Application Requirements

To apply for admission to MBA@UCDavis, you will need to complete the online application. If you’re ready, begin your application now.

Scores from either the GRE or GMAT exams are not required as part of your application. However, applicants who believe their test GMAT score might add value to their overall application are encouraged to include their score with the application.

If you take the GMAT and would like to submit your official score report, please enter “Davis” into the search bar, and select “University of California- Davis (MBA, Online)”. The institutional code for the GMAT is B1S-VF-18.

If you take the GRE, please use the code below.
GRE code: 7887

Unofficial copies of transcripts from all academic institutions you attended are required for admissions review, even if you did not earn a degree there or if transfer credits are listed on another school’s transcript. (This includes all University of California campuses.) If you are extended an offer of admission, you will need to submit official transcripts before the registration of first quarter courses for your acceptance to be finalized. As a reminder, a bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited institution is required to be considered for admission.

You will need to submit a resume or CV to show your employment history. Two or more years of professional work experience are recommended.

Essay 1: Professional Goals (required)
Pursuing an MBA is a catalyst for personal and professional growth. What are your post MBA goals highlighting your short and long term career objectives? In addition, how will your background and experience contribute to your career goals and the UC Davis Graduate School of Management? (350 word maximum)

Essay 2: Conditional Essay (required if applicable)
If your undergraduate GPA is <3.0 (on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent if not on a 4.0 scale), you have experienced a hardship, or if you have ever been subject to academic discipline, placed on probation, suspended, dismissed, or otherwise required to withdraw from any college or university for any reason, please provide details in this statement. Please explain what you have done since completing your undergraduate degree to improve your academic aptitude and overall candidacy (200 word maximum).

The application fee is $125 and nonrefundable. Applicants who submit their application before the priority application deadline are eligible for an application fee waiver.

After you have submitted your application, we will contact you to set up a personal interview. Interviews are conducted in English via video conference using a webcam.

The online MBA program from UC Davis welcomes international applicants who hold the equivalent of a University of California bachelor’s degree based on the characteristics of the national system of education, the type of institution and level of studies completed that are accepted by the Graduate Council. This is often represented by 16 total years of education. To determine if your degree program meets our requirements, please review the expected level of study for international students.

English Language Requirements

Applicants must submit official TOEFL or IELTS examination scores unless they have earned or will be earning a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree from either:

There are two standardized tests you may take: the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) assessment. 

Unless you are exempt from the standardized English language proficiency test requirement per above, you must take the TOEFL or IELTS assessment. Duolingo scores are not accepted.

TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

The UC Davis Graduate School of Management accepts the TOEFL iBT exam (in-person or at-home).

The minimum score required for admissions is 105. The institution code is 4834, and the department code is 02. For more information on TOEFL, please contact: Educational Testing Service (ETS) at 609-771-7100. We accept TOEFL scores from tests administered by the Educational Testing Service and sent to us directly by the TOEFL office.

Note: UC Davis Graduate School of Management does not accept TOEFL MyBest scores, TOEFL ITP Plus, or TOEFL Essentials examinations at this time.

IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

The UC Davis Graduate School of Management also accepts the IELTS Academic (in-person) and IELTS indicator (online) exams. Candidates may also submit updated section scores via the IELTS One Skills retake exam. You can submit scores from the Academic Modules of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) administered by the British Council worldwide.

The minimum band score requirement for admissions is 7.5. UC Davis Graduate School of Management Online MBA Program is registered to receive IELTS Academic and IELTS Indicator scores using the IELTS Results Service E-Delivery, so please send your score report to: University of California Davis Graduate School of Management Online.

TOEFL and IELTS exam scores are valid for two years from the date the test was taken. Scores that expire before the start of classes for the current admissions year may be used in your application only if the official score report is received in our office prior to its expiration. It is your duty to confirm with the admissions office receipt of your official test score prior to its expiration.

Student Visas

Please be aware that the online MBA program is not eligible for a student visa to study in the United States since most work is completed virtually. We will work with you to secure the appropriate visa for the in-person residentials.

International Transcripts

If you are ordering international transcripts or your transcripts cannot be sent to a P.O Box, please contact admissions@onlinemba.ucdavis.edu or your Admissions Counselor for an alternative mailing address.

Please read instructions in the Transcripts section above.

If your transcripts or academic records are in a language other than English, BOTH the original language documents and English translations must be submitted. Any of the following translation resources are acceptable: 1) the college or university which has issued the documents, 2) a WES, IERF, or ECE evaluation, or 3) a government-certified translator.

If the degree conferral information is not on the transcript, please include proof of the earned degree (for example, a copy of your diploma and/or degree certificate). If your university includes a grading scale on your academic record explaining their grading system, you must include that as well.