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INSEAD MBA Review


10 minutes

Table of Contents

    Are you ready to embark on a life-changing journey that will shape your career and open doors to a world of opportunities? Look no further than the INSEAD MBA program. With its unparalleled reputation, diverse and global community, and rigorous curriculum, the program offers a transformative educational experience that equips you with the skills, knowledge, and networks to excel in today's competitive business landscape.

    Whether you aspire to lead multinational corporations, drive social impact, or pursue entrepreneurial ventures, the MBA program at INSEAD provides the perfect platform to unlock your full potential. Join us today and be part of a renowned legacy of leaders with the program.

    Program Length 10 months
     Tuition Fees for MBA 2024  €99,500
    Program deadline
    MBA 2024 (August)
    Round 1 - 17 November 2023
    Round 2 - 12 January 2024
    Round 3 - 22 March 2024
    Round 4 - 10 May 2024
    Program deadline
    MBA 2025 (January)
    Round 1 - 17 May 2024
    Round 2 - 05 July 2024
    Round 3 - 23 August 2024
    Round 4 - 11 October 2024
    Intakes 2 (January 2025 and August 2024)
    Application Fees €250

    Class Profile

    The program is one of the most prestigious and sought-after business schools in the world, and its class profile reflects this. With over 1000 students from more than 75 countries enrolled each year, the INSEAD MBA program class profile is renowned for its diversity. With students from all over the world come from different backgrounds and cultures, which sets INSEAD apart.

    Average GMAT 900
    Average GRE 29
    Average Work Experience 6 Years
    Average Age 29
    Pre-MBA Industry 
    MBA 2025
    Management Consulting: 37%
    Financial Services: 23%
    TMT: 11%
    Retail, Consumer and Luxury Goods: 7%
    Manufacturing: 6%
    Energy: 4%
    Healthcare: 3%
    Corporate Services: 2%
    Public Sector / Social Impact: 2%
    Transportation: 2%
    Education: 1%
    Primary Industries: 1%
    Pre-MBA location
    MBA 2025
    Northern/Western Europe: 36%
    Asia Pacific: 22%
    North America: 9%
    Africa/Middle East: 18%
    South America: 5%
    Eastern Europe: 2%
    Class Size
    MBA 2025
    1000
    Women 
    MBA 2025
    38%

     

     

    INSEAD MBA Rankings

    London Business School's MBA program has consistently maintained top global rankings across major sources such as Financial Times, Poets&QuantsInternational, and Bloomberg Business Week. The program's prestigious MBA degree and comprehensive Business & Management studies have consistently demonstrated their value through empirical data and the school's assessments.

    Rankings Position
    Financial TimesGlobal MBA Programme 2024 2
    Bloomberg Business Week 2
    Poets&QuantsInternational MBA 2023 1

    INSEAD MBA Acceptance Rate

    COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT THE INSEAD MBA mention how students easily believe that INSEAD’s MBA program is difficult to get in, as it requires a mighty GMAT score. Or maybe some think you have to be from a business background to get admitted. It is quite obvious that the applicants need to work to make their admission chances strong. However, it is not impossible. With the right things at the right place, you can work your way up to the admission process with a good chance.

    INSEAD MBA general acceptance rate- 31%

    Program and Curriculum INSEAD MBA

    Insead MBA program and curriculum

    The INSEAD MBA curriculum focuses on building global business leaders & the program is intended to give students a wide understanding of numerous facets of business such as marketing, finance, strategy, and entrepreneurship. The course duration is 24 months The program is designed to challenge students to think critically, develop innovative solutions to real-world problems, and build successful careers in top industries.

    The curriculum is divided into five periods and covers core business topics in the first two periods, followed by a wide range of elective courses in the remaining three periods. During the first two periods, students are exposed to fundamental business concepts such as financial accounting, microeconomics, marketing, strategy & organizational behavior. These core courses provide a foundation of knowledge that is essential for success in the program and beyond.

