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Executive Education
Harvard Business School Right arrow Executive Education Right arrow Admissions Right arrow Admissions Requirements
... Right arrow Harvard Business School Right arrow Executive Education Right arrow Admissions Right arrow Admissions Requirements

Admissions Requirements

Admissions Requirements
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Admissions Requirements
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    • Admissions Requirements
    • Admissions Process
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    • Payment, Cancellation, and Deferral
    • Already Admitted
Need Help? Contact Us:
Program Advising team
Email: executive_education@hbs.edu
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Side view of Tata Hall
Full Program Schedule
When your challenge calls for targeted, in-depth learning, we have the programs you need.
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Side view of Tata Hall
Full Program Schedule
When your challenge calls for targeted, in-depth learning, we have the programs you need.
View PDF
Download Brochure
Program Finder
Need Help? Contact Us:
Program Advising team
Email: executive_education@hbs.edu

Admissions Requirements

If you have a proven track record of business success and leadership potential, then HBS Executive Education may be right for you. Because we admit applicants on a rolling, space-available basis, you are encouraged to submit your application as soon as possible.

In accordance with Harvard University policy, Harvard Business School does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, sex or sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, veteran status, or disability in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its programs and activities.

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Admissions Requirements

If you have a proven track record of business success and leadership potential, then HBS Executive Education may be right for you. Because we admit applicants on a rolling, space-available basis, you are encouraged to submit your application as soon as possible.

In accordance with Harvard University policy, Harvard Business School does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, sex or sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, veteran status, or disability in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its programs and activities.

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Applicant qualificationsApplicant qualifications
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Each Executive Education program has its own requirements. In general, you must have at least 10 years of work experience and be referred by a senior executive within your organization, a board member of your company, or a Harvard Business School graduate who is familiar with your role and responsibilities and can provide a detailed firsthand account. Although there are no formal educational requirements, the selective admissions process is based on professional achievement and organizational responsibility. Visit our specific program pages for additional details and application forms.

Language proficiencyLanguage proficiency
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Because our programs are designed to encourage individual growth and foster productive interaction among participants, proficiency in written and spoken English is essential. However, please note that some China-focused programs are offered simultaneously in both English and Chinese.

If English is your second language, or if you have less than one year of experience working in an English-speaking environment, we require a brief statement documenting your conversational and written proficiency. On this statement, please include any English-language certification program credentials, degrees from English-speaking colleges and universities, or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam results. The Admissions Committee may also request an interview.

Community ValuesCommunity Values
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Harvard Business School (HBS) is governed by a set of community values that foster honesty, respect for others, and accountability for one's actions. HBS considers these values essential for a safe and productive learning environment for all. Harvard Business School reserves the right to withdraw an offer of admission in the event that any part of your application contains misrepresentations, or if you engage in, or have engaged in, behavior that violates HBS Community Values.

Letter of referenceLetter of reference
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Specific programs also require a letter of reference from a senior executive within the applicant's organization, a board member of the applicant's company, or a Harvard Business School graduate who is familiar with the applicant's role and responsibilities and can provide a detailed firsthand account. A letter of reference is required only for the following programs:

  • Advanced Management Program
  • General Management Program
  • High Potentials Leadership Program
  • Program for Leadership Development
  • Senior Executive Leadership Program—India
  • Senior Executive Leadership Program—Middle East
  • Senior Executive Program—Africa
Team attendanceTeam attendance
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Many programs are appropriate for individuals as well as teams of executives from the same organization. Team participation enhances your ability to develop business goals as a group, create strategies for implementing change, and transfer knowledge across the organization—while pursuing a shared corporate vision. Review the individual program descriptions to find out whether a program is well-suited for team participation, and contact the HBS Program Advising team for advice on optimal team composition. All team members’ applications must be received before the Admissions Committee makes an admissions decision.

Application Details Dropdown up

Application Details Dropdown down

Applicant qualifications

Each Executive Education program has its own requirements. In general, you must have at least 10 years of work experience and be referred by a senior executive within your organization, a board member of your company, or a Harvard Business School graduate who is familiar with your role and responsibilities and can provide a detailed firsthand account. Although there are no formal educational requirements, the selective admissions process is based on professional achievement and organizational responsibility. Visit our specific program pages for additional details and application forms.

Language proficiency

Because our programs are designed to encourage individual growth and foster productive interaction among participants, proficiency in written and spoken English is essential. However, please note that some China-focused programs are offered simultaneously in both English and Chinese.

If English is your second language, or if you have less than one year of experience working in an English-speaking environment, we require a brief statement documenting your conversational and written proficiency. On this statement, please include any English-language certification program credentials, degrees from English-speaking colleges and universities, or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam results. The Admissions Committee may also request an interview.

Community Values

Harvard Business School (HBS) is governed by a set of community values that foster honesty, respect for others, and accountability for one's actions. HBS considers these values essential for a safe and productive learning environment for all. Harvard Business School reserves the right to withdraw an offer of admission in the event that any part of your application contains misrepresentations, or if you engage in, or have engaged in, behavior that violates HBS Community Values.

Letter of reference

Specific programs also require a letter of reference from a senior executive within the applicant's organization, a board member of the applicant's company, or a Harvard Business School graduate who is familiar with the applicant's role and responsibilities and can provide a detailed firsthand account. A letter of reference is required only for the following programs:

  • Advanced Management Program
  • General Management Program
  • High Potentials Leadership Program
  • Program for Leadership Development
  • Senior Executive Leadership Program—India
  • Senior Executive Leadership Program—Middle East
  • Senior Executive Program—Africa

Team attendance

Many programs are appropriate for individuals as well as teams of executives from the same organization. Team participation enhances your ability to develop business goals as a group, create strategies for implementing change, and transfer knowledge across the organization—while pursuing a shared corporate vision. Review the individual program descriptions to find out whether a program is well-suited for team participation, and contact the HBS Program Advising team for advice on optimal team composition. All team members’ applications must be received before the Admissions Committee makes an admissions decision.

Need Help? Contact Us:
Program Advising team
Email: executive_education@hbs.edu
Program Finder
Download Brochure
Side view of Tata Hall
Full Program Schedule
When your challenge calls for targeted, in-depth learning, we have the programs you need.
View PDF
Side view of Tata Hall
Full Program Schedule
When your challenge calls for targeted, in-depth learning, we have the programs you need.
View PDF
Download Brochure
Program Finder
Need Help? Contact Us:
Program Advising team
Email: executive_education@hbs.edu

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