INSEAD August 2026 MBA Intake: Everything You Need to Know

Applying for the INSEAD August 2026 MBA intake?

Don’t miss this comprehensive guide that covers it all: application rounds and deadlines, admissions process, essay prompts, video essays, our success stories at INSEAD, and much more.

Program Details

• Duration: The Full-time MBA program at INSEAD spans 10-12 months, providing an intensive and immersive learning experience.
• Intakes: INSEAD offers two intakes for its Full-time MBA program, providing flexibility to prospective students. The program starts in both January and August, allowing individuals to choose the entry point that best aligns with their personal and professional timelines.
• Language: Since the INSEAD MBA program caters to a large international student body, the language of instruction is English.
• Cost: The tuition fee for the INSEAD MBA Aug 2025 intake was €103,500.
• Location: Students have the unique opportunity to choose their home campus for the program, with options in both France and Singapore. This flexibility adds a global dimension to the learning experience, exposing students to diverse cultural and business environments.

Application Rounds and Deadlines

The August 2026 intake follows a structured, multi-round admissions process. Below are the key deadlines:

👉 Swipe right to view full table

Applying early is recommended to maximize chances of admission and allow sufficient time for interview preparation.

Admissions Process

The INSEAD admissions process involves five stages:

1. Application Submission: Complete the online application, including supporting documents and essays. Once submitted, applicants will receive an email from Kira Talent with a link to complete video essays.
2. Pre-selection Decision: Within one week of submission, applicants will receive notification on whether they have advanced to the next stage.
3. Interviews with Alumni: Shortlisted candidates will undergo two interviews with INSEAD alumni, typically in their country of residence.
4. Admissions Committee Evaluation: After receiving feedback from alumni interviews, the Admissions Committee reviews applications and makes final decisions.
5. Final Decision Notification: Applicants will be informed of their admission status via email, up to 10 weeks from the application deadline.

Application Requirements

Dashboard and Photograph

• Register to access the online application dashboard.
• Upload a photograph (200×200 pixels in JPEG or GIF format).

Profile (Sections 2-10)

• Provide factual information similar to a detailed resume.
• Not all fields are mandatory; leave non-applicable ones blank.

Job Description and Motivation Essays

• Job description questions and motivation essays are critical.
• Essays should be personal stories, not academic or business memos.
• Responses can be typed directly or pasted into the application.

Application Fee

• Pay a non-refundable fee of €250 online with a credit card.

Official GMAT/GRE Scores

• Unofficial scores can be submitted for initial evaluation; official scores must follow.
• Test scores are valid for five years.

Academic Transcripts

• Upload scanned copies or send official transcripts via post.
• Transcripts must be in English or French (with certified translations if needed).

English Language Certification (if required)

• TOEFL, IELTS, or Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic.
• Fluency can also be demonstrated with a university degree taught entirely in English.

Letters of Recommendation
Two recommendations required:

• One from a current supervisor or manager.
• The second from a professional reference (client, former supervisor, colleague, etc.).
• Academic recommendations are accepted but less preferred.
• An optional third recommendation can be submitted.

Supporting Documents

• Upload a curriculum vitae (free format or INSEAD’s template).
• Attach scanned copies of transcripts, diplomas, and other supporting documents.

Application Essay Prompts

The INSEAD MBA application essays are designed to provide the Admissions Committee with deeper insights into your personal background, career journey, and future aspirations.

Through a series of motivation and career-focused questions, applicants have the opportunity to reflect on their experiences, strengths, and goals, demonstrating their fit with the program.

Motivation Essays

1. 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)
2. 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)
3. Is there anything else that was not covered in your application that you would like to share with the Admissions Committee? (300 words)

Career Essays

1. 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)
2. 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)

Video Essay Prompts

The video essay component, conducted through Kira Talent, is a critical part of the INSEAD MBA application.

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.

P.S: Consider this list indicative and not exhaustive

Tips for Success in Video Essays

• Preparation: Practice with sample questions to refine your responses and build confidence.
• Technology Check: Ensure your camera and microphone are functional. INSEAD recommends using Microsoft Edge or Chrome for recording.
• Presentation: Dress in business or business casual attire. Maintain eye contact with the camera to engage with the Admissions Committee.
• Authenticity: Be genuine and articulate your thoughts clearly. The committee values creativity and authenticity.
• Note-taking: Keep a notebook handy to jot down key ideas during the preparation time.

Final Thoughts

By understanding the application process and preparing thoroughly for the essays and interviews, you can enhance your chances of joining this prestigious program.

Check out our recent success stories here and here for candid insights from candidates who successfully navigated the rigorous INSEAD MBA application process and secure admits (with scholarships).