    Core Course at INSEAD MBA

    The core courses are something each student of the program has to go through. Here are the major sources the program offers:

    Financial Accounting This course introduces students to financial statements and their use in decision-making. Students learn how to interpret financial statements and use accounting information to evaluate the financial health of a company. The course covers topics such as accounting principles, financial statement analysis, and valuation. Financial Markets and Valuation
    Organizational Behaviour This course explores the psychology of organizations and how people behave in them. Students learn how to manage individuals and teams, motivate employees, and create a positive work environment. The course covers topics such as leadership, communication, conflict resolution & organizational culture.
    Financial Markets and Valuation This course provides an overview of financial markets and their impact on business decisions. Students learn about different types of financial instruments how to value them, and how to manage financial risks. The course covers topics such as portfolio theory, asset pricing models & risk management.
    Prices and Markets This course examines the principles of microeconomics and how they apply to business decision-making. Students learn about supply demand, market structure, and competition. The course covers topics such as game theory market power & regulation.
    Uncertainty, Data, and Judgement This course teaches students how to make decisions under uncertainty. Students learn how to use data and statistical methods to make informed decisions & manage risks. The course covers topics such as decision theory probability theory, and statistical inference.

     

    Electives at INSEAD MBA

    Contrary to core courses, students can navigate & choose between electives based on their career plans. Here are the most substantial electives students can choose from:

    Accounting and Control This covers advanced accounting and financial management concepts. Students learn how to analyze financial data, manage budgets, and keep expenditures under control. Financial reporting, performance evaluation & corporate governance are among the subjects covered in the course.
    Decision Sciences This focuses on quantitative methods and analytical tools for decision-making. Students learn how to use data and modeling techniques to solve complex business problems. The course covers topics such as optimization, simulation, and decision analysis.
    Economics and Political Science This elective explores the economic and political forces that shape business environments. Students learn about macroeconomic trends, international trade & government policies. The course covers topics such as globalization, emerging markets, and regulatory frameworks.
    Entrepreneurship and Family Enterprise This elective covers the challenges and opportunities of starting and managing a business. Students learn about the entrepreneurial process, business planning, and funding strategies. The course also covers family business dynamics and succession planning.

     

    Clubs and Associations at INSEAD MBA 

    Here are some famous clubs at INSEAD Business School you choose to be a part of:

    • Consulting Club
    • Entrepreneurship Club
    • Women in Business Club
    • Private Equity and Venture Capital Club
    • Social Impact Club
    • Technology, Media, and Telecommunications Club

    Extra Activities for INSEAD MBA

    Extra activities are a part of your journey as well. With academics students develop their communication, management, working together & other daily essential skills one need to succeed in industry. With each curicula you can build up something new which can make possible opportunities to come. Here are some of the most brilliant extra activities students can be a part of at INSEAD Business School

    • Leadership Development
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Social Impact
    • Sports
    • Arts and Culture

    Scholarships for INSEAD MBA

    One of the biggest concerns for students is fees. With the school being reputed as INSEAD, it comes with a cost. Scholarships are a way to manage your expenses and lessen them to whatever possible. Here are some popular choices you can navigate for scholarship options at INSEAD MBA, keeping in mind the requirements for the same. Furthermore, you can also check out the Scholarships - MBA Programme | INSEAD.

    • Forté Foundation Scholarships
    • Social Entrepreneurship Scholarships
    • Diversity Scholarships
    • Need-Based Scholarships
    • Merit-Based Scholarships

    Eligibility and Requirements for Getting into INSEAD MBA

    It is a prestigious program that prepares students for leadership roles in various industries. While the essays & interviews are an opportunity for you to demonstrate your communication skills and provide more information about your background and goals, common documents are not to be neglected as well. The school has a holistic approach to admissions and considers a range of factors beyond the regular requirements.

    Eligibility

    • Bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited institution
    • Minimum of two years of full-time work experience after completing an undergraduate degree

    Document related to the application

    • Completed online application form
    • Current resume or CV
    • Two professional recommendations
    • Official academic transcripts from all universities attended
    • GMAT or GRE test score report
    • English language proficiency test score report (if applicable)
    • Essays
    • Application fee payment confirmation

    Application fees

    • The application fee for the INSEAD MBA program is €250. 
    GPA needed INSEAD does not have a minimum GPA requirement for its MBA program. The admissions committee takes a holistic approach in evaluating candidates and considers multiple factors such as academic and professional achievements, leadership potential, cultural background, and more.
    GMAT needed The application requires candidates to submit a GMAT score. candidates are required to submit a valid INSEAD MBA GMAT score. While there is no minimum threshold for the GMAT score a stronger score can demonstrate a higher level of academic preparedness and may improve the chances of admission.
    GRE needed In addition to the GMAT, the program also accepts the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) test score as a valid component of the application. Similar to the GMAT, there is no minimum threshold for the GRE score, but a higher score can improve the chances of admission.
    Average Work Experience needed The program values work experience and encourages candidates to apply after gaining a few years of professional experience. While there is no strict requirement for the number of years of work experience, the average work experience of the current class is around 6 years.
    Is IELTS needed for INSEAD MBA? English language proficiency is a requirement for admission to the INSEAD MBA program, and candidates are required to submit a valid English language test score. The accepted tests are TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE Academic.


