"My total savings amounted to just a couple of thousand euros so I relied mainly on a combination of loans and scholarships to finance my MBA. I took a loan against my parent's house, borrowed from family and got scholarships as well. Barely three months out of INSEAD I am already almost debt free. The year was tough financially but it is a year which has paid off spectacularly." (India)

"For sure an MBA programme is an important financial commitment, but I really saw it as an investment. I wanted to spend the year with my wife and new-born baby, so I knew I would have to spend a bit more to make sure we would be comfortable. The financing came from different sources: my own savings, family, government-backed student loans, my employer and grants. In all, we had a great time and the payback is pretty quick!" (Canada)

"When I received my letter of acceptance from INSEAD I did not have the slightest idea where I would get the money to finance my MBA. I spent some of the most stressful weeks of my life trying everything and everybody to get some funding. I finally received scholarships for the programme fees. I borrowed from friends and family and worked during the summer for my living expenses." (Cameroon) 

"I was initially very nervous about how to fund my MBA. I had saved over the previous years but still anticipated a shortfall. Once I heard I had been accepted for INSEAD I applied for scholarships and was lucky to receive one which provided a great boost to my financing plans. Between this, my savings and a UK government loan I was able to cover the fees and living costs for the year. When it came to job offers I negotiated a lump sum loan repayment as part of my package. So now, only 3 months out of my MBA, I am facing a very manageable debt to clear." (United Kingdom)

"I used a combination of savings and a loan to finance my MBA. Living in Singapore is slightly cheaper than in Fontainebleau, but in both it comes down to around 1800 euros/month. This includes travelling and exploring the different regions. Singapore is cheaper for eating and transport in general because you don't need a car, but drinks are more expensive then in France and in general you travel more in the weekends. I lived in a nice shared flat in Singapore and in a student house near Fontainebleau. When you don't mind sharing a house, this is a nicest and the cheapest way to live." (Netherlands)

"Financing an MBA is a unique opportunity to dive into tax and labour laws. Imagine you do your MBA in year n, then you can cancel taxes for year n-1 by declaring INSEAD tuition and fees as educational expenses. Furthermore, instead of resigning from your company, go for an educational leave of absence, then you can accumulate paid vacation and eventually get the equivalent in cash. This can potentially help you save up to 25% of the tuition fees!" (Belgium)

"You can live like a king or like a student in France. Of course both come with a different price tag. The more you organise to live like a student the fewer problems you have to repay your debt." (Netherlands)