Frequently Asked Questions - International MBA

Application/Requirements

• What are the minimum requirements to apply?

  The minimum requirements to be eligible to apply for admission to the Full-time International MBA program are as follows:

  1. Completion of an undergraduate program in an accredited U.S. college or its equivalent in another country
  2. Submission of the FIU Graduate Admissions application
  3. Satisfied all listed application requirements outlined at the International MBA program page.
• Can I defer my application?

  The application is valid for the fall term of the specific year you are applying for. Students will have to reapply if they would like to start the following year.

• Do I have to take the GMAT/GRE?

  A GMAT waiver at the discretion of the academic director is available for:

  1. Applicants with two years of demonstrative work experience and success in completing other academic programs
  2. Applicants who have an undergraduate business or related degree (economics, hospitality management, etc.) with an upper division grade point average (GPA) of 3.25, or higher
  3. Applicants without a business or related degree having an upper division grade GPA of 3.35, or higher
  4. If the applicant has already completed a graduate degree from an accredited university with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0, or is entering a business master's program under a special agreement for admissions with specific foreign and domestic universities
• Which exam is better? Should I take the GMAT or the GRE?

  We do not treat the exams differently, and applicants may elect to take either exam. You may visit www.mba.com for more information on the GMAT, including sample questions and information on test registration. You may visit www.ets.org/gre for more information on the GRE as well as test registration information.

• Are letters of recommendation required for the IMBA program?

  Letter of recommendation are not required for the Full-time International MBA. However, if you are applying for a scholarship they would be required.

• What is the recommended format for the recommendation letter? Should it be in letterhead?

  For the recommendation letters, we require the recommender’s company logo, signature, contact and information. We reserve the right to contact recommenders. Letters may be directed to us at:

  Full-time International MBA
  Florida International University
  Chapman Graduate School of Business
  11200 SW 8th Street, CBC 200
  Miami, FL 33199

• Does the program require a writing sample or only an essay/personal statement? What do I write about?

  The Full-time International MBA program requires an essay. You may choose one from the following:

  1. Describe a professional situation where you demonstrated one of the following leadership competencies: visionary, strategic, tactical, focused, persuasive, likable, decisive, ethical or inspirational
  2. Of FIU's core values [creativity, rigor, diversity, team, integrity, and global community], which value resonates most with you and why?
  3. Describe your academic and career interests, and explain how and why the Full-time International MBA program from FIU would help you explore them
• What happens if my GPA is below 3.0? Can I still apply?

  We require a minimum 3.0 GPA, however if the applicant does not meet this criteria he or she can still apply. We have the ability to admit a limited number of individuals who do not meet the GPA requirement. The Admissions Committee will evaluate all the documents submitted (resume, working experience, letters of recommendation etc.) on a competitive basis to determine which individuals will be admitted under this provision. The committee takes into account myriad factors, including work experience and professional responsibilities, writing ability, strength of recommendations, undergraduate performance, exam scores and performance in any graduate-level courses.

• Is orientation mandatory?

  Orientation is mandatory for the Full-time International MBA and it is held the week before classes start. An email is sent to the students by the beginning of August with location information, dates and times.

• Can I waive the TOEFL/IELTS?

  Students may waive the TOEFL/IELTS exam only if they have earned a high school diploma, undergraduate or master's degree in a TOEFL-exempt country. Visit the UGS website to view TOEFL-exempt countries.

• Will the program provide feedback for students who have not been accepted?

  Due to the large number of applications we receive each year, we cannot accommodate requests for personalized feedback on your application. Also, please understand that the decision of the Admissions Board is final, and we cannot advise you on whether or not you should reapply in the future.

• Is an applicant at a disadvantage without previous course work in business?

  No. Many students in our program have not had business courses prior to entering the program. Generally, 50% of our class is made up of people with backgrounds outside of business. The program does require strong quantitative skills, but is designed to be accessible with study and dedication.