How to Get into LBS Masters in Finance

The Masters in Finance (MiF) at London Business School is consistently ranked among the top finance programmes in the world. Each year, thousands of ambitious professionals apply in the hope of joining this elite course, but with an average acceptance rate of just 8%, places are incredibly competitive.

To succeed, you’ll need more than excellent grades and professional experience. A clear application strategy and targeted preparation are what will give you the edge. At The Profs, our students have achieved a 76% offer rate for the LBS MiF – over 9x the global average.

This guide brings together proven strategies and insider insights from Richard Evans, postgraduate admissions tutor and founder of The Profs. Richard has helped hundreds of candidates gain admission to world-leading business schools. From writing a compelling five-year career plan to mastering the alumni interview, you’ll find expert advice on every stage of the process.

Keep reading to learn how to turn your ambition into an offer from one of the world’s most prestigious finance schools.

Contents:

• Fees and Entry Requirements
• Is the LBS Masters in Finance Right for You?
• Top 4 Tips to Get Into LBS Masters in Finance
• How The Profs Can Help You Secure Your Place at LBS

Fees and Entry Requirements for London Business School MiF

Fees

Tuition fees for the 2025 intake of the LBS MiF are £65,000. These fees cover tuition, course materials, and most on-campus activities. However, they do not include travel expenses for optional elements.

Academic Entry Requirements

Applicants must hold a strong undergraduate degree (2:1 or equivalent) from a recognised institution, ideally in Finance, Economics, or a quantitative discipline.

You’ll also need a competitive GMAT or GRE score, with the class average around 710. Some applicants may qualify for a GMAT waiver if they can demonstrate exceptional quantitative ability through academic or professional achievements.

English Language Requirements

If English is not your native language, or you haven’t studied in English in a majority English-speaking country, you’ll need to submit a valid English language test.

LBS accepts IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge (CAE or CPE), PTE, and Duolingo English Test scores.

Typical minimums are around an IELTS score of 7.0 or a TOEFL score of 100, with balanced scores across all sections. Tests must be taken within two years of the programme start date.

The requirement may be waived if you’ve completed at least two years of full-time work in an English-speaking country, or earned a degree taught entirely in English in one of these countries within the last five years.

LBS may also assess your written and spoken English during the admissions process and, if needed, ask you to take or retake a test before enrolment.

Is the LBS Masters in Finance Right for You?

A Post-Experience Programme for Finance Professionals

The LBS MiF programme is not a typical postgraduate degree. It’s a post-experience programme designed specifically for finance professionals who have already gained practical, real-world experience in the industry.

To apply, you must have at least two years of relevant professional experience. If you have less than two years of experience, LBS recommends applying to its Master’s in Financial Analysis (MFA), which is for early-career graduates.

Insider insight: On average, successful MiF candidates have around six years of professional experience, giving them the maturity and perspective to contribute meaningfully to discussions and projects.

Why This Degree Is So Competitive

The LBS MiF has an acceptance rate of just 8%, meaning that for every successful applicant, 12 others are competing for the same spot.

This level of selectivity reflects the university’s prestige. LBS graduates enjoy an exceptional 98% employment rate within three months of graduation, which is one of the highest of any business school worldwide.

The admissions process is therefore structured less like a university application and more like a job interview. LBS is seeking candidates who can strengthen its global career outcomes and demonstrate not only potential but also proven performance.

Don’t underestimate how competitive this application process is – reach out to our University Admissions Tutors to ensure that your application stands out to the admissions team.

Top 4 Tips to Get Into LBS MSc Finance

Getting into this competitive programme will not be easy. However, the success of your application will be worth the process. Below are 4 insider tips drawn directly from Richard’s extensive work with successful candidates to help you maximise your chances.

1. Build a Solid Five-Year Career Plan

One of LBS’s hidden admissions criteria is your career vision, specifically, how well-defined and realistic your five-year plan is.

