INSEAD Jan 2026 MBA Intake: Everything You Need to Know

Question

Applying for the INSEAD January 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 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.

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 GFE

Seeking some more inspiration? Learn from Adhiraj’s insights on his successful INSEAD admit with scholarships to the Jan 2024 intake

Admissions Process

The INSEAD admissions process involves five stages:

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.
Pre-selection Decision: Within one week of submission, applicants will receive notification on whether they have advanced to the next stage.
Interviews with Alumni: Shortlisted candidates will undergo two interviews with INSEAD alumni, typically in their country of residence.
Admissions Committee Evaluation: After receiving feedback from alumni interviews, the Admissions Committee reviews applications and makes final decisions.
Final Decision Notification: Applicants will be informed of their admission status via email, up to 10 weeks from the application deadline.

INSEAD MBA Application Requirements

Dashboard and Photograph

Register to access the online application dashboard.
Upload a photograph (200x200 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 (Sections 11-14)

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 (Section 14)

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

Application Essays 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

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.

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.

Compilation of INSEAD MBA Video Essay questions (2023)

What keeps you engaged and motivated at work?
How will INSEAD help you achieve your professional objectives?
Describe a time when you saw someone else doing something differently. How did you react?
Describe a time when you received negative feedback. How did you feel?
Do you consider yourself to be creative?
What do you think is the biggest challenge in leading a global team?
If you look back 10 years into your life, what would success mean to you?
Who or what inspires you the most?
What leadership quality do you admire? Why?
How do you handle frustration at work and give constructive criticism?
How can INSEAD help you contribute to the community?
What skills do you want to work on while at INSEAD?
Tell us about something your family or company borrowed from someone else. What were the advantages and disadvantages?
Why should we select you?
What is the most pressing climate concern today, and how would you tackle it?
How do you handle frustration at work? How do you openly communicate to resolve it?
Are you aware of your biases? How do they affect your thoughts?
If given unlimited resources, what product or service would you offer to the community, and why?
What are your guiding principles or involvement in corporate and social responsibility?
How is diversity handled at your organization?
Tell us about a new app that resonated with you.
What qualities make a good friend?
How do you generate ideas?
How would you handle a new boss acting offensively to local culture?
How would you help a shy teammate speak up?
What is the most challenging decision you've made?
Has your family or company adopted anything from another culture? What impact did it have?
If you won $10 billion, what would you do?
What is the most difficult aspect of working with you?
What do people often misunderstand about you?

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.

Still deciding between the January and August intakes? Read our detailed article to explore the differences and choose the one that best aligns with your personal and professional goals!

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).

If you need guidance with your INSEAD application - whether it's crafting standout essays, acing the video interviews, or preparing for alumni interviews - reach out to us at admitStreet. We’re here to help you put your best foot forward!

Regards,
Arvind
Founder, admitStreet | Request a free chat
W: https://admitstreet.com | LinkedIn | E: consultingteam@admitstreet.com

Roshni_Rosh · Answer

Hi, would you be aware if the applications for Jan 26 intake is open? I had started my applications for 2025 intake, but wish to defer that and apply for Jan 26. I'm unable to switch the intake in the application.

admitStreet · Answer

Roshni_Rosh  - I believe applications for Jan'26 INSEAD intake are open. You can try starting a new application for the Jan intake i.e. don't switch intakes within the existing application.

Hope this helps.

--arvind

kmatz · Answer

Hi for the Jan intake, I see there is a question on activities and interests "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)". Is this description expected to be in essay form? Also, how many activities should we be listing given that we have to describe it later?

admitStreet · Answer

I would suggest answering it in essay form, though there's no compulsion to. As per the number of activities, it would really depend on your level and duration of involvement. Broadly though, quality matters over quantity i.e. rather than mentioning a dozen activities with a line each, it's more impactful to mention 3-4 with details on each. Regards, Arvind Founder, admitStreet | Request a free chat W: https://admitstreet.com | LinkedIn | E: consultingteam@admitstreet.com

mamadoudiegane · Answer

Hello ! I am currently in a similar situation as you and I was wondering if you managed to switch the application intake. If yes, how did you do it ? Did what you wrote for the AUG25 transfer automatically to the JAN26 application, like your recommendation letters, essays, etc ?

Thanks in advance!

admitStreet · Answer

mamadoudiegane - Did you try starting a new application for the Jan '26 intake i.e. without trying to switch in the existing one? Let me know if this doesn't work. Regards, Arvind Founder, admitStreet | Request a free profile evaluation W: https://admitstreet.com | LinkedIn | E: consultingteam@admitstreet.com

admitStreet · Answer

Latest essay prompts (for Jan '26 intake) updated above.

regards,
arvind

vsg700 · Answer

I just submitted my application for Jan-26 intake, I see that KIRA interview has 4 video questions and a 5th one which will be a written type question, does any one here have any idea what type of prompts will be given for written one

mark0wnik0v · Answer

For me, the written one was very different from the video questions. It was a personal question that required some general knowledge to answer.

vsg700 · Answer

Do you remember the question, that will give me a little idea to be prepared

nko55 · Answer

Any update on interviews?

mark0wnik0v · Answer

Nope, the invites seem to roll out the first week of April if you look at the Jan 2025  forum . So another week to 10 days would be my guess.

admitStreet · Answer

If any of you start hearing from INSEAD on the interview shortlists (for R1 Jan '26 intake), do keep us posted here.

regards,
arvind

nko55 · Answer

I got my invite to interviews email on the 27th

Apeksha2101 · Answer

Any interview call for R2 Jan 26 intake ?

admitStreet · Answer

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INSEAD Jan 2026 MBA Intake: Everything You Need to Know

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