Q: What are the application qualifications and the admission process for the CEIBS EMBA programme? 

A: Candidates should have a bachelor's degree or above and at least ten years working experience including a minimum of seven years at the managerial level. After submitting the application with the required documents, candidates need to take our admission test (or take the GMAT test) first and those who pass the test will be invited to attend an interview.

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

A: The Global EMBA starts each April in Shanghai. You can send your inquiry online, or contact us directly via our hot line +86 21-28905699. 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 the EMBA office. The admission committee will review your application qualifications based upon it.

Q: Who should I ask to write the recommendations?

A: The Admission Committee requires two letters of professional recommendations with one from the applicant's current supervisor 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 can I prepare for the admission test?

A: CEIBS' Admission Test for the EMBA programme is similar in format to the GMAT (the Graduate Management Admission Test). The test consists of five parts including 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 admission test. 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 a waiver for the admission test?

A: The CEIBS EMBA programme is a master's degree programme. Every applicant has to 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 for the final admission decision. Your success in business will likewise help the Admissions Committee evaluate your candidacy.

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

A: The overall assessment of candidates is made after the Admission Committee reviews the admission test or GMAT score, application materials and the interview results. It is strongly recommended that the applicant clearly describes his/her career path and vision in the essay part of the application package so that the Admission Committee can 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 the interview will be made within 30 working days upon the receipt of all materials. In this case, the interview may be scheduled before the application deadline.

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

A: No preference will be given to either online application or paper application, though online application will 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 low GMAT score, we would suggest that you re-take the GMAT test or that you take the CEIBS Admission Test.

Q: Do I need an organisational sponsorship to enroll?

A: An organisation's 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 application is not older than 2 years, you do not need to submit another application package. The materials will be transferred to this year's admission once you inform us that you wish to apply again.

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