Before shortlisting candidates for interview, LBS scores each applicant across seven key categories, including career planning and development. Admissions officers and alumni assess whether you have a detailed sense of direction, rather than a vague ambition to ‘work in finance.’

To impress, you need to show:

• The specific role you want (for example, bond trader, FX specialist, or M&A associate).
• Whether you aim to work in the front office, middle office, or back office.
• How does your existing experience connect logically to your future goals?

Think of this like applying for a job rather than a university course. LBS wants to know that you’ll represent the school well in the job market and contribute to its outstanding 98% graduate employment rate within three months.

2. Demonstrate Real Impact

LBS values impact as much as experience. Every applicant will have two or more years of work experience, but what separates top candidates is the ability to demonstrate the impact they’ve made.

Instead of listing job duties, focus on quantifiable achievements such as:

• How much value or revenue did you help generate?
• The scale of deals or projects you contributed to.
• The measurable results your work produced (e.g. ‘reduced costs by 12%’ or ‘supported a $50m transaction’).

If you’re early in your career and haven’t yet led major projects, shift the focus to your team’s achievements and your contribution to them. For example: ‘During my internship, our team secured $20 million in funding for a fintech startup. I helped build the financial model used to pitch investors.’ This response demonstrates teamwork and a results-driven mindset, which LBS looks for in its MiF students.

Don’t forget, successful applicants to the programme have six years of experience, so there’s nothing wrong with waiting a year to strengthen your impact profile before applying.

3. Research Your Alumni Interviewer

If you meet LBS’s hidden criteria, you’ll be invited to an alumni interview, usually around 45 minutes. This is one of the most crucial parts of the admissions process, and your preparation can make or break your chances of receiving an offer.

The best way to stand out? Research your interviewer before the meeting.

Use platforms like LinkedIn to learn about:

• Their career path after LBS.
• The industries or roles they’ve worked in.
• Their areas of specialisation.

Then, use that information to open your interview with confidence: ‘I saw you worked at Morgan Stanley after completing the MiF. I’d love to hear how that experience shaped your career.’

This approach shows a proactive nature which the interviewee will appreciate. It also helps build rapport early and takes some pressure off you by encouraging a two-way conversation.

4. Master the GMAT or Secure a Waiver

The GMAT is one of the most challenging components of the LBS MiF application. However, it can be flexible if you plan strategically.

The average GMAT score for LBS MiF students is approximately 710, within a range of 700 to 720. However, what matters most is how you demonstrate your quantitative ability. This can be through the test itself or through your broader profile.

We recommend spending at least 10 weeks to prepare to score above 700. However, you must remain consistent throughout these 10 weeks. If you already hold a strong quantitative or finance-related degree, aim for a score of 650+.

However, LBS does grant GMAT waivers for certain applicants, especially those with significant professional experience or a degree that already demonstrates numerical strength.

Secure Your Place with an LBS Admissions Tutor

Securing a spot on the LBS MiF programme is not easy. That’s where The Profs can make a difference. Our specialist Postgraduate Tutors have helped hundreds of students gain offers from LBS.

With our one-to-one support, you’ll learn how to build a powerful application that will set you apart from the competition. In fact, that’s why 89% of postgraduates who work with The Profs secure a place at their first-choice university.*

If you’re serious about transforming your finance career with one of the world’s most sought-after courses, now is the time to reach out. With The Profs, you’ll have the clarity and confidence you need to succeed.

*Source: Postgraduate applicant data from The Profs Client Feedback Survey 2025.

FAQs: Getting Into the LBS Master’s in Finance

Is the LBS Master’s in Finance a good programme?

Yes. The London Business School Master’s in Finance (MiF) is consistently ranked among the top finance programmes in the world by publications such as the Financial Times. It is highly respected across the financial services sector, with strong employer links in investment banking, asset management, corporate finance, and wealth management. Students benefit from London’s position as a global financial centre and from LBS’s extensive alumni network, which spans major firms across global business, technology, consulting, and investment management.

