Ah, London Business School! LBS's recent rankings are a reflection of the dynamism and opportunities that London itself offers. Let's understand why LBS and London catapult careers to new heights.
LBS's number 2 ranking in the Financial Times list of European graduate business schools depicts consistent excellence and innovation that the school has woven since 2004. Additionally, Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) ranking the MBA program fourth globally is no small accomplishment. The growth from rank 6 in 2022 to rank 4 speaks volumes about the tangible impact LBS has on students' careers, particularly in employability and thought leadership after an MBA abroad.
The Executive MBA (EMBA) program at LBS is making waves too, soaring to the ninth spot globally. What's truly remarkable is the number 7 rank worldwide for faculty research quality. This isn't just about academic rigor; it's about being at the forefront of business innovation and thought.
The LBS MBA is a transformative journey designed for ambitious professionals seeking to make their mark on the global business stage. Here's what you need to know:
Start Date: August 2025
Duration: 15-21 months (flexible)
Location: In-person in London
Class: Applications are now open for the MBA2027 class (August 2025 intake)
London Business School (LBS)
LBS Rankings:
QS Europe 2025: 1
FT Global 2024: 8 (Europe: 4)
LBS Key Strengths (FT):
Weighted Salary: $192,331
Employed at 3 months: 90%
International Students: 95%
International Faculty: 88%
Overall Satisfaction: 9.198/10
LBS QS Criteria Scores:
Overall Score: 98.8
Thought Leadership: 97.7
ROI: 90.9
Entrepreneurship: 86.7
Employability: 98.0
Diversity: 73.9
LBS Deadlines 2024-25:
R1: September 6, 2024
R2: January 3, 2025
R3: March 24, 2025
Why Choose LBS?
London Business School's MBA program stands out for several reasons:
Global Perspective: With students from over 60 countries, LBS offers a truly international experience.
Career Acceleration: 90% of graduates secure employment within three months of graduation.
Flexibility: The program duration can be tailored to your needs (15-21 months).
Location: Study in London, a global financial hub with unparalleled networking opportunities.
Prestigious Alumni Network: Join a community of business leaders spanning the globe.
LBS MBA Class Profile (MBA2025)
To give you an idea of the diverse and accomplished cohort you'll be joining, here's a snapshot of the current class:
487 students
43% women
63 nationalities represented
Average work experience: 6 years
Is It Right for You?
The LBS MBA is ideal for candidates who are:
Ambitious and driven, with a global outlook
Seeking new challenges in a different industry, function, or country
Looking to enhance their global skill set to accelerate their career
Interested in developing a start-up idea or building a family business
Boasting a strong track record of achievement and success
Typically having around five years of work experience
LBS MBA Application Process
Ready to take the plunge? Here's what you need to know about applying:
LBS MBA Application Rounds and Deadlines 2025-26
LBS offers three application rounds for the August 2025 intake:
Round 1:
Deadline: September 6, 2024
Interview decisions: October 10, 2024
Interview period: Mid-October to early November 2024
Final decision: November 28, 2024
Round 2:
Deadline: January 3, 2025
Interview decisions: February 6, 2025
Interview period: Early February to early March 2025
Final decision: March 27, 2025
Round 3:
Deadline: March 24, 2025
Interview decisions: April 16, 2025
Interview period: End of April to mid-May 2025
Final decision: June 5, 2025
LBS MBA Application Requirements
To apply, you'll need to submit:
GMAT/GRE Score: A valid GMAT, GMAT Focus, or GRE score (less than 5 years old)
Online Application Form: Completed thoroughly
Application Essays:
Question 1 (500 words): What are your post-MBA goals and how will your prior experience and the London Business School programme contribute towards these?
Question 2 (200 words): What makes you unique?
Question 3 (500 words, optional): Is there any other information you believe the Admissions Committee should know about you and your application to London Business School?
One-Page CV: Highlighting your professional experience and achievements
Application Fee: £200, paid by credit card
London Business School Management Programs to consider in 2024
Masters in Finance
Masters in Management
Masters in Analytics and Management
MBA
One Year MBA
EMBA
LBS Sloan Masters in Leadership and Strategy
Executive MBA Global
Executive MBA Dubai
1. London Business School Masters in Finance:
Duration: 10 - 16 months
Session Starts : August 2024
Number of students : 132 students
Fees : £62500
Average Work Experience: 6 years
CFA II or above gives you an automatic GMAT waiver
Work Experience criteria: Minimum 2 years
Application Rounds : 5
Round 1: 26 September 2023
Round 2: 31 October 2023
Round 3: 03 January 2024
Round 4: 27 February 2024
Round 5: 23 April 2024
Application Requirements for LBS Masters in Finance 2025:
Online Application
2 Essays
One Reference letter
CV
GMAT/ GMAT Focus/ GRE test scores
IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge CPE, CAE or PTE Academic score
2. Masters in Management at London Business School:
Duration: 12 - 16 months
Session Starts : August 2024
Number of students : 294 students
Fees : £47500
Work Experience: 0 - 2 years
Application Rounds : 5
Round 1 : 25 September 2023
Round 2: 14 December 2023
Round 3 : 11 March 2024
Round 4 : 2 May 2024
Application Requirements for LBS Masters in Management 2025:
Online Application
One Recommendation letter
CV
GMAT/ GMAT Focus/ GRE test scores
IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge CPE, CAE or PTE Academic score
3. Masters in Financial Analysis at London Business School:
Duration: 12 - 16 months
Session Starts : August 2024
Number of students : 220 students
Fees : £47500
Work Experience: 0 - 2 years
CFA Level 1 holders do not need to submit the GMAT or the GRE Scores.