    INSEAD MBA Deadlines

    The program has two intakes per year, one starting in January and another in August. The application deadlines for each intake are usually announced well in advance, allowing candidates to plan their application process accordingly. The deadline for the January intake is usually in September or October of the preceding year, while the deadline for the August intake is typically in March or April of the same year.

    Here are the application deadlines for the program for August 2024 Intake & January 2025 which you can understand in-depth here on INSEAD Admissions - MBA Programme.

    August 2024 Intake January 2025 Intake
    12 September 2023 12 March 2024
    07 November 202  23 April 2024
    16 January 2024 18 June 2024
    05 March 2024 06 August 2024


    INSEAD MBA admission process

    The INSEAD Application Process - MBA typically involves several stages, including an initial application, an interview, and a final decision.

    • Application: Candidates are required to submit an online application, which includes personal information educational and professional background, essays, recommendation letters, and test scores. The application fee is €250.
    • Pre-selection: After the initial screening some candidates may be invited to participate in a video interview which is conducted by a third party provider.
    • Interview: Candidates who pass the pre-selection stage are invited to an on-campus or off-campus interview with an INSEAD alumni or admissions officer. The interview assesses the candidate's communication skills motivation, leadership potential, and fit with the INSEAD culture.
    • Decision: The admission committee evaluates each candidate's application and interview performance holistically and makes a final decision. Candidates are informed of the decision via email and receive a letter of acceptance or rejection.
    • Enrollment: If accepted, candidates must confirm their enrollment by paying a non-refundable deposit within a specified period. They also need to provide proof of financial resources, medical insurance, and visa if applicable before the start of the program.

    INSEAD MBA Employment And Placement

    Insead MBA employment and placement

    The INSEAD Career Development - MBA Programme collaborates with the students to assist them in finding their ideal careers. To help you discover your career passion or achieve your predetermined career goals and get the best jobs after MBA, the Career Development Center has been established. Personal career coaches, employer engagement experts, and operations team members make up its global team, which spans three campuses. You will receive full support from this team of professionals to pursue your ideal career, from self-evaluation to relationship building to engaging with employers. Just keep in mind the due dates.

    Average Starting Salary The program has an excellent reputation for its career services, which support students in securing their ideal job and high salary after an INSEAD MBA. The average starting salary for graduates is one of the highest among top business schools with graduates earning an average of $121,000 per year.
    Placement Statistics The school's placement statistics are impressive, with over 90% of graduates finding employment within three months of graduation. The top industries that graduates enter include consulting, finance, and technology.
    Employment Report The INSEAD MBA Employment statistics provide detailed information on the employment outcomes of recent graduates. The report includes data on the industries, companies, job functions, and salaries of graduates, as well as information on their geographic locations.

     

    Top Sectors Hiring INSEAD MBA Graduates

    INSEAD's global team, which spans three campuses, is composed of personal career coaches, subject matter experts in employer engagement, and members of the operations team. This group of experts will provide you with total support as you pursue your ideal career, from relationship building to self-evaluation to networking with potential employers. Just remember to meet the deadlines.

    Companies Recruiting from INSEAD MBA

    Herein, we shall talk about companies in the top three sectors so that you get a brief idea of the MNCs that you are willing to be a part of in the future:

    Consulting Finance Technology
    Deloitte BNP Paribas Google
    McKinsey & Co Ernst & Young Amazon
    PricewaterhouseCoopers Morgan Stanley Microsoft
    Bain & Co Goldman Sachs IBM
    Oliver Wyman JP Morgan  

     

    INSEAD MBA Alumni Info

    An active network of 47 distinct national associations is brought together by the INSEAD Alumni Association (IAA). Over 61,000 alumni from our graduates worldwide make up a diverse alumni network, with about 29,000 of them having earned an MBA. Over 175 different nations around the world are home to and employ our alumni. International business development relies heavily on the interactions and connections among INSEAD MBA graduates. Since many of them frequently come back for their alumni gatherings on campus, the community has grown closer over time.

