How diverse is INSEAD?

Both the Fontainebleau and the Singapore campus have an enriching energy, powered by one of the most diverse and multi-cultural communities in the world. INSEAD MBA classes are made up of students from over 70 nationalities and dozens of language backgrounds. Typically, no single nationality represents more than 10% of the class. The mix of cultures is matched by a mix of educational and professional backgrounds, with over 30% of the class coming from "non-traditional" MBA backgrounds such as science, law and the arts.

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How will I benefit from INSEAD's diversity?

Recruiters tell us that our diverse learning environment creates open-minded, culturally aware graduates who have the knowledge and sensitivity to operate anywhere in the world. Consequently, more than 350 recruiters from a wide range of industries and countries turn to INSEAD each year to source talent for their offices worldwide. In a typical year, INSEAD graduates join organisations in over 50 countries - more than any other business school. 

After graduating you will also join an alumni network with unparalleled global reach. Over 38,000 INSEAD alumni live and work in over 160 countries. Additionally, in 37 countries spanning all continents, you will find an INSEAD MBA alumni network which is at least 100 strong, making the INSEAD alumni community the most diverse of any business school in the world.

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How long is the MBA Programme?

The INSEAD MBA Programme consists of 10 months of full-time study. If you join the September intake, you will complete your MBA in July. If you join the January intake, you will also have a two-month summer break, during which you may choose to pursue an internship, and you will graduate in December.

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How will I benefit from the one-year format?

The INSEAD MBA curriculum is designed to quickly and thoroughly prepare you for a career in international business. Taking on the challenge of our accelerated programme, you will see a considerably faster and greater return on your MBA investment. Our recruiters tell us that the one-year format also helps develop business leaders who know how to manage their time efficiently and effectively. Needing to prioritise and make choices about your learning, socialising and personal time from the very beginning of your programme, you will be able to perfect these skills during your year at INSEAD.

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How do the September and January intakes differ?

The curriculum, course structure, class size and composition, and campus exchange opportunities are identical across the September and January intakes. The primary difference is that if you chose to begin in September, you will complete the MBA in ten consecutive months. If you chose to begin in January you will also have a two-month summer break during which you can pursue an internship or other endeavour.

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I want to change careers. Which intake would be better for me?

Our career opportunities are virtually identical across both intakes. Whether you join in September or January, you will begin working with Career Services early on to prepare for the next step in your career. Those interested in entering into investment banking are specifically encouraged to consider the January intake, as investment banks hire full-time positions primarily through their summer associate programmes.

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What is the learning method at INSEAD?

While each class requires a high level of participation and engagement from participants, faculty are free to choose the teaching method that fits best with the content each session. You will therefore experience a wide variety of teaching styles, including case-studies, computer simulations and role-plays.

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How is the curriculum structured?

The ten-month curriculum comprises 13 required core courses and a minimum of 10.5 electives. For more information visit Learning at INSEAD.

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Can I tailor my INSEAD MBA?

INSEAD offers more than 80 electives across both campuses, giving you the chance to construct a tailor-made MBA programme that fits your personal and career goals. We do not require specialisations or majors; you are free to pursue a generalist path towards management or specialise in a particular function area. You may also create concentrations in specific areas, such as finance or entrepreneurship.

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Does INSEAD accept transfer credits?

We do not accept transfer credits from other schools.

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How will I be graded at INSEAD?

Final course grades for most classes will be determined by a mix of class participation, projects and exams.  For exams, INSEAD grades on a Standard Normal Curve, also called a Z-Curve, with a mean of 2.5 and a standard deviation of 1.  There are no forced fails.  To graduate, participants must maintain a mean grade of 1.8 in core courses and 2.0 in electives.

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Will INSEAD disclose my grades to on-campus recruiters?

No. INSEAD adheres to a strict non-disclosure policy. Your grades will never be shared with recruiters, classmates, or anyone outside of the INSEAD community. During on-campus interviews, recruiters are not permitted to ask about your grades, and you are not permitted to volunteer them. This policy allows you the freedom to challenge yourself and enhance the breadth of your knowledge by taking electives in unfamiliar subject areas without worrying that your grades will influence your job prospects.

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How do study groups work?

During your core curriculum, you will work in study groups with four to five other participants. Study groups are designed to maximise national and professional diversity. No group will have more than two people of the same nationality or first language. Similarly, there will never be more than two people in the same group with the same professional background. Working within these groups to produce projects and assignments for which you will receive one group grade, you will develop the communication and leadership skills necessary to work in and lead diverse teams anywhere in the world.

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How does the campus exchange work?

At the time you apply, you must indicate whether you would prefer to begin in Singapore or Fontainebleau. Your campus selection has no impact on your admissions decision.  After completing your first two study periods on your starting campus, you are free to choose to spend any number of your remaining periods on the other campus.  You are guaranteed the opportunity to spend at least one period on your non-starting campus. As long as there is space available, you may also elect to extend your campus exchange to two or three periods.   You may also choose to spend one of your study periods at the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania.

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How does the Wharton exchange work?

Through the INSEAD - Wharton alliance, you will have the opportunity to take electives at the Wharton School of Business in Pennsylvania for one period. If you begin your INSEAD MBA in September, the Wharton exchange will be open to you during your 4th period.  If you begin in January, you may elect to exchange with Wharton during your 4th or 5th period.  Wharton students also come to INSEAD during these periods.

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