Known for shaping future leaders in finance, the London Business School (LBS) MBA is one of the most competitive business degrees globally.
However, thousands of applicants apply each year for a place, and only the most exceptional candidates are selected. That’s why having the right strategy is crucial. Here at The Profs, we have all the tried and tested methods to maximise your chances of success. In fact, 89% of postgraduates who worked with The Profs tutors get into their first-choice university.*
In this guide, you’ll discover insider tips and proven strategies from Joe, a former investment banker and an MBA admissions expert, who has helped more than a hundred candidates secure offers from UK’s best business schools. We are here to help you stand out from the crowd while making your application as stress-free as possible.
So keep reading to learn how to turn your ambition into an offer from one of the world’s leading business schools.
*Source: Postgraduate applicant data from The Profs Client Feedback Survey 2025.
1. Connect with LBS Early
One of the most effective and most overlooked ways to strengthen your LBS MBA application is to connect with the school early.
Unlike some universities, LBS actively encourages applicants to reach out before submitting their applications. Their admissions process is relationship-driven, reflecting the school’s collaborative and people-focused culture.
Engage with LBS admissions staff
LBS admissions officers regularly travel to major cities across the world to meet potential applicants. They host coffee chats, open days, and information sessions both in London and abroad.
These informal conversations are a great opportunity to:
- Learn what LBS truly values in its candidates.
- Ask questions about the curriculum or leadership programmes.
- Put a face to your name before you even submit your application.
Connect with alumni and student ambassadors
LBS also encourages you to network with alumni and current students through its ambassador network and events. Don’t be afraid to reach out via LinkedIn. LBS knows that successful MBA candidates are willing to be proactive.
When you build authentic connections, you gain valuable insights into:
- The reality of student life and academic culture.
- Which electives, or clubs, might align with your goals.
- How to express genuine motivation in your essays and interviews.
Show your initiative on your application
There’s even a section on the LBS application form where you can mention who you’ve spoken to. Referencing these interactions indicates that you’ve taken initiative and already established meaningful connections with the school.
2. Plan Your GMAT Strategy Early
The GMAT (or GRE) is one of the biggest hurdles for LBS MBA applicants and a common reason strong candidates miss their target deadlines.
Many applicants underestimate the amount of preparation time the test requires, and as a result, they rush or apply late in the cycle. Getting on top of your GMAT strategy early can significantly impact your application timeline.
Understand the GMAT journey
LBS’s average GMAT score typically falls between 700 and 720. Therefore, we recommend starting early and being realistic about your progress.
If you’ve never taken an admissions-style test before, begin your preparation in the summer before you plan to apply. This gives you time to take practice exams and build your confidence.
If you’re applying late
If you’re applying in Rounds 3 or 4 and your GMAT isn’t ready, don’t panic. LBS may be flexible.
You can contact the admissions team directly and ask whether you can submit your score after the initial review. If they like your profile and you perform well in interviews, they might make the GMAT a condition of your offer rather than a strict prerequisite.
Need help mastering the GMAT? Work one-to-one with our Admissions Test Tutors to create a preparation strategy that fits your schedule and goals.
3. Define Your Post-MBA Identity and Goals
The admissions team wants to see that you have a clear vision for your post-MBA career. This vision forms the backbone of your application, and without it, even the strongest application can feel directionless.
What LBS wants to understand:
- Where are you now in your career?
- Why the MBA is the appropriate next step.
- What specific transition will it enable you to make?
Avoid vague goals like ‘starting my own company’ or ‘becoming a CEO.’ While ambition is good, LBS prefers applicants who demonstrate practical, well-defined objectives.
Instead, give a robust example such as ‘After three years as a financial analyst at a global bank, I aim to transition into strategy consulting, focusing on financial services transformation.’ This signals to LBS that you have a clear trajectory planned and that you have spent time thinking about it.
Be ambitious, but realistic
Too many applicants overshoot with goals that sound impressive but lack grounding. Instead, think of your career plan as a strategic next step, not the final destination.
Start by identifying someone on LinkedIn who currently holds the role you’d like to move into post-MBA. Study their path, considering what experiences led them there. Then show how your journey and an LBS MBA connect those dots.
Show you understand LBS’s outcomes
Remember that business schools like LBS care deeply about their career and employment statistics. They want to admit candidates who are likely to secure strong post-MBA positions, as your success strengthens their global ranking.
When you align your goals with LBS’s track record, you’re signalling that you’ll not only benefit from the MBA but also enhance the school’s reputation.
