FAQs

Each candidate is evaluated individually based upon their own merits. Every piece of the application is reviewed and considered within the context of the whole application. The minimum admission requirements include:

• Bachelor’s degree from an approved (accredited) institution. International applicants are required to have the equivalent of a four-year U.S. bachelor’s degree. View the minimum degree equivalents for different countries.
• GMAT, GMAT 10th Edition, or GRE test score or test score waiver. Applicants who demonstrate strong quantitative and analytical preparation through prior academic achievement and professional experience may request a test waiver. View standardized test scores and test waiver details on the Admissions page.
• English proficiency test (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo for applicants whose native language is not English or whose undergraduate instruction was not in English)
• A minimum of two years of full-time professional work experience
• Résumé
• Essays (two required and one supplemental statement)
• Video essay
• Professional recommendation(s)
• Application fee

Read additional details.

No. For those without statistics or Excel experience, the admissions committee recommends you consider taking a statistics and/or an economics course. Both have proven beneficial to incoming MBA students. MBA Math offers an online, self-paced course.

No. We like to see all types of majors represented. Many Wisconsin MBA students have undergraduate degrees in science, engineering, math, law, humanities, social science, and other majors. View the class profile to learn more about the MBA class.

There is no minimum GPA requirement. Students who are admitted with a GPA below a 3.0 are admitted on a probationary status and must maintain a 3.0 or higher in the fall semester in order to continue with the program.

The answer depends on your degree and university. In general, applicants with three-year degrees will need additional coursework to demonstrate equivalency to a U.S. bachelor’s degree. Additional information about international degree equivalents can be found here. It is recommended to get an evaluation from World Education Services to ensure you meet the four-year bachelor’s degree equivalency requirements.

Yes. We welcome applications from individuals who already have an MBA. If you choose to apply, you should use your supplemental application statement to explain why a second MBA is necessary for your career trajectory. Contact the MBA admissions team to ensure your application aligns with what the committee is looking for.

Yes, though the Wisconsin Full-Time MBA curriculum is designed for professionals with business experience. Candidates are expected to have at least two years of full-time, post-undergraduate professional work experience before enrolling.

Undergraduate applicants are only considered on an individual basis if they possess extraordinary academic merit and high-impact internship, co-op, or campus leadership records. To see how your profile aligns with a typical cohort, review the class profile.

If you are a current Wisconsin School of Business undergraduate student thinking about pursuing an MBA down the line, consider the Wisconsin Deferred Enrollment MBA.

A minimum of two years of full-time professional work experience is required. The average amount of work experience is four years. View the class profile to learn more about the MBA class.

Formal admissions interviews are by invitation only and after your application has been reviewed.

Yes. We welcome the opportunity to connect with you, though an informal chat does not replace your official admissions interview. Contact the MBA admissions team to set up a consultation appointment.

While we are happy to discuss your professional background and goals during an informal chat, the admissions committee cannot provide a definitive assessment of your likelihood of admission before a formal application is submitted. We invite you to discuss your profile with us by scheduling a consultation with a member of the MBA admissions team.

Yes. A candidate is able to submit their application with unofficial transcripts. However, certified copies of transcripts from the institution where the degree was conferred are required for all admitted students. For detailed instructions on how to submit official transcripts, visit the Admissions page.

The GMAT score distribution for recent classes is available in the class profile. The scores for the Class of 2027 reflect a previous version of the GMAT. The scores for the Class of 2028 reflect the GMAT or GMAT 10th edition.

Study the material and understand how to apply it. Research shows when you take the time to prepare for the test, it will reflect in your score. Numerous resources can be found through mba.com (the official website of the GMAT), your local bookstore, and in-person GMAT courses. We don’t recommend one over the other; you should go with the preparation process that best fits your learning style.

Yes, the program will accept the GRE, GMAT, or GMAT 10th Edition. These scores may be entered directly into the online application. If you are admitted to the program, official test scores will be required. If you have authorized the University of Wisconsin–Madison to have electronic access to your test scores, no further action on your part will be needed.

While there is no minimum score requirement for the GRE, GMAT, or GMAT 10th Edition, the admissions committee looks for candidates with strong verbal and quantitative skills. We prefer that you submit a GMAT or GMAT 10th Edition score when applying to the Wisconsin School of Business. You may wish to compare your GMAT scores to our student population as represented in the class profile. The scores for the Class of 2027 reflect a previous version of the GMAT, not the current GMAT exam.

