However, gaining admission is competitive. A strong application requires more than a good undergraduate degree: schools typically consider professional experience, academic preparation, admissions tests, English-language ability, career progression and the overall fit between the applicant and the programme.
This guide explains the main stages of the UK MBA admissions process and what international students should prepare before applying.
## 1. Understand what UK business schools are looking for
MBA admissions are generally designed for experienced professionals rather than recent university graduates.
For example, both Imperial Business School and Alliance Manchester Business School normally expect applicants to have around **three years of relevant postgraduate work experience**. Manchester also highlights career progression, international exposure, communication skills, teamwork, entrepreneurial experience and personal qualities.