Applying for the INSEAD and/ or HEC Paris January 2026 MBA intakes?
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 HEC, and much more.
INSEAD MBA Jan' Intake: Program Details- Duration: The Full-time MBA program at INSEAD spans 10 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 Jan 2026 intake is €107,600.
- 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.
INSEAD MBA Jan Intake: Application Rounds and Deadlines
The January 2026 intake follows a structured, multi-round admissions process. Below are the key deadlines:
Round 1:- Application Deadline: 11 March 2025
- Interview Decision Notification: 11 April 2025
- Final Decision Notification: 16 May 2025
Round 2:- Application Deadline: 22 April 2025
- Interview Decision Notification: 23 May 2025
- Final Decision Notification: 04 July 2025
Round 3:- Application Deadline: 17 June 2025
- Interview Decision Notification: 18 July 2025
- Final Decision Notification: 22 August 2025
Round 4:- Application Deadline: 05 August 2025
- Interview Decision Notification: 05 September 2025
- Final Decision Notification: 10 October 2025
Applying early is recommended to maximize chances of admission and allow sufficient time for interview preparation.
Seeking inspiration? Learn from Shantanu’s journey to the INSEAD MBA Jan 2025 intake (w/ scholarship) with 665 GFESeeking some more inspiration? Learn from Adhiraj’s insights on his successful INSEAD admit with scholarships to the Jan 2024 intakeINSEAD MBA Jan' Intake: Application Essays PromptsThe 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- Give a candid description of yourself as a person and a leader, emphasizing the strengths and weaknesses you recognize 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 maximum)
- 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 maximum)
- Is there anything else that was not covered in your application that you would like to share with the Admissions Committee? (maximum 300 words)
Career Essays & Extracurricular Activities- 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 maximum)
- 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 maximum) *
- Describe the activities you listed above and explain how they have enriched your life (e.g., skills developed, personal growth, community impact (300 words maximum) *
- Explain any gaps of two months or more in your employment history from the time you left high school to the start of the MBA programme. Include details on how you have spent, or plan to spend, that time. (50 words maximum)
For detailed insights and expert tips on approaching the INSEAD MBA essays, check out our comprehensive guide here and explore the latest essay updates here.
INSEAD MBA Jan' Intake: Video Essay Prompts
The video essay component, conducted through Kira Talent, is a critical part of the INSEAD MBA application.
Candidates will answer four questions, with 45 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to respond. The questions aim to assess communication skills, spontaneity, and alignment with INSEAD’s values.
Check out here for some past video essay prompts at INSEAD.
HEC Paris MBA Jan Intake: Program Details- Duration: The HEC Paris MBA is designed as a full-time program, ensuring an intensive and comprehensive learning experience over a span of 16 months or 12 months.
- Intakes: HEC Paris offers two intakes for its Full-time MBA program, providing flexibility to prospective students. The program starts in both January and September, allowing individuals to choose the entry point that best aligns with their personal and professional timelines.
- Language: Conducted entirely in English, the program caters to a diverse international student body.
- Cost: The program requires an investment of €99,000, reflecting the high-quality education, extensive resources, and global networking opportunities provided by HEC Paris.
- Location: Situated in the heart of France, HEC Paris provides an ideal setting for MBA students. The vibrant business environment in France, combined with the cultural richness of the region, enhances the overall learning experience.
HEC Paris MBA Jan Intake: Application DeadlinesRound 1:- Application Deadline: 19 January 2025
- Decision Date: 13 February 2025
- Deadline to Confirm: 13 March 2025
Round 2:- Application Deadline: 16 February 2025
- Decision Date: 14 March 2025
- Deadline to Confirm: 17 April 2025
Round 3:- Application Deadline: 16 March 2025
- Decision Date: 18 April 2025
- Deadline to Confirm: 15 May 2025
Round 4:- Application Deadline: 20 April 2025
- Decision Date: 16 May 2025
- Deadline to Confirm: 19 June 2025
Round 5:- Application Deadline: 18 May 2025
- Decision Date: 20 June 2025
- Deadline to Confirm: 17 July 2025
Round 6:- Application Deadline: 22 June 2025
- Decision Date: 18 July 2025
- Deadline to Confirm: 15 August 2025
Round 7:- Application Deadline: 17 August 2025
- Decision Date: 19 September 2025
- Deadline to Confirm: 16 October 2025
Round 8:- Application Deadline: 21 September 2025
- Decision Date: 17 October 2025
- Deadline to Confirm: 20 November 2025
Round 9:- Application Deadline: 19 October 2025
- Decision Date: 21 November 2025
- Deadline to Confirm: 18 December 2025
Round 10:- Application Deadline: 23 November 2025
- Decision Date: 19 December 2025
- Deadline to Confirm: 31 December 2025
Learn from Pranjal’s insights on her successful HEC Paris admit with scholarships to the Jan 2024 intakeLearn from [color=#1155cc]Neeraj’s success journey to the HEC Paris MBA Jan 2025 intake[/color]
HEC Paris MBA Jan Intake: Essay Questions- Why HEC Paris? Explain your motivation for pursuing an MBA at HEC Paris and how the program aligns with your career goals.
- Life Achievement: Describe your most significant life achievement.
- Leadership and Ethics: Discuss a situation where you encountered leadership and ethical challenges, and how you handled them.
- Alternate Life: Imagine a completely different life for yourself and describe it.
- Choose One:
a) Recommend a monument or site to a visitor in your country or city.
b) Analyze an internationally successful book, movie, or play that you believe is overrated.
c) Discuss a figure you admire and explain why.
For more insights on crafting standout essays, check out our detailed guide.Final ThoughtsBy 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,
here,
here and
here for candid insights from candidates who successfully navigated the rigorous INSEAD and HEC MBA application processes and secure admits (with scholarships).
If you need guidance with your application - we’re here to help you put your best foot forward!
Regards,
Arvind
Founder, admitStreet | Request a free profile evaluation
W: https://admitstreet.com | LinkedIn | E: consultingteam@admitstreet.com