INSEAD

INSEAD is a leading global graduate business school with campuses and centres across Europe, Asia, the Middle East and North America. Founded as the Institut Européen d’Administration des Affaires, it is known for its intensive programs, multinational student body and strong executive education offerings.

At a glance

• Global presence: campuses in Fontainebleau (France), Singapore (Buona Vista), Abu Dhabi (UAE) and a hub in San Francisco.
• Faculty and students: roughly 165 faculty from many countries and more than 1,500 graduate students enrolled annually; over 11,000 executives attend executive education each year.
• Program types: accelerated MBA, executive MBAs, specialized executive masters, Ph.D. in Management and certificate programs.

History

Established in the mid-1950s by the Paris Chamber of Commerce, INSEAD began admitting MBA students in the late 1950s and gradually expanded its program portfolio to include executive education and a doctoral program. Asia and Middle East campuses were added in the 2000s, and a North American presence followed later.

Campuses

• Fontainebleau, France — main campus near Paris.
• Singapore (Buona Vista) — Asia campus, close to the financial district.
• Abu Dhabi, UAE — Middle East campus.
• San Francisco — North American hub focused on executive programs and ecosystem engagement.

Programs

MBA
* Intensive 10-month program with two intakes (winter and summer).
* Core curriculum covers finance, economics, accounting, marketing, business ethics and more, plus a wide range of electives.
* Strong employment outcomes: a high proportion of graduates secure relevant roles within months of graduation.

Global Executive MBA (GEMBA)
* Modular 14–17 month program delivered across multiple campuses (France, Abu Dhabi, Singapore).
* Designed for experienced executives; typical cohort averages over a decade of work experience.
* Includes group coaching, team work and 360° assessments.

Executive Master in Change
* 18-month modular program (eight short modules).
* Emphasis on leadership, organizational dynamics, coaching and change management.
* Small cohorts focused on peer learning and practical application.

Executive Master in Finance
* 18-month modular program for working professionals.
* Delivered in modules spaced over the program duration; focused on advanced finance for practitioners.

Tsinghua–INSEAD Executive MBA (TIEMBA)
* Joint program with Tsinghua University, combining study opportunities across INSEAD campuses and Tsinghua.

Ph.D. in Management
* Research-focused, typically five years (two years coursework, three years research/dissertation).
* Intake limited to a small number of students to maintain research quality; offers financial support and international exchanges with partner schools.

Certificate and custom programs
* Business foundations certificate and corporate-customized executive programs for organizations.

Costs and outcomes

• Tuition for the MBA is substantial (examples in recent intakes have been around €97,000–€99,000), not including living expenses—living costs vary by campus and are an additional expense to budget for.
• Employment metrics and salary outcomes are strong relative to global business school benchmarks, with the majority of graduates employed within months after graduation.

Rankings and reputation

INSEAD consistently ranks among the top global business schools. Rankings differ by publication and methodology; in some major rankings INSEAD is placed ahead of other well-known programs. Its reputation is particularly strong for international diversity and accelerated, intensive programs.

Frequently asked questions

Is INSEAD an Ivy League school?
* No. The Ivy League refers to a specific group of U.S.-based universities; INSEAD is an independent international business school.

How does INSEAD compare to U.S. business schools?
* Comparisons depend on ranking criteria, program format and personal fit. INSEAD is often preferred for its one-year MBA, global focus and diverse cohorts; some applicants prefer two-year U.S. programs for different recruiting or specialization opportunities.

What kinds of candidates fit INSEAD?
* Professionals seeking an accelerated, international MBA or executive program, those who value multicultural cohorts and experienced executives pursuing modular or part-time advanced degrees.

For prospective applicants, review specific program pages for up-to-date admissions criteria, tuition figures and intake dates for the campus of interest.