FAQS

Academics

At graduation, after successful completion of the program requirements, you will receive a Master of Management Studies degree from Duke University.

There are no prerequisite courses for the MMS program. Our students come from various academic backgrounds. However, if you do not have a strong quantitative background, the Admissions Committee recommends that you take quantitatively rigorous courses such as statistics, calculus, or finance. This will give the committee another measure of your quantitative ability in addition to your GMAT or GRE score.

No. The program and all coursework are conducted in English. When you are at the Duke Kunshan campus, not-for-credit classes and coaching sessions are available for students who are interested in learning Chinese.

Student Life

Durham has a good range of off-campus housing options available for students. You can ask the admissions and program staff and alumni if you need any support. While studying in China, housing is provided by Duke Kunshan University. Visit the Locations page for further details.
After you start the program at Fuqua, Duke Kunshan University will provide you with the guidelines and necessary documents, including the JW202 form and the Duke Kunshan admissions letter. You must pay for the cost of your own visa application. Contact us for any questions.

Career Services

The MMS: Duke Kunshan program prepares graduates for analyst-level positions in a variety of business functions across industries such as marketing, market research, product and brand management, financial analysis, investment analysis, research, sales and trading, and account management. Past graduates have been hired by international and Chinese companies such as McKinsey, Bain, J.P. Morgan, Citi, SoftBank, Microsoft, IBM, P&G, Huawei, Volvo, and more. Visit the Employment Statistics page to learn about some of the jobs our graduates have obtained.

Yes. In 2017, non-Chinese graduates (from universities both inside and outside of China) became eligible to apply for a Chinese work visa. By the end of 2018, we’ve had three non-Chinese MMS graduate who successfully secured a job in China. We look forward to more success cases in the future.

Please note that it can be challenging for international students to find jobs in any foreign market due to various constraints such as visa requirements, language barriers, and more. However, our career services staff will support you to help you identify your interests and strengths, provide resources, and set up a feasible plan to achieve your goals.

Admissions

The program is designed for individuals who do not have extensive work experience. If you have more than two years of post-collegiate, full-time work experience, you are encouraged to continue working and apply for the MBA program at a later date. If you have questions about what constitutes full-time work experience, or if you have more than 2 years of full time work experience and are interested in the program, please contact an admissions counselor at +1. 919. 660. 7705 or mms-dku-info@fuqua.duke.edu.

Yes. In addition to offering a solid foundation in business, you will develop a strong professional network, which will be a significant resource for you. During the program, you also have the opportunity to share and hone your entrepreneurial ideas with world-class faculty and classmates.

No. If you are denied admission in an early round, you cannot reapply in a later admission round.

Yes, as long as you have earned a bachelor’s degree by the start date of the program, you are eligible to apply.

We accept both GMAT and GRE scores. The Admissions Committee pays particular attention to the quantitative score on both exams to ensure that you can handle the rigor of the program.

There is no minimum requirement; we admit applicants with a range of test scores. GMAT/GRE scores are important, but they are not the only indicator of achievement.

Other important aspects of your application include:

  • Your academic performance
  • Work experience
  • Community involvement
  • Leadership
  • Recommendations
  • Essays

Your recommendation must be received before your application is considered complete and ready for review.

  • We require all recommenders to complete and submit an online recommendation form. A mailed letter of recommendation will not be accepted.
  • One letter of recommendation is required and should come from someone who knows you in a professional context, such as a supervisor at an internship or place of employment. If you are unable to provide a professional recommendation, you may submit a recommendation from someone who knows you through school and can speak to your performance in an academic setting. Please clarify if you select this option in the Optional Essay. You may not submit more than one recommendation.

Requests for deferral will only be considered for students who have already submitted their tuition deposit. Deferrals are granted on a very limited basis and only in the case of significant, unanticipated and unavoidable personal emergency. If you wish to be considered for a deferral, please contact mms-dku-info@fuqua.duke.edu.

