Kellogg MBA Admissions 2026-2027: Requirements, Deadlines and Interview
Kellogg Full-Time MBA application rounds for fall 2027 entry, required components, test policy, interview format, fees and costs, from Kellogg's own admissions pages.
Application overview
Kellogg runs three rounds for its Full-Time MBA programs in the 2026-2027 cycle; the Two-Year MBA admitted in this cycle starts in September 2027. Applicants may apply to one full-time Kellogg program per year and may select one alternate Full-Time Program and/or the Evening & Weekend MBA after submitting. A bachelor's or equivalent degree is required by matriculation. Previous study in business or economics is not required, except for the One-Year Program. Kellogg strongly recommends at least two years of full-time work experience at matriculation, except for Kellogg Future Leaders applicants. The admissions committee assesses application responses, written and video essays, transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, the resume and the interview report. For international candidates it also assesses a TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo English Test score.
Application rounds (2026-2027)
| Round | Deadline | Decision released |
|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | September 9, 2026 | December 9, 2026 |
| Round 2 | January 6, 2027 | March 24, 2027 |
| Round 3 | March 31, 2027 | May 12, 2027 |
Application components
- Test scores: GMAT or GRE from a single sitting; no superscores; no preference between the tests; no minimum score. GMAT code 6WZ-3J-89, GRE code 7921. Scores are valid for five years and must be valid when the application is submitted.
- Transcripts from all colleges, universities and study abroad programs attended. Hard copies of official transcripts are required only upon matriculation.
- Resume or CV, plus an employment section in the application.
- Written essay: one required essay in two parts, 550 words max.
- Video essays: five questions, up to one minute per answer, due 96 hours after the application deadline.
- Two letters of recommendation, ideally one from a current supervisor. Additional letters are neither required nor encouraged.
- Interview: by invitation; all interviews are virtual.
- English proficiency: TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo English Test for non-native speakers who did not complete a degree taught only in English and have not worked in the United States or another English-speaking nation for two consecutive years within the last five years.
- Application fee: $250, paid by credit card in the application.
Recommender prompts
- Share an example of how the candidate has engaged with colleagues, clients, or stakeholders who held perspectives different from their own. How did they navigate the situation, and what does this demonstrate about their ability to lead or collaborate in complex environments? (300 words)
- How does the candidate's performance compare to those of other well-qualified individuals in similar roles? Please provide specific examples. (300 words)
- Describe the most important piece of constructive feedback you have given the candidate. Please detail the circumstances and the applicant's response. (250 words)
Interview
All Kellogg interviews are virtual. Invitations are sent by email on a rolling basis throughout the evaluation period up until decision release, and Kellogg states that the timing of an interview is not an indication of a candidate's status. Interview times cannot be changed after scheduling. See the [Kellogg interview page](/schools/northwestern-kellogg/interview) for more.
Fees and costs
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee | $250 (waived for active duty U.S. military and veterans, and for candidates employed by Teach For America, Title 1 schools, AmeriCorps or the Peace Corps within the past three years) |
| Two-Year MBA tuition, 2026-27 | $88,536 |
| Two-Year MBA estimated first-year expenses, 2026-27 | $130,072 |
| One-Year MBA tuition, 2026-27 | $123,600 |
| Kellogg Future Leaders admissions deposit | $500, then $500 every year of deferment |
Reapplicants and deferred enrollment
Reapplicants answer an additional prompt: How have you grown or changed personally and professionally since you previously applied and what steps have you taken to become the strongest candidate you can be? (250 words) Kellogg Future Leaders is the deferred enrollment program for undergraduates in their last year of school, in any major. Students who graduate between October 2026 and September 2027 can apply this year; deferment lasts two to five years, and decisions are released June 23, 2027.
Sources
- 1. Kellogg School of Management, How to apply to a Full-Time MBA
- 2. Kellogg School of Management, Full-Time MBA admissions: dates and deadlines
- 3. Kellogg School of Management, Full-Time MBA Tuition + Aid (2026-2027)
- 4. Kellogg School of Management, International candidates: English proficiency
- 5. Kellogg School of Management, Kellogg Future Leaders: Deferred Enrollment Program