4. Showcase the Qualities LBS Values Most
Beyond academic credentials and GMAT scores, what distinguishes successful LBS MBA applicants is their ability to embody their values.
Three of the eight criteria that LBS assess throughout your application are: leadership, teamwork, and multiculturalism.
Demonstrating these are essential. You’ll need to provide clear, authentic examples that show how you’ve used these traits in your career so far and how you’ll continue developing them at LBS.
Leadership
Leadership at LBS doesn’t necessarily mean managing a large team. It’s also about your influence and ability to drive results.
Strong examples include:
- Taking ownership of a project or process improvement in your workplace.
- Mentoring junior colleagues or leading a student society.
- Stepping up in a moment of uncertainty or challenge.
Then, connect it back to the MBA. Mention how you plan to develop your leadership further through LBS’s Leadership Institute, or practical initiatives like the Leadership Launch or Global Experience programme.
That link between past evidence and future growth creates a powerful, well-rounded impression.
Teamwork
Collaboration sits at the heart of the LBS experience. Classes and projects all depend on your ability to work effectively in diverse groups.
Highlight experiences where you’ve:
- Contributed to a group project or cross-functional team.
- Mediated differing opinions to achieve a shared goal.
- Supported a colleague to achieve success.
Multiculturalism
With students from over 60 nationalities, LBS thrives on cultural diversity. The admissions team wants to know that you can both appreciate and contribute to this environment.
Show your global mindset by referencing experiences such as:
- Working or studying in international settings.
- Leading multicultural teams or projects.
- Engaging with global perspectives in your professional or volunteer work.
Even if you haven’t lived abroad, you can highlight examples of adapting your communication style, or learning from different perspectives.
Looking to benefit from over 10 years of insider knowledge and professional experience? Contact our expert Admissions Tutors who will help you secure your place at LBS.
5. Prepare Strategically for the LBS MBA Interview
Your interview is where all the work you’ve done comes together. It’s your chance to prove that you don’t just look good on paper, but that you’re ready to thrive in the LBS community.
What makes LBS unique is that MBA applicants undergo two interviews: a pre-recorded Kira Talent interview and a live interview with an admissions staff member.
Each one tests slightly different qualities, but together they form a complete picture of who you are as a professional and a person.
The Kira Talent Interview
This is a pre-recorded online assessment consisting of two 90-second questions. One question is shared in advance, and the other is delivered on the spot.
The question you receive beforehand will focus on what you stand to gain from the MBA. Because you know it’s coming, you should rehearse this answer repeatedly until it flows naturally and confidently.
Aim to communicate:
- Why you’ve chosen LBS specifically.
- What personal and professional growth you expect from the programme.
- How you’ll contribute to your cohort and the school community.
The second question is usually scenario-based and designed to test one of the core traits LBS values.
You can also use the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to keep your answer structured:
- Set the scene clearly.
- Explain your role and the challenge.
- Describe what you did and why.
- End with the tangible result or lesson learned.
Prepare short, adaptable stories from your resume and behavioural experiences (e.g., leadership, teamwork, failure) that you can use to answer multiple questions.
The Live Interview
Once you’ve passed the Kira stage, you’ll be invited to a live interview, usually with a member of the admissions staff rather than an alumnus (as is often the case with other programmes like MiM or MFA).
Before your interview:
- Research your interviewer. Review their LinkedIn profile to gain insight into their professional perspective.
- Revisit your essays so you can expand confidently on what you wrote.
- Prepare 2-3 strong stories that demonstrate the core values that LBS looks for in its applicants.
Expect your interviewer to ask about your career goals, and your experience. We recommend approaching it like a business conversation, where it is professional but personal. If you’re looking for in-depth coaching for your interview, our Interview Training Tutors have years, if not decades, of experience under their belt.
6. How The Profs Can Boost Your MBA Application
Earning an LBS MBA is an incredible achievement, but it is also one of the toughest challenges in business education. That’s where The Profs’ expert support makes the difference.
At The Profs, our specialist MBA Admissions Tutors have helped hundreds of candidates gain offers from Britain’s top business schools, including LBS. Our Postgrad Admissions Tutors include former admissions staff, giving you the most accurate insider insight into what LBS looks for at every stage.
That is why 89% of postgraduates who secured a place at their first-choice university when working with The Profs.* With expert guidance, your LBS MBA ambitions don’t have to stay goals; they can become a reality.