We do not offer open interviews for MMS candidates. Interviews will be extended by invitation only after a careful review of your application materials. Most interviews will occur via video calls; North Carolina residents may have the opportunity to interview on campus by invitation. Both formats carry equal weight in the admissions process. Interviews are conducted with individual applicants by staff, alumni, or select MBA students.

During your interview, you’ll have the opportunity to:

  • Show us your interpersonal skills
  • Discuss your educational background and personal interests
  • Demonstrate how you and Fuqua are a good fit

No. Recommendations must be received for an application to be considered complete and ready for review.

Both Duke’s campus and Duke Kunshan campus have a lot to offer. Due to COVID- 19, Duke has suspended all on-campus events until further notice. Duke Kunshan campus is currently open for in-person campus visits. You can contact us to schedule a visit to Duke Kunshan University at least three business days in advance.

A virtual or in-person campus visit’s activities may include:

  • Tour of Fuqua or Duke Kunshan facilities
  • Chat with current students
  • Mock class
  • Group meet-and-greet with an admissions officer
  • Q&A with program and Career Management Center staff
  • Other campus activities

Non-U.S. Applicants

Non-U.S. students who are not already studying in the U.S. and are eligible for a transfer should apply before the Round 2 application deadline to allow time for visa processing.

Fuqua does not accept ESL test scores. We will use other aspects of your application to assess language proficiency.

Every admitted applicant is automatically reviewed for merit-based scholarships. There is no separate scholarship application. Merit scholarship notification typically occurs within a week following the admission notification. The awards are for the duration of the program and range from partial tuition to full tuition. Funding is limited and will not be sufficient to cover all tuition and living expenses.

Special financial aid will be offered to all Chinese citizens to lower the standard tuition. Additional scholarships of varying amounts will be available based on academic achievement and family financial circumstances. Applicants will be given an opportunity to submit supplemental financial information.

We also offer a student loan for non-U.S. and non-Chinese students. This loan offers a very competitive rate and does NOT require a co-signer from the U.S.

For details, visit Financing Your Degree.

Yes. As long as you have earned a bachelor’s degree by the start date of the program, you are eligible to apply.

Re-Applicants

In service to reapplicants, we offer the ability to replicate or “clone” your application from the previous application cycle. If you are reapplying, please create your new application and submit the Reapplicant Request form from the Application Instructions section, to request that your prior year data be transferred over to your new application. You will receive a confirmation email once this process is complete, and can edit all or part of your application after it has been cloned.

  • You will be asked to answer the same essay questions as new applicants, plus one additional essay specifically for re-applicants.
  • You will need to submit just one new letter of recommendation letter with your new application.
  • The Admission Committee will have access to essays submitted in the prior year. Re-applicants should take advantage of the opportunity to revise their essays and provide the Admissions Committee with new or updated information.
 

Visit the Application Requirements page for more information.

Re-applicants do not need to resend official test scores to Fuqua, unless the scores have expired or you have retaken the tests and wish to have your new scores considered. GMAT and GRE scores are valid for 5 years from the date the exam is taken.

Yes. Re-applicants need to follow the same interview policies as new applicants. What’s more, an interview is a great way to update the admissions committee on recent job promotions, personal achievements, and ways in which you are a stronger candidate this year.

Waitlist

Waitlisted applications will be reviewed in subsequent admissions rounds, following the round in which you originally applied

On the decision release date for each round, you will be informed if you are admitted, and if not, your status will remain waitlisted. As such, please be sure to keep us informed of any changes in your contact information.

  • We are unable to share an exact number of people who are waitlisted.
  • Candidates on the waitlist may be admitted or may choose to remove their name from the waitlist at any point in the process, so the number of candidates on the waitlist can vary from day to day.
  • In the past, we have admitted students from the waitlist as late as the start of orientation in July.
  • Please be advised that the admissions committee has made a conscious decision to limit the number of applicants extended a place on the waitlist.
  • If the admissions committee determines that an interview is needed to make a final decision on your application, you will be contacted directly by the admissions office in order to schedule and complete your interview.

