CEIBS MBA Interview: Format and Timing
How the CEIBS MBA interview works: who is invited, the panel, length, language, locations and decision dates.
Interview format
An offer of admission to the CEIBS MBA requires an interview. After reviewing a completed application, the Admissions Office invites only potential candidates. The panel is made up of CEIBS faculty, alumni and senior admissions officers, and in most cases two interviewers take part. Each interview is approximately 30 to 40 minutes long and is conducted in English. Interviews are offered at the CEIBS campuses in Shanghai, Beijing and Shenzhen, or online for overseas applicants; CEIBS states that it strongly prefers face-to-face interviews. CEIBS does not publish its interview questions.
Notification
CEIBS sends the interview notification at least five working days before the interview deadline of the round in which you applied. The notification gives the date and place of the interview.
Decision dates, MBA Class of 2029
| Round | Application deadline | Decision by |
|---|---|---|
| Early Action | October 14, 2026 | November 4, 2026 |
| Round 1 | December 2, 2026 | December 23, 2026 |
| Round 2 | March 17, 2027 | April 14, 2027 |
| Round 3 | May 19, 2027 | June 19, 2027 |
After the interview
The Admissions Committee reviews the interview together with the academic record, essays, work experience, recommendations and test scores. Outcomes are clear admission, conditional admission (typically tied to strengthening analytical background or English communication), the waiting list, or denial. Waitlisted candidates remain on the list until the following round's decisions are released.
Sources
- 1. CEIBS, MBA: How to apply (interview, decisions)
- 2. CEIBS, MBA FAQ (interview structure)