INSEAD MBA Admissions: Requirements, Deadlines, and Tips
INSEAD MBA application rounds, requirements, essays, interviews and fees for the August 2027 intake.
Application overview
INSEAD admits MBA students in four rounds per intake. The rounds now open are for the August 2027 intake; Round 2 closes on 03 November 2026. The application fee is EUR 250. INSEAD does not publish an acceptance rate. The Admissions Committee assesses four criteria: ability to contribute, academic capacity, international motivation and leadership potential. The full process takes up to 10 weeks from the date of submission.
Application rounds (August 2027 intake)
| Round | Application deadline | Interview decision notification | Final decision notification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round 1 (August 2027 intake) | 15 September 2026 | 16 October 2026 | 20 November 2026 |
| Round 2 (August 2027 intake) | 03 November 2026 | 04 December 2026 | 22 January 2027 |
| Round 3 (August 2027 intake) | 19 January 2027 | 19 February 2027 | 19 March 2027 |
| Round 4 (August 2027 intake) | 09 March 2027 | 09 April 2027 | 07 May 2027 |
Application components
- Online application form
- GMAT (Focus Edition or 10th Edition) or GRE score, sent directly to INSEAD; no waiver
- Two job description questions (500 and 300 words)
- Three motivation essays (500, 400 and 300 words)
- Video and written assessment on Kira Talent, due within 48 hours of the application deadline
- Two letters of recommendation (optional third)
- CV
- Scanned transcripts and diploma
- English proficiency: TOEFL, IELTS Academic or PTE Academic, or a degree or exchange year taught in English
- Choice of home campus: France or Singapore
- Non-refundable application fee of EUR 250
Interview process
After submission, applicants complete a Kira Talent video and written assessment within 48 hours of the application deadline: four video questions (45 seconds to prepare, 60 seconds to respond each) and a final written question (five minutes); about 15 to 20 minutes in total. An Admissions Officer informs applicants of the pre-selection decision about one month after the round closes. Pre-selected applicants interview with two INSEAD alumni, typically in their country of residence. The Admissions Committee then reviews the application with the interviewers’ feedback.
Key facts at a glance
- Application fee
- EUR 250
- Tuition
- EUR 109,860
- Living expenses
- EUR 30,000-32,000
- TOEFL iBT
- 105
- Deferrals
- Generally not granted
Policies
Deferrals. In general INSEAD does not grant deferrals. Reapplicants. Unsuccessful applicants may reapply for a later intake and must submit a new online application. Second language. Native English speakers must validate a practical level (B1 on the CEFR scale) of a second language.
Sources
- 1. INSEAD, INSEAD MBA admissions (deadlines, essays, requirements)
- 2. INSEAD, INSEAD MBA fees and financing
- 3. INSEAD, INSEAD MBA Language Policy (2026)