🎯 Key Takeaways – University of Cambridge MBA GMAT
✅ Cambridge MBA GMAT Score: The average Cambridge MBA GMAT score is 700, as published in the official class profile. Cambridge does not set a fixed GMAT cutoff and reviews scores in context.
💼 Test Requirement: Cambridge Judge Business School does not offer a GMAT waiver. Applicants must submit a valid GMAT or GRE score as part of the MBA application.
📊 GRE Option: The GRE is fully accepted for the Cambridge MBA. Cambridge does not publish a preferred GRE score and evaluates GRE results using the same holistic approach as the GMAT.
⭐ GMAT Focus Edition: Cambridge accepts the GMAT Focus Edition and evaluates scores based on competitiveness and percentiles rather than direct comparison with the older GMAT format.
🎓 Low GMAT Strategy: A lower University of Cambridge MBA GMAT score can still be competitive if supported by strong academics, solid work experience, clear leadership impact, and well-defined career goals.
Introduction
Cambridge Judge Business School offers a highly selective one-year MBA program that attracts experienced professionals from across the world. Every year, applicants come from consulting, finance, technology, entrepreneurship, and other competitive industries. Because of this strong competition, understanding the Cambridge MBA GMAT requirement is an important part of the application process.
The University of Cambridge MBA GMAT score is used to assess academic readiness, especially your ability to handle the program’s fast pace and analytical coursework. However, Cambridge does not follow a fixed GMAT cutoff. The admissions team reviews scores in context and looks beyond numbers when evaluating candidates.
In this blog, we explain how the Cambridge MBA GMAT score is evaluated, what score range is considered competitive, how the GMAT Focus Edition is treated, and what applicants can do if their GMAT score is below expectations.
What is the average Cambridge MBA GMAT Score?
The average Cambridge MBA GMAT score is 700, as published on the official class profile page. Cambridge does not set a fixed GMAT cutoff. The GMAT score is reviewed as one part of the overall application, along with academics, work experience, leadership potential, and career goals.
Cambridge MBA GMAT Score Overview
GMAT Metric
Official Cambridge Data
Average GMAT Score
700
Minimum GMAT Cutoff
No fixed cutoff
Tests Accepted
GMAT, GMAT Focus Edition and GRE
Evaluation Method
Holistic review
Average Work Experience
6 years
Minimum GMAT Score Accepted by Cambridge MBA
Cambridge Judge Business School does not publish a fixed minimum GMAT score for its MBA program. Based on the official admissions approach, applicants are assessed holistically, and there is no stated lower cutoff for the Cambridge MBA GMAT.
Candidates with lower GMAT scores are expected to demonstrate strong academics, relevant work experience, leadership potential, and clear career goals to remain competitive.
Yes. Cambridge Judge Business School accepts the GMAT Focus Edition for MBA admissions. The GMAT Focus is treated as a valid test to assess academic readiness, similar to the earlier GMAT format.
Cambridge does not publish a preferred GMAT Focus score. Instead, the admissions team reviews your result in context with the rest of your application. Since the GMAT Focus uses a different scoring scale, scores are not directly compared with older GMAT results.
How Cambridge Evaluates GMAT Focus Scores:
Percentiles are more important than raw scores
Scores are assessed within the GMAT Focus format
GMAT Focus and older GMAT scores are not directly comparable
Results are reviewed alongside academics, work experience, and leadership
For applicants applying in recent cycles, a strong percentile in the GMAT Focus format can help show readiness for the Cambridge MBA GMAT. (LSI: University of Cambridge MBA GMAT)
How Competitive Is Your GMAT Score for the Cambridge MBA?
Your Cambridge MBA GMAT score is reviewed in context, not on its own. Cambridge Judge Business School looks at how your GMAT compares with the class profile and then evaluates it alongside your academics, work experience, leadership exposure, and career goals. Below is how different GMAT score ranges are usually viewed.
GMAT Below Class Average (≤690)
A GMAT score below the class average means your score is lower than most admitted candidates, but it does not automatically rule you out.
This range can still work if you have:
Strong academic performance, especially in quantitative subjects
Relevant work experience with clear responsibility and growth
Visible leadership or impact in your role
You should be cautious if:
Your academic record is weak
Your role has limited analytical or decision-making exposure
Your career goals are not clearly defined
In this range, the rest of your profile needs to clearly compensate for the GMAT score.
GMAT Around Class Average (690–720)
This range indicates that your GMAT score is competitive for the Cambridge MBA. Many successful applicants fall within this band.