If you’re serious about joining one of the world’s most prestigious business schools, now is the time to take action. The competition is high, but with The Profs, you’ll have the strategy, structure, and confidence to stand out where it matters most.
*Source: Postgraduate applicant data from The Profs Client Feedback Survey 2025.
FAQ: How to get into London Business School MBA Program & MBA Admission Requirements
What are the admission requirements for the London Business School MBA?
To gain admission to the London Business School MBA, applicants must demonstrate strong academic ability, professional experience, and leadership potential. The admissions committee looks for:
- A recognised undergraduate degree or equivalent professional qualification.
- A competitive GMAT or GRE score (the average GMAT for the MBA class is around 700).
- At least two to five years of work experience showcasing leadership, teamwork, and international experience.
- Proof of English proficiency through IELTS or TOEFL if your university and college admission was not in English.
- Strong references and a well-structured application essay outlining your career goals, post-MBA plans, and motivation for studying at LBS,
What is the London Business School MBA application process?
The LBS MBA application process involves several key steps:
- Submit your online application form with academic transcripts, GMAT or GRE score, and essays.
- Provide details of your work experience, including key projects, internships, and achievements.
- Shortlisted candidates are invited to an MBA interview, usually conducted by an LBS alumnus or senior admissions staff.
- The admissions committee makes final decisions after reviewing the interview, academic excellence, and overall fit with the LBS community.
LBS operates a rolling admission cycle, so applying early is advantageous.
What kind of applicants does London Business School look for?
LBS seeks well-rounded candidates who bring a combination of academic ability, professional experience, and global outlook. Successful applicants often demonstrate:
- A strong understanding of business fundamentals and global markets
- Leadership and team-building skills shown through career progression or entrepreneurship
- An international mindset, with exposure to Europe, the United States, Asia, or Africa
- Active engagement with their community and evidence of cultural awareness
The MBA programme values diversity, so candidates from all industries – from finance to innovation and social enterprise – are encouraged to apply.
What is the structure and curriculum of the LBS MBA programme?
The London Business School MBA is a 21-month programme designed to balance theory with practical application. It includes:
- A tailored core curriculum covering finance, leadership, and strategy.
- Over 80 electives across areas such as entrepreneurship, global business, and innovation.
- An optional international exchange or global business experience module.
- A summer internship to apply your skills in real-world business contexts.
This flexible MBA programme allows students to customise their learning journey based on their career goals and post-MBA ambitions.
How important are the GMAT and GRE for LBS MBA admission?
The GMAT or GRE is an important part of the MBA application, but it’s only one element of the overall profile. The admissions committee evaluates scores alongside your professional experience, academic history, and leadership potential. Aim for a GMAT score near or above the class average (around 700) to remain competitive. Candidates with lower scores can still get accepted if they show exceptional achievements or unique professional insight.
What scholarships and funding options are available?
London Business School offers a range of scholarships, loans, and fellowships to support students from all regions, including the European Economic Area, Africa, and Asia. Funding opportunities include:
- Merit-based LBS scholarships for academic and leadership excellence.
- Regional awards for international students from specific countries.
- Loan programmes and company sponsorships for eligible candidates.
Scholarship applicants are encouraged to apply early and demonstrate leadership, innovation, and contributions to the LBS community.
How can international students apply to the LBS MBA?
International applicants from the United Kingdom, Europe, Asia, Africa, and the United States follow the same application process, with some additional steps:
- Submit a valid English language test (IELTS or TOEFL).
- Apply for a UK travel visa once accepted.
- Prepare for relocation to London, including financial planning for living expenses.
LBS offers dedicated support to help international students integrate into the London Business School community, including pre-departure sessions, cultural workshops, and alumni networking events.
How can I improve my chances of getting into London Business School?
To get into London Business School, focus on:
- Researching the MBA curriculum and aligning your career goals with the school’s values.
- Gaining strong international experience or exposure to global business.
- Writing authentic MBA essays that showcase your leadership, innovation, and commitment to the LBS community.
- Preparing thoroughly for your interview — demonstrate self-awareness, cultural understanding, and clear post-MBA plans.
- Networking with LBS alumni to gain insights into the MBA programme and strengthen your application strategy.
Who can I contact for more information about the LBS MBA?
You can reach the LBS Recruitment and Admissions Team via the London Business School website or email them directly for guidance on your MBA application. For deeper insights, connect with LBS alumni, attend an information session, or join a virtual MBA consulting event to engage with the admissions director and senior admissions staff.