The highest GMAT, GMAT 10th Edition, or GRE score will be used when evaluating your application. However, we do look at all scores to see your improvement between exams.

For the GMAT, please direct the testing service to allow the Wisconsin School of Business to access your test results. The institution code is 79K-2S-72.

For the GRE, please direct the testing service to allow the University of Wisconsin–Madison to access your test results. The institution code is 1846.

Applicants who demonstrate strong quantitative and analytical preparation through prior academic achievement and professional experience may request a test waiver. View standardized test scores and test waiver details on the Admissions page.

The Wisconsin Full-Time MBA requires the GMAT or GRE to assess academic readiness. However, applicants who demonstrate strong quantitative and analytical preparation through prior academic achievement and professional experience may request a test waiver. View test waiver criteria and details on the Admissions page. You will not be at a disadvantage in the admission review process if you do not submit a test score. 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 the MBA program.

Apply when you feel you have the most competitive application and are ready to begin an MBA program. Review the current application deadlines on our Admissions page. If you have questions about the admissions cycle, contact the MBA admissions team.

The application fee is $75 for domestic and international applicants. International applicants are subject to an additional $6 processing fee.

• How to pay: Payment must be made by credit or debit card directly through the online application portal. Your application fee must be paid before the admissions committee can review your application and release a decision.
• Fee waivers: Application fee waivers are available for United States military veterans who have served on active duty within five years of applying.

Application fee waivers are exclusively available to active-duty United States military personnel and veterans who have served within five years of their application date.

All other domestic and international applicants are required to pay the fee.

No. The Wisconsin Full-Time MBA Program is built around each new student group that moves through the program as a cohort. As a result, we only offer admission for the fall semester. Orientation and pre-arrival career bootcamp for first-year incoming students begin in mid- to late-August.

Select a recommender who is qualified to evaluate your potential as a manager or leader. They should clearly understand your skills and be able to point to specific examples of your achievements. This person may be a current or former supervisor, a client or vendor, or a representative from a volunteer or community organization you are involved with. Professional recommendations are strongly preferred. One recommender is required; however, the admissions committee will accept up to two recommendations.

You will enter your recommender’s name and email address into your application. The recommender will then receive an email with a link to your recommendation form. The recommendation form is submitted separately from your application. Do not wait for your recommender to submit their recommendation before submitting your application; however, your application will not be reviewed without the recommendation form.

You must submit the required Wisconsin School of Business application and all supporting materials. Review the full list of application requirements and deadlines on our Admissions page. If you are admitted to the MBA program, you should complete and submit an Addition and/or Change of Major form, available through the University of Wisconsin–Madison Graduate School.

We maintain an intimate cohort size—typically fewer than 100 students per incoming class—to deliver an experience focused on your individual career goals. View our class profile to explore the data and demographics of our most recent incoming class.

The admissions committee includes members from the admissions and career development teams. Additional staff may also contribute to admissions decisions.

Applications are reviewed in multiple cycles. If your application is complete by one of the application deadlines, you will be guaranteed a decision by the date listed.

No. The first step of the admission process is to apply online.

We do not automatically defer admission. Contact the MBA admissions team to discuss your options.

A standard deferral is a case-by-case exception granted to an applicant already admitted to a specific start term who needs to delay enrollment for an unexpected reason.

The Wisconsin School of Business Deferred Enrollment MBA is exclusively for WSB undergraduate students in their final year of studies. It allows students to intentionally lock in future graduate admission before graduation, providing a flexible window of two to four years to build full-time professional experience.

Yes, you are welcome to request feedback on your application after the admissions cycle has officially closed (typically between July and August). To submit a feedback request, contact the MBA admissions team.

Yes. If you applied to the Wisconsin MBA within the last year and would like to re-apply for the current enrollment term, some information from your previous application can be carried over. Contact a member of the MBA admissions team for additional information.

A career pathway is a curated selection of courses designed to give you strong functional expertise in a specific business domain. While your core courses provide a broad managerial and leadership foundation, your pathway allows you to tailor your electives to targeted career outcomes. You will take an Applied Learning and Industry Pathways class in your first semester that will provide more information about the various pathways and careers.

Yes, our curriculum offers the flexibility to complete more than one career pathway. You may also choose to add graduate certificates onto your degree to build a cross-functional profile. Program staff and pathway advisors will guide you in developing a plan that works for you. Visit the Curriculum page to explore your options for customization.

