Secure Your Seat in a Top MBA Program
Guarantee your spot in a top-ranked Wisconsin MBA program before you even graduate. Gain valuable work experience. Return to earn your MBA.
Secure a spot
Stress less
Grow professionally
What It Is
The Wisconsin Deferred Enrollment MBA is your way to lock in admission to a Wisconsin MBA program before starting your career.
Reserve your spot for two to four years while you gain the required work experience. When you’re ready, choose the Wisconsin MBA program that fits your goals: the Full-Time MBA Program or the part-time Professional MBA Program.
Application due April 9, 2026.
Top-Tier Degree, Top-Tier Results: An ROI You Can Count On
What do I need to qualify for the Deferred Enrollment MBA?
Deadline for the Deferred Enrollment MBA
Application opens
January 20, 2026
Application due
April 9, 2026
What You’ll Need To Apply For the Deferred Enrollment MBA
Your academic history—particularly your four-year degree—indicates to us your ability to succeed in a structured study program.
- Current Bachelor of Business Administration transcript from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. (You must be enrolled at the Wisconsin School of Business and planning to earn your Bachelor of Business Administration from UW–Madison within the current academic year.)
- You can submit your application with unofficial transcripts.
- Tell us why you have chosen to apply for the Wisconsin Deferred Enrollment MBA and how you believe completing an MBA will support your future career.
- Describe a time when your actions contributed positively to a community, organization or individual. What did you learn about your leadership and capacity to drive positive change? How will you apply these insights to make a lasting impact during your time in the Wisconsin MBA?
Essay responses are limited to 600 words each.
Use this optional essay to communicate additional information about yourself that is not otherwise represented in the application and which you feel would benefit the admissions committee.
Essay responses are limited to 600 words each.
Include past work experience, educational accomplishments, demonstrations of leadership, and ways in which you have grown professionally.
You must submit a letter of recommendation as part of your application. Select a recommender who is qualified to evaluate your potential for leadership or management. They should have a strong understanding of your abilities and be familiar with solid examples of your accomplishments. This individual may be a current or past supervisor or manager, or a representative of a volunteer or community organization in which you are involved.
The GMAT Focus/GMAT and GRE are optional for applicants.
- Candidates who are below a 3.0 GPA are strongly encouraged to take either the GMAT or GRE to show the admissions committee they have the academic ability to handle the rigors of an MBA program.
Upcoming Admissions Events
Deferred Enrollment MBA Roundtables
How the Deferred Enrollment MBA Works
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Apply
Apply in your final year of undergraduate studies. There is no application fee at this time. You’ll receive a decision before graduation. If accepted, we’ll reserve your spot for up to four years.
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Work
Use this deferment period to your advantage. Spend the next two to four years gaining professional work experience and exploring careers and industries. This is a time to be confident and make bold career moves, knowing a Wisconsin MBA is in your future. You must be employed during the deferral time frame.
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Connect
Stay engaged through events, career support, and updates. We’ll check in on your enrollment plans and ask annually for an updated résumé to confirm your progress toward the required experience.
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Choose
When ready to enroll, tell us when you want to start and select between the Professional and Full-Time MBA programs. Complete the graduate school application (a required step to finalize your enrollment—you’re already accepted), receive notice of any merit offer, pay the application fee, and submit your enrollment deposit.
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Start
Return to campus and begin your Wisconsin MBA journey. You’ll grow personally and professionally and graduate prepared to make an even greater impact with a degree and skills to take your career wherever you want to go.
Benefits of the Deferred Enrollment MBA
You’re able to plan ahead
- Early acceptance helps you plan your finances, potential relocation, and career moves.
- You’re admitted to a top MBA program before starting your career, removing uncertainty.
Save yourself time and stress
- Avoid applying while working full‑time.
- Skip GMAT/GRE tests.
- Choose your start date and select the program you’ll enter.
Grow your career with confidence
- Begin your career knowing your MBA is guaranteed.
- Make bold, intentional career choices that align with your long-term goals.
- Bring valuable work experience to your MBA cohort.
Access your MBA resources
- Access Wisconsin MBA resources during your deferment.
- Attend events, networking opportunities, a leadership speaker series, and career sessions.
- Build relationships with faculty, alumni, and peers before you start.
Choose Your MBA: Two Top-Ranked MBA Programs
| Full-Time MBA | Professional MBA | |
|---|---|---|
| Program length | 2 years (4 semesters), including a summer internship | Flexible: 2 years (including summer) with the option to complete in as many as 5 years (10 semesters)—WSB graduates may be able to finish faster through accelerated options |
| Start date | September | September or January |
| Format | Full time: In person, weekdays | Part time: Hybrid—weekly online classes, 1 weekend a month on campus |
| Required experience | Bachelor’s degree, at least 2 years of professional work experience | Bachelor’s degree, at least 2 years of professional work experience |
| Total tuition and fees* | Wisconsin residents: $58,438.78 Non-Wisconsin residents/international: $82,087.26 | $74,800 |
| Curriculum |
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| Learn more | Full-Time MBA | Professional MBA |
*Based on 2025-26 academic year. Actual tuition rate will be based on the academic year in which the MBA program is started. Tuition rates vary from year to year, and are determined by the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents, based on budgets approved by the Wisconsin governor and legislature. Tuition is reviewed and set annually in August. For more information about tuition rates, visit the Bursar’s Office website.
Planning to attend graduate school immediately after earning your undergraduate degree?
Consider the Wisconsin School of Business specialized master’s programs.
Explore specialized master’s programs
If your undergraduate GPA is 3.4 or higher, you qualify for automatic admission to select programs.
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