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Students of the INSEAD Master in Business Administration

Master in Business Administration

Applications still welcome for the January 2026 intake! Submit your application by 5 August 2025 

At a Glance
Full-time
10 Months
Two Intakes
January and August
Starting Campus
France or Singapore

Your Admissions Journey Starts Here

Whether you're preparing to apply or just starting your research, this page will guide you through every step of the MBA admissions process. Explore the full admissions journey, from application requirements and deadlines to tips on completing your application form and preparing for the GMAT or GRE.

Admissions Criteria

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Ability to Contribute

Unique perspectives and experiences that enrich the class

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Academic Capacity

Strong analytical skills and proven ability to succeed in an intense programme

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International Motivation

Curiosity and openness to diverse cultures and perspectives

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Leadership Potential

Evidence of initiative, responsibility, and the ability to inspire others

Application Deadlines

 

 Application deadlineInterview decision notificationFinal decision notification
Round 111 March 202511 April 202516 May 2025
Round 222 April 202523 May 202504 July 2025
Round 317 June 202518 July 202522 August 2025
Round 405 August 202505 September 202510 October 2025

 

 Application deadlineInterview decision notificationFinal decision notification
Round 116 September 202517 October 202521 November 2025
Round 204 November 202505 December 202516 January 2026
Round 320 January 202620 February 202620 March 2026
Round 410 March 202610 April 202608 May 2026
MBA Student

Preparing for the GMAT or GRE?

Get ready with our free practice tests, and unlock the official INSEAD GMAT/GRE guide e-book, video tips and a customisable study planner.

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Application Process

Step 1 of the application process
Submit online application

Complete the online form, upload your supporting documents, and record your video interview in the Kira platform.

Step 2 of the application process
Pre-selection decision

An Admissions Officer will review your application and inform you of the pre-selection decision about one month after the application round closes.

Step 3 of the application process
Interviews with alumni

If pre-selected, you will be invited to interview with two INSEAD alumni. These interviews typically take place in your country of residence.

Step 4 of the application process
Admissions committee review

Following feedback from your alumni interviewers, your application will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee.

Step 5 of the application process
Final decision

You will receive the final outcome of your application via email. The full process takes up to 10 weeks from the date of submission.

Application Requirements

Online Application

Once registered, you will gain access to your application dashboard, where you can update your login credentials and manage alert notifications.
You can download a PDF version of your application at any time by clicking the printer icon at the top of your screen.

Video Interview

After submitting your online application, you will receive an email from Kira Talent with a unique link to complete a video and written assessment. You must complete this step within 48 hours of your application deadline.

You will be asked four video questions. For each, you will have 45 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to respond. The final question is written, with five minutes to submit your answer. The full assessment takes approximately 15–20 minutes. 

Campus Choice

You will be asked to indicate your preferred home campus: France or Singapore.

If you select “Both campuses”, this indicates no preference and you may be allocated to either campus. Please note that once assigned, campus changes are rarely possible.

If your preferred campus is full, you will be offered a place on the alternative campus. 

Job Description Questions

These questions help us understand your career path and motivations for pursuing an MBA at INSEAD. They are a key part of your application and a chance to share your story, beyond your CV.

We encourage authentic and thoughtful responses that reflect on your experiences, career choices, and aspirations.

These are not academic essays or business reports. Your answers should reflect your own voice and perspective. You can write directly in the application form or copy/paste your answers into the designated text boxes:

  1. Provide a summary of your career since graduating from university, explaining the rationale behind your key decisions and career progression. Include a description of your current (or most recent) role, covering the scope of your work, major responsibilities, employees under your supervision, budget size, clients/products, and any notable results achieved. (500 words)
  2. Describe your short and long-term career aspirations, including your target geography, industry, and function. How do you plan to bridge the gap between your current position and these goals, and how will INSEAD help you achieve them? (300 words)

Motivation Essays

The motivation essays are a critical part of our evaluation process. We encourage you to invest time in crafting thoughtful, well-structured responses to the following prompts:

  1. Give a candid description of yourself as a person and a leader, emphasising the strengths and weaknesses you recognise in yourself. Explain how you are actively working on your development, sharing key experiences that have shaped you, providing specific examples where relevant. (500 words)
  2. Describe a highly stressful situation you faced and how you managed it. What did this experience teach you about yourself and your interactions with others? (400 words)
  3. Is there anything else that was not covered in your application that you would like to share with the Admissions Committee? (300 words)

Language Declaration

Fluency in English is required to study at INSEAD. If you are not a native speaker, you will need to submit a valid TOEFFL, IELTS or PTE Academic score. Alternatively, we also accept a University degree taught in English or an academic exchange year during which the curriculum was fully taught in English.

