MBA admissions are not based on a single cut-off score. Applications are reviewed holistically, taking into account academic background, work experience, and overall profile. As a reference point, recent cohorts have a median GMAT Focus Edition score of 615 and an average GRE score of 326–329. These figures are updated with each incoming class. 

Yes. CEIBS accepts GMAT, GRE, or the CEIBS Admission Test. The CEIBS Admission Test is a GMAT-style exam hosted once or twice per admission cycle, and each applicant may only attempt it once. There is no such restriction for GMAT or GRE. 

The minimum requirement is two years of full-time work experience, but most candidates bring more than that. Recent cohorts average around 5.4 years, with backgrounds spanning consulting, technology, financial services, manufacturing, healthcare, and other industries. 

The CEIBS MBA is highly competitive, and early application is recommended. Admissions are based on a holistic review, including academic performance, professional experience, test scores, essays, recommendations, and interview performance.

Shortlisted applicants are interviewed in English, usually by two interviewers drawn from CEIBS faculty, department directors, alumni, or admissions staff. The interview usually lasts around 30-40 minutes and is a key part of the evaluation process.

It is designed to assess your academic and professional background, as well as your motivation for pursuing the MBA, your career goals, and your ability to contribute to a diverse, international cohort. Applicants may be asked to discuss their work experience, leadership examples, decision-making approach, and interest in CEIBS specifically.

The interview is considered alongside the full application, including test scores, essays, and recommendations, as part of a holistic assessment of overall fit and potential.

Yes. The MBA is taught in English, and Mandarin is not required for admission. CEIBS does, however, offer free Mandarin classes during the programme, which can be useful for students planning to work in China.

The CEIBS MBA typically opens applications in September each year, with multiple rounds running through to May. The programme starts in August, with one intake per year. Early application is encouraged, as scholarships and class capacity are considered on a rolling basis. For current round dates and deadlines, click here. 

Yes. CEIBS offers a range of scholarships, fellowships, education funds, company-sponsored awards, and loan options. Around 40% of students receive financial aid. For a full list of available scholarships and eligibility criteria, visit the MBA Expenses & Financial Aid page.

No. Global EMBA applicants are encouraged to take the Executive Assessment, but GMAT and GRE scores are also accepted. In some cases, applicants may be invited to complete a CEIBS admissions test.

CEIBS looks for senior professionals with at least eight years of work experience, including at least five years in managerial roles, alongside strong English ability, a global mindset, leadership potential, openness to learning, and organisational support to attend the programme.

The Executive Assessment is a test developed by GMAC for experienced professionals applying to executive programmes. It evaluates skills such as critical thinking, data analysis, and problem-solving. Compared to the GMAT, it is shorter and more focused, making it better suited to Global EMBA applicants with established work experience.

You can apply first and then take the Executive Assessment. For most rounds, it should be completed within four weeks after the interview, while Round 4 applicants are expected to have it done by the application deadline.

Once your application process is complete, an admission decision is typically made within two weeks.

A completed application generally includes the online form, essays, supporting documents such as a photo, passport, education certificates, organisational chart and company brochure, plus recommendation letters. Two recommendation letters and four essays are also among the required materials.

The Global MiM is designed for recent bachelor’s or master’s graduates with minimal work experience who want to build a global management foundation early and begin their careers with strong China and Europe exposure.

No. The programme is intentionally built as a zero-experience or minimal-experience pathway, and applicants should have up to one year of work experience at most.

The programme runs across four cities: Shanghai (China), Paris (France), London (United Kingdom), and Zurich (Switzerland). This multi-city structure is built into the curriculum, with each location forming a required stage of the programme.

Yes. An official GMAT or GRE score is required for the Global MiM. These tests are used to assess quantitative ability, analytical thinking, and academic readiness for a rigorous, internationally focused programme.  If you have not yet taken the GMAT or GRE at the time of application, you may still submit your application. The admissions team will issue a conditional offer to applicants who meet all other requirements. The applicant will then have the opportunity to take the GMAT or GRE test and submit a valid score by a specified deadline to secure full admission.

