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 fall 2025
June 30
Final deadline
GMAT/GRE test optional
Start your application
How to apply to our #1-ranked online MBA program
We understand that pursuing an MBA is a big investment, and we’re here to help. Hear from Kelley Direct admissions staff as they cover step-by-step instructions to help make the application process simpler. Explore tuition assistance, executive partnerships, scholarship opportunities, and more.
Description of the video:
WEBVTT 1 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.917 [MUSIC PLAYING] 2 00:00:02.917 --> 00:00:04.500 We're thrilled that you're considering 3 00:00:04.500 --> 00:00:08.340 Kelley Direct, the number one-ranked online MBA program. 4 00:00:08.340 --> 00:00:11.010 We understand that choosing the right graduate program 5 00:00:11.010 --> 00:00:12.460 can feel overwhelming. 6 00:00:12.460 --> 00:00:14.880 But rest assured, the application process 7 00:00:14.880 --> 00:00:16.050 doesn't have to be. 8 00:00:16.050 --> 00:00:19.200 Let's dive into Phase 1 of the Kelley Direct Program 9 00:00:19.200 --> 00:00:20.200 application. 10 00:00:20.200 --> 00:00:23.620 It's free and takes just five minutes to complete. 11 00:00:23.620 --> 00:00:27.360 In this initial phase, you'll answer a few simple questions 12 00:00:27.360 --> 00:00:29.800 and upload a PDF of your resume. 13 00:00:29.800 --> 00:00:32.460 If we believe you're a great fit for Kelley Direct, 14 00:00:32.460 --> 00:00:36.150 we'll contact you within two weeks of receiving your Phase 1 15 00:00:36.150 --> 00:00:37.320 application. 16 00:00:37.320 --> 00:00:39.540 A dedicated Kelley Direct staff member 17 00:00:39.540 --> 00:00:42.820 will answer questions and help you complete the application. 18 00:00:42.820 --> 00:00:44.730 We understand that pursuing an MBA 19 00:00:44.730 --> 00:00:48.580 is a big investment, both in terms of time and finances. 20 00:00:48.580 --> 00:00:51.300 That's why we offer several resources to help you 21 00:00:51.300 --> 00:00:52.210 along the way. 22 00:00:52.210 --> 00:00:54.730 Have questions about tuition and financing? 23 00:00:54.730 --> 00:00:57.210 We provide personalized financial planning 24 00:00:57.210 --> 00:01:00.340 calls to discuss options, including scholarships, 25 00:01:00.340 --> 00:01:03.320 how to integrate third-party support from your employer, 26 00:01:03.320 --> 00:01:06.350 and other ways to make your MBA journey more affordable. 27 00:01:06.350 --> 00:01:08.740 You also have the opportunity to connect directly 28 00:01:08.740 --> 00:01:11.500 with our student and alumni ambassadors, who 29 00:01:11.500 --> 00:01:14.330 can offer valuable insights into the program, 30 00:01:14.330 --> 00:01:16.240 share their personal experiences, 31 00:01:16.240 --> 00:01:19.970 and talk about how they balanced working and earning their MBA. 32 00:01:19.970 --> 00:01:22.160 Now, let's talk about the next step, 33 00:01:22.160 --> 00:01:25.520 completing Phase 2 of our application process. 34 00:01:25.520 --> 00:01:27.340 You'll receive an email with a link 35 00:01:27.340 --> 00:01:31.240 for submitting final documents, including specific instructions 36 00:01:31.240 --> 00:01:34.030 on how to get us your official transcripts 37 00:01:34.030 --> 00:01:36.590 from any other degrees you've received. 38 00:01:36.590 --> 00:01:39.730 Be sure to save that link in order to finish the admissions 39 00:01:39.730 --> 00:01:40.730 process. 40 00:01:40.730 --> 00:01:43.480 You can submit these items in any order. 41 00:01:43.480 --> 00:01:46.690 And if you need to, you can save your progress 42 00:01:46.690 --> 00:01:48.250 and return to it later. 43 00:01:48.250 --> 00:01:50.110 When you're ready, you'll also need 44 00:01:50.110 --> 00:01:52.540 to write a short personal statement, keeping it 45 00:01:52.540 --> 00:01:54.250 under 500 words. 46 00:01:54.250 --> 00:01:56.840 In your statement, share your goals. 47 00:01:56.840 --> 00:01:57.950 Why are you applying? 48 00:01:57.950 --> 00:02:00.220 What do you hope to achieve in your career? 49 00:02:00.220 --> 00:02:02.740 And why do you believe that you're a strong candidate 50 00:02:02.740 --> 00:02:04.120 for our program? 51 00:02:04.120 --> 00:02:06.130 Along with your personal statement, 52 00:02:06.130 --> 00:02:09.360 you'll submit your resume, provide contact information 53 00:02:09.360 --> 00:02:13.360 for professional references, and pay an application fee. 54 00:02:13.360 --> 00:02:16.240 You've now completed the full application process. 55 00:02:16.240 --> 00:02:17.460 Congratulations! 56 00:02:17.460 --> 00:02:21.300 Once we have all your materials, we'll conduct a final review 57 00:02:21.300 --> 00:02:23.460 and contact you with an admissions decision 58 00:02:23.460 --> 00:02:25.150 within two to three weeks. 59 00:02:25.150 --> 00:02:28.110 I hope you feel more confident about applying to the Kelley 60 00:02:28.110 --> 00:02:30.190 Direct Online MBA Program. 61 00:02:30.190 --> 00:02:32.740 We look forward to reviewing your application. 62 00:02:32.740 --> 00:02:36.080 Reach out to us with questions at any time. 63 00:02:36.080 --> 00:02:41.000
Kelley Direct Online MBA application requirements
Start your application
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.
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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.