At a Glance
Diversity at the Core
The INSEAD MBA is your stepping stone to a fulfilling future as a leader in the competitive, global business world. Our multi-cultural environment, comprising of students representing over 90 nationalities and an international faculty of world-class business experts, is an ideal hotbed for your professional and personal development.
For a complete guide to the INSEAD MBA admissions process, please review the details below on requirements, criteria, and application deadline.
2
intakes a year≈ 500
students per intake4
application rounds≈ 10
weeks from application to admissionAdmissions Criteria
Application Process: Your Journey Starts Here
All elements of your application will be thoroughly reviewed by the Admissions Team. The selection process will take up to nine weeks from the date of completed application submission.
1
Online application & video interview2
Pre-selection decision3
Interviews with alumni4
Admissions committee5
Final decision-
Important notes on admission deadlines, form submission, and application process
-
Please check our Admissions Deadlines.
If you choose to delay submission of your application until the following round of the same intake, your application form details will be saved automatically. If you miss all application rounds of a particular intake, the majority of the application content is transferred if/when you open a new application form.
To be included in a specific round, complete applications must be submitted by 23:59pm Central European Time (CET / French Time) on the day of the deadline.
Applications will not be evaluated until all supporting documents and online portions of the application are received.
Applications for both campuses are processed in Fontainebleau and in Singapore. For any queries after submitting your application, please write to [email protected], until you receive the name of your designated Admissions Officer via e-mail.
Campus preference is not taken into account when evaluating whether to accept or decline candidates. We will strive to accommodate your campus choice, but if your preferred campus is full, you will be offered the choice of either a place on the other campus or a place on the waitlist for your preferred campus.
We regret that feedback on rejected applications will not be provided. We do not encourage re-applications from previously rejected candidates unless there has been a substantial change in the profile of the applicant.
Please rest assured, each application is carefully evaluated regardless of the volume of applications received.
From the MBA Admissions Office
Important Updates to the Application Essays for MBA August 2025 intake
By Virginie Fougea, Global Director of Admissions & Financial Aid - 12 August 2024
Applications are now open for the August 2025 intake (Class of July 2026) of the INSEAD MBA, and we're excited to share some important updates to the application essays.
Application Deadlines
While we operate a staged admissions process, with four deadlines for each intake, applications are reviewed on a rolling admissions process within each round. This means that the Interview and Final Decision deadlines you see below are the latest dates by which you would receive your decision.
Rest assured that releasing decisions earlier than the published deadlines does not affect our thorough application evaluation.
Please note that while competition for each of the rounds is equal, the earlier you gain admission, the more time you have to secure financing and arrange logistics.
The new online application form opens approximately two months before each Round 1 application deadline.
August 2025 Intake (Class of July 2026) | Deadline For Complete application | Interview Decision notification | Final decision notification |
Round 1 | 10 September 2024 | 11 October 2024 | 15 November 2024 |
Round 2 | 05 November 2024 | 06 December 2024 | 10 January 2025 |
Round 3 | 14 January 2025 | 14 February 2025 | 21 March 2025 |
Round 4 | 04 March 2025 | 04 April 2025 | 02 May 2025 |
January 2026 Intake (Class of December 2026) | Deadline For Complete application | Interview Decision notification | Final decision notification |
Round 1 | 11 March 2025 | 11 April 2025 | 16 May 2025 |
Round 2 | 22 April 2025 | 23 May 2025 | 04 July 2025 |
Round 3 | 17 June 2025 | 18 July 2025 | 22 August 2025 |
Round 4 | 05 August 2025 | 05 September 2025 | 10 October 2025 |
Application Requirements
Prerequisites for admission into the INSEAD MBA programme include submitting an online application form and the required supporting documentation listed below.
-
The online application comprises of the following elements:
Dashboard and Photograph
Once you have successfully registered, you will access the Dashboard of the online application system. You can edit your login details and set your alert notifications. You are also required to upload a photograph of yourself (200x200 pixels in JPEG or GIF format).