    Some Famous Alumni

    • Vivienne Cox –  Chairman of Conseil de
    • Gilberto Gaeta – Country Head SMB Sales, Google
    • Imoni Akpofure – Regional Director, International Finance Corporation

    Application Essay for INSEAD MBA

    INSEAD MBA Essay writing can be one of the most challenging aspects of application as the school itself states. However, because of how crucial they are for your application, the preparation for same is required. It allows you to introduce yourself and to reflect on your motivation and how you are fit for the program. Generally, INSEAD has 2 mandatory Essay requirements for its MBA program:

    Motivation Essays

    There are 2 types of questions for INSEAD MBA Essays. the motivation essays are a reflection of the candidate. these questions assess the candidate's nature, achievements, will, and how fit they are for the program. Bear in mind; that these questions are very crucial and hence should be put a great focus on.

    Essay 1 Give a candid description of yourself (who are you as a person), stressing the personal characteristics you feel to be your strengths and weaknesses and the main factors which have influenced your personal development, giving examples when necessary (maximum 500 words).
    Essay 2 Describe the achievement of which you are most proud and explain why. In addition, describe a situation where you failed. How did these experiences impact your relationships with others? Comment on what you learned (maximum 400 words).
    Essay 3 Describe all types of extra-professional activities in which you have been or are still involved for a significant amount of time (clubs, sports, music, arts, etc). How are you enriched by these activities? (maximum 300 words)
    Optional Is there anything else that was not covered in your application that you would like to share with the Admissions Committee? (maximum 300 words)


    To guide students with this important process of Essay preparation, INSEAD Essay Writing Tips can be very crucial. the school has some recommended tips for their applicants that they can go through and align with their profile. Such facilities are not always available from major business schools in the world.

    Job Description Questions

    These questions are not essays, however, can be very influential in your admission process. Applicants should focus on these questions well as they are relevant to your work experience. Hence it is quite relevant and can be a representation of how you will tackle future opportunities post-graduation.

    1. Briefly summarise your current (or most recent) job, including the nature of work, major responsibilities, and where relevant, employees under your supervision, size of budget, clients/products, and results achieved. (200 words maximum)
    2. What would be your next step in terms of position if you were to remain in the same company instead of going to business school? (200 words maximum)
    3. Please give a full description of your career since graduating from university. Describe your career path with the rationale behind your choices. (300 words maximum)
    4. Discuss your short and long-term career aspirations with an MBA from INSEAD. (100 words maximum)
    5. If you are currently not working or if you plan to leave your current employer more than 2 months before the programme starts, please explain your activities and occupations between leaving your job and the start of the programme. (Optional)

    Letter of Recommendation for INSEAD MBA

    If you're considering applying to the program, one of the most important elements of your INSEAD MBA application is the letters of recommendation. The school requires two letters of recommendation from professional contacts who can provide insights into your candidacy. Your recommenders should be able to speak to your professional skills and capabilities, as well as your characteristics that demonstrate your ability to thrive in a challenging academic environment.

    Make sure to give your recommenders enough time to write their letters, ideally at least four weeks before the application deadline. When selecting your contacts, it's important to choose people who can accurately assess and describe your work performance, experience, and character traits. 

    Interview Questions for INSEAD MBA

    The interview is something the school conducts to get a deeper understanding of applicants. When you apply for the program, you are also to prepare for the interview questions for INSEAD MBA. With the right preparation and time to prepare, one can substantially increase their chances of admission through this process. Here are 2 sets of interview questions you may face when you apply for the program:

    SET 1

    Q. Walk me through your resume and highlight your most significant achievements.
    Q. What motivated you to pursue an MBA, and why did you choose INSEAD?
    Q. Tell me about a time when you demonstrated leadership in a challenging situation.
    Q. What are your short-term and long-term career goals, and how will an INSEAD MBA help you achieve them?
    Q. How do you plan to contribute to the INSEAD community as a student and as an alumnus?
    Q. Describe a situation where you had to work with a difficult team member, and how did you handle it?
    Q. How do you handle failure, and what have you learned from your failures?
    Q. What are your strengths and weaknesses, and how do they relate to your career goals?
    Q. What skills or experiences do you hope to gain from an INSEAD MBA, and how will you leverage them in your future career?
    Q. How do you see the global business landscape evolving in the next 5-10 years, and how will you stay ahead of the curve?

