At a Glance
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
Application Deadlines
Application deadline | 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 deadline | Interview decision notification | Final decision notification | |
Round 1 | 16 September 2025 | 17 October 2025 | 21 November 2025 |
Round 2 | 04 November 2025 | 05 December 2025 | 16 January 2026 |
Round 3 | 20 January 2026 | 20 February 2026 | 20 March 2026 |
Round 4 | 10 March 2026 | 10 April 2026 | 08 May 2026 |

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.
Application Process
Application Requirements
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Online Application
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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.
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Video Interview
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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.
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Campus Choice
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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.
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Job Description Questions
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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:
- 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)
- 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)
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Motivation Essays
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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:
- 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)
- 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)
- Is there anything else that was not covered in your application that you would like to share with the Admissions Committee? (300 words)
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Language Declaration
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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.
Please refer to the MBA Language Policy for more information and for our second language requirement.
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GMAT and GRE scores
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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.
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Letters of Recommendation
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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.
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CV
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Your CV may be submitted in free format or using the INSEAD official CV Book template.
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Official Transcript
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Please attach scanned copies of your transcripts and diploma. If admitted, you will need to provide official documents.
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Supporting Documents
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You may upload any additional documents you believe strengthen your application, such as awards or scholarships, a third letter of recommendation, etc.
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Application Fee
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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
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.
Admission Policies
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Deferrals
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In general we do not grant deferrals. You should apply for the intake in which you intend to enroll.
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Feedback
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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.
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Reapplications
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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.
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Background Check
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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
Master Programmes
Afterwork MBA & EMBA Panel Discussion and Alumni Networking | Washington
You are warmly invited to attend our upcoming MBA & EMBA Happy Hour- Panel Discussion with Alumni to learn more about the INSEAD MBA and EMBA Programme. Join Maria Reis, Assistant Director, Recruitment and Business Development, Degree Programmes to ask more in-depth questions about the unique opportunities at INSEAD and about the programme in general. Following the presentation, Alumni will share with you their experience and how it has impacted their lives and careers. You will then have the opportunity to interact with them during a networking lunch. Please register to confirm your participation.
Venue:
1500 New Hampshire Ave NW,
Washington, DC 20036,
United States
Joining us at the event:
- Abdulhadi Alghamdi, MBA'22J | Junior Engagement Manager, McKinsey & Company
- Daniel Layug, MBA'17D | Climate Innovation & Business Development, International Finance Corporation
- Nicolas Rbeiz, MBA'15J | Principal, Data Center Delivery Strategy & Performance, Microsoft
- Sean Hendershot, EMBA'24 | Senior Principal Architect, Eutelsat

Master Programmes
Afterwork MBA & EMBA Panel Discussion and Alumni Networking | Toronto
You are warmly invited to attend our upcoming MBA & EMBA Happy Hour- Panel Discussion with Alumni to learn more about the INSEAD MBA and EMBA Programme. Join Maria Reis, Assistant Director, Recruitment and Business Development, Degree Programmes to ask more in-depth questions about the unique opportunities at INSEAD and about the programme in general. Following the presentation, Alumni will share with you their experience and how it has impacted their lives and careers. You will then have the opportunity to interact with them during a networking lunch. Please register to confirm your participation.
Venue:
Le Germain Hotel Toronto Maple Leaf Square
75 Bremner Blvd,
Toronto, ON M5J 0A7,
Canada
Joining us at the event:
- Arnaud Besse, EMBA'13 | Chief Operating Officer, Hitachi Rail
- Jack Wang, EMBA'08 | Private Equity Operating Advisor, Paladin Private Equity LLC
- Karaan Mehrottra, MBA'23J | Consultant, Tidal Commerce
- Stanley Zhang, MBA'24D | Consultant, Bain & Company
- Vishal Kaushal, EMBA'23 | Director Consulting and Deals, PwC Canada
- Zaid Kerai, MBA'24D | MBA Intern, Two Bridges Legacy Partners

Master Programmes
MBA & MIM Brunch Panel Discussion and Networking | Montreal
You are warmly invited to attend our upcoming MBA & MIM Brunch Panel Discussion & Networking event to learn more about the INSEAD MBA and MIM Programme. Join Maria Reis, Assistant Director, MBA & MIM Marketing and Recruitment to ask more in-depth questions about the unique opportunities at INSEAD
Venue:
2050 Mansfield St,
Montreal, Quebec H3A 1Y9,
Canada

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

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