With so much to think about, it can be difficult to prioritize the most important things particularly as this is likely your first time applying to business school.
With that in mind, we’ve broken down five of the most important things you need to know as an international student preparing to make their way to Europe to study.
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1. Don’t apply speculatively
Entry requirements exist for a reason, and if you don’t meet them then you’re unlikely to be accepted into a program. Although that may sound obvious, it’s actually a common mistake among business school applicants. That’s according to Maite Urraca Caviedes, executive director of admissions at IE University in Spain.
“To avoid this, carefully review the program’s prerequisites and, if unsure, reach out to the admissions team for clarification before applying,” she explains.
Shani Pearson, senior advisor of International Marketing and Recruitment at BI Norwegian Business School, says entry into the school’s programs requires a degree in a related field as a minimum. “You will need a bachelor’s degree that is related to the master’s program you wish to pursue. For example, you need a bachelor’s degree in business, finance or economics to apply for any of our MSc degrees.”
It may be tempting to apply for a program on the off chance you will be accepted, but this tactic may work against you. Applying for business school is a time-consuming process, and the time you spend on the application form may be better spent on your personal and professional development. Only apply when you meet the requirements, and when you feel confident of being accepted.
2. Take your admissions test as early as possible
One of the first items on your business school application checklist should be taking an admissions test such as the GMAT, At many schools, taking the GMAT or the GRE is a mandatory requirement for admission.
“An admissions test is required at ESADE,” says Ursi Van der Herten, associate director of recruitment and admissions at ESADE Business School. ”We accept a range of standardized tests, including the GMAT, GRE, GMAC Executive Assessment Test (only for our Executive MBA) and our own in-house admissions test which is included in the application fee.
“You can choose the one that best suits your strengths and preparation style,” she adds.
Taking a test like the GMAT offers several benefits besides admission. For one, it will prepare you for the rigors of business school. You’ll get a good idea of what studying there will be like, and crucially, whether you’re ready.
That’s because your score can also serve as a guide for which schools you’re most likely to be accepted at. Few schools advertise a minimum GMAT score, but many often publish the average GMAT score or GMAT score range for their class. If your score is similar to the average, you know you’re targeting the right school.
3. Apply in rounds 1 or 2 to avoid visa delays
One of the biggest challenges for students from Africa when applying to business school in Europe is the visa application process. To make this as seamless as possible, Amaka Ndubisi of IESE Business School recommends applying for your program as early as you can.
“Applicants can avoid visa delays by applying in Rounds 1 or 2 of the application process,” she explains. “We coordinate with the Spanish embassies in several African countries to make the visa application process as efficient as possible, and we have had more than a 99% success rate in helping our admitted applicants to secure their visas.”
Because MBA programs tend to split their application cycle into rounds of three or more, applying early will give you more time to arrange a visa if you’re accepted. Apply in rounds three or four and you’re at risk of losing your place because of visa delays.
“Late applications are not guaranteed this easy facilitation due to the visa application traffic that the embassies experience around summer,” says Amaka, “so early application is advised to avoid rejections and delays.”
4. Ask your school about scholarships
When applying to business schools in Europe you have a wide range of scholarships available, ranging from school-specific awards to those offered by public or private bodies.
But navigating all those opportunities can be challenging. ESADE’s Ursi Van der Herten recommends reaching out to the admissions team early in the process so they can guide you through the best options.
However, it’s important to remember that while there are various opportunities available, scholarships are attractive to many applicants and therefore success in applying can be challenging.
Elizabeth Taiwo, student recruitment manager at London Business School, cautions that competition can be fierce. “Understandably, financing is typically the main concern for African candidates,” she explains. “So, they often ask about scholarship opportunities. But while we try to support as many offer holders as possible, it is a competitive process.”
Remember: as an African student you have unique experiences to share with the cohort, and business schools in Europe are genuinely looking for those fresh perspectives in the classroom. To maximize your chances of being accepted for a scholarship, concentrate on what makes you unique and how you would add value to the school community. Stay true to yourself in your application; don’t try to be someone you’re not.
5. Speak with alumni to understand if this is the right path for you
Most business schools in Europe will be happy to connect you with a school ambassador (student or alum) before applying. In many cases, that’s the best way of finding out if this is the right path for you.
“Do not wait till you have all the answers before you start your MBA journey,” says IESE’s Amaka Ndubisi. “Until you start speaking to alumni and current students who have walked that path before, you will never know what is available out there.”
In many cases, your time at business school is the culmination of many years of researching, applying, and studying. If you take the time now to find a school that’s a good fit for you, it’ll pay dividends in the future.
“The MBA journey is as much a well-reflected and researched process as it is a leap of faith. Usually, it is only when you start that the pieces start falling into place¾so take that first step and you will start finding the right answers.”
6. Take steps to prepare for a culture shock
Once you have landed your place at business school, the prospect of leaving your home country and travelling to a whole new continent can be daunting. However there are steps you can take to prepare yourself.
"It’s a gradual process, but with the right mindset and strategies, you can adapt more smoothly and enjoy the experience," says Mairead Mulvey MBA and EMBA admissions and recruitment manager at UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School.
"Understand that it’s normal to feel disoriented, anxious, or homesick. Establish a routine as soon as possible, including time for studying, exploring, socialising, and relaxing. Make sure to connect with both local and other international students, forming friendships through clubs, sports teams, or campus events," she adds.
It's also important to remember that the culture shock you may experience is also a key part of your reason for applying to business school abroad. It's this experience that can help you grow personally, as well as professionally, while you navigate the learning journey.
"Keep an open mind and be curious—ask questions, try new foods, participate in local customs, even if they feel unfamiliar at first,” advises Mairead.
For more info about what it's like to study in Europe, the opportunities for personal and professional development, and tips on how to make it a reality, download our BusinessBecause Study In Europe Guide
