Frequently Asked Questions

The application processes for all of our EMBA options are handled online. We suggest you begin with reviewing the application requirements. And once you are ready to open your application, you can visit our programs portal to start your application.

Columbia does not accept simultaneous applications to its MBA programs. Please apply to the program that most closely reflects your professional, personal, and geographic interests and experience. Admissions officers will be happy to offer guidance with your choice. We reserve the right to withdraw offers of admission to any candidate who does not disclose a prior application to any other Columbia MBA program.

If you already have an MBA or similar degree in management studies, you are eligible to apply to the Columbia Executive MBA Program. However, we would not encourage you to do so unless you have a compelling reason. You may wish to review our course offerings and talk with an admissions officer to see how much of the program would be repetitious. Then, if you decide to apply, you should make a compelling case in your application to explain why you want to have another MBA.

Fee waivers for EMBA-NY applications are available to active duty US military personnel and to those who have completed an Executive Education course at Columbia Business School For those applying to EMBA-Global, the EMBA-NY fee waiver eligibility also applies, but extends to those who have completed an Executive Education course at London Business School. Proof of current service or completion of the Executive Education course is required. 

Applicants who believe they qualify for a fee waiver should start their application and navigate to the "Welcome" page. Upon submitting the Fee Waiver Request form, will receive a fee waiver outcome within five business days. Qualified applicants who have already submitted an application should email [email protected] to request access to the form.

Sponsorship is viewed in two ways: Time away from work to attend class, and financial support. At a minimum, EMBA applicants must submit written authorization from their employer indicating permission to attend class on workdays and to complete the program. 

Many EMBA students also obtain corporate financial sponsorship, which ranges from partial to full support, but this is not required.

Yes. If you are an independent professional or consultant or the head of your own firm, you may write your own sponsorship letter. Applicants who are employed by an organization that can endorse their candidacy, but not provide financial support, may meet the financial requirements themselves. In this case, the organization must still provide a letter of endorsement stating that the applicant will be guaranteed time away from work to attend all classes and required program activities.

Interviews are by invitation only and cannot be requested. The Admissions Office will contact you if you are selected for an interview.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis within each round. Decisions are released ahead of, and no later than, the final decision dates for each round. 

Check your application status.

As a matter of policy, Columbia Business School does not defer admitted students to future terms.

All EMBA candidates are encouraged to submit a valid standardized test score as part of the application process. Test scores are one helpful data point used in evaluating candidates. However, we do offer test waivers for Executive MBA Applicants.

Learn more about the EMBA Program’s GMAT/GRE/EA requirement.

Yes, for our Executive MBA programs, we offer a test waiver option based on quantitative aptitude and classroom readiness. In order to be considered for a test waiver, you must start your application and complete the Test Waiver Request Form available in the “Test Score” section of the application. This form will require you to submit your resume, unofficial transcript, a brief statement elaborating on your eligibility, and two supplemental documents to support your eligibility. More information can be found on the form.

Columbia Business School considers scores valid for five years after your test date. Please send your score report to Columbia Business School and submit your application at least one week before the scores expire. If admitted, Columbia Business School must receive your official scores prior to expiration and prior to matriculation. Columbia Business School's GMAT and Executive Assessment codes are:

• EMBA-NY: QF8-N6-36
• EMBA-Global: QF8-N6-06

Columbia Business School's GRE code is: 6442

GMAT and Executive Assessment scores are available for reporting for up to 10 years, electronically for 5 years. 

GRE scores are available for 5 years. Once they expire, you will not be able to submit official scores. If you are accepted and we do not have your scores on file you will have to re-take an examination.

• Read more about our GMAT, Executive Assessment and GRE requirements.

Materials that are not in English must be translated and submitted electronically. Applicants may translate their own transcripts for the review, but must not participate in the translation or submission of their own recommendation. If offered admission, we require official transcripts from each institution for verification. Official transcripts must be received through a secure online point-to-point delivery system that bypasses the student and is delivered directly to our office. The authenticity of recommendations may also be verified. 

Full-time employment is a requirement for both admission and matriculation into any of our Executive MBA Programs. Should your employment change after your application is submitted, or any time prior to the start of classes, you must notify the Admissions Office immediately.

