are required to submit an online application form which asks for basic details and short questions on why you are applying for our MBA.

The following supporting documentation should be uploaded to your online application account:

  • Curriculum Vitae
  • GMAT/EA official score report or confirmation of scheduled GMAT test date (if available)
  • English language official test report or confirmation of scheduled test date (if applicable)
  • Copies of official final transcripts of degrees and /or professional qualifications (degree certificates are not normally required but may be requested)
  • Two completed Recommendation Forms from current or former employers or clients if you are self-employed. For authenticity these must be signed by hand and scanned prior to submission. Please scan and upload these along with your application.

All eligible candidates deemed suitable to be considered for the MBA or EMBA programme will be interviewed. Candidates are interviewed by one or in some cases more of the following:
MBA Programme Director, Head of Admissions, Careers Manager, Alumni.

International candidates are normally interviewed via telephone or Skype.

Following the Admissions interview, a final application review takes place and candidates will be notified via telephone and email. 

Applications are assessed on a rolling basis. We encourage all interested candidates to submit their applications as early as possible in order to be best placed for any scholarship offers and to avoid disappointment. We receive a high volume of applications and competition for places on the MBA programme is intense.

International candidates are also advised to apply as early as possible to ensure sufficient time for processing visa applications, booking flights etc.

The GMAT (Graduate Management Admissions Test) is a globally recognised qualification used to assess your admission into prestigious business schools worldwide, it is primarily a test of your analytical and quantitative reasoning skills.

Applications can be submitted without GMAT results. Any offer arising will be conditional, pending receipt of official GMAT score report.

The Executive Assessment (EA) is a 90 minute exam similar to the GMAT and used to test applicants applying to our MBA programmes.

Applications can be submitted without EA results. Any offer arising will be conditional, pending receipt of official EA score report.

 

Full-Time MBA Fees:

Full-Time MBA Tuition Fee (EU and Non-EU): €37,910 (academic year 2025/2026)

Full-time MBA tuition fees can be paid in three instalments: September, January and May.  

 

Executive MBA Fees:

Executive MBA Tuition Fee (EU and Non-EU): €18,940* per year (academic year 2025/2026)

*EMBA participants pay fees on an annual (per academic year) basis, with fees split into three instalments per year. The Year 2 fees can also be paid in three instalments for that year. So, over the two years, the full fees can be paid and split into six spread out instalments.  EMBA participants may be subject to fee increases in Year 2.

 

Deposits:

MBA candidates must pay a non-refundable deposit of €2,000 at the time of acceptance, to secure a place on the programme. This deposit will be deducted from Semester 1 tuition fees. You can find further information on payment methods, schedules and fee payment deadlines online at www.ucd.ie/fees.

 

Important Fees Notice:

 

Indicative Full-Time MBA Investment Cost

 

Investment Cost calculated for 12 months
(Full-Time MBA)
On Campus Off Campus
School Fees (2025/2026) €37,910  €37,910 
Accommodation €13,600 (including utilities) €20,000
Food/Utilities €6,840 €7,380
Textbooks €1,500 €1,500
MBA Travel
(GNAM & Study Tours Discretionary Spending; Visas)
€7,000 €7,000
Total €66,850 €73,790


Please be advised that these costs are indicative only

 

For detailed information on financing options available to you visit our Fees and Financing Options information page.

International students may require a student visa to study here in Ireland.  Please review the section on Visa Information

We offer a wide range of scholarships to MBA participants each year.  Please visit our MBA Scholarships page for more information and to see for which scholarships you may be eligible.

What is the GMAT?

The GMAT (Graduate Management Admissions Test) is a globally recognised qualification used to assess your admission into prestigious business schools worldwide, it is primarily a test of your analytical and quantitative reasoning skills.

Successfully preparing for the GMAT usually takes studying a number of hours a week for six-eight weeks.

  • 100 hours needed to score 650 plus – Scholarship candidates take note!
  • 70+ hours needed to score 600 plus – Full-time MBA minimum
  • 50+ hours needed to score 520 plus – Executive MBA minimum

The GMAT is designed to assess aptitude for business school, although no prior business knowledge is necessary. It is required for entry to MBAs across the world. The GMAT is compulsory for entry to UCD Smurfit School’s Full-time MBA Programme. It provides the School with a quantitative measure to assess candidates from across a wide variety of educational, national and professional backgrounds.

The GMAT is a computer adaptive test. The first question is always of medium standard. Depending on your performance, the questions will get easier or more difficult.

The test score is valid for five years. The test may be taken more than once – the highest score will be accepted by UCD Smurfit School regardless of when taken. However, re-sits are only permitted after a 16 calendar day break, therefore it is wise to take the test well before the start date of your MBA to allow for a re-sit if necessary.

In an approved GMAT test centre or through GMAT Online. You can book your test date anywhere in the world at www.mba.com. There are three testing centres in Ireland which are located in Dublin, Blanchardstown, and Belfast.

Complimentary GMAT quantitative preparation sessions are provided by UCD Smurfit School. These classes are for UCD Smurfit applicants only and registration details will be sent directly from the Admissions office, for queries please contact mba@ucd.ie

What is the EA?

The Executive Assessment (EA) is a 90 minute exam similar to the GMAT and used to test applicants applying to our MBA programmes.

The EA take less time to prepare than a GMAT. We generally recommend you start studying three to four weeks ahead of sitting the exam and commit to 20 to 30 hours of study.

The EA is designed to assess aptitude for business school, although no prior business knowledge is necessary. It is required for entry to MBAs across the world. The GMAT or EA is compulsory for entry to UCD Smurfit School’s MBA Programmes.

The EA, like the GMAT, provides the School with a quantitative measure to assess candidates from across a wide variety of educational, national and professional backgrounds.

The results are valid for five years and you can resit it twice. Please see the official GMAC website for more information.

 

For information on booking the EA test visit www.gmac.com/executive-assessment/about

Complimentary GMAT / EA quantitative preparation sessions are provided by UCD Smurfit School. These classes are for UCD Smurfit applicants only and registration details will be sent directly from the Admissions office, for queries please contact mba@ucd.ie.

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