Section 2-10: Profile
Your profile information is factual, similar to a detailed resume. You can save a PDF copy of these pages at any time by clicking on the printer icon on the top of your screen. Note that not all fields are mandatory, so if one does not apply to you, leave it blank.
Section 11-12: Job Description Questions / Section 13-14: Motivation Essays
This is a critical part of our evaluation process. As such, we advise you to spend a significant amount of time on your application essays. Your responses provide the best opportunity to be creative and tell us about yourself. We would like to get to know you and to find out what motivates you.
The essay questions are not meant to be academic articles or business memos, but rather your personal stories. You can fill in the essay questions online or copy/paste your answers in the text boxes directly within your application.
Application fee
A fee of €250 must be paid online with a credit card once you have submitted your application form. Please note that this application fee is non-refundable and that your application will not be evaluated until the correct fee has been received.
-
Official GMAT and GRE scores
Please arrange to have your GMAT or GRE test scores directly to INSEAD.
GMAT code: DL3-S8-89
GRE code: 0970
You can take the tests up until the day of the application deadline, in this case a copy of your unofficial score report (to be uploaded under “supporting documents” before you submit your application form) is sufficient for us to begin evaluating your file.
Test scores are valid for five years.
English language certification (only required if English is not your native language)
We accept TOEFL, IELTS and Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic. For INSEAD purposes, scores are valid for two years.
TOEFL code: 0970
PTE Academic code: 22W-R2-00
IELTS: Please look up INSEAD’s full name “Institut Europeen d’Administration des Affaires” when searching for INSEAD on their platform.
You can take the tests up until the day of the application deadline. In this case, a copy of your score report is sufficient for us to begin evaluating your file. Your official test score report will only be required later on during the evaluation process.
Alternatively:
You can also demonstrate fluency in English with a university degree (a minimum of one full-time academic year with a diploma received from that host university) where all courses were taught exclusively in English. (An exchange programme does not qualify and an English major at university does not qualify.)
If your university degree was exclusively taught in English but in a non-English speaking country, please make sure that your transcripts clearly mention the language of instruction is English to complete your application.
While we do not have a minimum score required for admission, we advise candidates to aim for a score at or above:
TOEFL IBT: 105; TOEFL CBT: 260; TOEFL PBT: 620; IELTS Academic: 7.5 and PTE Academic: 72.
Section 11: Two Letters of Recommendation
At least one recommendation should come from your workplace; your current supervisor or manager is usually a good choice. The other recommendation should be from someone who has had a chance to evaluate you in a professional setting, for example, a client, a former supervisor or a colleague from your community service or extracurricular activities.
Academic recommendations are acceptable but they are less likely to address our main interest, which is to assess your ability to work with and manage others as well as your potential for senior management. If you feel it would add value to your application, you may also upload an optional third letter of recommendation as part of the supporting documents.
It is important to note that your recommenders can submit their online letters to us at their earliest convenience and up to the deadline to which you are applying.
Section 14: Supporting documents
Your curriculum vitae can either be free format or follow the format of the INSEAD official CV e-book - click here to view the template.
Please also attach scanned copies of your transcripts, diploma and any other documents you wish to share with the Admissions Team.
-
Your transcripts should indicate both diploma and grades achieved from each college or university that you have attended. We accept transcripts in English or French. All others must be accompanied by a certified English translation. Each transcript must bear the official seal and signature of the institution.
The transcripts need to reach the Admissions Office by the deadline. For us to start processing your application, the transcripts may be either uploaded with the application form (scanned copies) or sent to INSEAD via post by the applicant or by the academic institution directly.
Should you be admitted to the MBA Programme, you will be asked to send your original transcripts and degree to the Admissions Office. Photocopies are only accepted if officially certified by a public or professional body (solicitor, embassy, town hall, etc.).
