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Top business schools in Europe, like INSEAD, Cambridge Judge, and HEC Paris, have a GMAT score requirement ranging from 655 to 700. Many of the top schools have no minimum GMAT score requirement; however, data show that the average scores of admitted students are in the range of 690 to 700. So, you are well advised to score at least 700 to increase your chances of admission in a highly competitive environment.
Europe is home to some of the top programs for the prestigious qualification of MBA. According to the Financial Times Global MBA ranking 2025, INSEAD is listed at #4 for its MBA program. There are also many advantages of studying in Europe. First, the tuition fees for an MBA in Europe are typically lower than in the US. INSEAD’s MBA fee is around $107,600 (₹96 Lakhs) for the 2026 intake, compared to nearly $128,000 (₹1.2 crore) fees at FT’s top-ranked MBA at the Wharton School. Europe is also home to a wealth of history, culture, and industry, ensuring that you get even more from your academic experience.
In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 business schools across Europe and their minimum GMAT score requirements.
GMAT Scores of Top 10 European B-Schools
The table below gives the list of the top 10 European business schools along with their minimum GMAT score requirements.
| European B-School | QS Global MBA Ranking 2026 | Minimum GMAT Score Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| HEC Paris | 5 | 690 |
| London Business School | 6 | 645 |
| Cambridge Judge | 7 | 635 |
| INSEAD | 8 | 655 |
| Said Business School | 12 | 635 |
| SDA Bocconi | 20 | 545 |
| Rotterdam School of Management | 34 | 585 |
| Frankfurt School of Finance & Management | 40 | 640 |
| EDHEC Business School | 43 | 650 |
| Mannheim Business School | 46 | 600 |
The sections below list some other top-ranked B-schools in Europe with their minimum GMAT score requirements:
ESCP Business School
The ESCP was originally founded in Paris, and currently has 4 campuses across Europe, including London, Berlin, Turin, and Warsaw. It is ranked #26 by the QS Global MBA 2026 Ranking and #28 by the Financial Times 2025 Ranking. The average salary of an ESCP graduate, as per the Financial Times, is $151,045 (₹1.34 crore).
While there is no minimum set score for GMAT for admissions, admitted students have a score range of 600 - 700.
The tuition fee at ESCP Business School ranges between €17,000 (₹17 Lakhs) to €53,000 (₹54 Lakhs). The application process will look at candidates' CVs, degree certificates, grades, and admission tests such as the GMAT. Based on the strength of an individual's admission, successful applicants may be offered an Excellence Grant of $9,800 (₹8.7 Lakhs), which would help them cover the cost of living in France as well.
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Top Universities & Colleges in FranceIE Business School
Based in Madrid, Spain, IE Business School is a prime location to finesse your management skills. It is ranked #11 by the QS Global MBA 2026 Ranking and #18 by the Financial Times 2025 Rankings. The average salary of an IE B-school graduate is $179,000 (₹1.6 crore).
The IE Business School admitted students have an average GMAT score of 650 - 770.
The IE Business School has a tuition fee of €83,200 (₹85 Lakhs). To apply, students are required to complete a live online assessment as well as the IE Global Admission test. The school will also accept the GMAT score in conjunction with the other application requirements.
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Top Spanish Universities & Colleges AbroadEsade Business School
The ESADE Business School is one of the most popular B-schools in Europe, located in Barcelona, Spain. It ranks #21 in the QS Global MBA 2026 Rankings and #8 globally in the Financial Times 2025 Rankings. The MBA program at Esade is also very flexible, with options to study for 12, 15, or 18 months for a base tuition fee of €79,300 (₹81 Lakhs).
In order to be admitted, students must have a bachelor's degree, a minimum of 2 years' work experience, and a high score in the admission test, such as the GMAT (average score - 610).
During the MBA admissions process, students are also evaluated for the Esade Excellence Award. The school looks at your admission essays, university transcripts, test scores, recommendation letters, and interview reports, and will offer funding between 10% to 50% of the MBA tuition fees to successful candidates.
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Cost of Living in Europe for International Students 2025IESE Business School
The IESE MBA runs for 2 years for a tuition fee of €114,000 (₹1.17 crore), and its students benefit from attending classes taught by an international faculty, as well as getting to meet influential keynote speakers as a part of the school's Global Leadership Series.
There are also merit-based scholarship opportunities available, such as the IESE Excellence Scholarship, which takes into account factors such as a student's academic profile and their GMAT score (average - 630).
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European MBA Colleges with Best Return on InvestmentPursuing an MBA in Europe offers a competitive edge with diverse cultural and professional opportunities. Top European business schools generally require GMAT scores between 545 and 700, with average admitted scores ranging from 690 to 700. While tuition fees are typically lower than those in the US, they still represent a significant investment. However, the strong post-graduation salaries and global exposure make an MBA in Europe a valuable choice for those seeking a high return on investment.
Key Summary
- Top European B-Schools like INSEAD, HEC Paris, and Cambridge Judge have GMAT score requirements ranging from 655 to 700.
- Many top schools don’t set a minimum GMAT score but admit students with average scores between 690 and 700.
- Tuition fees in Europe are generally lower than in the US, with fees for top programs like INSEAD around $107,600 (₹96 Lakhs).
- Salary potential for European MBA graduates ranges from $151,000 to $179,000 (₹1.34 crore to ₹1.6 crore).
- HEC Paris: 690, London Business School: 645, INSEAD: 655, IE Business School: 650-770 (average), ESCP Business School: 600-700 (range).
- ESCP has campuses across Europe; IE is based in Madrid, and ESADE in Barcelona, offering flexible programs and scholarship opportunities.
- Schools like SDA Bocconi, Rotterdam School of Management, and Mannheim have more affordable programs with tuition fees starting from €17,000.
FAQs
Ques. What is the typical GMAT score range for top MBA programs in Europe?
Ans. Top European MBA programs generally expect GMAT scores between 545 and 700. However, the average GMAT score of admitted students usually falls between 690 and 700 for competitive schools.
Ques. Are there any minimum GMAT score requirements for MBA admissions in Europe?
Ans. While many European business schools do not have a strict minimum GMAT score, most competitive programs expect scores within the 650-700 range, with some schools offering flexibility based on other aspects of the application.
Ques. How much does an MBA in Europe cost?
Ans. Tuition fees for MBA programs in Europe vary widely, ranging from €17,000 to €114,000 (₹17 Lakhs to ₹1.17 crore), depending on the school. Financial aid options and scholarships may help offset the cost.
Ques. What is the average salary for MBA graduates from top European schools?
Ans. Graduates from top European MBA programs, such as those from INSEAD, IE Business School, and ESCP, typically earn average salaries ranging from $151,000 to $179,000 (₹1.34 crore to ₹1.6 crore) post-graduation.
Ques. How do European MBA programs compare to those in the US?
Ans. While MBA programs in Europe tend to have lower tuition fees than their US counterparts, they offer strong global networks, diverse cultural experiences, and competitive post-graduation salaries, making them a compelling option for international students.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
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