At this level, the GMAT:
Meets Cambridge’s academic expectations
Neither strengthens nor weakens your application on its own
What usually decides outcomes here:
Depth and quality of work experience
Leadership examples and responsibility
Clarity of career goals and fit with Cambridge
Common mistakes in this range include:
Assuming the GMAT score is enough
Weak or generic essays
Unclear post-MBA goals
In this band, execution of the application matters more than the score itself.
GMAT Above Class Average (730+)
A GMAT score above the class average strengthens your academic profile and reduces concerns about classroom readiness.
What a high GMAT helps with:
Demonstrating strong analytical ability
Supporting ambitious or demanding career goals
What it does not guarantee:
Admission
Interview calls
Scholarships
You can still hurt your chances if:
Your essays lack depth or reflection
Your leadership experience is weak
Your career goals feel unrealistic or poorly explained
At this level, Cambridge expects the rest of your profile to match the strength of your GMAT score.
Cambridge MBA Class Profile 2026
The Cambridge MBA class brings together professionals from a wide range of industries, nationalities and academic backgrounds. The class profile helps applicants understand the overall competitiveness of the program and how their Cambridge MBA GMAT score fits within the broader cohort.
Class Profile Component
Cambridge MBA Class of 2026
Class Size
206 students
Average GMAT Score
700
Nationalities Represented
47
Women in Class
46%
Average Work Experience
6 years
Industry Backgrounds
Consulting, Finance, Technology, Entrepreneurship, Healthcare, Energy, Consumer Goods, and other sectors
Many applicants face this question while planning their Cambridge MBA application. Retaking the Cambridge MBA GMAT can help in some cases, but it is not always the right decision. Whether a retake makes sense depends on your current score, overall profile strength, and application timeline.
When Retaking the GMAT Can Help
Retaking the GMAT may be useful if:
Your GMAT score is clearly below the Cambridge class average
Your academic background is not quantitative
Your role requires strong analytical credibility
You have enough time before application deadlines
In these cases, a higher GMAT score can reduce academic risk and strengthen your application.
When Retaking the GMAT May Not Help
A retake may not be necessary if:
Your GMAT score is already around the class average
Your work experience and leadership profile are strong
Your essays or career goals need more attention
You are close to application deadlines
In such situations, improving other parts of the application often has more impact than a small increase in GMAT score.
Timing and Opportunity Cost
Retaking the GMAT takes time and focus. Late retakes can clash with essay writing and interviews, and rushed preparation often leads to similar results.
Before deciding, ask yourself whether a higher score will clearly change your chances, or whether that time is better spent strengthening your overall application.
Cambridge MBA GMAT Waiver & GRE Option
Cambridge Judge Business School does not offer a GMAT waiver for its MBA program. Applicants are required to submit a valid GMAT or GRE score as part of the application. If you do not plan to take the GMAT, the GRE is a fully accepted alternative for the Cambridge MBA GMAT requirement.
Cambridge does not state a preference between GMAT and GRE. Both tests are reviewed in the same way and are assessed alongside academics, work experience, leadership potential, and career goals.
Average GRE Score for University of Cambridge MBA (2026)
The average GRE score for the University of Cambridge MBA is 76% in Verbal and 60% in Quant. These scores reflect what most admitted students achieve and help you understand the level Cambridge expects. While there is no minimum GRE requirement, the school looks for balanced percentiles across both sections to ensure applicants can manage the academic demands of the program. A strong overall profile with steady performance in each part of the test strengthens your chances of admission.
GRE: The average GRE score for the University of Cambridge MBA is 76% in Verbal and 60% in Quantitative sections.
GMAT vs GRE: Which One Should You Take for the Cambridge MBA?
Cambridge Judge Business School does not have a preference between the GMAT and GRE. Both tests are accepted and reviewed in the same way for the Cambridge MBA GMAT requirement. The right choice depends on your strengths, background, and where you are likely to score better.
You should consider taking the GMAT if:
You are comfortable with data analysis and problem-solving
Your career goals are in consulting, finance, or strategy
You want to highlight strong quantitative ability
You should consider taking the GRE if:
You perform better in verbal reasoning
You already have a strong GRE score
You are applying to a mix of MBA and non-MBA programs
Cambridge focuses on how competitive your score is, not which test you choose. Applicants should submit the exam where they can demonstrate academic readiness most clearly.
Preparing for the Cambridge MBA GMAT requires a focused and realistic approach. Cambridge Judge Business School looks for strong academic readiness, not perfect scores. Your preparation should aim to meet the class level while maintaining balance across sections.
Set a realistic target score: Aim for a score that aligns with the Cambridge class profile rather than chasing an unrealistic jump.
Follow a structured study plan: Create a weekly plan covering Quant, Verbal, and regular mock tests. Consistency matters more than long study hours.
Focus on section balance: A very weak Quant or Verbal section can raise concerns, even if the overall score looks acceptable.