Admissions Video Interview
Shortly after completing your INSEAD MBA online application, you will receive an e-mail notification from Kira Talent with a unique link to complete 4 video interviews.
The video interviews are a unique opportunity for you to share your passions, your motivations and who you truly are. The MBA Admissions Committee is interested in obtaining an authentic view of you as a person, to see how you think on your feet and how you convey your ideas.
The video interviews do not replace the face-to-face interviews with Alumni.
Your application will be considered as complete and ready to be reviewed only once we have received your answers to the video interviews. Please complete your video interviews at your earliest convenience and no later than 48 hours after the deadline to which you are applying.
-
General instructions on video interviews
-
- You will need an internet connection, a desktop or laptop, a camera and a microphone. To avoid having to refresh your browser, consider using a cable for internet connectivity.
- For optimal user experience, we recommend that you use Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Safari or Chrome to record your Kira videos (Internet Explorer is not supported). Please note that mobile devices, smartphones and tablets are not supported at this time.
- You may want to prepare a notebook next to you to write down your key ideas; you will have 45 seconds to prepare each answer and 60 seconds to share each answer with the Admissions Committee.
- Test your camera, your microphone, then forget the technology and look at the camera as if you were talking to the Admissions Committee
- You can prepare yourself by practising as much as you wish. Preparation and familiarity with the interface can help you to convey authentic and genuine answers. Practice responses are not shared with the Admissions Committee.
- Although we ask you to wear business or business casual attire, the Admissions Committee will not judge your look or your background.
-
Useful tips for video interviews
-
Prepare, but don’t over prepare
- While practising helps to minimise nervousness, avoid over-scripting your responses. Original answers with real-life examples drawn from your own experience will allow us to understand your motivation and interests.
- Given that this is an opportunity for you to present your authentic self, relying on canned responses or AI-generated text is highly discouraged. We have found that such responses diminish a candidate’s ability to impress us with their energy and passion.
- Structure your responses to help you better manage the interview questions (e.g. consider leading into your answers with a main point/statement, before contextualising or providing examples).
Connect and Be Yourself
- Maintain eye contact with the camera (as you would in an actual interview) and avoid referring to your prepared notes too frequently.
- The INSEAD community is global and embraces diverse perspectives. Do not be afraid to inject some personality into your responses.
-
How many questions are in the video interviews?
-
You must record your answers to 4 questions. Questions always vary from one applicant to another. You have 45 seconds to prepare each answer and 60 seconds to record your answer.
-
How many times can I try the practice questions?
-
You can practise an unlimited number of times. The practice session has several questions available and you can do as many practice sessions as you need to feel comfortable with the video interviewing. You do not need to complete everything in one go. You can create an account and come back later.
-
Are the practice questions recorded?
-
No, the practice questions are available for you to prepare, learn and improve. You can replay them and see how you performed and/or check if the sound and image are satisfactory.
-
What is the address for the technical support?
-
If you experience technological issues with the video (practice questions, device set up, etc.), please check the following technical support webpage https://www.kiratalent.com/support/. You can either e-mail, phone or chat with the Kira technicians.
-
When will I receive the link to the video interviews?
-
The unique link to the video interview is available within an hour of submitting your application. An e-mail message containing the link is sent to you by Kira Academic. The link is also available on the dashboard of the online application system.
-
When should I submit the video interview?
-
Please complete your video interviews at your earliest convenience and no later than 48 hours after the deadline to which you are applying. We strongly recommend however that you complete this step before the final date to allow yourself some time to prepare for this exercise.
Admission Policies
-
Language Requirements
-
If English is your native language: If English is your native language, you have to demonstrate at least a practical knowledge of a second language as soon as possible by passing one of our accepted language tests for your chosen second language.
If you are a non-native English speaker: If you are a non-native English speaker, your native language will fulfil the second language requirement (no test required). However, you will need to submit proof of your English proficiency.
