Do your research

Talk to family, friends, and mentors. Visit our campus and attend a recruiting event, and then decide whether this program is right for you.

Review the online application and deadlines. Consider important aspects of the timeline, including:

• When to apply if you’re an international student
• When you’ll receive a decision
• When your non-refundable tuition deposits are due
• When to start the visa process if required

Submit your application

Ensure that your application is complete, including your resume, essays, letters of recommendation, transcripts, and application fee. You can view your application status by logging into your student portal.

Interview

Applicants will receive their interview decision by the date that corresponds to the round in which they applied.

Receive a decision

You’ll be notified via email of your admission decision on the decision date for the round in which you apply. 

To reserve your place in the class, you must submit:

• Two non-refundable tuition deposits, one following the round in which you were admitted, and a second in June prior to the start of the program 
• Official test scores sent directly from the testing agency
• Official transcripts sent directly from the institution/s you attended

Your non-refundable deposits can only be made in the following ways: credit card, personal check, money order, e-check, or wire transfer. Please plan accordingly so you don't miss the deposit deadlines.

Visit Fuqua

The best way to learn about Fuqua and the Daytime MBA program is by experiencing it firsthand. We encourage you to take part in our campus visit program and Blue Devil Weekend (for admitted students). Visiting campus, either in person or virtually, will not only provide insight to inform your final decision to join the program, but will also provide you with information on transitioning to the Durham area.

Access our incoming student website

Shortly after admission, you will receive access to our incoming student website. This will be your main source of information, helping you more fully understand our community and our expectations and giving you a better idea of what it will be like to be a full-time MBA student at Duke. 

Here you’ll find all the information you'll need to transition into your new academic life:

• Program announcements
• Technical and computer information
• Academic assignments to prepare to return to school
• Relocation information
• Classmate information

Apply for a visa

If applicable, visa application information will be included in your student portal along with specific deadlines for submission. Visa processing can take up to several months to complete, so it is critical you apply in Early Action, Round 1,  Round 2, or Round 3 to ensure that you are able to join the program on time.

Legible, scanned copies of all unofficial transcripts are required for each college or university you have attended where you:

• earned (or will earn) a degree;
• studied for one semester or more;
• earned 12 or more credits (note: 4 or more credits if your university awards 1 credit for the typical class instead of 3 credits);
• and/or took a class that relates to your graduate study interests. 

If you took classes at a college or university while in high school, do not list the college or university as a separate school in your application.

For transfer credits: Follow the guidelines listed above, but please note that for any transferred credits that qualify to be reported, we need to see grades/marks.  If the grades/marks as well as the credits appear on your degree-conferring institution's transcript, then the additional transcript will not be required.

For student abroad credits: Please follow the same guidelines as for transfer credits.

Transcripts must include:

• Your name and the name of the institution
• Each course taken and the grade received
• The degree received and date conferred

If your transcripts do not state the degree and date conferred, upload a copy of your diploma in addition to the transcript. If your transcript is not in English, it must be translated, attested, and uploaded along with the originals. Those applying from outside the U.S. should see additional transcript guidelines for international students.

Two options for sending transcripts:

• Electronically to transcripts@fuqua.duke.edu
• Directly by mail in a sealed envelope to:
  Duke University
  The Fuqua School of Business Office of Admissions
  100 Fuqua Drive, Box 90120
  Durham, NC 27708-0120

If you do not submit your official transcripts on time, or if you misrepresent, falsify, or omit information, we may rescind any offer of admission or financial assistance.

When to submit copies of official transcripts

Only if you are admitted to the program, will you be required to submit official transcripts from each college or university you have attended for verification. The due date for official transcripts will be noted in your admitted student portal. If you have not yet completed your studies by this date, your official transcripts should reach The Fuqua School of Business no later than one week before your program begins.

You’ll need to provide your thoughts on one short answer and two longer essay questions as part of your application.

Instructions for all written submissions

• Responses should use 1.5-line spacing and a font size no smaller than 10-point.
• Do not repeat the question in the document you upload with your application as this will cause the essay to be flagged for plagiarism.
• Respond fully and concisely.
• Length requirements vary by question and are detailed below.
• Responses must be completed before submitting your application.