Use mock tests strategically: Take full-length mocks to track progress, manage time, and reduce exam-day pressure.
Know when to stop: If your scores plateau, shifting focus to essays and applications may be more effective than pushing for a small score increase.
How to Improve Your Chances With a Low GMAT?
A lower Cambridge MBA GMAT score does not automatically end your chances. Cambridge Judge Business School reviews applications holistically, which means the rest of your profile must clearly show readiness for the MBA if your GMAT is below the class average.
Show clear career impact: Highlight measurable results from your work, such as leading projects, improving processes, managing teams, or driving growth.
Highlight academic strength: If you have strong undergraduate grades or a background in quantitative subjects, make sure this is clearly visible in your application.
Write focused essays: Use the essays to clearly explain your career progression, leadership experience, and why the Cambridge MBA fits your goals.
Choose the right recommenders: Select recommenders who know your work well and can give specific examples of your leadership and problem-solving skills.
Perform well in interviews: Strong communication, clear goals, and confidence in the interview can help offset concerns about a lower GMAT score.
When the overall profile is strong and consistent, a lower GMAT score becomes less of a deciding factor in the Cambridge MBA admissions process.
The Cambridge MBA is a highly competitive program, and the Cambridge MBA GMAT score plays an important role in the admissions process. However, Cambridge Judge Business School does not rely on GMAT scores alone. There is no fixed cutoff, and candidates are evaluated based on their overall profile.
A strong GMAT score can support your application, but leadership experience, academic background, career clarity, and fit with the program matter just as much. Even with a lower GMAT score, applicants can remain competitive by presenting a clear, consistent, and well-prepared application.
Understanding how the University of Cambridge MBA GMAT score is assessed helps you plan better, focus on the right areas, and apply with confidence.
Does Cambridge MBA require GMAT?
You'll need either a GMAT, GMAT Focus Edition or GRE score to apply to the Cambridge MBA. Scores are valid for 5 years and your score must be valid at the point of application.
What is the average GMAT score for Cambridge MBA?
The University of Cambridge MBA does not set a strict cutoff, but most admitted students score 680 or higher. The latest class profile shows an average GMAT of 697, with successful candidates usually in the 690–700 range.
Does Cambridge MBA offers GMAT waiver
Waivers are not provided; they can only evaluate your application once they receive a copy of your score report. Cambridge GMAT institution code is WF1-T3-68.
Who is eligible for Cambridge MBA?
Applicants to the Cambridge MBA are anticipated to have a strong academic background. The program mandates a 2:1 Honours degree from UK universities or its equivalent globally, typically corresponding to a GPA of 3.6 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
Does Cambridge MBA accept GRE scores?
Yes, Cambridge Judge accepts GRE scores. Admitted students typically present at least 156 in verbal and 158 in quantitative, which are equivalent to a competitive GMAT score.
Is 600 a good GMAT score for the Cambridge MBA?
A 600 can be competitive if the rest of your profile is strong. Cambridge reviews your entire application, not just the test score.
Can I get into the Cambridge MBA with a low GMAT score?
Yes, if you have strong academics, solid work experience, clear goals, and strong essays and recommendations.
Is a GMAT waiver available for the University of Cambridge MBA?
No, Cambridge does not offer GMAT or GRE waivers. A valid score is required from all applicants.
What is the average GRE score for the Cambridge MBA?
The average GRE scores are around the 76th percentile in Verbal and 60th percentile in Quant.
How important is the GMAT for Cambridge MBA admissions?
GMAT is important, but it is only one part of the evaluation. Cambridge also values leadership, career progress, academics, and interview performance.
Know Your Author
Abhyank Srinet
|
Study Abroad Expert
Abhyank Srinet, the founder of MiM-Essay, is a globally recognized expert in study abroad and admission consulting. His passion is helping students navigate the complex world of admissions and achieve their academic dreams. Abhyank earned a Master's degree in Management from ESCP Europe, where he developed his skills in data-driven marketing strategies, driving growth in some of the most competitive industries.
Abhyank has helped over 10,000+ students get into top business schools with a 98% success rate over the last seven years. He and his team offer thorough research, careful shortlisting, and efficient application management from a single platform.
His dedication to education also led him to create MentR-Me, an AI-powered platform that offers personalized guidance and resources, including profile evaluation, application assistance, and mentoring from alumni of top global institutions.
Continuously adopting the latest strategies, Abhyank is committed to ensuring that his clients receive the most effective guidance. His profound insights, extensive experience, and unwavering dedication have helped his clients securing of over 100 crores in scholarships, making him an invaluable asset for individuals aiming to advance their education and careers and leading both his ventures to seven-figure revenues.