No. You do not need to declare a pathway during the application process. Once admitted into the program, you will have a dedicated team that works with you to craft a personalized academic and career plan based on your unique goals. You will take an Applied Learning and Industry Pathways class in your first semester that will provide more information about the various pathways and careers.

We are one of the first full-time MBA programs in the United States to embed a practical, two-year AI sequence into our required core curriculum.

In your first year, you will take Foundations of AI in Business, a hands-on course where you will use AI models and agents to solve real business problems. During your second year, you will advance to Artificial Intelligence and the Enterprise, which focuses on the high-level strategy, operations, and governance required to scale AI across organizations.

You can also take the Future of Management elective for a deeper dive into AI-driven transformation, which completes a formal 6-credit Wisconsin Graduate Artificial Intelligence (AI) Badge to showcase your AI literacy to employers.

Yes, the use of generative AI tools is explicitly built into our modernized curriculum, with many assignments and projects structured to require them to help you build enterprise value. However, in accordance with University of Wisconsin–Madison Student Conduct AI Guidelines, permission to use these tools is ultimately determined by the individual course instructor, making it your responsibility to check each syllabus to avoid unauthorized material violations under UWS Chapter 14. When AI is permitted, you must follow instructor rules for disclosure, properly cite your queries, and utilize university-approved enterprise accounts to ensure your data remains secure.

Yes. Students looking to signal their technological fluency to employers can earn an official Wisconsin Graduate Artificial Intelligence (AI) Badge. This 6-credit credential focuses on developing rigorous AI literacy for responsible engagement, teaching you how to use advanced models and agents to solve complex business problems, enhance corporate productivity, and reimagine traditional industry practices.

No. Our courses are designed for future business leaders, executives, and strategists, not computer programmers. You will learn how to guide, manage, and make high-level decisions about AI in organizations, although you will also gain hands-on experience. We showcase agentic AI tools and how they can be used for developing work products, including prototypes of apps.

We welcome students from all backgrounds and provide all the necessary frameworks to take you confidently from AI proficient to an AI leader.

Tuition rates vary from year to year. Visit the Tuition & Aid page for more information about tuition, fees, and expenses.

At Wisconsin, we work hard to make earning a graduate degree affordable.

Generous support from our alumni and friends enables the Wisconsin School of Business to award scholarships each year. When you apply, you are automatically considered for scholarship, which can include any combination of tuition award, merit-based scholarship, or graduate assistantship. Visit the Tuition & Aid page for more information about scholarships.

Other ways students offset program costs include:

• Federal student aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• Employer assistance in the form of financial scholarship, limited work travel, and/or time off. If you’re working while earning your graduate degree or you’re employed and plan to enroll in a graduate program, consider asking your employer for support. Employers benefit from their investment in talent development.
• Part-time jobs: Students may work part time to help offset the costs of their graduate education. The UW Student Job Center lists part-time, limited-term employment (LTE), graduate assistant, and summer job openings at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and in the private and public sectors.
• Scholarships outside the Wisconsin School of Business: Graduate students can apply for scholarship opportunities using the Wisconsin Scholarship Hub (WiSH). By logging into WiSH, you will match to scholarship opportunities for which you are eligible.

Visit the Tuition & Aid page to learn more about the program’s tuition and living expenses.

Scholarship is available to domestic and international applicants in the form of merit-based scholarships, tuition awards, and graduate assistantships (fellowships or teaching assistantships). All candidates who apply to the program are considered for these awards. Awards are made on the merits of the candidate and their application materials.

Thanks to the generosity of our alumni and donors, 100% of eligible MBA students received a scholarship between 2023 and 2025. This figure excludes students who received full funding through a company, the government, or the military. Scholarship includes any combination of tuition award, merit-based scholarship, and graduate assistantship.

All applicants are automatically considered for scholarship. You are not required to complete an additional application.

Scholarship awards come in the form of tuition awards, merit-based scholarships, and graduate assistantships. Apply early for your best chance of receiving scholarship. This type of aid is limited. Applicants receiving a test waiver may not be eligible for all scholarship opportunities. Visit the Tuition & Aid page to view more information about tuition and scholarship.

