Harvard Business School MBA Admissions: Requirements, Deadlines, and Tips
How to apply to the Harvard Business School MBA for fall 2027 entry: rounds, required materials, test policy, interview, and costs.
Application overview
Applicants to the MBA Class of 2029, entering in fall 2027, apply in one of two rounds: Round 1 (September 9, 2026) or Round 2 (January 5, 2027). College and master’s students can instead apply to the 2+2 Program in the 2+2 Round (April 28, 2027). You may apply in one round only, once per application year. HBS received 9,409 applications in the 2024-2025 academic year for a Class of 2027 of 943 students. HBS does not publish an acceptance rate on its class profile. The Admissions Board recommends at least two years of full-time work experience before enrolling. There is no minimum GPA and no minimum GMAT or GRE score.
Application rounds for the MBA Class of 2029 (entering fall 2027)
| Round | Deadline (12:00 PM ET) | Notification of decision |
|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | September 9, 2026 | December 10, 2026 |
| Round 2 | January 5, 2027 | March 25, 2027 |
| 2+2 Round (deferred admission) | April 28, 2027 | June 30, 2027 |
Application components
- Transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended (unofficial copies accepted at application)
- GRE, GMAT Focus Edition, or GMAT 10th Edition score; no test waivers and no preference between tests
- English language test (TOEFL iBT, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo) if your undergraduate instruction was not solely in English
- Three essays: 300, 250, and 250 words
- Two recommendations submitted online
- Resume
- $250 application fee ($100 for 2+2 applicants); active-duty military applicants are exempt and a need-based fee waiver is available
- Interview (by invitation) and a written post-interview reflection within 24 hours of the interview
Interview process
Interviews are by invitation only and are 30 minutes long, conducted by an MBA Admissions Board member who has reviewed your application. They take place on campus, in domestic or international hub cities, or via Zoom. Invitations typically come four to six weeks after the application deadline. Invited candidates must interview to complete the application, and must submit a written reflection through the online application within 24 hours of the interview.
Costs and policies
| Item | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $250 | |
| Tuition | $84,760 | 2026-27 |
| Total cost of attendance | $130,318 | 2026-27, single student, 9 months |
| English test | Required | If undergraduate instruction was not solely in English |
| Test waiver | None | |
| Deferral | Rare, case by case | 2+2 Program offers deferred admission |
Reapplicants
HBS evaluates the current application and can access a reapplicant’s previously submitted materials. Reapplicants report their scores on the new application; official scores already on file and still valid do not need to be resent.
Sources
- 1. Harvard Business School, Application Dates (MBA Class of 2029)
- 2. Harvard Business School, Application Process (2026-2027 cycle)
- 3. Harvard Business School, Class Profile (Class of 2027)
- 4. Harvard Business School, MBA Admissions Frequently Asked Questions
- 5. Harvard Business School, Cost of Attendance (2026-27)