MBA Application Deadlines for 2025-2026: Key Dates for Top US & European Business Schools

If you're planning to apply for an MBA in 2025 or 2026, staying ahead of the deadlines is crucial. Missing a deadline could mean waiting another year or settling for a less competitive round. This guide outlines the key MBA application deadlines for top US and European business schools, helping you strategize your application and maximize your chances of admission. 

Why MBA Application Deadlines Matter? 

Business schools typically have multiple application rounds: 

• Round 1 (R1): Best for scholarships and early decisions. Most of these have already passed but don't worry, round 2 is still a great time to apply.

• Round 2 (R2): Still a competitive time to apply but just with fewer scholarship opportunities. 

• Round 3 (R3) & Rolling Admissions: Suitable for late applicants but with limited seats and funding. 

US Business Schools: MBA Application Deadlines 2025-2026 

Business School	Round 1	Round 2	Round 3
Harvard Business School (HBS)	Sep 3, 2025	Jan 5, 2026	N/A
Stanford GSB	Sep 9, 2025	Jan 7, 2026	Apr 7, 2026
Wharton	Sep 3, 2025	Jan 2, 2026	Apr 1, 2026
MIT Sloan	Sep 15, 2025	Jan 13, 2026	Apr 7, 2026 (Rolling)
Columbia Business School	Rolling	Oct 3, 2025	Apr 9, 2026
Chicago Booth	Sep 11, 2025	Jan 3, 2026	Apr 3, 2026
Kellogg (Northwestern)	Sep 5, 2025	Jan 9, 2026	Apr 2, 2026
Berkeley Haas	Sep 11, 2025	Jan 8, 2026	Apr 1, 2026
NYU Stern	Sep 14, 2025	Jan 14, 2026	Mar 31, 2026

European Business Schools: MBA Application Deadlines 2025-2026 

Business School	Round 1	Round 2	Round 3
London Business School (LBS)	Sep 8, 2025	Jan 5, 2026	Mar 30, 2026
INSEAD (Sep Intake)	Sep 9, 2025	Nov 5, 2025	Jan 20, 2026
HEC Paris	Sep 14, 2025	Jan 14, 2026	Rolling
IESE Business School	Sep 4, 2025	Jan 8, 2026	Apr 7, 2026
Oxford Saïd	Sep 19, 2025	Jan 9, 2026	Mar 27, 2026
Cambridge Judge	Sep 9, 2025	Jan 4, 2026	Mar 17, 2026
ESSEC	Rolling	Rolling	Rolling

How to Plan Your MBA Application Timeline 

1. Start Early: GMAT/GRE preparation can take at least 2-3 months. Writing winning essays is also a time consuming process. Award winning admissions expert, Sadaf Raza, who has a 98% success rate of getting candidates into their top choice of business school, advices to work on a MBA Application Strategy before starting to draft the essays. This can really speed up the writing process and improve the chances of putting together a coherent narrative.  

2. Target Round 1 or 2: R1 is ideal for scholarships, while R2 is good for most applicants. Many candidates look at R3 as a last resort but know that the best time to apply is ultimately when your application is in its best possible form. So speak to an admissions consultant for advice before hurridly trying to meet a deadline when you are not 100% confident of the quality of your application.  

3. Attend Webinars & Campus Visits: Many schools offer virtual or in-person events to help applicants understand the program. These are not only invaluable to learn about nuances that make each business school unique, but also they offer an excellent opportunity to meet with staff and make a positive first impression.  

4. Start the Recommendation Process before finishing your essays: Give recommenders ample time to write strong letters and where possible, reach out to them for a face to face meeting before hand. Leadearly takes all applicants through their recommendation strategy at the beginning of the MBA Application process.  

5. Prepare for Interviews: Shortlisted candidates will receive interview invitations typically 4-6 weeks after submission. Some universities such as INSEAD ask you to complete the video interview within 48 hours of submission so be prepared for this next step before you press submit!  

Are you applying to multiple MBA programs? Stay organized with a spreadsheet of deadlines and requirements. Follow Leadearly's youtube and instagram channel for links to such resources and other timely advice throughout the admissions process. 

Get Started Today! 

Did you know that working with the leading MBA admissions consultant can increase your chances of getting into your preferred MBA program by up to 5x?  

Leadearly is an award winning admissions consultancy, with a 98% success rate. Take advantage of a complimentary expert call with founder Sadaf Raza, and get personalised advice tailored to the specifics of your application.  

Final Thoughts 

Applying for an MBA is a strategic process, and knowing the deadlines is just the beginning. Aim for Round 1 or 2 to increase your chances of admission and scholarships. Keep track of deadlines and spend adequate time developing your profile before you start writing your essays to submit a compelling application. 

FAQ’s 

1. When do Europe MBA applications open for 2025–2026 intake? 

MBA applications for many European schools opened in September 2025. For example, INSEAD, LBS, Cambridge Judge, Oxford Saïd and others begin their Round 1 deadlines in early‐ to mid‑September. 

2. Do all MBA programs in Europe and US have the same application deadlines? 

No. Deadlines vary by school, round (Round 1, Round 2, Round 3 or rolling), and programme (full‑time, part‑time, EMBA). US schools often follow earlier R1/R2 deadlines; European ones may have different rounds and dates. Always check each school individually. 

3. How do admissions consultants help with MBA applications? 

Consultants like Leadearly assist with choosing the right schools, refining your essays, guiding recommendation letters, preparing for interviews and managing scholarship strategy. They help you present a coherent profile and narrative to stand out in admissions. 

4. How do I stay updated on MBA deadlines and resources? 

You can stay up to date on MBA deadlines by following their blogs and social channels, attend webinars/campus visits, and track school deadlines via their websites. Maintain a spreadsheet with deadlines, requirements and alerts. 

5. What documents are required for an MBA application in UK? 

Typically: undergraduate degree certificate and transcripts; CV/resume; essays/personal statement; GMAT or GRE scores; English language test (if needed); two professional/academic references; sometimes online assessments. Plus, an application form and fee. 

6. Do MBA schools in UK accept applications without GMAT/GRE? 

Some do, but many require a valid GMAT or GRE score. Exceptions or waivers may be possible if you have strong academic credentials, substantial work experience or quantitative ability. Always check the specific school’s policy.