Brandeis International Business School

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is there a way I can reduce my application fee?

Brandeis International Business School offers application fee reductions for candidates who attend selected featured events as a “thank you” for attending. To register for an upcoming featured event, please visit our Events page. Only those events marked “featured event” automatically qualify attendees for a reduced application fee, so be sure to plan your event registration well in advance of our application deadline dates.

I would like to know my chance of admission before formally applying. Is a pre-screen available?

Applicants to our master’s programs are assessed holistically based on various criteria. We will not be able to make a determination until having fully reviewed your academic transcripts, resume, essay, etc. We very much look forward to receiving your application and rendering a decision.

I hold a three year bachelor's degree. Can I apply for admission to Brandeis International Business School?

Yes, applicants who hold a three year bachelor's degree may apply for admission.

Are there prerequisites for admission?

Certain programs have prerequisites for admission. Please visit the application requirements page for your program to learn more about prerequisites.

Is GRE/GMAT required?

We do not require that applicants for our specialized master’s or MBA programs submit GMAT or GRE scores with their applications. It is optional, so applicants can decide whether they wish to submit a score. Applicants may wish to include their scores if they feel it demonstrates strong quantitative skills, but do not need to submit a test score. Please note that for PhD applicants, the GRE remains required.

Am I eligible for a TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo waiver? I attended a program outside of the U.S., Canada, and/or U.K. but the language of instruction was English.

The English proficiency requirement will be waived for applicants who have completed, or will complete, a bachelor's degree with at least three full-time academic years of study (ESL and online coursework not included) by the program start, in one of the countries listed in your program of interest’s application requirements. Applicants who have completed at least one full-time academic year of graduate study (online coursework not included) at the time they submit their application in one of these countries or have worked full- time for at least three years in one of these countries, will also have this requirement waived.

How can I apply for scholarships, including full-tuition scholarships?

Applicants are automatically considered for our merit-based scholarships during the admissions review process, so we encourage you to submit a thoughtful, complete application as early as possible. Scholarships range from $5,000 to full tuition. Applicants are notified if they have received a scholarship in their admission letter. You may also wish to review our application requirements for other helpful information.

I have applied, but my English Language score is lower than recommended. What should I do?

It’s important for students at Brandeis International Business School to have a strong aptitude in both written and spoken English. Test scores are important, but are just one part of our overall holistic application review. If you’ve taken a language exam but it’s lower than expected, you may choose to retake the exam or submit a different English language exam to better show your language skills. Sometimes, you may be asked as part of our holistic application review to complete a short video essay so that the committee can better understand your current aptitude in English. 

Is on-campus employment available?

While the Admissions team cannot guarantee on-campus employment, there are on-campus, part-time job opportunities posted by the Office of Student Financial Services. Admitted students will receive more information through Workday, usually closer to the beginning of classes. These jobs are hourly-based and students can work up to 20 hours a week while classes are in session. During university breaks, students can work up to 40 hours a week.

How do I know if I am eligible for the Accelerated MA program?

The Accelerated MA is designed for students who have completed, or will complete, their undergraduate degree in business or economics at a U.S. institution. If you have studied in the U.S. and would like to confirm whether your undergraduate major qualifies you for the program, please submit your unofficial transcript to us at globaladmissions@brandeis.edu. A member of the Admissions team will inform you if you qualify for the program.

Can I apply to two programs?

No, you may only apply to one program per year. If you are considering more than one program, we encourage you to speak with a member of our Admissions team by phone or Skype. Our team can discuss your background and interests, and help you decide which program may be the best fit for you. Please contact us at globaladmissions@brandeis.edu to set up a time to speak with our team.

What if my test score is expiring?

Test scores must be valid at the time the application is submitted. If your test score will expire prior to the start of the program, you must submit your official test score prior to its expiration date.