In addition to English and your second or native language, all students will need to demonstrate at least a basic knowledge of a third language in order to graduate. If you already possess basic knowledge of a third language, we recommend you certify this language as soon as possible during Launch Week on campus. If you need to learn a third language, you can do so during the programme and pass the language test before graduation. Language instruction is available on both campuses.
-
Test Score Validity
-
- GMAT and GRE scores are valid for 5 years prior to application deadline.
- English language certifications are valid for 2 years prior to application deadline.
- No Admissions decision will be released without receipt of the official scores sent by GMAT or GRE.
-
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.
-
Campus Choice
-
When completing the online application form, you will be asked to select your home campus preference: France or Singapore.
Choosing the value “Both campuses” means that you are completely indifferent about starting your INSEAD MBA on either of our campuses.
Please note that home campus choice does not influence final admissions decisions, as it is not taken into account when your file is presented to the Admissions Committee. Therefore, you do not have a higher chance of being accepted by selecting "both campuses" in your application form.
However, once we have allocated you a campus upon admission, it is very difficult to change. INSEAD will endeavour to accommodate your choice of home campus but if you have a preference for one campus over the other, you should select that choice before submitting your application form.
Whilst we will strive to accommodate your campus choice, if your preferred campus is full, you will be offered the choice of either a place on the alternative campus or a place on the wait list for your preferred campus.
-
Reapplications
-
Unsuccessful applicants may reapply for a later intake.
Please exercise your own judgement in deciding if you have any significant changes in your new profile since your first application that will make a difference with the Admissions Committee. All re-applicants are requested to submit a new online application, unless otherwise indicated.
Attend an Event
Master Programmes
Forté MBA Forum | London
Master Programmes, Master Programmes
MBA & MIM Coffee Chats | Jakarta
Master Programmes, Master Programmes
MBA & MIM Afterwork Drinks | Madrid
Join Marina Zafra, Assistant Director, MBA & MIM, Marketing and Recruitment, as well as MBA and MIM Alumni for an after-work networking in Madrid. They will answer your questions regarding the MBA & MIM programmes structure and format, the global network, the admissions process, and more. Please register to confirm your participation.
Venue: Only You Boutique Hotel, Madrid, Spain
Joining us at the event:
Olivia Gumuzio Romero | MBA'20J | Investment Associate @Azora
Peter Vaculciak | MBA'20J | Deputy CEO @IGNIS Energy (P2X)
Zayn Alam | MBA'22J | Senior Technical Product Manager @Amazon
Nacho Escauriaza | MBA'23D | Business Strategy Manager @Green Universe Agriculture
Testimonials
Neha Singh Jadoun
A big lesson I have learned at INSEAD is that it's a humbling environment where you will always encounter more knowledgeable and exposed people than you.
Julian Zachmann
Before my MBA I was a scientist and didn't know any career options outside of science. The MBA really broadened my horizons.
Andrea Van Scheltinga
I was impressed by the entrepreneurial focus, which also reflects itself in the career paths of the school’s alumni
Stay Inspired
GMAT vs. GRE - Key Things To Know and How To Prepare
INSEAD's recruitment team took the plunge and attempted both tests themselves, going through the entire actual in-person test-taking experience for both the GMAT and the GRE to experience first-hand what applicants will be going through. In this three-part series we share insights on the two tests and what differences (if any) they have, plus a five-step study plan to help you ace your chosen exam.
MBA Video Interview Tips
Many of you already know that soon after sending in your application for the MBA programme at INSEAD, you will receive a link to submit answers to four questions via a video interview.
"Non-traditional" MBA Backgrounds at INSEAD
Is an MBA only for people with business backgrounds? What if your previous work experience doesn’t seem to fit into any of the more traditional pre-MBA profiles such as consulting, finance and corporate? We share insights as well as admissions advice for applicants with “non-traditional” backgrounds.