Please refer to the MBA Language Policy for more information and for our second language requirement.

MBA Language Policy

GMAT and GRE scores

You may take the GMAT or GRE anytime up to your chosen application deadline.

Scores must be sent directly to INSEAD. They are valid for five years.

Letters of Recommendation

Two recommendations are required and must be submitted by your application deadline.

We strongly recommend choosing individuals who have evaluated your performance in a professional context, such as a current or former manager, client, or colleague. Academic references are accepted but may be less effective in demonstrating your leadership and management potential.

You may also submit an optional third recommendation in the supporting documents section if it adds value to your application.

CV

Your CV may be submitted in free format or using the INSEAD official CV Book template.

Official Transcript

Please attach scanned copies of your transcripts and diploma. If admitted, you will need to provide official documents.

Supporting Documents

You may upload any additional documents you believe strengthen your application, such as awards or scholarships, a third letter of recommendation, etc. 

Application Fee

A non-refundable application fee of €250 is required. Payment must be made online via credit card.

Your application will only be reviewed once the fee is received.

From the MBA Admissions Office

MBA 25D Opening

Important Updates to the Application Essays for MBA January 2026 intake

By Nancy Gabriel, Executive Director of Admissions, Scholarships & Financial Aid 

Applications for the January 2026 intake (Class of December 2026) of the INSEAD MBA are now open, and we're excited to share some important updates to the application essays.

Read More

Admission Policies

Deferrals

In general we do not grant deferrals. You should apply for the intake in which you intend to enroll.

Feedback

Due to the large number of applications we receive for each intake and the confidentiality of the deliberations of the Admissions Committee, we are unable to provide individual detailed feedback on rejected applications.

Reapplications

Unsuccessful applicants may reapply for a later intake.

We encourage you to assess whether your profile has significantly changed since your previous application. All re-applicants must submit a new online application, unless instructed otherwise.

Background Check

INSEAD is committed to upholding integrity and fairness throughout the admissions process.

The Admissions Department reserves the right to conduct background checks on any application where there is reason to believe that the information provided may be false, misleading, or associated with any legal infraction. Applicants are expected to demonstrate honesty and transparency at every stage of the process.

Attend an Event

16 Jul '25

Master Programmes, Master Programmes

MBA & MIM Coffee Chat | São Paulo

MBA, MIM
São Paulo Brazil
16 July 2025, multiple slots available
Open to Public
MBA, MIM
São Paulo Brazil
16 July 2025, multiple slots available
Open to Public
default external events
17 Jul '25

Master Programmes

MBA Application Workshop | São Paulo

Are you preparing to submit your INSEAD MBA application? Do you still have questions regarding the application process, supporting documents or admissions criteria in general? You are warmly invited to attend our exclusive MBA Application Workshop to get your questions answered.


This event, taking place in Portuguese and kindly hosted by Bain & Company, will give you the opportunity to meet with our recruitment team who can advise you on your application preparations and offer you insights in building a strong application.


There is a limited number of seats available, please register to secure your slot and confirm your participation.


Date & Time: 17 July 2025, 10:00 am - 11:00 am (BRT, local time)

MBA
São Paulo Brazil
17 July 2025, 10:00 am -11:00 am (BRT)
Open to Public
MBA
São Paulo Brazil
17 July 2025, 10:00 am -11:00 am (BRT)
Open to Public
068bE00000LofOy.jpg
22-24 Jul '25

Master Programmes, Master Programmes

MBA & MIM Coffee Chats | Bangkok

MBA, MIM
Bangkok Thailand
22 - 24 July 2025, multiple slots available
Open to Public
MBA, MIM
Bangkok Thailand
22 - 24 July 2025, multiple slots available
Open to Public
default external events