Oxford MBA Online assessment

To virtually get to know you and see how you think on your feet, you will need to complete an online assessment as part of your MBA application.

This comprises:

  • Two motivation-based questions – all candidates will answer the same questions
  • Two competency-based questions – these will be randomised
  • Written response – this will be randomised and thought provoking topic

The motivation-based questions are designed to give you the opportunity to demonstrate your motivations for undertaking an MBA, and why the Oxford MBA is the right programme for you. The competency-based questions will allow you to demonstrate the skills and qualities we look for, such as decision-making, problem-solving, influence, leadership, and strong communication skills.

After submitting an application for either the Oxford MBA or Oxford 1+1 MBA you will see a link in your application status portal. This will enable you to register with Kira Talent, our online assessment platform, and complete your assessment. You can complete this any time before the application stage deadline in which you wish to apply.

You will be provided with preparation time and practice sessions before going live with your real responses, and the whole online assessment component should only take up to 30 minutes for you to complete. All you will need is a desktop or laptop computer with a functioning webcam, microphone, and internet connection.

What will the motivation-based questions be?

These are designed to give you the opportunity to demonstrate (via video response) your motivations for undertaking an MBA, and why the Oxford MBA is the right programme for you. Every applicant applying for the class of 2020-21 will be asked the same two questions.

Example: Why is an MBA the next step for you to further for your career?

What will the competency-based questions be?

These will allow you to demonstrate (via video response) the skills and qualities we look for, such as decision making, problem solving, influencing, leadership, teamwork, change management, and communication. They will be randomised, with applicants for the class of 2020-21 receiving two competency-based questions from a pool of available questions.

Example: Take a minute to tell us about a time where you’ve overcome a challenging situation, either professionally or personally. What was your approach to resolving the situation?

What will the written-response question be?

We will also ask you to submit a ‘live’ written response. Instead of a pre-prepared essay that you’ve had weeks to perfect, you will be given a light-hearted question to answer there and then within the Kira Talent platform. The question will allow you to demonstrate your written communication skills and how well you can think on your feet. It will be randomised, with applicants for the class of 2020-21 receiving one written-response question from a pool of available questions.

Example: Apples are more versatile than bananas. Discuss.

How do I complete the online assessment?

After starting an application for either the Oxford MBA or Oxford 1+1 MBA you will see a link embedded within the application form, accessible via the left-hand menu. This link will enable you to register with Kira Talent, our online assessment platform, and complete your online assessment. You can complete this any time before the application stage deadline in which you wish to apply, for example if you wish to apply in Stage 1 you need to submit your complete MBA application including a complete online assessment by the Stage 1 deadline.

To ensure you don’t encounter any issues in completing your online assessment and submitting your complete MBA application we strongly suggest sitting your online assessment in advance of the deadline. If you leave it until the final hours of the deadline and encounter technical issues you may miss the application deadline, so try to give yourself a few days.

How detailed do my answers need to be? Are there right or wrong answers?

We want to hear your honest, authentic, meaningful responses to the questions, but we don’t want you to be reading from a pre-written essay. These video assessments are designed to show your personality and ability to think on your feet, and we want to hear the answers you can come up with on the spot!

There are no right or wrong answers, and this isn’t a test. It’s just a way for us to get a glimpse into you and your personality and help to let you stand out as the unique candidate that you are!

Do I get to practice?

Absolutely! We encourage you to practice as much as you want, so that you’re comfortable with the format of our questions and how you feel comfortable answering them. You will be provided with preparation time and practice sessions before going live with your real responses, and the whole online assessment component should only take up to 30 minutes for you to complete. All you will need is a desktop or laptop computer with a functioning webcam, microphone, and internet connection.

Can I re-take the assessment if I’m not happy with my responses?

You can practice as much as you like, but once you click start on the real assessment, you will only have once chance. Sit back, get comfortable, and practice until you feel prepared.

How much time do I get to complete my responses?

You will have unlimited practice time, which we recommend taking advantage of. When it comes to the real assessment, once you click ‘start’ you will see your question. For each motivation-based question you will have 60 seconds of preparation time and then 90 seconds for your response. For each competency-based question you will have 45 seconds of preparation time and then 60 seconds for your response. For the written question you will not have preparation time, however you will have 5 minutes for typing your response. To ensure you don’t encounter any issues in completing your online assessment and submitting your complete MBA application we strongly suggest sitting your online assessment in advance of the deadline. If you leave it until the final hours of the deadline and encounter technical issues you may miss the application deadline, so try to give yourself a few days.

How long should my written response be?

You will have 5 minutes to write your written response, so don’t worry, we’re not expecting a novel. Anywhere from 250-500 words is sufficient, as long as your response shows off your communication skills.

Is there a dress code?

No. While you’re welcome to wear a business suit if you feel comfortable doing so, we are happy for you to dress comfortably. Business casual is completely acceptable, and we will likely not see below your waist. At the end of the day we just want your personality to shine through, be that in a polo shirt or a ball gown!

Where should I complete my video assessment?

You can take this anywhere you have a good internet connection, decent lighting, a functioning webcam and microphone, and where you’re able to focus on the test without distractions. This could be in your office when your colleagues have left for the day, at home at your kitchen bench, or in a library!

What happens if I experience technical difficulties while completing the online assessment?

For technical assistance please contact Kira Talent directly, either by clicking the green ‘Need Help?’ tab on the right hand side of the screen when within the Kira platform, or by visiting https://support.kiratalent.com/.

To ensure you don’t encounter any issues in completing your online assessment and submitting your complete MBA application we strongly suggest sitting your online assessment in advance of the deadline. If you leave it until the final hours of the deadline and encounter technical issues you may miss the application deadline, so try to give yourself a few days.


Example Oxford MBA assessment questions:

  • Video: How long have you been considering doing an MBA and why now is the right time? What specific skills are you looking to gain at Oxford?
  • Video: What is unique to Oxford MBA that you are attracted to?
  • Video: Tell us a time where you had an idea and had to convince your project team.
  • Video: What is the most significant personal weakness that you have identified, what did you do about it and what was the result?
  • Video: Tell us about a time you asked for help and how did it go?
  • Video: Imagine you are proposing a business innovation idea for a class project and the audience is not interested. What would you do?
  • Video: Tell us about a time you were overloaded with work, how did you handle it?
  • Written: What was your favourite book as a child and why?
  • Why an MBA now?
  • Why Oxford Said Business School?
  • Discuss what you would do if you and your teammates cannot come to an agreement on a project decision.
  • Discuss a time that you and your teammates were on a tight timeline. What did you do to meet the deadline?
  • Written: Discuss the issue of climate change. Is what we do today enough to solve climate change? Why or why not?
  • Written: Why is night better than day?
  • Written: Do you prefer cats or dogs and explain why?