Not necessarily. CEIBS waives the English test for native speakers and for applicants who completed a degree taught fully in English for at least three years at institutions where the official teaching language is English.

CEIBS looks for recent graduates from any post-secondary programme with strong academic results, a global outlook, and clear leadership potential. The programme accepts students from non-business backgrounds, which helps create a more diverse class.

The process has three stages: submit the online application, attend an online or in-person interview if shortlisted, and then wait for the admission decision. The application package includes the completed application form, GMAT or GRE score, English test score if required, transcripts, CV, recommendation letters, and any supporting materials. Bachelor students in their penultimate year (usually junior or third year students) may contact the Global MiM Admissions office for pre-admission interview opportunities.

For the Class of 2026, there are four application rounds: October 29, 2025; January 14, 2026; March 18, 2026; and May 12, 2026. Decision dates follow on December 3, 2025; February 11, 2026; April 15, 2026; and June 2, 2026. For the August 2026 intake, the admissions season may extend into the summer, as applications are reviewed on a rolling basis even after the deadline. Please contact the Global MiM Admissions Office for more details.

Yes. Applying early can help secure a place sooner, receive a decision earlier, and allow more time to arrange visas, housing, and other logistics.

The MBA is a full-time, 16-month English programme, with an expedited one-year option also available. The programme has one intake each year and starts in August.

The first two terms build a solid foundation across key business disciplines, covering areas such as organisational behaviour, financial accounting, marketing, economics, strategy, corporate finance, data analytics, operational thinking, and business, society, and environment.  A Leadership Journey programme also runs from orientation through Term 2, developing leadership and interpersonal skills alongside the academic curriculum. From Term 3 onward, the curriculum transitions into a mix of advanced core and elective courses. The specific course list may be updated from year to year — please refer to the MBA programme page for the latest curriculum. 

Electives begin from Term 3 and continue through Terms 4 and 5. Students choose from approximately 40 electives spanning areas including AI and digital transformation, entrepreneurship and innovation, sustainable finance and ESG, marketing analytics, private equity and venture capital, and more. The elective portfolio is regularly updated to reflect evolving industry trends and student demand. 

Yes. CEIBS offers two coordinated degree programmes in partnership with top U.S. universities, allowing students to earn two prestigious qualifications in a streamlined timeframe. The options are a Master of Public Health (MPH) with the Bloomberg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University, and a Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy (MALD) with The Fletcher School at Tufts University. These dual-degree paths are designed for students looking to deepen expertise in a specific industry or career track while completing their MBA.

In addition, the programme includes exchange opportunities with more than 30 partner business schools worldwide, giving students further flexibility to study in different regions and gain exposure to a range of academic and business environments. 

Yes. The CEIBS MBA offers multiple international study components. Students can participate in exchange programmes at more than 30 partner business schools worldwide. The programme also includes China Modules and Overseas Modules as part of the curriculum, providing structured exposure to different business environments. In addition, coordinated dual degree options with Tufts University and Johns Hopkins University allow students to combine their MBA with study at a partner institution. Learn more about China Modules and Overseas Modules here.  

The CEIBS MBA is taught entirely in English. All core courses, electives, case discussions, and assessments are conducted in English. Mandarin is not required for admission or participation. CEIBS also offers free Mandarin language classes during the programme for students who wish to develop language skills for working in China.   

Yes. Global EMBA students can switch courses between tracks or classes, providing additional flexibility once the programme is underway.

The curriculum is built around business fundamentals, strategic capabilities, China depth, global breadth, leadership, social responsibility, and integrating capabilities. Core academic areas include economics, marketing, organisational behaviour, financial reporting, corporate finance, data analytics, managing AI, strategic managerial accounting, and strategic management, with leadership modules and a capstone project tying the programme together.

