There is one GEMBA intake per year, divided into three regional sections and the admissions process is the same for all GEMBA applicants, whether they apply for the Asia, the Middle East or the Europe section. However, application deadlines are different as the sections start at different dates.
Importantly, there are several ways to apply to the program. As per of the admissions process, you must take either the INSEAD Assessment, the GMAC Executive Assessment (EA), or the GMAT. Those 3 tests evaluate your academic aptitude, including quantitative and verbal skills. The application process will vary slightly depending on which test you choose. And while they all offer pros and cons, there will always be a preferred option based on our candidate profile.
But first, let’s look at the impact of the test you choose on your admissions process.
INSEAD Assessment
If you’d like to take the INSEAD Assessment, you should submit your EMBA application first. The Pre-selection committee will then invite selected candidates for the INSEAD Assessment Day (which includes the INSEAD Assessment, the Admissions Panel, a Case Study and a Motivational Interview).
If you elect to take the INSEAD Assessment, it is important to note that you will only have one chance to pass the exam. In the event your test performance was not going to be satisfactory, you will be rejected, without the option to submit an EA or GMAT score and will need to wait another year to re-apply.
GMAC Executive Assessment (EA) and GMAT
If you’d like to take the EA or the GMAT, you should take the test first and submit your EMBA application together with your test score. The Pre-selection committee will then invite selected candidates for an Admissions Interview conducted by EMBA alumni.
The advantages of taking the EA or the GMAT is that you have more control on your test performance. Because you can take those test multiple times (2 times for the EA and up to 8 times for the GMAT), you have the option to submit a higher score if your first attempt didn’t work out. Importantly, you have more visibility by the time you submit your application as you will know whether you have met the minimum threshold.