Applicants will receive decisions about most merit-based scholarships, fellowships, graduate assistantships, and tuition awards with their letter of admission. Assistantships are often awarded during your first year for your second year. Many students secure assistantships. Visit the Tuition & Aid page to learn more about assistantships.

A limited number of incoming MBA students are awarded graduate assistantships—which include teaching (TA) and project assistantships. TA positions are typically filled by doctoral candidates or second-year MBA students who have demonstrated competency in the course in question. Most recently, 71% of students received graduate assistantships for the second year of the program (awarded from 2023–25).

There are many benefits to being awarded a graduate assistantship—which include teaching and project assistantships. Students receive full tuition, health care benefits, and a living stipend. The positions are also a résumé booster. If awarded an assistantship, you will learn new skills and diversify your professional experience by working with students and faculty of different backgrounds.

The stipends for assistantships vary. View current rates and appointment details on the University of Wisconsin–Madison Graduate School Assistantship page.

No. All assistance offered through the Wisconsin School of Business is based on merit. United States citizens and permanent residents whose personal and family resources do not cover tuition and living expenses are eligible for loans through the U.S. government. The Office of Student Financial Aid at the University of Wisconsin–Madison offers information about need-based financial aid for graduate students.

To be considered for both loans and work study, students must first submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to the University of Wisconsin–Madison by including our school code, 003895. Only United States citizens and eligible non-citizens may apply. You are encouraged to be proactive in this process and to contact the Office of Student Financial Aid for information about important dates and deadlines.

International students are not eligible for federal student loans and should look to other options in their home country. Information about funding options is available from International Student Services at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

No. The Wisconsin School of Business and the University of Wisconsin–Madison will not co-sign a private loan.

No. Residency for tuition purposes is determined upon admission and remains constant throughout the program. To review the official criteria for establishing Wisconsin residency, visit the University of Wisconsin–Madison Office of the Registrar Residence for Tuition page.

Students who wish to pursue an MBA while they continue to work should consider the Wisconsin Professional MBA Program or Wisconsin Executive MBA Program at the Wisconsin School of Business. Students admitted to the Wisconsin Full-Time MBA Program are required to to maintain a comprehensive, full-time credit load on campus.

The program does not offer online or remote classes. All coursework is located on the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus in Madison, Wisconsin.

The Wisconsin Deferred Enrollment MBA is an early-admission program designed to remove the stress of applying to graduate school while working full-time. Wisconsin School of Business undergraduate students in their final year of studies can apply to secure admission before graduation, spend the next two to four years making bold career moves in the industry, and later choose between entering the Wisconsin Full-Time MBA Program or the hybrid Wisconsin Professional MBA Program.

You must be a current Wisconsin School of Business undergraduate student in your final year of studies. Additionally, you must have secured—or plan to secure—full-time employment upon graduation and be employed during the deferral period. Visit the Wisconsin School of Business Deferred Enrollment MBA page to review the evaluation criteria.

Yes, a joint JD/MBA degree is offered. JD/MBA program applicants must apply and be admitted independently to both the University of Wisconsin Law School and the Wisconsin School of Business. It is recommended that you apply to both programs within the same year. Admission to the Wisconsin Full-Time MBA Program will be deferred for one year while you complete your first year of law school. Contact the MBA admissions team with any questions.

Any two programs at the University of Wisconsin–Madison can be pursued as a dual degree. A dual degree is two degrees, one is granted in a graduate program and the other in a professional school (e.g. M.D., J.D., DVM, D.Pharm., M.P.H.). You must apply and gain admission to each program separately. Once admitted, an advisor from each program will help you develop a comprehensive degree plan. Additional details are available from the UW–Madison Graduate School.

Because the Wisconsin Full-Time MBA Program is customizable to your career goals, transfer credits from other graduate programs are not accepted. Please follow the regular application process.

International applicants are required to have the equivalent of a four-year U.S. bachelor’s degree. View the minimum degree equivalents for different countries. These are general guidelines; requirements may vary. You may have your transcript evaluated by World Education Services to ensure you meet the four-year U.S. bachelor’s degree equivalency requirements. Contact the MBA admissions team if you need help.

See our Admissions page for information about degree equivalencies. If you have questions, you may have your transcript evaluated by World Education Services to ensure you meet the four-year U.S. bachelor’s degree equivalency requirements.

Applicants whose native language is not English or whose undergraduate instruction was in a language other than English must take the Internet-based TOEFL within two years of the intended start date.