All essays are scanned using plagiarism detection software. Expressing your ideas by using verbiage from existing sources, including websites and other applicants' essays or materials, or having someone else compose your essays, without properly crediting those sources constitutes an act of plagiarism. Plagiarism, an act of theft and fraud, is considered a cheating violation within the Honor Code and will result in an application denial. Note: if you have worked with a consultant to complete your application materials, please ensure that the Honor Code policy is discussed and yours essays will not be shared with other potential applicants.

Required short-answer essay question

Instructions: Answer the following question in 100 words.

• What are your post-MBA career goals? Share with us your first-choice career plan and your alternate plan.

First required essay: 25 random things about yourself

The 'Team Fuqua' spirit and community is one of the things that sets the MBA experience apart, and it is a concept that extends beyond the student body to include faculty, staff, and administration. Please share with us “25 Random Things” about you. The Admissions Committee wants to get to know YOU - beyond the professional and academic achievements listed in your resume and transcript. Share with us important life experiences, your hobbies, achievements, fun facts, or anything that helps us understand what makes you who you are.

Your list will be limited to 2 pages (750 words maximum). Please present your response in list form, numbered 1 to 25. Some points may be brief, while others may be longer.

Second required essay: The Fuqua community and you

Fuqua prides itself on cultivating a culture of engagement. Our students enjoy a wide range of student-led organizations that provide opportunities for leadership development and personal fulfillment, as well as an outlet for contributing to society. Our student-led government, clubs, centers, and events are an integral part of the student culture and to the development of leaders. Based on your understanding of the Fuqua culture, what are 3 ways you expect to contribute at Fuqua?

Your response will be limited to 1 page (500 words maximum).

Optional essay: Tell us more

If you feel there are circumstances of which the admissions committee should be aware, please explain them here (e.g. unexplained gaps in work, choice of recommenders, inconsistent or questionable academic performance). Note that you should NOT upload additional essays nor additional recommendations in this area. The Optional Information section is intended to provide the admissions committee with insight into your circumstances only.

Your response will be limited to 1 page (500 words maximum).

Submit your required one-page resume electronically within the online application system. For employment and volunteer positions, include the location, title, date, and responsibilities, starting with your most recent position. The education section should include dates of attendance and degrees received.

Your resume can include:

• Full-time employment
• Volunteer work
• Internships
• Part-time work experience
• Education

Your recommender must complete the current recommendation forms associated with the online application—no other format of recommendation will be accepted.

Your recommendation should reflect your performance in your most recent professional setting. Volunteer activities or other service-oriented roles in which you are deeply involved may also be excellent sources for your recommendation. The most valuable recommendations come from people who know your professional skills and abilities.

Submissions by email or mail are not accepted.

New applicants

• One required letter of recommendation

Reapplicants

• Reapplicants may use the same recommendation letter provided from last year, and you will have the option to include it in your current application if you choose. You also have the option of submitting one new letter of recommendation if you wish. 

Other recommendation guidelines

• You are required to use the recommendation forms that are within the online application.
• Use your recommender's work email addresses, which they monitor more closely, during our credential verification process, rather than personal accounts like Gmail.
• Recommendations from relatives and friends are strongly discouraged.
• Academic recommendations often provide a similar perspective to your transcript and are less helpful.

The following questions are included on the recommendation form:

• Please provide a brief description of your interaction with the applicant and, if applicable, the applicant’s role in your organization. 
• How does the performance of the applicant compare to that of other well-qualified individuals in similar roles? 
• Describe the most important piece of constructive feedback you have given the applicant. Please detail the circumstances and the applicant’s response.  
• Is there anything else we should know? (Optional)

Bonus endorsement from Fuqua students and alumni

In addition to the one required recommendation, you may provide additional endorsements from our alumni or current students.

Endorsement Form

If an endorsement is submitted on your behalf before you submit your application, you will become eligible for an application fee waiver. We are unable to provide refunds if your endorsement is received after the application fee has been paid.

Fuqua accepts GMAT, GMAT Focus, GRE, and Executive Assessment (EA) scores. Test scores are valid for 5 years, and we do not require the official score report at time of application - you need only self-report your score and provide official scores when admitted. We do not have a preference for which exam you provide, and scores can be updated after your application is submitted.

Both GMAC and ETS, the administrators of the GMAT/EA and GRE tests, respectively, continue to offer the option to take these tests from a home environment. We accept both test formats. Please visit the GMAC or ETS websites for more information. 