Yes. We will accept new scores from an applicant who has elected to remain active on the waitlist. Deciding to retake the GMAT or GRE is a personal decision. If you feel that you did not test at your highest potential, it might be in your best interest to retake the test. In deciding to retest, applicants have found it helpful to compare themselves to the 80% GMAT range.

If you take the GMAT or GRE again, please submit your new test scores in your student portal.

Should you be admitted, official GMAT test scores must be formally requested through Pearson Vue or ETS using program code Q13-N5-62 in order for our office to receive the score.

For GRE scores, use the Duke program code 5156, and the 4201 Business Administration and Management Department name on your GRE exam.

Yes. During the coming months you may submit additional information that you feel will be helpful to the committee in consideration of your file. Brevity and relevance are important when determining what to submit to the admissions committee. It is not necessary to duplicate information already covered in your application. Please follow the instructions below to ensure your update/s is placed in your file.
  • Information on recent professional or community accomplishments – submit via the waitlist update form
  • Transcripts for recently completed coursework – submit via the waitlist update form
  • New unofficial test scores – submit via your student portal
  • Updated mailing address – submit via your student portal
All additional information, including additional recommendations, should be submitted via email to application-processing@fuqua.duke.edu. If you have any inquiries regarding your status on the waitlist, call our office at +1.919.660.7705.

Please feel free to contact the admissions office via email at application-processing@fuqua.duke.edu or telephone at 1.919.660.7705 and ask to speak with an Admissions Officer. You may reach us during business hours, which are Monday through Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm ET. We would be happy to speak with you and address any questions or concerns you have regarding your application status.

Financial Aid

Every admitted applicant is considered for a merit scholarship. There is no separate merit scholarship application. Merit scholarship recipients are selected by an admissions merit scholarship committee and are awarded based on a candidate’s overall profile. Merit scholarships are awarded independently of decisions regarding a student’s eligibility for student loans.

The selection criteria include:

  • Prior academic achievement
  • Demonstrated leadership
  • Community involvement
  • Extracurricular activities
  • Professional accomplishments

A scholarship letter will be included in your admission packet. Scholarship information will be listed on page two of your electronic admission letter.

Scholarship award amounts vary and can be awarded up to the full amount of tuition. We do not release detailed information related to the amount of scholarships awarded.

Credential Verification

If admitted to Fuqua, Re Vera Services will verify your contact, employment, education, and recommender information, as listed in your application.

How it works:

  • You will receive an instructional email following your admission decision and after all your data has been transmitted to Re Vera for upload
  • You do not need to take any action regarding verification until you receive this email
  • The email will also include a due date by which the next steps must be initiated
  • You will be asked to login to the Re Vera Services website, by the date assigned, e-sign a release form, and submit your full payment

 
Cost:

  • 85 USD. You will be responsible for paying the fee directly to Re Vera Services via credit card.

 

The consequences for omission, falsification, misrepresentation, or failure to complete the required verification process may be grounds for blocked access to Duke facilities and course registration, automatic revocation of all offers of admission and financial assistance, or expulsion from Fuqua.

Re Vera Services will send a confirmation email once your payment and release form have been received. You may also expect to receive communication/s from Re Vera Services regarding application materials, or if a discrepancy is found. Note: you may receive emails from several different people at Re Vera Services as each individual specializes in a particular area of the process. Specify your preferred email address on your release form and be on the lookout for emails that require your attention.

Each verification takes approximately 2-4 weeks, but the timeline could be longer depending on factors out of Re Vera’s control.

Most delays are due to slow response times from:

  • Recommenders
  • Employers
  • Academic institutions
 

It is possible that your verification may not be completed before the program start due to such factors. This is not cause for concern, as we will continue with your verification until it is fully complete.

Once your credential verification has been successfully completed, you will receive an official notification email from The Office of Admissions. Please DO NOT contact Re Vera Services or Fuqua to inquire about the status of your verification.