• The minimum score is 92 for tests taken before Jan. 21, 2026.
• The minimum score is 5.0 for tests taken after Jan. 21, 2026.

Please direct the Educational Testing Service to release your test results to the University of Wisconsin–Madison. The institution code is 1846.

An international applicant whose four-year undergraduate degree and/or master’s degree (minimum of eight semesters total) instruction was in English or who will complete such a degree prior to matriculation at the University of Wisconsin–Madison may request a waiver. To request a waiver for the language test requirement, select the TOEFL test type in your online application and select “Request a Waiver” for the English proficiency test. We will confirm that English is the language used at the academic institution where your degree was conferred.

Merit-based financial aid is available to international applicants in the form of scholarships, fellowships, and teaching assistantships. All candidates who apply to the program will be considered for scholarships and fellowships. Awards are made on the merits of the candidate and their application materials.

Yes.

• The minimum score is 7.0 for IELTS.
• The minimum score is 125 for Duolingo.

No. International students are not eligible for federal student loans in the United States and should look to other options in their home country. Information about funding options is available from International Student Services at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

You will need a student visa, usually an F-1, to enter the United States. The process of acquiring a visa can take a long time, so please begin as early as possible.The process of acquiring a visa can take a long time, so please begin as early as possible. Here is how you will get your visa. Please note, these steps MUST be completed in this order:

• Accept your offer of admission.
• Set up your Terra Dotta portal via your MyUW Student Center. This will be your student immigration portal during your time as an F-1 or J-1 student at UW–Madison.
• Submit a request for your Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Form I-20 through Terra Dotta. It may take three to four weeks for you to receive this form.
• Once you have received your I-20, schedule an interview appointment at your country’s American consulate or embassy. Because most consulates and embassies schedule visa interview appointments several weeks or even months in advance, it is essential to do this as early as possible.

Have questions? Contact the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s International Student Services Office.

For more information on student visas, visit the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Visa Services.

If you transfer to the University of Wisconsin–Madison directly from another school within the United States, verify your transfer eligibility and schedule the transfer of your SEVIS record with your former school. Then complete and return the Transfer Notification form to the Wisconsin School of Business. You will receive a transfer pending a Form I-20 from WSB. After arriving in Madison, Wisconsin, you will be required to attend an International Student Services orientation to complete the transfer-in process. Failure to complete your transfer to UW–Madison will result in loss of F-1 visa status. If you plan to leave the U.S. before transferring to UW–Madison, check your passport and F-1 visa stamp to be certain that they are valid. Present your UW–Madison Form I-20 and financial support documents to the immigration officials at the border.

The Wisconsin School of Business is committed to fostering a diverse learning community where inclusiveness is a core value. WSB is a founding member of The Consortium for Graduate Study in Management, an alliance of business organizations and schools that fosters a network of top-tier students, MBA programs, and leading corporations to expand access and increase representation in business education and leadership for all individuals. Benefits of The Consortium for participating students include mentoring, career management services, and financial assistance.

All prospective MBA students are eligible to apply to the Wisconsin MBA through The Consortium and be considered for a Consortium fellowship. Applicants should demonstrate a clear commitment to The Consortium’s mission, supported by detailed examples that show both personal alignment and a strong identification with its purpose.

Current MBA students who are Consortium fellows serve as liaisons on the MBA Admissions Team. These individuals are available to answer your questions and share their experiences.

The Wisconsin School of Business is committed to fostering a diverse learning community where inclusiveness is a core value. WSB is a member of the Forté Foundation. See below for more information.

The Forté Foundation is a nonprofit organization powered by an alliance of women, universities, and corporations. It provides support for women at all stages of their careers to enhance their business acumen. Forté strives to increase the number of women applying to and enrolling in MBA programs by providing educational opportunities, networking and mentoring events, as well as professional conferences.

Women entering the Wisconsin MBA may participate in Forté events such as the MBA Women’s Leadership Conference and MBA Financial Services FAST Track. All Wisconsin MBA students should explore professional development opportunities through webinar topics on leadership, communications skills, and personal finance, as well as career exploration and opportunities through the Forté Job Center.

Learn more by visiting the Forté website.

All applicants who identify as a woman are considered for a Forté fellowship. Forté fellowships help reduce the cost of a full-time MBA at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Current MBA students who are Forté fellows serve as liaisons on the MBA admissions team. These individuals are available to answer your questions and share their experiences.