Extra GMAT, GRE, and EA details

• There is no minimum test score requirement.
• We will accept scores up to 5 years old.

Admission system test codes

• GMAT/EA: Duke program code Q13-N5-32
• GRE: Duke program code 5156, and the 4201 Business Administration and Management Department name on your GRE exam

Need more help?

Information on registering and sending GMAT/EA scores
Information on registering and sending GRE scores
 

Fee

A 225 USD non-refundable application fee, payable by VISA or MasterCard, is due when you submit your online application.

Application fee waivers

You may be eligible to receive an application fee waiver if you meet at least one of the following criteria:

You are a member of the military—active duty, active reserve, or honorably discharged/completed service (within three years) of any nation. Either voluntary or compulsory service is valid for qualification.

You are an active participant or alumnus/alumna of the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, or Teach for America.

You receive Fuqua Admissions Committee approval. In your application, include the reason for your waiver request and the name of the committee member granting approval.

You are a member of one or more qualifying organizations: Admit.Me Access, Beta Gamma Sigma, Choctaw College Connect, Colfuturo, Forte Foundation, Fulbright, Golden Key, Graduate Horizons, Idealist, Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT), MBA Jumpstart, Posse Foundation, Reaching Out MBA (ROMBA), or Riordan Fellows Program.

Before submitting your application, you register for and attend at least one of the event activities listed below. Indicate the event type, location and month of attendance in your online application. (MBA Fairs are only considered as a qualifying event if you completed a sign in at the Fuqua table during the fair.)

• Campus Visit
• Open house
• Information session
• Informational luncheon
• Meet & greet
• Multi-school information session
• Virtual information session

You obtain a recommendation from a current Fuqua student or alumnus/alumna. In your application, include your recommender’s name, program (Daytime, Cross Continent, Weekend Executive, Global Executive, Master of Management Studies: Foundations of Business, Master of Management Studies: Duke Kunshan University, Master of Quantitative Management: Business Analytics, or Master of Quantitative Management: Health Analytics) year of graduation (if known), and email address.

You attended one of five Diversity Events: 

• Duke MBA Workshop
• Women's Leadership Weekend
• Pride Weekend
• Veterans Symposium
• International Applicant Symposium

You are an alumni of Duke University. In your application, include the name of your degree and the year in which you graduated.

Instructions to apply for an application fee waiver

1. Meet at least one of the above criteria.
2. Select an application round in the “Personal Information” section of the online application.
3. Complete the questions included in the "Application Fee Waiver Information" section. 
4. Submit your application after all sections are complete. However, do NOT submit your application if you are asked for credit card information.

Following the above instructions is the only way to receive an application fee waiver. If you submit your online application without selecting the "fee waiver" option, then you will not qualify for the waiver, and no refund will be available.

Admissions interviews are by invitation, and interview decisions are released on a rolling basis. Depending on when you apply and interview, you may also want to schedule your campus visit activities at the same time.

Interviews may be conducted by alumni, staff, or trained second-year MBA students called "Admissions Fellows." On-campus interviews are offered in Early Action, Round 1, and Round 2, and will be conducted in-person. Off-campus interviews will primarily be conducted virtually, and are offered in every round. All interviews are valued equally, regardless of format or interviewer. As you prepare for your interview, please be aware that your interviewer will only have access to your resume and will not have read your application.

Interview Fast Facts:

• Interviews are conducted in English.
• Interviews generally last 45–60 minutes.
• Appropriate attire is business casual.
• Interviewers will have a copy of your resume, but no other portion of your application file.

If you are invited to interview, you will receive an interview invitation no later than October 4, 2024. When submitting your application, you will indicate if you intend to interview in-person or virtually. If you select Durham as your interview location, you will also have the option to participate in other activities on campus during your visit. If you select the virtual option, you will be connected with an alumnus or student in a similar time zone, and you will schedule your interview directly with your interviewer.

If you are invited to interview, you will receive an interview invitation no later than November 18, 2024. When submitting your application, you will indicate if you intend to interview in-person or virtually. If you select Durham as your interview location, you will also have the option to participate in other activities on campus during your visit. If you select the virtual option, you will be connected with an alumnus or student in a similar time zone, and you will schedule your interview directly with your interviewer.