Yes. Notify your current and past employers that Re Vera Services may contact them to confirm your employment information. Note: some employers require a Social Security Number for employment verification. If required, Re Vera will ask that you provide your SSN. It is also a good idea to inform your recommenders as well. Please see the sample verbiage below.

Sample Verbiage: I have been accepted to Duke’s Master of Management Studies program, Class of 20XX, at the Fuqua School of Business in Durham, North Carolina. The Fuqua School of Business employs a third-party vendor to conduct credential verifications. The verification process is conducted to evaluate the accuracy of information included in my application. This is a standard part of the enrollment process in which the Fuqua School of Business does not anticipate finding any inconsistencies between the information reported in my application and their investigative results. They fully expect all matriculates to join Fuqua as planned.

Employer: I would like to inform you that Re Vera Services may contact you in order to verify my employment. If Re Vera Services should contact an HR representative instead, please feel free to redirect me to the appropriate HR resource by providing a name and phone number of the proper contact.

Recommender: I would like to inform you that Re Vera Services may contact you in order to verify your recommendation.

If you have not yet notified your current employer about your plans to attend business school:

  • Please NOTIFY RE VERA SERVICES IMMEDIATELY by emailing fuqua@reveraservices.com after you receive notification from the Office of Admissions that you are able to access and initiate the background verification process
  • Re Vera Services can place a HOLD on this portion of your file, which will not delay other portions of the verification
  • You will receive confirmation of your HOLD status from Re Vera Services
  • After Re Vera Services has confirmed your HOLD status, you should then fill out and submit your release form and payment online as soon as possible to initiate the other portions of the verification process
 

To release the hold on your file:

  • Company policy requires that you send Re Vera Services something in writing (email is acceptable)
  • Please send Re Vera Services an email as soon as you leave your current position, or your file will remain open and incomplete
 

We ask that all holds be released by the first day of orientation.

If you indicated a period of self-employment on your application, please be aware that your verification will not be complete until you forward corporate documents including (but not limited to) Articles of Incorporation noting state or place of incorporation. Send these documents to fuqua@reveraservices.com (PDF is preferred) or fax them to +1.617.275.8641. Documents from foreign countries do not need to be translated, but please include the exact place of incorporation if it is not noted in your paperwork. Contact Re Vera Services at fuqua@reveraservices.com if you were not incorporated.

For changes to your contact information, you will not have the option to update information via Re Vera Service’s website. Any desired changes will need to be forwarded to Re Vera Services at fuqua@reveraservices.com. Please also copy the Office of Admissions at admitted@fuqua.duke.edu so that we may update our records as well.

For changes to your recommender’s contact information, please relay this information to Stacey Goldberg at sgoldberg@reveraservices.com and include “The Fuqua School of Business – Recommender Update” in the subject of the email.

If you realize that a mistake was made in your application, please email Re Vera Services at fuqua@reveraservices.com. They will address the discrepancy with the Admissions Office and contact you if any further explanation is needed.

Minor discrepancies are not a cause for concern. Some examples are:

  • Mistakenly listing a graduation date instead of a degree granted date
  • An official job title that is slightly different from the working title submitted in the application
  • Employment start/end dates that are off by a few days
 

However, further investigation would be needed for more concerning discrepancies. One example would be a degree that was not granted by an institution reported in the application.

Any major discrepancy found will be shared with you so that a clarification can be provided. Any omission, falsification, or misrepresentation found in your application, including violations of GMAT, GRE, or any ESL testing policies, is grounds for automatic revocation of all offers of admission and financial assistance, or expulsion from Fuqua.

First, check the Frequently Asked Questions on Re Vera’s website. You are welcome to contact Re Vera Services by phone +1.888.408.4384 or email fuqua@reveraservices.com with any questions or concerns. You may also connect with the Office of Admissions via phone +1.919.660.7705 or email at admitted@fuqua.duke.edu.

Follow us on WeChat

mms WeChat