Applications are now open for the University of Michigan Ross School of Business newly launched deferred MBA program. The Deferred MBA pathway offers the opportunity to secure admission to a future Ross MBA class to current undergraduate seniors and graduate students, and guarantees a $10,000 scholarship for admits. Successful candidates then earn three to five years of professional work experience before matriculating in Ann Arbor for the full-time MBA program.
Deferred MBA programs are on the rise, especially among high-ranking business schools. Guaranteed future admission lets professionals take career risks while giving them access to alumni and professional networks before they begin their studies. As the global economy becomes less predictable, more schools are recognizing the advantages of deferred admissions.
“You don’t need to have your entire career mapped out to apply through this pathway,” wrote Sam Mull, Associate Director of Admissions, in the school’s announcement. “Applying before gaining professional experience gives you time to explore your interests, develop your strengths, and clarify your goals with a future at Ross already in sight.”
The Michigan Ross MBA is consistently in the top 20 among national and global program rankings. There is no minimum work experience requirement for admission; however, the average for admits is 5.8 years. Graduating classes number between 300 and 400, with the most recent graduating classes reporting six-month employment rates over 90 percent.
Admitted students to the Michigan Ross Deferred MBA are guaranteed a $10,000 scholarship. The school also plans to create more ways to keep admitted students connected and engaged before enrollment as the pathway grows.
To be eligible, applicants to the Deferred MBA pathway must be current undergraduate or graduate students with no previous full-time work experience (other than internships or co-ops). For the current application cycle, graduation must fall between October 1, 2026, and September 30, 2027.
The application is open as of November 1, 2026, and the deadline is April 1, 2027.