How difficult is a Master’s in Finance?

A Master’s in Finance is academically rigorous and professionally demanding. The LBS MiF involves quantitative coursework in financial analysis, financial markets, and strategy with real-world case studies and industry projects. Candidates are expected to have a solid foundation in finance or a closely related subject, such as Engineering, Economics, or Business, as well as strong analytical and soft skills. However, with the right academic preparation, clear career goals, and strong time management, the programme is highly rewarding and accessible to those with a growth mindset.

Is 35 too old to apply to the LBS MiF?

No. Many students enter the LBS MSc Finance with several years’ professional experience, and some use the programme to pivot careers or advance into leadership roles. Applicants in their thirties often stand out during the application and interview stages for their maturity, sector knowledge, and clarity of purpose. The admissions committee values a range of backgrounds and career stages, especially where candidates can clearly articulate how the programme fits with their academic and professional goals.

How long is the Master’s in Finance at LBS?

The full-time Masters in Finance at London Business School typically takes between 10 and 16 months to complete, depending on your choice of electives, internships, and additional projects. LBS also offers a part-time version designed for finance professionals who wish to study while continuing to work in the United Kingdom or abroad. Both tracks are taught by world-class faculty and give students access to the same alumni network and global finance career opportunities.

What is the difference between an MBA and a Master’s in Finance?

An MBA and a Master’s in Finance serve different purposes. The LBS MBA is broader in scope, often attracting professionals aiming to move into management, consulting, or entrepreneurship. The MiF, by contrast, is ideal for those looking to deepen technical knowledge and advance within finance, investment, or asset management roles. While both degrees can lead to strong outcomes, your career in finance may progress more quickly with a specialised MSc Finance, particularly if you already have a background in financial services or corporate law.

What are the entry requirements for the LBS Master’s in Finance?

Typical entry requirements include:

• A strong academic degree, often a British undergraduate degree classification of 2:1 or above (or international equivalent).
• High GMAT or GRE scores (a GMAT waiver may be available in some cases.
• Evidence of quantitative skills and academic excellence.
• 2+ years of relevant work experience in finance, business, or a closely related field.
• A well-written CV and personal statement outlining your career goals.
• Proof of English language proficiency (such as IELTS) for non-native speakers.

You’ll also need to complete the full application, including references and an online interview with a member of the admissions team or an alumnus of the programme.

What funding and scholarships are available?

London Business School offers a range of scholarships for outstanding candidates applying to the MSc Finance. These awards are funded by alumni, corporate sponsors, and philanthropic foundations. Applying in the earlier admissions rounds can increase your chances of receiving funding. In addition, applicants may be eligible for external loans, employer support, or government-backed postgraduate finance schemes depending on their country of residence. These funding options can make the programme more accessible and reduce the financial burden of pursuing a postgraduate education in London.

How does the LBS MiF compare to other top business schools?

The LBS MSc Finance consistently ranks among the top masters programmes in the world for finance graduates. It is regularly featured in the Financial Times finance rankings and stands out for its flexible structure, location in London’s financial district, and strong employer reputation. Compared to similar programmes at LSE, University of Cambridge, and other top UK universities, the London Business School’s MiF offers closer links to industry, greater networking opportunities, and a more internationally diverse cohort. It is also one of the few business schools offering both masters in finance full-time and part-time options.

Can I get into London Business School without a finance background?

Yes, it is possible to get into London Business School for the Masters in Finance without a formal finance degree, as long as you can demonstrate strong quantitative skills and relevant work experience. Many successful applicants come from fields such as engineering, economics, technology, or even journalism, and later transition into finance roles. If your degree is in a non-finance subject, showing strong performance in finance courses, financial analysis, or financial transactions as part of your job can strengthen your case. A clear explanation of your academic background, professional goals, and motivation for studying finance should be included as part of your application.