Standardized Tests

Standardized Test Waiver

The standardized test is a required application component of the Stern at NYUAD EMBA program application, and one way we assess your academic readiness. 

For most applicants, the standardized test is an essential way to establish academic readiness. Applicants who are unable to provide standardized test scores to demonstrate academic readiness may request a standardized test waiver. Those who provide strong examples of academic readiness (e.g. strong analytical or quantitative undergraduate or graduate majors or professional work experience) may receive a standardized test waiver. *Note: If you are pursuing or have already earned your undergraduate degree from NYU in New York, NYU Shanghai, or NYU Abu Dhabi, you may be eligible for a standardized test waiver. Please review the NYU + EMBA Standardized Test Waiver policy for more information.

Your application may still be competitive for admission, even if you are not granted a standardized test waiver. The standardized test score is only one of many components of our application process; we strongly encourage you to submit your standardized test scores as an additional data point to aid our review of your candidacy.

To apply for the standardized test waiver, you must: 

• Have received a bachelor’s degree. Students who have not received their undergraduate degrees are not eligible to submit a waiver request.
• Have a minimum of six years of full-time, post-bachelor’s work experience at the time of submitting a waiver request.
• Be planning to apply to the Stern at NYUAD Executive EMBA for the August 2026 intake.
• Submit a completed test waiver request by May 12, 2026 at 11:59 PM Gulf Standard Time. 

Applicants may only submit one standardized test waiver request per admissions intake. If you were approved for a standardized test waiver during a prior admissions intake, you will be required to resubmit a standardized test waiver request for the next intake should you choose to apply. 

The following items must be submitted with the request: 

• Request form (found on the Test Scores page of the application for admission)
• Resume
• Transcript(s) for all undergraduate, graduate programs/degrees, and professional certifications (e.g. CFA and CPA). Transcripts must indicate all classes taken, grades received, credits earned, final cumulative GPA(s) and degree conferral(s). If your transcript is not in English, you must provide a certified translation along with a copy of the original transcript. If you have attended more than one undergraduate institution, you must provide a separate transcript from the host institution(s) unless all course titles and grades are listed on your primary transcript.
• Brief essay response to the prompt: Please list the coursework completed, certifications held, and professional experience you have that demonstrates academic readiness for an EMBA program. You may use bullet points. (300 word limit)

If the information provided in your test waiver request differs from the information provided in your EMBA application, your waiver may be rescinded and your application made incomplete.

The Admissions Committee reviews the test waiver requests on a rolling basis, and in most cases will issue a decision within 3 weeks of submission. We strongly encourage submitting your test waiver request at least 3 weeks prior to when you plan to submit your EMBA application. We will make every effort to review your request in time, however, we will not grant requests to expedite reviews. Therefore, please plan accordingly when submitting your test waiver request. 

If you are approved for a standardized test waiver, you will receive further instructions to submit your application. Applicants who are not approved for the waiver will need to complete the standardized test score requirement to complete their application.

Please note, any materials uploaded as part of this request will also appear in your Stern at NYUAD record. You will have an opportunity to upload new documents (e.g. updated resume) as part of your EMBA application. If the information provided in your request differs from the information provided in your application for admission, the Admissions Committee may reevaluate your test waiver request and application for admission to determine your eligibility for the test waiver.

TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test

Fluency in English is required for the Stern at NYUAD Executive MBA program.

If your native language is not English, your level of proficiency in English must be demonstrated in at least one of the following ways:

• Your undergraduate or graduate degree was taught in English
• Your test results from either the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test

Scores are valid for two years from the date that you took the test and must be valid at the time that you submit your application. You are responsible for including your TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test score on the online application and ensuring that your official score report can be released and sent to Stern at NYUAD. While an official test score is required for a final decision, the Admissions Committee can begin the review of your application with an unofficial test score.