The programme offers more than 45 elective module options. Participants combine core courses with local and global electives across different international modules, allowing them to tailor learning to specific industries, markets, or leadership areas.

The Global EMBA runs across five continents—Asia, Europe, Africa, North America, and South America—with modules available in more than 20 destinations worldwide. Key locations include Shanghai, Zurich, Singapore, and Accra.

Electives are offered across CEIBS campuses and global module locations, complemented by exchange opportunities with eight leading partner schools in ten countries, including National University of Singapore, UCLA Anderson School of Management, ESCP Business School, and IESE Business School. 

Students study across four locations, with each stage focusing on a different part of the programme. The first term in Shanghai covers core management courses. In Paris, students move into electives and begin to specialise while finishing the remaining core courses. London continues with advanced specialised courses, while the final stage in Zurich combines further specialisation with thesis work.

The programme includes a required global internship or work component lasting four to eight months, depending on the focal student's prior internship experience before entering the programme. It involves gaining practical experience in an international business setting, applying classroom learning to real projects, and building early career exposure across different markets.

Yes. The Global MiM is a full-time, two-year programme. The coursework period lasts around 14 months.

The official intake is 100 students split into two sections. The cohort is jointly recruited, with 50 students selected by CEIBS and 50 by ESCP Business School.  International students are expected to make up 50% or more of each cohort. 

You graduate with two master’s degrees from CEIBS and ESCP under the CEIBS (Switzerland)-ESCP double degree structure. The ESCP degree is a standard French grande école degree and the CEIBS (Switzerland) one is a standard master’s degree.

The Global MiM is taught in English. However, some electives in other languages may be available in Paris, depending on availability. 

CEIBS MBA tuition is RMB 488,000 for all students  (approximately USD 68,000). The application fee is RMB 1,000 (international applicants may also pay in USD). Tuition is payable in instalments. For details on tuition, payment schedule, and financial aid, click here.

MBA tuition covers the programme curriculum, teaching materials, access to campus internet and database resources, and use of school facilities. Students should budget separately for accommodation, personal living expenses in Shanghai, travel for overseas modules and exchange programmes, visa and immigration fees, and health insurance. For full details, click here.

Yes. Students pay 70% of tuition upon registration, with the remaining 30% due approximately one year into the programme. 

Yes. CEIBS is affiliated with a number of loan and financing programmes for both domestic and international students, including the CEIBS Dishuiquan Interest Subsidy and Prodigy Loans for international students. We also encourage applicants to explore financing options available in their home country, such as local banks, government programmes, and non-profit organisations dedicated to supporting higher education. For the full list of affiliated loan programmes, click here.

CEIBS MBA graduates report a median annual guaranteed cash compensation of approximately RMB 500,000, with significant variation across industries, functions, and locations — reflecting the diverse career trajectories graduates pursue after the programme. For the full salary breakdown, please download the latest CEIBS MBA Career Report.

There is no fixed payback period, as this depends on factors such as career progression, location, and individual goals. Many graduates, however, see a strong increase in earnings after the MBA, with average salaries rising by around 150% compared to pre-MBA levels, which can support a relatively fast return on investment.

Yes. CEIBS MBA has been ranked #1 in Asia for 10 consecutive years and was ranked #8 globally by the Financial Times in 2026, with tuition significantly lower than comparable top-ranked programmes in the US and Europe. Graduates consistently achieve strong employment outcomes, with job offer accepted rates around 90%, with over 80% successfully switching career track across function or industry. Over 300 companies recruit on campus annually with more than 800 full-time positions posted. Beyond career placement, CEIBS MBA graduates gain access to a 34,000+ alumni network, a structured mentoring programme pairing every student with a senior alumnus, and lifelong development opportunities through the CEIBS ecosystem. 

These outcomes are reflected in the alumni experience. As one graduate, Min Hu, noted, “the MBA journey has been critical to my career development. I learned that there are unlimited possibilities and opportunities for career advancement, ranging from technical to business roles. The MBA experience, combined with my previous engineering background, has helped me to take a more comprehensive view of business, products and technology.”

