INSEAD: Complete Guide to MBA, MIM Programs and GMAT Preparation

INSEAD stands out through several unique characteristics that make it a school apart in the global business school landscape.

Unparalleled international diversity

With over 90 nationalities represented in each cohort and no nationality exceeding 10% of the class, INSEAD offers a truly global experience. This diversity is at the heart of the pedagogy: you will learn as much from your classmates as from professors.

Two campuses, one global experience

• Fontainebleau (France): Historic campus, gateway to Europe
• Singapore: Hub for Asia-Pacific
• Abu Dhabi: Center for the Middle East

Students can choose to spend periods on different campuses, enriching their intercultural experience.

The one-year MBA: revolutionary

INSEAD was a pioneer of the one-year MBA format, proving that intensive, quality education could be condensed without sacrificing academic excellence. This format attracts experienced professionals who want to minimize their time out of the job market.

Exceptional alumni network

With over 65,000 alumni in 175 countries, the INSEAD network is one of the most powerful in the world. INSEAD alumni hold leadership positions in the world's largest companies and are particularly active in Africa.

The INSEAD MBA is an intensive 10-month program globally recognized for its academic excellence and international dimension.

Program structure

Duration: 10-12 months (depending on options chosen)

Format: Full-time only

Intakes: January and September

Cost: ~€105,000 (tuition only)

Core curriculum (Period 1-2)

• Financial Accounting
• Corporate Financial Policy
• Organizational Behaviour
• Marketing Management
• Process & Operations Management
• Statistics
• Prices and Markets
• Strategy

Elective periods (Period 3-5)

More than 80 electives available in various fields:

• Finance & Banking
• Strategy & Consulting
• Technology & Operations
• Entrepreneurship
• Marketing & Sales
• Leadership & Organizations

MBA class profile

• Average age: 29 years
• Average experience: 6 years
• Average GMAT score: 710
• Women: 35%
• Nationalities: 90+

Career outcomes

Median post-MBA salary: $180,000 USD

The INSEAD Master in Management (MIM) is a pre-experience program designed for recent graduates who want to acquire solid business training before starting their career.

INSEAD MIM characteristics

Duration: 10 months

Format: Full-time

Prerequisites: 0-2 years of professional experience

Cost: ~€60,000

Target profile

• Recent graduates (bachelor's+4/5) with less than 2 years of experience
• Excellent academic results
• Diverse background (not just business)
• Demonstrated leadership potential

Differences with MBA

MIM curriculum

The MIM shares many courses with the MBA but with an approach adapted to less experienced profiles:

• Business Foundations
• Strategy & Leadership
• Finance & Accounting
• Marketing & Sales
• Operations & Technology

Outcomes after MIM

• Consulting: McKinsey, BCG, Bain actively recruit
• Finance: Investment banks, Big 4
• Tech: Google, Amazon, startups
• Corporate: Leadership programs in multinationals

Why choose MIM over MBA?

1. You are a recent graduate without significant experience
2. You want business training before specializing
3. More limited budget but high ambitions
4. You prefer learning with peers at the same experience level

The GMAT (or GRE) is a key element of your INSEAD application. Here's everything you need to know to maximize your chances.

Expected GMAT scores for INSEAD

MBA:

• Class average score: 710
• Range (80% of class): 670-750
• Recommended score to be competitive: 700+
• Minimum score (unofficial): 650

MIM:

• Average score: 690-700
• Recommended score: 680+

GMAT score composition

GMAT preparation strategy for INSEAD

Phase 1: Diagnosis (1 week)

• Official practice test to assess your level
• Identify strengths and weaknesses
• Define a realistic target score

Phase 2: Fundamentals (4-6 weeks)

• Review basic mathematical concepts
• Improve English reading comprehension
• Master question types

Phase 3: Intensive practice (4-6 weeks)

• Official questions (Official Guide)
• Regular practice tests (1 per week minimum)
• In-depth error analysis