    SET 2

    Q. Why MBA and why INSEAD?
    Q. Tell us something about you.
    Q. Which courses at INSEAD appeal to you?
    Q. What would you do during your time at INSEAD?
    Q. How do you handle complex situations? What leadership approach you find good?
    Q. How would you prioritize coping with so many offerings at INSEAD?
    Q. What do you consider to be your most significant accomplishment to date?
    Q. Any other colleges you are applying to?
    Q. At the INSEAD MBA class group, what role do you foresee playing among your peer working group?
    Q. Any geography in mind for a post-MBA job? Which company post your MBA?

    What Makes INSEAD MBA Unique

    insead mba unique

    Wondering if INSEAD MBA is worth it?

    INSEAD is a prestigious business school that offers a unique and transformative educational experience to its students. It is renowned for its global perspective diverse student body and rigorous academic curriculum that prepares graduates for leadership positions in the business world. Here are some points that make INSEAD unique among the other top business schools in the world:

    1. The Accelerated MBA:  The program provides you with an MBA degree within 10 months to 12 months so that you can continue your professional journey straight forward. Some professionals take a break from their existing jobs to pursue these accelerated MBAs to quickly obtain some significant knowledge and skills and return to work quickly.
    2. The Global Reach: The program has a worldwide presence with three major campuses in Abu Dhabi, Singapore, and Paris. Worldwide recognition provides a pool of opportunities for INSEAD graduates to explore and grow professionally.
    3. Enriching Diversity: the program enjoys a culturally diverse community with students from over  75+ nationalities. The INSEAD admcoms have been working towards creating an environment for the students to develop the skills and experience to work in a culturally diverse environment.

    Conclusion

    Completing an MBA at INSEAD is an incredible accomplishment that can open up many opportunities for individuals. With a world-renowned reputation ranked #1 in best MBA colleges in France. It provides the necessary skills and knowledge to become successful in their chosen career paths. The program focuses on teaching students the latest in business practices and theories, while also helping them develop the interpersonal and leadership skills they need to be successful.

    Know Your Author
    Photo of Abhyank
    Abhyank Srinet
    Study Abroad Expert
    Abhyank Srinet, the founder of MiM-Essay.com, is a globally recognized expert in study abroad and admission consulting.His passion lies in helping students navigate the complex world of admissions and achieve their academic dreams. Having earned a Master's degree in Management from ESCP Europe, Abhyank's expertise in data-driven marketing strategies has driven growth for some of the most competitive industries. As the founder of MiM-Essay.com, he has helped thousands of students get into top business schools with a strong emphasis on research, shortlisting, and applying to schools from a single platform. His dedication to education has also led him to create MentR-Me, a free-to-use social platform that simplifies the study abroad process for students, while providing universities with a powerful recruitment tool. As a leader in the field of admission consulting, he is constantly researching and implementing the latest strategies to ensure that his clients receive the best possible guidance. He leads the Business Development and Digital Marketing side of both companies, and has grown both ventures to 7 figure revenue.His unique insights, experience, and dedication to his clients make him a valuable resource for anyone seeking to advance their education or career.
    What is the duration of the MBA programme at INSEAD?

    The INSEAD MBA programme at Michigan is a 10-12 months full-time MBA programme.

    How many Intakes does INSEAD offers?

    INSEAD offers two intakes per year with four rounds in each intake. International Students are advised to enrol in the 1st or 2nd round to have enough time for visa applications.

    Is work experience required for INSEAD MBA?

    INSEAD does not have an absolute requirement for years of work experience, although at least two years is strongly encouraged. Participants in our current class have an average of 5.5 years work experience, with the range being between two and ten.

    Is it compulsory to belong to a business background to enrol into INSEAD MBA?

    No, INSEAD accepts students from various backgrounds; it is not compulsory to have a business degree.

    How many recommendations are required for the application?

    INSEAD requires only two letter of recommendation, one from a professional source and other from an academic source who is able to answer all the required questions.

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