FAQ
Below are answers to the most Frequently Asked Questions:
INSEAD GEMBA ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
COMPANY ENDORSEMENT & SPONSORSHIP
INSEAD GEMBA CURRICULUM & STRUCTURE
PARTICIPANT PROFILE
TUITION FEES & FINANCING
MISCELLANEOUS QUESTIONS
Are there specific deadlines for sending in my GEMBA application?
The INSEAD GEMBA programme operates a Staged Admissions Process and there are specific dates where we convene our Admissions Committee (click here). However we are continually receiving and reviewing applications. Should you wish to take the INSEAD Admissions test, you must submit your application at least two weeks prior to the test date.
What is the INSEAD GEMBA Application and Admissions process like?
The Admissions Committee for pre-selection reviews all completed applications. Interviews are organised with pre-selected candidates. Final decisions are made by the Admissions Committee and notifications sent to candidates by mail/e-mail.
It is strongly recommended to apply early as admission decisions are made on a rolling basis. Admission to the INSEAD GEMBA programme is competitive. The selection criteria favour candidates who have demonstrated significant professional achievements.
For related information, see Participants Profile and Admissions Process
Do I need to take the GMAT?
Unless you decide to sit the INSEAD Admissions Test on campus, yes. if you cannot come to one of our campuses for the INSEAD Admissions test, we would then require the GMAT for the INSEAD GEMBA Programme. Academic transcripts and GMAT scores help us determine analytical skills and if a student would benefit from doing preparatory work for some of the courses, particularly mathematically-based ones. The INSEAD GEMBA identification number is INSEAD DL3-S8-14 Business Programs, GEMBA. The GMAT helps us ensure a high quality candidate pool.
What is the INSEAD Admissions Test like?
The INSEAD Executive MBA Test contains math problems that test your fluency with numbers, and
ability to perform business mathematics as part of your job, and verbal problems that test your
availability to zero in on the relevant content in logical and opinion pieces. The test does NOT require you to spend time on extensive preparation for rule-based mathematics
and English grammar correction that would not be used in a business context. We only require you
to familiarize yourself with the format of the test and refresh your verbal and quantitative skills by
practicing the drill questions contained within this document.
The case study will be your opportunity to showcase your well-rounded business and
communication skills that you bring to the INSEAD EMBA. Your unique approach to analyse the case
will serve to illustrate your contribution to a diverse class using your unique points of view, there is
no expected right or wrong answer.
The most important part of your application remains your track record as a business person and your
plan for maximizing the EMBA opportunity to develop your career. Please refer to this link for more details on the test.
What will the class be like?
The INSEAD GEMBA programme - as any INSEAD learning experience - is aimed at a wide range of executives from many different countries, industries, academic and business backgrounds.
The diversity in INSEAD classes truly enriches the learning experience, as each student contributes with his or her own culture, perspective and mindset to the issues studied.
Moreover, one of the cornerstones of our programme is our emphasis on group work and virtual teams and the importance of sharing best practices. Executive MBA participants are an important source of support to each other, developing close friendships and international professional network.
For related information, see Participant Profile
After years out of school, how hard is it to adjust to an intensive programme such as the INSEAD GEMBA?
Returning to an intense learning environment such as the INSEAD GEMBA, after many years in business, certainly means adjustment and a major time commitment. But it is also a source of renewed inspiration and energy, a real life-changing experience. To make it work, you need to be prepared to invest time and energy in the people and the programme.
What is Corporate Endorsement?
Each GEMBA candidate must have corporate endorsement before starting the programme.
Corporate endorsement means:
Your employer believes that you would benefit and thrive in the EMBA program.
Your company acknowledges the necessary time commitment you need to complete the programme.
Corporate endorsement does not necessarily mean the employer is paying the full tuition fee for the programme, although many participants will be financially sponsored for the Executive MBA programme.
Do I need company financial sponsorship to enroll?
While many INSEAD GEMBA students have partial or full corporate sponsorship, a number of students are self-supporting or have arranged for educational loans.
Why should my company sponsor me?
The INSEAD GEMBA programmes should be regarded as a win-win proposal for sponsoring companies.
The company invests in developing your skills and rewarding your ambitions. While broadening your managerial skills, you continue to contribute to the company, and your job performance is strengthened by the programme's applicable content and enriched by interactions with INSEAD faculty and sharing best practices with an international group of peers.
For related information, see Sponsoring Companies
How much time does the INSEAD GEMBA programme require?
The INSEAD GEMBA programmes require a significant time commitment. There are a total of 12 weeks spent on campus throughout the timeframe. In addition to the on-campus modules, there is an equivalent of 4-5 weeks of off-campus assignments and preparation.
For more information, see The GEMBA Programme
Who teaches in the INSEAD GEMBA?
Full-time INSEAD Faculty constitute the majority of the GEMBA teaching team. Some Faculty are engaged in teaching within the full-time MBA programme, and most of them have substantial experience in high-level Executive Education.
For more information, see The Faculty
How much does the INSEAD GEMBA programme cost compared to the full-time MBA programme?
Comparing costs is not always as easy as it appears. While the GEMBA programme may appear to be more expensive than the fulltime MBA programme at INSEAD, it's important to take the following into account:
The cost of the GEMBA programmes cover tuition and fees, all required instructional materials, books and computing charges, selected meals.(It does not include transport, accommodation and dinners).
There are lower opportunity costs. You complete the Executive MBA programme without stopping your job — unlike the full-time programme that requires students to leave their jobs.
For related information, see Admissions
How do participants pay for the INSEAD GEMBA Programme?
Nearly half of the GEMBA participants receive some financial support from their sponsoring companies. The remainder are roughly balanced between self-funding and partial corporate funding, although these proportions fluctuate by year.
Please contact the INSEAD GEMBA Programme Office at emba.info@insead.edu for additional information regarding financial aid.
How can I fund my INSEAD GEMBA - do you have any scholarships?
Yes, we do have scholarships available. This information is available here.
Can I discuss the Programme with someone before I apply?
You are welcome to contact us at emba.info@insead.edu to express your questions, learn about forthcoming presentation sessions or arrange for on-campus meeting with an GEMBA faculty or staff member.
What kind of degree does the INSEAD EMBA programme confer?
The diploma is the INSEAD Master of Business Administration for Executives.
Can I waive any previously completed courses or apply for credits?
No. Our experience has been that our GEMBA offers unique value, even to those participants well versed in a discipline. Plus, the design of the INSEAD GEMBA implies that everyone in the class takes all the courses together, contributing to each others' learning.
Are there activities planned for the Partners of GEMBAs?
Yes, INSEAD has organised events for GEMBA partners. These are tailor-made for each EMBA class, so can vary from year to year.
Do you have other questions about INSEAD's GEMBA? Ask us!
