Having a Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) score is required by a large volume of Business Schools globally. For these providers, a high score increases the likelihood of your application being accepted.
While 9 out of 10 MBA enrolments in the US take the GMAT Score into account, a much smaller number of Australian Business Schools require a GMAT Score to be included in your MBA application. Other MBA providers determine suitability through interviews, work experience and/or previous studies.
What is the GMAT?
Developed by the Graduate Management Admission Council, the GMAT is a standardised exam that is used and trusted by Business Schools globally, including Australia. The test sets the standard for predicting success in the classroom, with Scores ranging from 200-800.
Your GMAT Score is valid for 5 years.
How Much Does The GMAT Cost
The current cost is USD$250.
The GMAT Exam Format
Running for 3.5 hours, there are four sections within the test.
- Analytical Writing Assessment: 1 topic measuring critical thinking and idea communication. You will be asked to analyse an argument and write a critique. You have 30 minutes to complete this section.
- Integrated Reasoning: 12 questions measuring your ability to evaluate information from a range of sources. You have 30 minutes to complete this section.
- Quantitative: 37 questions determining your ability to analyse data and draw reasonable conclusions. This is typically no greater than high school level. You have 75 minutes to complete this section.
- Verbal: 41 questions covering a range of skills including your ability to read and understand the material, evaluate arguments and correct written material to conform to English writing standards. You have 75 minutes to complete this section.
Preparing for your test
Preparation is key to ensure you obtain the highest possible score. Below you will find a range of resource links. It is encouraged to go through as many resources as possible before attempting the GMAT.
GMAT Resources
The official website has a huge volume of resources available either free or for a fee, including:
- GMATPrep® Software (free)
- GMATPrep® Exam Pack
- GMAT® Official Guide 2018
- Official Guide Verbal Review 2018
- A number of bundle packages
Sample Questions
- Analytics Writing Assessment
- Integrated Reasoning
- Quantitative
- Reading Comprehension
- Sentence Correction
- Critical Reasoning
Australian GMAT Requirements
The below Australian MBA providers require some form of a GMAT Score. Those that specify a number detail 550 to be the minimum, however, others may just require a “satisfactory” score, while some detail the need to only have a valid GMAT. MBA providers in Australia may require a GMAT score include:
- Australian National University
- Melbourne Business School
- UQ Business School
- University of Adelaide
- Murdoch University
- University of Western Australia
- University of Sydney Business School
- RMIT University
- University of Technology (UTS) Business School
- University of New South Wales (AGSM)