Q: What are the application qualifications for CEIBS' EMBA programme? What about the admissions process?

A: Candidates should have a bachelor's degree or above and at least eight years' working experience including a minimum of five years at the managerial level. They need to take our written examination (or take the GMAT test) first and those who pass the exam will attend the interview.

Q: When do you usually start your EMBA programme each year and when should I apply?

A: The International Class starts each March in Shanghai. You can send your inquiry online, or contact us directly via our hot line +86 21-28905888. After reviewing the inquiries, we will send an application package to qualified candidates by mail. You can also opt to apply through our online application system.

Q: If I only have an associate degree, am I qualified to apply for your EMBA programme?

A: Each year, we admit a small number of candidates who hold only an associate degree but have outstanding management experience at high-calibre managerial positions. Please submit a resume highlighting your career achievements to EMBA office. The admission committee will review your application qualifications based upon it.

Q: Who should I ask for to write the recommendations?

A: The Admission Committee requires two letters of professional recommendations (one from the applicant's current supervisor is preferred). We prefer recommendations from people who can speak directly about your aptitude for, or accomplishments in, management. Thus, work-related recommendations are more valuable than academic ones.

Q: How to prepare for the entrance examination?

A: CEIBS' Admission Test for EMBA programme is similar in format to the GMAT (the Graduate Management Admission Test). The exam consists of such five parts as sentence correction, reading comprehension, critical reasoning, problem solving and data sufficiency. Interview notices will reach applicants within 30 working days (usually two weeks) after the written exam. For candidates with valid GMAT scores, interview decisions will be made upon the overall assessment on the application materials and GMAT scores.

Please refer to http://www.mba.com for further information about GMAT. It is also recommended to refer to GMAT materials available in many bookstores or enroll in a GMAT course.

Q: I have many years of work experience, can I apply for waive for the written examination?

A: The CEIBS EMBA programme is a master degree programme. Every applicant should take the CEIBS Admission Test or the GMAT. The GMAT is a reliable and valid measure of basic verbal, quantitative and problem-solving skills that have been found to be important in the study of management at the graduate level. However, the performance in the Admission Test is not the sole factor that leads to the final admission decision. Your successful story in business will help the Admissions Committee to evaluate your candidacy.

Q: How much weight does the interview have in the selection process?

A: The overall assessment upon candidates is made after the Admission Committee reviews the written examination or GMAT score, application materials and the interview results. It is strongly recommended that the applicant should make clear of his/her career path and vision in the essay part of the application package so that the Admission Committee could have a clear picture of the applicant's career development.

Q: Is there any advantage to apply early?

A: If the applicant has a valid GMAT score and has submitted the complete application package to the EMBA office, the decision of interview will be made within 30 working days upon the receipt of all materials. In this case, the interview may be scheduled before application deadline.

Q: Is there any difference between online application and paper application?

A: No any preference will be given to either online application or paper application, though online application would be dealt with more expediently.

Q: Is there a minimum GMAT score required in admission?

A: We do not require a minimum GMAT score for application. For those who hold a not very competitive score, we would suggest taking CEIBS entrance examination.

Q: Do I need organization sponsorship to enroll?

A: Organization sponsorship is regarded as a demonstration of a student's ability to commit to full participation in the programme. All the candidates thus need to obtain approval from current employers to take two working days off each month to attend classes. We encourage financial support from employers but do not require it.

Q: How do I reapply for your EMBA programme?

A: If your recent application is within 2 years, you do not need to submit another application package and all the materials you submitted before will be referred to this year's admission.

Q: Can I pay the tuition fee in installment? Is there any financial aid? Can I apply for bank loan?

A: Participants can pay the tuition fee in two installments. CEIBS has also entered an agreement with the Shanghai branch of China Merchants Bank, which allows Chinese mainland EMBA participants to apply for bank loan.