Application Rounds : 5
Round 1 : 25 September 2023
Round 2: 14 December 2023
Round 3 : 11 March 2024
Round 4 : 2 May 2024
Application Requirements for LBS Masters in Financial Analysis 2025:
Online Application
2 Essays
One Reference letter
CV
GMAT/ GMAT Focus/ GRE test scores
IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge CPE, CAE or PTE Academic score
4. Masters in Analytics and Management at London Business School:
Duration: 12 - 16 months
Session Starts : August 2024
Number of students : 87 students
Fees : £47500
Work Experience: 0 - 2 years
Application Rounds : 4
Round 1 : 25 September 2023
Round 2: 14 December 2023
Round 3 : 11 March 2024
Round 4 : 2 May 2024
Application Requirements for LBS Masters in Analytics and Management 2025:
Online Application
2 Essays
One Reference letter
CV
GMAT/ GMAT Focus/ GRE test scores
IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge CPE, CAE or PTE Academic score
5. One Year MBA at London Business School:
Duration: 11 months
Session Starts : August 2025
Fees : £75000
Work Experience: Minimum 3 years
Applicants must have completed a Masters in Management or equivalent accredited by EQUIS and/or AACSB or from a University of London institution
Application Rounds : 3
Round 1 : Opens in July 2024
While you are researching, there are more one year MBA programs in Europe to consider.
Application Requirements for LBS One Year MBA 2026:
Online Application
2 Essays
One Reference letter
CV
GMAT/ GMAT Focus/ GRE test scores
IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge CPE, CAE or PTE Academic score
6. Two Year MBA at London Business School:
Duration: 15 - 21 months
Session Starts : August 2024
Fees : £115000
Average Work Experience: Minimum 6 years
Application Rounds : 3
Round 1 : 8 September 2023
Round 2 : 3 January 2024
Round 3 : 25 March 2024
Application Requirements for LBS MBA 2026:
Online Application
2 Essays
One Reference letter
CV
GMAT/ GMAT Focus/ GRE test scores
IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge CPE, CAE or PTE Academic score
7. LBS Sloan Masters in Leadership and Strategy
Duration: 12 months
Session Starts : December 2024
Fees : £93500
Average Work Experience: 18 years
GMAT Waiver is available selectively
Application Rounds : 4
Round 1 : 21 February 2024
Round 2 : 1 May 2024
Round 3 : 1 July 2024
Round 4 : 26 August 2024
Application Requirements for LBS Sloan Masters in Leadership and Strategy 2025:
Online Application
2 Essays
One Reference letter
CV
EA/ GMAT/ GMAT Focus/ GRE test scores
IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge CPE, CAE or PTE Academic score
Organization chart
8. EMBA Global at London Business School
Duration: 20 months
Session Starts : May 2024
Fees : $ 224598
Average Work Experience: 12 years
GMAT Waiver is available selectively
Application Rounds : 3
Round 1 : 7 November 2024
Round 2 : 16 January 2024
Round 3 : 5 March 2024
Application Requirements for LBS EMBA Global 2025:
Online Application
2 Essays
Two Reference letters
CV
EA/ GMAT/ GMAT Focus/ GRE test scores
IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge CPE, CAE or PTE Academic score
Organization chart
9. Executive MBA Dubai
Duration: 20 months
Session Starts : January 2024
LBS Executive MBA Fees for the London stream is £125,000 and for the Dubai stream is US$ 150,000
Average Work Experience: 13 years
GMAT Waiver is available selectively
Application Rounds : 5
Round 1: Thursday 29 February 2024
Round 2: Thursday 28 March 2024
Round 3: Thursday 9 May 2024
Round 4: Thursday 6 June 2024
Round 5: Thursday 4 July 2024
Application Requirements for LBS EMBA Dubai 2025:
Online Application
2 Essays
Two Reference letters
CV
EA/ GMAT/ GMAT Focus/ GRE test scores
IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge CPE, CAE or PTE Academic score
Organization chart
Therefore, whether you have just started your career or have substantial work experience, London Business School offers multiple programs which are suitable for professional growth. This is what makes it exceptional as a destination for MBA aspirants in 2024.
About the Author:
Shruti P blends strategic acumen and empathetic guidance in MBA admissions consulting. Her approach artfully combines personal storytelling with tactical expertise, making applicants' dreams attainable. Her writings and blogs in the higher education space are rich with insights, reflecting her deep understanding and passion for mentoring future leaders. At the core, Shruti is more than an advisor; she's a dedicated ally, inspiring individuals to excel beyond their aspirations, shaping not just careers but futures.