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 2026
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.
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We're thrilled that
you're considering
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Kelley Direct, the number
one-ranked online MBA program.
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We understand that choosing
the right graduate program
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can feel overwhelming.
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But rest assured, the
application process
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doesn't have to be.
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Let's dive into Phase 1 of
the Kelley Direct Program
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application.
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It's free and takes just
five minutes to complete.
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In this initial phase, you'll
answer a few simple questions
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and upload a PDF of your resume.
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If we believe you're a
great fit for Kelley Direct,
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we'll contact you within two
weeks of receiving your Phase 1
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application.
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A dedicated Kelley
Direct staff member
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will answer questions and help
you complete the application.
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We understand that
pursuing an MBA
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is a big investment, both in
terms of time and finances.
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That's why we offer several
resources to help you
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along the way.
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Have questions about
tuition and financing?
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We provide personalized
financial planning
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calls to discuss options,
including scholarships,
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how to integrate third-party
support from your employer,
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and other ways to make your
MBA journey more affordable.
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You also have the opportunity
to connect directly
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with our student and
alumni ambassadors, who
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can offer valuable
insights into the program,
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share their personal
experiences,
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and talk about how they balanced
working and earning their MBA.
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Now, let's talk
about the next step,
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completing Phase 2 of
our application process.
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You'll receive an
email with a link
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for submitting final documents,
including specific instructions
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on how to get us your
official transcripts
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from any other degrees
you've received.
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Be sure to save the link in
order to finish the admissions
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process.
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You can submit these
items in any order.
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And if you need to, you
can save your progress
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and return to it later.
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When you're ready,
you'll also need
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to write a personal
statement, keeping it
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under 1,000 words.
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In your statement,
share your goals.
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Why are you applying?
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What do you hope to
achieve in your career?
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And why do you believe that
you're a strong candidate
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for our program?
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Along with your
personal statement,
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you'll submit your resume,
provide contact information
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for professional references,
and pay an application fee.
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You've now completed the
full application process.
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Congratulations!
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Once we have all your materials,
we'll conduct a final review
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and contact you with
an admissions decision
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within two to three weeks.
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I hope you feel more confident
about applying to the Kelley
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Direct Online MBA Program.
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We look forward to
reviewing your application.
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Reach out to us with
questions at any time.
Kelley Direct Online MBA application requirements
Start your application
If your Phase 1 application meets our admission criteria, you’ll be invited to continue on to Phase 2. Here’s everything you’ll need to submit during Phase 2:
- Personal statement in 1000 words or less, please write a personal statement that describes:
- Your current professional role and the ways you are influential or authoritative in that role
- Specific examples of how you have taken responsibility and accountability for your career progression thus far
- Your primary and secondary career goals and how you plan to leverage the Kelley Direct MBA to achieve those goals
- Recommendations from two people 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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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.