Application & FAQs
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Entry criteria
- At least five years of professional or managerial experience .
- A degree, professional qualification, or solid track record of business achievement .
- A global outlook and a collaborative mindset.
- Proof of English proficiency where required IELTS 7.0 (no band below 6.5), TOEFL 100 (no score below 23), a Pearson Test of English (Academic) 75 (no score below 69), or Duolingo (minimum score of 130 with no section below 110).
- GMAT Executive Assessment may be requested in certain cases but is not required upon application. If required, the preferred minimum GMAT Executive Assessment score is 140/200. Applicants may be considered for a waiver at the discretion of the MBA Admissions Team, typically following a review of the application and personal call.
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MBA Student Spotlight - Application Advice - Ben Donahue
Full-Time MBA student Ben Donahue sat down with us to give his tips and advice about applying for the Trinity MBA.
Admissions Process
We have a four-step admissions process.
- Complete all sections of the online application form.
- Include 2 professional references to showcase your skills and experience.
- A copy of your CV.
- Upload your degree certificate or transcript of your results.
- IELTS or TOEFL score report (if English is not your native language).
- Complete an asynchronous assessment.
- Submit your application and pay the application fee (€40).
- Successful candidates will be asked to meet a member of our admissions team to discuss their background and motivations.
- This is a great opportunity to explore the MBA programme in greater detail and address any questions you may have.
- A conditional offer is awarded to a successful candidate to provisionally book their place on the Trinity MBA while they meet the condition(s) of their offer. For example, a candidate may be requested to undertake a GMAT test or perhaps an English Language Test.
- A full offer is awarded to a successful candidate that meets all requirements of entry. Scholarship applicants are also informed of their scholarship award at this time and the candidate is given a set period to accept or decline their offer.
- Please note that the deposit is non-refundable.
Executive MBA FAQs
Our FAQs are a helpful resource for students with questions about applying.
About the Programme
The Trinity Executive MBA is a two-year, part-time, on-campus MBA for experienced professionals who want to accelerate their leadership development while continuing to work full-time. The programme combines strategic business education, leadership development, live consulting projects, and personalised career support. It is delivered at Trinity Business School in Dublin and leads to a Level 9 MBA qualification.
The programme is designed for experienced professionals, managers, entrepreneurs, and specialists who want to move into more senior leadership positions, broaden their strategic perspective, or prepare for a career transition. Typical participants have significant professional experience and are already managing teams, projects, or business functions.
Applicants should have at least five years of professional or managerial experience. We welcome candidates from a wide range of industries and backgrounds who can contribute diverse perspectives to the MBA classroom.
The typical Executive MBA participant has 13 years of professional experience and is 37 years old. Cohorts are highly diverse, representing multiple industries, nationalities, and leadership backgrounds.
Yes. The programme is specifically designed for working professionals. Classes are delivered on two evenings each week (Tuesday and Thursday from 6-9pm), with some additional Saturday sessions and occasional intensive elective block weeks.
Programme Structure & Learning Experience
The Trinity Executive MBA is completed over two years on a part-time basis, beginning each September
Students should expect to commit approximately 20–25 hours per week, including classes, project work, assignments, and independent study.
The programme develops strategic, financial, operational, leadership, and innovation capabilities. Students study topics including strategy, finance, marketing, operations, leadership, business analytics and AI, sustainability, entrepreneurship, and organisational transformation.
Yes. All students complete a Strategic Company Project, working with a multinational or major Irish organisation on a live business challenge. Students may also choose additional consultancy projects, including the Scaling Project and Social Enterprise Project.
The Trinity Executive MBA combines academic rigour with immediate workplace application. Because students remain in full-time employment throughout the programme, they can apply new frameworks, leadership approaches, and strategic insights directly within their organisations.
Career Development & Outcomes
Many Executive MBA participants use the programme to accelerate progression into senior leadership roles, broaden their strategic responsibilities, or prepare for career transitions. Trinity Executive MBA graduates have reported significant career progression, including promotions within 12 months of graduation.
Students receive personalised support from Trinity’s Careers & Community Team, including unlimited one-to-one career consultations, career planning workshops, salary benchmarking support, personal branding guidance, and access to the global MBA alumni network.
Yes. Executive MBA graduates benefit from lifelong access to Trinity’s career support services and alumni network.
Students become part of a highly experienced cohort representing diverse sectors and industries. They also gain access to Trinity’s global alumni community of more than 130,000 graduates, as well as networking events, MBA alumni activities, and industry engagement opportunities.
Admissions
Applicants typically need:
- At least five years of professional or managerial experience
- A degree, professional qualification, or significant business achievement
- Evidence of English language proficiency where required
- A collaborative mindset and global outlook
No. A GMAT or Executive Assessment (EA) is not required at the point of application. However, one may be requested as part of the admissions review process in certain circumstances. Where an EA is required, the preferred minimum score is 140 out of 200. Applicants may also be considered for a waiver at the discretion of the MBA Admissions Team, typically following a review of the application and the personal call.
Yes. Applicants from a wide variety of academic disciplines and professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Professional achievements, leadership experience, and career progression are important considerations in the admissions process.
The admissions process includes:
- Online application submission
- Application review
- Personal call with the Admissions Manager or MBA Director (for selected applicants)
- Final admissions decision
- Acceptance and deposit payment
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. As places are limited, early application is strongly recommended.
