Is a CAT score accepted by foreign universities for MBA admissions instead of GMAT?
Yes, a select group of European and Asian schools accept CAT scores, mostly for Master in Management programmes rather than full MBAs. Names include ESSEC, ESCP, EDHEC, SKEMA, Audencia and SP Jain. Most want an 80 to 90+ percentile, and your CAT score stays valid for only one year.
Good news if you have already cracked the CAT: a handful of respected international business schools will accept it in place of the GMAT. The catch is that acceptance clusters around Master in Management programmes and a few global MBA tracks, not the whole world, so target your list carefully.
Business Schools Accepting CAT
| School | Location | Programme |
|---|---|---|
| ESSEC Business School | France and Singapore | Master in Management |
| ESCP Business School | Multiple European campuses | Management programmes |
| EDHEC and SKEMA | France | Management, as a GMAT or GRE alternative |
| Audencia Business School | France | Elite management tracks |
| SP Jain School of Global Management | Dubai, Singapore, Sydney | Global MBA and Master programmes |
MiM Versus Global MBA With a CAT Score
| Factor | MiM | Global MBA |
|---|---|---|
| CAT acceptance | Higher, widely accepted in Europe | Lower, limited to a few campuses |
| Work experience | 0 to 2 years, ideal for fresh graduates | 3+ years required |
| Competitive percentile | Usually 80 to 90+ | Usually 80 to 90+ |
| Language test | IELTS or TOEFL still required | IELTS or TOEFL still required |
My Advice
Remember that a CAT score is valid for just one year, unlike the GMAT which lasts five, so if you are applying abroad you must line up your application cycle immediately after your result. If your dream schools sit outside this small list, or you are targeting top US programmes, budget the time to take the GMAT as well.
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