Ready to get organized and start gathering the materials you’ll need for your application? Good news: all you need is a current resume (PDF preferred) to get things rolling! You’ll be asked to upload it on the Kelley Direct Phase 1 application, which is completely free and takes five minutes to complete.
Application deadline for Spring 2025
Priority deadline
Kelley Direct Online MBA application requirements
If your Phase 1 application meets our admission criteria, you’ll be invited to continue onto Phase 2. Here’s everything you’ll need to submit during Phase 2:
- Personal statement of 500 words or less, telling us about your academic and professional goals and why you’re a strong candidate for Kelley Direct
- Recommendation from one person who can complete an online questionnaire to vouch for your professional accomplishments and potential (current supervisor not required)
- Official transcripts from any institution where you have completed a degree
- Official TOEFL or IELTS score or official Duolingo English test score (international applicants only)
- $75 application fee (waivers available for veterans, as well as women in the Forté MBALaunch program)
Application checklist
There are five simple steps to apply for the Kelley Direct Online MBA Program. After you complete the first step, our admissions team will review your Phase 1 application. If you meet our minimum admission criteria, you’ll be invited to continue with the application process.
Let’s get started!
1. Complete the Phase 1 application.
The first phase of the Kelley Direct Online MBA application can be completed at any time, and we encourage you to submit it as early as possible. Our admissions team will respond quickly to answer your questions and discuss next steps.
Start your application
2. Participate in an admissions interview.
If you’re invited to continue with Phase 2 of the application process, you’ll be asked to schedule a 30-minute interview with a member of our admissions team. No need to be nervous—we love getting to know our applicants!
3. GMAT is optional
GMAT scores are optional for your Kelley Direct application. During your admissions interview, your admissions counselor can discuss with you if submitting a score will strengthen your application.
4. Submit your scholarship application.
After completing your admissions interview, your admissions counselor will send you a link to the scholarship application to be considered for Kelley Direct scholarships.
5. Complete the Indiana University Graduate School application.
This Phase 2 application form is where you’ll submit your personal statement, test scores, the names and email addresses of your recommenders (so we can send them the recommendation survey link), and your $75 application fee.
6. Submit all your remaining materials (and keep an eye on that deadline!).
Our admissions team must receive your official transcripts by the final application deadline. Your admissions counselor can help walk you through this process.
Our admissions committee will review your application after all required materials are received and your interview is complete. Typically, students are notified of the Kelley Direct admission decision within two to three weeks of completing Phase 2.
Ready to take the first step?
“I was surprised at how easy the admissions process was. It was very straightforward, resourceful, and organized. I thought it would be such a complicated process that it became a roadblock for me when it didn’t need to be. I could have started my MBA sooner.”
Maya PellegrinoKelley Direct Online MBA Fall 2023 cohort student
Applying from outside the US?
If you’re not a US citizen or permanent resident, you’ll be considered an international applicant and will have additional requirements to complete. You can schedule a Zoom meeting with a member of our admissions staff to discuss your questions and next steps, or visit our FAQ to learn more.
Earn an MBA you can afford
Kelley Direct already offers one of the most affordable tuition rates, compared to other top-ranked online MBA programs. We also offer lots of options to help bridge financial gaps and help you pay for your education, including financial aid, scholarships, and military benefits.
How to choose an online MBA
Choosing an online MBA program can be tricky. See how our approach delivers lasting value and unique, personalized experiences for students.
We’d love to meet you
Join us for a 30-minute virtual info session, or meet one-on-one with an admissions staff member during Zoom office hours to talk about the program and the application process.