Application Documents
You will need to complete the online application form and upload the required supporting documents. These typically include:
- CV
- Degree certificate or academic transcript
- 2 professional references
- English language test score, if required
- GMAT, GRE or Executive Assessment score, if requested or already available
The current admissions process also asks applicants to complete an asynchronous assessment, consisting of short video questions designed to help us get to know you beyond their CV, and to submit the €40 application fee.
The Executive MBA requires 2 professional references. These should help demonstrate your skills, experience, leadership potential and suitability for the programme.
Your CV should clearly outline your education, professional experience, leadership responsibilities, achievements, career progression and any international, entrepreneurial, managerial or project-based experience. It should also include your current role, employer, dates of employment and key responsibilities.
The Executive MBA operates a rolling admissions process, with no fixed deadline, but places are limited and early application is advised.
If you need to provide additional documents or update information after submitting your application, please contact the MBA Admissions Team and include your application details.
Application Process
- Complete all sections of the online application form.
- Include 2 professional references to showcase your skills and experience.
- Upload your CV.
- Upload your degree certificate or transcript of your results.
- IELTS or TOEFL score report (if English is not your native language).
- Complete an asynchronous assessment.
- Submit your application and pay the application fee (€40).
We operate a rolling admissions process with no fixed deadline, but places are limited, so early application is strongly advised.
The application fee for the Executive MBA is currently €40.
Once your application and supporting documents have been received, the MBA Admissions Team will review your application. If your profile is suitable, you may be invited to an interview with a member of the Admissions Team.
Once all documents are received, you can typically expect to receive feedback within 10 working days. This may vary during busier periods.
Yes. The Trinity MBA has a deliberately small class size, and applications are reviewed carefully to build a strong, diverse and high-calibre cohort. Early application is strongly recommended.
Interview and Decision
Yes. Shortlisted candidates are invited to attend an interview with a member of the MBA Admissions Team. This gives the team an opportunity to learn more about your background, motivation and goals, and it gives you the chance to ask questions about the programme.
The interview will usually explore your professional experience, leadership potential, career goals, motivation for choosing the Trinity MBA and how you hope to contribute to the MBA cohort.
Interviews take place online and will be arranged by the admissions officer at a time suitable to you. If you wish to conduct the interview in person we can arrange a meeting in Trinity Business School.
Successful applicants may receive either a conditional offer or a full offer (unconditional offer). A conditional offer means that you have been offered a place subject to meeting specific requirements, such as submitting an English language test or GMAT result. A full offer means that you have met the requirements for entry.
A deferral may only be requested once you have received a full offer, also known as an unconditional offer. All deferral requests are subject to approval by the MBA Director or Admissions Team.
If you receive an offer, you will be given a set period to accept or decline. To secure your place, you will need to accept your offer, pay the required deposit and meet any outstanding conditions.
English Language Requirements
Yes, if English is not your native language or if your previous education was not completed through English, you may need to provide proof of English proficiency.
The accepted scores currently listed for the Full-Time MBA are IELTS 7.0 with no band below 6.5, TOEFL 100 with no score below 23, Pearson Test of English Academic 75 with no score below 69, or Duolingo 130 with no section below 110.
Yes. You may be able to apply before taking your English language test. If your application is successful, you may receive a conditional offer requiring you to submit an accepted English language score.
This may depend on your educational background and the language of instruction of your previous degree. It may also depend on your professional experience working in an English-speaking capacity. If you believe you may meet the English language requirement through previous study, please contact the MBA Admissions Team for guidance.
Fees & Scholarships
The tuition fee is €37,300 in total, payable across the duration of the programme. A non-refundable deposit (€1,500) is required to secure a place after an offer has been accepted. This deposit is part of the tuition fee and not an additional cost.
Yes. Trinity Business School offers a range of MBA scholarships that recognise leadership potential, professional achievement, entrepreneurship, diversity, and social impact. Scholarship applications should be submitted as part of the MBA application process.
Employer sponsorship is not required. Many participants self-fund their studies, while others receive partial or full financial support from their organisations. For information on how your employer can pay your fees, please visit TCD Academic Registry Fees and select the dropdown ‘How can my employer pay my fees if they are not a TCD Approved Sponsor’.
After Receiving an Offer
To secure your place, you must accept your offer, pay the non-refundable deposit and meet any conditions listed in your offer.
No. The deposit is non-refundable.
If you are unsure about your eligibility, application documents, test requirements or scholarships, please contact the MBA Admissions Team. You can also book a consultation to discuss your profile and next steps by emailing: TheTrinityMBA@tcd.ie
Comparing MBA Options
The Full-Time MBA is an intensive one-year programme designed for professionals who wish to step away from work and immerse themselves in study. The Executive MBA is a two-year, part-time programme designed for professionals who want to continue working while studying.
For experienced professionals seeking leadership growth, broader business expertise, stronger networks, and increased career opportunities, an Executive MBA can provide significant long-term value. Participants gain immediate workplace impact while developing the strategic perspective needed for senior leadership roles.
Leadership & Personal Development
Leadership development is a central focus of the programme. Through dedicated leadership modules, coaching, reflective practice, peer learning, and live business projects, students develop the strategic thinking, self-awareness, and leadership confidence required for senior roles.
The Trinity Executive MBA combines Ireland's highest-ranked Executive MBA programme, a highly experienced cohort, live consulting projects, personalised career support, and access to Trinity College Dublin’s global alumni network. Students can immediately apply learning in their organisations while building the capabilities required for long-term leadership success.
The accepted scores currently listed for the Executive MBA are IELTS 7.0 with no band below 6.5, TOEFL 100 with no score below 23, Pearson Test of English Academic 75 with no score below 69, or Duolingo 130 with no section below 110.