Skip to content Skip to Programs Navigation

Requirements & Deadlines

Apply to the Weekend Executive MBA Program.

The Weekend Executive MBA Program is designed for self-motivated, experienced professionals with positive leadership styles who will thrive in UNC Kenan-Flagler’s participatory, collaborative learning culture. We seek sharp-minded, driven individuals from a diversity of backgrounds and industries who will offer substantial contributions to the classroom, adding depth to class discussions by sharing work challenges and solutions, and contributing viewpoints based on real-world experience. Enthusiastic support of your cohort peers is critical to success in the Weekend Executive MBA program. We welcome a new cohort in January each year.

The application for the Weekend Executive MBA Class of 2026 is now closed. Sign up to receive a notification when our application for the Class of 2027 (January 2026 start) is available.

Eligibility

  • Minimum of five years of professional work experience, with eight preferred
  • Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent
  • Proven leadership ability: experience managing people is preferred; but team leadership and management of projects, budgets or products also count
  • General understanding of accounting, statistics, finance, and economics
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills (we use the essay section of the application and the interview to evaluate this)
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel, including financial and statistical functions

Please note: International students in our Executive MBA programs are not eligible for U.S. student visas. However, students in our Full-Time MBA program are eligible for visa sponsorship.

Required application materials

  • Professional resume (Resume tips)
  • Two (2) essay questions (Essay tips)
  • Two (2) recommendation forms (Recommendation tips)
  • Official transcripts of undergraduate and graduate work
  • In-person interview (by invitation)
  • Non-refundable application fee of $150

Application checklist

We’ve developed this application roadmap and checklist (PDF) to provide you with a clear path to success. Use this resource to access recommendations, tips and best practices for completing your application and making sure you stand out.

application roadmap/checklist

Weekend Executive MBA application deadlines

The application for the Weekend Executive MBA Class of 2026 is now closed.
Sign up to receive a notification when our application for the Class of 2027 (January 2026 start) is available.

Apply early!

We accept applications on a rolling basis and encourage you to apply early. Benefits of early application include:

  1. More fellowship funds are available for applicants in the early rounds
  2. More spaces are available in the early rounds
  3. You’ll gain access to current student and alumni groups as soon as you are admitted
  4. Once admitted, you can begin to plan your schedule, and get early access to preparation materials, including MBA Math

Executive MBA Admissions interview

Upon submission of the application, you may receive an invitation to interview with an Executive MBA Admissions Director. An interview is required to secure admission to the program. Consult this guide to help you prepare for the interview.

Admissions decisions

We will notify you of your admissions decision by email, usually within 2 weeks of your interview. Upon admission, a $1,500 deposit will hold your place in the class. This deposit will be applied to your first tuition payment.

Standardized test score exemption

Weekend Executive MBA applicants must have five or more years of professional full-time work experience at the time of application and are exempt from the GMAT/GRE requirement. If you meet the minimum work experience requirements, you do not need to request a waiver.

We take a holistic approach to evaluating applicants’ ability to succeed in the program and beyond. As such, we find that applicants who are further along in their careers are often already equipped with the professional experience, achievements, and prior academic performance to succeed in quantitative-focused courses.

Here’s what to know in the case that you’d still like to submit a GMAT or GRE score:

  • Self-reported scores can be used for preliminary review of your application.
  • UNC institution codes: GMAT: D40-HL-07; GRE: 0024.
  • There is no minimum test score requirement.
  • We will accept scores up to 5 years old.

I’m interested.

Complete the fields below and we’ll be in touch with more information.  Fields marked with “*” are required.