Darden students spend most of their MBA arguing over case studies, and professors cold-call. The University of Virginia's business school has taught this way since it opened in 1955. It is on UVA's North Grounds in Charlottesville, at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Darden offers a two-year full-time MBA, an executive MBA and, with UVA's McIntire School, an MS in Business Analytics.
Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
Official website: darden.virginia.edu
University of Virginia
1955
Case method
AACSB
$76,000 – $82,000
Full-time MBA tuition and fees, per year
$25,000 – $30,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on darden.virginia.edu before you apply.
Full-Time MBA
Masters DegreeDuration
21 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL: 100
MS Business Analytics
Masters DegreeDuration
12 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL: 100
Executive MBA
Masters DegreeDuration
21 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL: 100
MBA/JD Dual Degree
Masters DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Aug
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL: 100
Case-method teaching in nearly every class.
A close, residential MBA community in a small city.
Faculty who are known for their teaching.
Many graduates join consulting firms such as McKinsey, Bain and BCG.
Others go into investment banking, tech and general management.
STEM-designated MBA tracks can qualify graduates for up to three years of OPT.
Undergrad
No UG intake
Postgrad
Sep to Apr rounds
Charlottesville is a small college city with a pedestrian Downtown Mall and Jefferson's Monticello on the hill outside town. Wineries and orchards fill the countryside.
Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive are under an hour away. Washington, DC is about two and a half hours by car or train.
Form I-20 issued by University of Virginia
Proof of funds for one academic year
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
Completed DS-160 online application
US embassy or consulate interview
Passport valid six months beyond stay
Darden's MBA admits in rounds, usually with an early round in September, then rounds in October, January and April. International applicants should apply in the first two rounds for visa timing and scholarships.
The full-time MBA and MS in Business Analytics start in August.
You'll need an F-1 visa. Once you accept your offer and send proof of funding, University of Virginia issues the Form I-20. After that it's the SEVIS fee, the DS-160 form and an interview at a US embassy or consulate.
The full-time MBA is Darden's main programme, and the MS in Business Analytics is growing. You need a bachelor's degree, GMAT, GRE or Executive Assessment scores, essays and an interview. Non-native speakers usually show TOEFL 100 or IELTS 7.0.
Yes. Darden awards merit scholarships to a large share of each MBA class, including international students. There is no separate application; you are considered when you apply.