Phase 4: Fine-tuning (2 weeks)

• Focus on remaining weaknesses
• Exam conditions simulation
• Timing management

Recommended resources

1. Official Guide: Essential
2. Manhattan Prep: Excellent for Quant and Verbal
3. Target Test Prep: Ideal for Quant
4. Liwaza: Platform adapted for francophone African candidates

GMAT vs GRE for INSEAD

INSEAD accepts both tests. Choose according to your profile:

• GMAT if you're strong in Quant and targeting consulting
• GRE if you're stronger in Verbal and targeting multiple programs

Approximate equivalence:

INSEAD offers two intakes per year: January and September. Each has advantages depending on your profile and constraints.

January Intake (J-Class)

Calendar:

• Program start: January
• End: December (same year)
• Graduation: December/January

Advantages:

• More time to prepare GMAT/GRE and application
• Historically less competitive (slightly)
• Aligned with European fiscal year start
• Good for those leaving their job at year end

Disadvantages:

• Graduation during holiday season (less ideal for job search)
• Some exchange programs less available
• Summer during elective periods (less recruiting)

September Intake (S-Class)

Calendar:

• Program start: September
• End: June-July (following year)
• Graduation: July

Advantages:

• Graduation aligned with traditional recruiting cycles
• More exchange program options
• Summer between periods = optimal networking
• Traditionally more scholarships available

Disadvantages:

• More competitive (slightly more candidates)
• Tighter deadlines if you decide late

Comparison table

Liwaza advice

For African candidates, we generally recommend:

• September if targeting consulting (better recruitment alignment)
• January if you need more preparation time
• September if targeting scholarships like the Chagoury Scholarship

The INSEAD admission process is holistic and evaluates your leadership potential, future impact and fit with the school culture.

Deadlines and admission rounds (MBA)

Application components

1. GMAT/GRE (see dedicated section)

2. Essays

INSEAD requires several essays:

• Motivation essay: Why INSEAD, why now
• Leadership essay: Leadership experience with impact
• Diversity essay: Your unique contribution to the class
• Optional essay: To explain gaps or weaknesses

3. CV/Resume

American format recommended:

• 1 page maximum
• Quantified impact (numbers, results)
• Clear career progression
• Leadership and initiatives

4. Recommendations

• 2 professional recommendations required
• Direct supervisors preferred
• Focus on leadership and potential

5. Interviews

Two interviews with INSEAD alumni:

• Behavioral format (STAR method)
• Questions about motivation, leadership, teamwork
• Questions about difficult situations
• Your questions for the interviewer

Evaluation criteria

1. Academic excellence: GMAT + academic track record
2. Leadership potential: Demonstrated impact, initiative
3. International experience: Mobility, languages, cultures
4. Clear goals: Coherent career vision
5. Contribution to class: Diversity, unique experiences

Specificities for African candidates

INSEAD values African diversity:

• Dedicated scholarships (Chagoury Scholarship, etc.)
• Active African alumni network
• Strong presence of recruiters targeting Africa

The cost of an INSEAD MBA is significant (~€105,000 tuition), but many financing options exist.

Scholarships for African candidates

Chagoury Scholarship

• Amount: Up to 50% of fees
• Criteria: African candidates with leadership potential
• Commitment: Return to Africa encouraged

INSEAD Africa Initiative Scholarships

• Several scholarships dedicated to Africans
• Merit and need-based
• Application parallel to admission

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

• Full scholarship (fees + living)
• Very competitive
• Community engagement required

General INSEAD scholarships

Student loans

Prodigy Finance

• Specialized for international students
• No guarantor required
• Competitive rates for INSEAD

Local bank loans

• Study options in your country
• Often need guarantees

Estimated total budget (10 months)

Liwaza financing strategy

1. Apply to all eligible scholarships
2. Apply to early rounds (more scholarships)
3. Negotiate between offers if multiple admissions
4. Loan only for remaining gap