The ICSP is the CEIBS MBA's signature consulting engagement. Student teams of five to six work under the guidance of a CEIBS faculty adviser and a corporate sponsor to address a real strategic challenge over approximately three months, culminating in a final report and actionable recommendations. Sponsors span industries including technology, healthcare, manufacturing, consumer goods, and financial services. ICSP bridges classroom learning with real-world practice, enabling students to build relevant industry and functional expertise and better prepared for career transitions. Sometimes it even serves as a direct pathway to employment. For more information, click here.

CEIBS MBA graduates work across a wide range of industries and functions. Consistently among the top hiring industries are technology, manufacturing, healthcare, financial services, and consulting, with technology and manufacturing emerging as the leading employers in recent years. The most common functions are marketing and sales, general management, finance and accounting, and consulting. In terms of seniority, most graduates enter at the manager level, followed by professional and leadership development programme (LDP) positions. The specific mix evolves each year in line with market demand and cohort composition. For the latest breakdown, please refer to the CEIBS MBA Career Report. 

For the 2026 intake, Global EMBA tuition is USD 118,000 or RMB 848,000. The application fee is USD 150 or RMB 1,000, and it is waived if you take the Executive Assessment.

It covers the full 24-month programme tuition, major textbooks and teaching materials, access to CEIBS facilities, lunches and coffee breaks during modules, accommodation and meals for the three leadership modules, and access to Global EMBA forums and lecture series.

Travel and other personal expenses are not included in the tuition fee. This typically includes flights, accommodation outside programme modules, visas, and day-to-day living costs, which should be budgeted separately.

Yes. CEIBS allows payment in instalments. Depending on the round, students pay either 10% plus 50% before the programme or 60% shortly after admission, with the final 40% due in the second year.

Yes. The CEIBS Global EMBA works with banks and financial institutions in China and internationally to offer loan options with competitive interest rates and structured repayment plans for participants.

CEIBS offers scholarships to successful Global EMBA applicants, especially self-sponsored candidates who show strong leadership capability, career growth, and diversity value. Financial need may also be considered.

The Global MiM tuition fee for the Class of 2026 is €59,000 (two-year tuition). Students must pay an additional €2800 to ESCP for lifetime alumni membership. 

Yes. The programme offers a range of specialised scholarships for the Class of 2026, aimed at applicants with strong potential in areas such as academics, leadership, technology, entrepreneurship, and other innovative practices.

The application fee is USD 185 for international applicants and RMB 1,000 (approximately €130) for Chinese applicants. The fee is non-refundable.

The Global MiM focuses on early-career acceleration: double degrees, four-city exposure, a required four- to eight-month internship or work component, and access to both CEIBS and ESCP alumni networks. For a recent graduate, the ROI case is strongest if you want an internationally mobile start and meaningful access to China and Europe early in your career.

MBA graduates move into roles across marketing and sales, general management, finance and accounting, consulting, information technology, and operations and logistics. Position levels include manager, professional, leadership development programme roles, assistant manager, and director.

Graduates also join a wide range of global companies across industries. For example, one graduate, Celso Benidio, moved into a role as an Associate at McKinsey & Company after completing the MBA. Others have taken on positions in operations, business development, and leadership-track programmes depending on their background and goals.

CEIBS MBA graduates are recruited by over 300 companies each year, with more than 800 full-time positions posted annually. Employers span global multinationals, leading Chinese enterprises, consulting firms, startups, and investment institutions. In recent years, an increasing number of Chinese companies expanding internationally have recruited from CEIBS, seeking graduates with both China expertise and global perspective. 

