Executive MBA

Priority will be given to applications received by 1 December. BI Norwegian Business School will continue to accept applications until enrollment is complete.

Applicants outside the Schengen area are recommended to apply early to allow time for securing a visitor’s visa.

BI offers scholarships for exceptional candidates. To be eligible, candidates must have signed their study contract by 1 December.  Offers will be sent to selected candidates six weeks before the programme starts.

Once the application has been received and all documentation reviewed, qualified applicants will be invited for an interview.  The overall final decision is taken upon each applicants’ complete assessment. The admission decision will be communicated within one week after the interview has taken place.

• You must have completed a Bachelor’s degree, corresponding to 180 officially approved ECTS from a university or equivalent qualification. 
• You must be 25 years of age or older.
• Minimum six years of relevant full-time work experience (at least 100% position, continuous for at least 6 months, gained at 18 plus years).
• Two work-related certificates or letters of recommendation, with at least one addressing the applicant’s performance in their current job, if possible.
• Satisfactory completion of the admission interview conducted by the admissions committee.

The following documentation must be submitted as part of the application process:

1. Academic Records

• Certified copies of diplomas and transcripts from a completed Bachelor's degree (or integrated Bachelor's + Master's degree) 
  - Front page of the diploma confirming the awarded degree
  - Transcripts from all academic years (both sides), and Diploma Supplement if issued
• Certified English or Norwegian translations are required if the original documents are not in English or a Scandinavian language

2. Curriculum Vitae (CV) 
A detailed and up-to-date overview of educational background, work experience, and relevant qualifications.

3. Financial Plan
A completed financial plan using the official template. Click to download the template.

4. Letters of Recommendation (LoR) 
Two letters of recommendation must be submitted. While there are no formal requirements for format or structure, an optional LoR template  is available. Letters should ideally address:

• The candidate’s potential in leadership, interpersonal and communication skills, analytical ability, innovative thinking, team orientation, and integrity
• An assessment of the candidate’s strengths and areas for development

5. Motivational essay 
The motivational essay (500–800 words) provides an opportunity to present a personal narrative beyond academic records and professional experience. It should include a clear description of the applicant’s career path, significant accomplishments, and the underlying motivation for pursuing the programme. The essay is intended to offer insight into the candidate’s personal and professional development, values, and ambitions. It should convey the rationale behind the decision to apply and how the programme aligns with future goals. This is not an academic article or business memo, but rather a personal story. A reflective, sincere, and engaging tone is encouraged. Specific experiences and examples that illustrate growth, motivation, and direction are particularly valuable. 

6. Proof of Identity 
A copy of a valid passport (required for non-Norwegian residents).

7. Name Change Documentation 
Official documentation of name change must be submitted if the name on your documents does not match your current name.

The admissions interview is conducted online and lasts approximately 45 minutes. During the interview, the admissions committee places particular emphasis on the applicant’s academic qualifications, motivation, professional experience, and proficiency in English, as well as their openness to personal growth, self-reflection, and receptiveness to feedback. If, during the interview, we find that the candidate does not have the necessary motivation, sufficient qualifications, or language skills, this may result in the rejection of the application for admission. 

• BI reserves the right to request further documentation if needed during the admissions process.
• Candidates with foreign academic qualifications may be asked to obtain official recognition of their degree from the Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills. Information about the approval process can be found here. 

BI offers scholarships for exceptional candidates. To be eligible, candidates must have signed their study contract by 1 December.

BI Norwegian Business School aims to build a diverse and international student body and preference is given to candidates working in NGOs’.

Scholarship offers will be sent to selected candidates 6 weeks before the start-up of the programme.

• Read more about Executive MBA Scholarship

Candidates who do not meet the requirements for achieved bachelor's degree but have substantial and relevant work experience may be considered in certain cases. 
Applicants will be assessed based on the following criteria:

• Academic background: A completed degree with more than 90 ECTS credits
• Professional experience: Substantial relevant work experience acquired after the age of 25; management experience is particularly valued
• Current position: The level of responsibility in the current role, documented by a work certificate signed within the current calendar year
• Additional engagement: Experience from non-profit organizations or volunteer work will be considered an advantage

Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee eligibility. Candidates must demonstrate substantial professional experience beyond the six-year minimum, in addition to meeting criteria for age and academic credits (more than 90 ECTS ) and work experience (above 6 years). An applicant who only fulfills the minimum requirement is not eligible for admission.

In exceptional cases, the Admissions Office may evaluate candidates based on alternative criteria. The Associate Dean may approve other documented qualifications that are considered equivalent to the standard admission requirements listed under “Documentation Requirements.”

A minimum requirement is the completion of Higher Education Entrance Qualification (upper secondary school).

Applicants considered under the Dean’s Choice scheme will be required to submit a GMAT test as part of the assessment.