If you are invited to interview, you will receive an interview invitation no later than February 17, 2025. When submitting your application, you will indicate if you intend to interview in-person or virtually. If you select Durham as your interview location, you will also have the option to participate in other activities on campus during your visit. If you select the virtual option, you will be connected with an alumnus or student in a similar time zone, and you will schedule your interview directly with your interviewer.

If you are invited to interview, you will receive an interview invitation no later than March 21, 2025. Please select "Virtual" as your interview location in the interview section of your application.

If you are invited to interview, you will receive an interview invitation no later than April 18, 2025. Please select "Virtual" as your interview location in the interview section of your application.

In service to reapplicants, we offer the ability to replicate or "clone" your application from a previous application year (2019 and later). If you are reapplying, please submit the Reapplicant Request form (login credentials required) to request that your previous application data be transferred over to the next available round of admission in the current application cycle. Please contact application-processing@fuqua.duke.edu should you have any questions or trouble logging in. You will receive a confirmation email once this process is complete, and can edit all or part of your application after it has been cloned.

When reapplying you are required to submit:

• Short-answer question
• Standard application essays
• Reapplicant essay question 
• One letter of recommendation
• One-page resume 
• Valid standardized test score 
• Online application form 

If you request to clone your application, all data submitted from the prior year will carry into your application. Cloning provides a starting point for your application, and you are encouraged to provide updates and edits as needed to your application information, work history, and essays, as well as to answer any questions that may be new to this year's application. 

Reapplicant essay question

It is not uncommon for it to take more than one try to achieve a goal. Please share with us the self-reflection process that you underwent after last year's application and how you have grown as a result.  How did it shape your commitment to Fuqua and inspire your decision to reapply?

Your response will be limited to 1 page (500 words maximum).

Recommendations

Reapplicants may use the same recommendation letter provided from last year, and that letter will be included in the cloning process if you choose. You have the option of submitting one additional recommendation letter if you wish. 

GMAT, GRE, and EA Scores

Reapplicants do not need to resend official GMAT, GRE, or Executive Assessment scores to us unless the scores have expired since your last application. We will accept scores up to 5 years old.

Application fee waivers are available to reapplicants. 

Fuqua is a member of the Consortium for Graduate Study in Management, an organization whose mission is to enhance diversity and inclusion in global business and education by striving to reduce the significant underrepresentation of African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Native Americans. 

We encourage anyone interested to apply to Fuqua through the Consortium application rather than directly to Fuqua.

• The Consortium application has all the same questions and requirements that are detailed in the application information above.
• Admissions criteria and the evaluation process are the same for those applying through the Consortium.
• The Consortium application opens each year on August 15 and has two application deadlines: October 15 and January 5.
• The Consortium application is only available for student applicants who are applying to our Daytime MBA program. Applicants to any other Fuqua program should apply through the Fuqua application.
• You can learn more about the Consortium, their eligibility requirements, and apply through their website.

All applicants are required to complete the core set of application materials; however, non-U.S. applicants have additional application requirements and instructions, which are described below.

Application timing for international students

You are strongly encouraged to apply by the Round 3 deadline to ensure sufficient time for visa processing.

Transcripts and diplomas

Transcripts, diplomas, and academic records must be in English.

Transcripts must include:

• Your name and the name of the institution
• Each course taken and the grade received
• The degree received and date conferred

If your transcripts do not state the degree and date conferred, upload a copy of your diploma in addition to the transcript.

If your transcript is not in English, you must have it:

• Translated
• Attested
• Uploaded in addition to the originals

The University Registrar, local U.S. Embassy/Consulate, or local Fulbright office/Education Advisor are appropriate sources to make and verify the transcript copy. If you are an international student whose university does not provide an English version of the transcript, you may submit a transcript from World Education Services (WES) in addition to your original language transcript from the university. 

Two options for sending transcripts:

• Electronically to transcripts@fuqua.duke.edu
• Directly by mail in a sealed envelope to:

Duke University
The Fuqua School of Business
Office of Admissions
100 Fuqua Drive, Box 90120
Durham, NC 27708-0120

English as a Second Language test scores

Fuqua does not accept ESL test scores.  We will use other aspects of your application to assess language proficiency. 

If you are applying for the dual degree with the Nicholas School of the Environment (MBA/MEM), please note that ESL test scores are required to complete the MEM application.

Dual degree application instructions and timing vary by program. For the best guidance, please refer to the following links for more information:

JD/MBA
MPP/MBA
MEM/MBA or MF/MBA
MD/MBA