The INSEAD MBA Language Policy in Five Easy Steps

I thought you had to speak french to go to INSEAD?
I heard you needed to be fluent in three languages to apply?
I'm from China, Mandarin is my native language, but I've been living and working in London for the last 4 years - I don't need to take the TOEFL, right?

What do all of the questions above have in common? The answer to all of them is 'no'.

Of all of the aspects of the INSEAD MBA admissions policy, I find that I get the most questions, and face the most incorrect assumptions, about our language policy.

There's a lot of misinformation circling around there, on MBA forums, and blogs and the like. Of course, you can get the full scope in our Language Policy document, which you download online. But, its a long document, so I thought summarise the all of the main points in a sort of beginners guide.

Those of you who are registered to receive our newsletter will see this article in our next issue, but since I know a lot of you are working to meet Sept R 3 / Jan R 1 deadlines, I thought I'd give you an advanced preview. And, by the way, if you don't already receive our newsletter and you'd like to, just join our mailing list)

And, now, without further ado...Here it is:

The INSEAD Language Policy in Five Easy Steps…

At INSEAD we believe strongly in the importance of an international outlook and ability to work effectively in multiple cultures. Language and communication skills will be an important part of your international effectiveness, therefore we require participants to demonstrate proficiency in at least two languages (including fluent English) at the time they apply and to attain at least a basic knowledge of a third language before graduating. For full details and information on how to certify particular languages, everyone should review the complete language policy. An introduction to the basics is covered below:

Step 1: Your Native Language – You can declare one native language for which we don’t ask you to provide proof of certification. Some participants grew up speaking two or more languages and are multi-lingual at the time they apply. However, even if you speak more than one language fluently, you must declare one as your native language, and provide proof of proficiency in the other.

Step 2: If English is not Your Native Language – If English is not your native language, then you must provide proof of your fluency in English at the time you apply. This can be done in one of two ways: Achieving and submitting at least a minimum required score on one of our approved English Language tests (see full list in the language policy), or a full university degree (undergraduate or postgraduate) conducted exclusively in English. Participating in an exchange programme and/or living and working in an English speaking country is not sufficient proof.

Step 3: If English is Your Native Language – If English is your native language, you will need to provide proof of your practical knowledge of a second language before the start of the MBA Programme. You should be able communicate (read, write and speak) comfortably on every day matters (work, school and hobbies). There are multiple ways to prove proficiency in your second language. Face-to-face written and oral tests are offered in several languages at our partner language schools in either Fontainebleau or Singapore. We also accept certificates from many state-recognised cultural and commercial bodies, university majors, and final secondary school exams. Whatever means you choose, we encourage you to provide acceptable certification as soon as possible. Final deadlines are 1 June for the September intake and 1 November for the January intake.

Step 4: Your Exit Language – Before you graduate, you will need to certify a basic knowledge in a third, commercially useful language. This means you should be able to communicate comfortably in a simple and direct exchange. This is a graduation requirement. Consequently, INSEAD partners with language schools on both campuses. You can also take a language test at any recognised language school in the world.

Step 5: A word about French (and other acceptable languages): French is not mandatory, as either a first, second or third language. All official native languages are recognised by INSEAD.
Acceptable languages include all those which are commercially useful and officially recognised by a country (for full details and information, please review the complete language policy).