If you find yourself unemployed during the program for any reason, you should notify the Office of Student Affairs. You may use the resources available to EMBA students, including Career Management Center resources, to aid in your search for employment.

If your employment changes after submitting the application, please contact our office at [email protected] with your updated employment information. This is important for employment verification if you are admitted and will help to make the verification process smoother.

Yes, however references submitted from personal or anonymous email accounts (e.g. Gmail, Yahoo, 123.com, 163.com, qq.com etc.) will be subject to your admission being rescinded if significant discrepancies are found.  Please ensure that if admitted, your recommender is aware that they will be contacted via email and phone in order to verify you recommendation. 

Read more about recommendations here.

If your recommender does not have a business card, they can use another method to prove their employment including an email signature or LinkedIn profile. Please ensure that if admitted, your recommender is aware that they could be contacted via email and phone in order to verify your recommendation.

No. The Admissions team will only look at one recommendation, ideally from your current manager. If you have multiple managers, select the one you think knows you and your strengths best.

As an EMBA student, the Career Management Center is designed to provide ongoing professional career development services geared to your needs. You’ll find career-related workshops, virtual programs, one-on-one advising, an extensive website, and various networking opportunities and events. These resources are dedicated to enhancing professional development for both active job seekers and students who intend to continue working with their sponsoring employers. Learn more about career management for EMBA students.

Learn more about Executive MBA costs and institutional funding. 

Full-time employment is a requirement of matriculation in the EMBA program. Students who are not US Citizens or Permanent Residents must secure their visas through their employers, and are responsible for confirming that their visa status permits them to both study and work in the US. Some examples of acceptable visa status for matriculation in the EMBA-NY program are H-1, L-1, O-1, among others.

If you do not currently hold such a visa it is important to note that due to the program’s employment requirements, students in this program cannot be on F-1 student visa status.

Working in the US, even remotely for a foreign employer, could be a violation of US student visa regulations, so it is advisable to speak with an immigration attorney who may be able to suggest appropriate visa options based on the type of employment and company you have.

International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) is a resource for international students from the time they are admitted through their entire matriculation at Columbia. ISSO has a robust "News" section that provides updates relevant to international students.

Our wide selection of electives allows you to customize your curriculum. Please note: EMBA students take a total of 12 electives, primarily in their second year. Elective offerings are scheduled with the academic divisions. Typically, you are offered a selection of 30 electives over three terms. If your schedule and course capacity permits, you may also take electives from the Full-Time MBA Program or a maximum of two courses from Columbia’s other professional schools (Law, International and Public Affairs, Journalism, Medicine, Public Health, etc.). Electives are undertaken after you have completed all core courses. More detailed information about the elective offerings of EMBA-Global can be found on the program website.

EMBA students are on a rigorous schedule, given that they also hold full-time jobs. View calendars of sample EMBA terms.

Please note that candidates may only apply once to a given term of entry. Candidates may not apply twice to the same term of entry.

The Admissions Office retains all applications for one year after a decision is rendered. If you are reapplying no more than 12 months from your initial term of entry to Columbia Business School, the checklist below will help ensure that you submit everything the Admissions Committee will need to reassess your candidacy. For example if you applied for August 2023 you will be considered a reapplicant for May 2024 or August 2024. If you are reapplying more than 12 months after the initial term of entry, you must submit a new, fully complete application.

Please submit the following to the Admissions Committee for your re-application. If you have trouble starting a new application, please contact the Admissions Office for assistance.

• Reapplication fee: US$250.
• One new recommendation, preferably from your current employer. If you have already used your current employer for a recommendation they will need to submit a new recommendation.
• Update the following sections: "Application Information," "Personal Information," "Family," Employment," "Education," "Extracurricular Activities," and "Financing."
• A new company sponsorship letter.
• Transcripts of any additional courses you have taken since your previous application.
• Please remember to indicate the dates and self-reported scores of the standardized tests that you wish to be considered in your admissions decision.

Please note: test scores are valid for five years. Your scores must be valid at the time of application submission.

Reapplicants are not required to submit two new essays. Only the reapplicant essay is required:

How have you enhanced your candidacy since your previous application? Please detail your progress since you last applied and reiterate how you plan to achieve your immediate and long term post-MBA professional goals. (Maximum 500 words).