Representative recruiters across recent graduating classes include technology companies such as Google, Apple, Microsoft, Shopee, Tencent, ByteDance, Xiaomi, and Meituan; consulting firms including McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Roland Berger, and Deloitte; healthcare and life sciences companies such as Lilly, Johnson & Johnson, Bayer, AstraZeneca, and Roche; manufacturing and industrial leaders including BASF, Bosch, Schneider Electric, Momenta and Favored Tech; financial services and investment firms such as Goldman Sachs, CICC, and Fosun; and consumer and retail brands such as PepsiCo, Value Retail, Pop Mart, and Peet’s Coffee. For the full employer list, please download the latest CEIBS MBA Career Report.

Yes. Over 80% of CEIBS MBA graduates per cohort successfully switch career track across function or industry after the programme. This is supported by the CEIBS Career Development Centre (CDC) through individualised coaching, sector-specific guidance, skill-building workshops, and direct access to a broad employer base. 

The CEIBS alumni network of over 34,000 members plays an equally important role — alumni regularly return to campus to recruit, mentor, and connect with current students through structured programmes including career salons and the Mentoring Programme. Students also gain hands-on experience through the Integrated China Strategy Project (ICSP), a three-month consulting engagement with a real company, as well as career treks to markets such as Hong Kong.

For example, Panda Hu transitioned from financial services to a Business Development Manager position at Thermo Fisher Scientific China after earning an MBA. As she noted, “the CEIBS MBA gave me the chance to switch to my dream industry and practice my leadership skills.”

Yes. Consistently around 75–80% of international graduates take up roles in China and the Asia Pacific region, with the remainder typically returning to their home markets. A growing number of employers — both multinational companies seeking Asia-experienced talent and Chinese enterprises expanding internationally — actively recruit CEIBS graduates for roles that require the ability to operate across markets and cultures. The Career Development Centre (CDC) provides dedicated support for international students, including employer engagement across the region, recruitment events, and market-focused guidance. 

The CEIBS MBA provides career support through a dual-track structure. The Professional Track, run by the Career Development Centre (CDC), partners with each student to develop a personalised career roadmap — offering one-on-one coaching, sector-specific guidance, skill-building workshops, company presentations, recruitment fairs, and career salons. The Entrepreneur Track, powered by CEIBS MBA InnoLab, supports students exploring venture creation through a structured process from idea generation and business plan development through to Demo Day and investor introductions.

The two tracks run in parallel and are designed to be flexible — students can pursue entrepreneurship while retaining the option to transition back to the Professional Track at any stage before the full-time season starts, ensuring they never miss the recruitment cycle. Both tracks are complemented by the Integrated China Strategy Project (ICSP), internships, and lifelong access to the CEIBS alumni network and CDC alumni support after graduation. For more information, click here. 

The CEIBS InnoLab is the innovation and entrepreneurship centre of the CEIBS MBA programme, designed around three paths: Innovator (building innovation capability for any career), Intrapreneur (driving change inside established organisations or exploring new areas within a family business), and Entrepreneur (developing independent ventures). InnoLab is open to all current MBA students, and alumni can participate through annual membership registration. Through flagship events such as INNOVATEChina and Demo Day, members gain exposure, resources, and hands-on experience. For entrepreneurs, InnoLab provides senior-level mentoring and coaching, while leveraging the CEIBS alumni community of over 34,000 and external partners to connect founders with investors, incubators, and government bodies. 

No. The majority of InnoLab members use the centre to cultivate innovative thinking and develop skills to lead change inside established organisations as intrapreneurs driving digital transformation, launching new business units, or championing corporate ventures. InnoLab offers dedicated programming for these students, including Inno Talks, Inno Workshop series, and co-creation challenges with industry partners. A smaller cohort, known as "campers, " uses the InnoLab to develop independent ventures with dedicated mentoring and coaching support. Both paths are equally supported, and you do not need to choose a direction at admission.

Yes. The CEIBS InnoLab provides end-to-end support for MBA students and alumni developing independent ventures: from early-stage idea validation through the Entrepreneur Roadshow, to project coaching, pitch preparation, Demo Day presentations to investors, and introductions to angel networks, venture capital, and external incubators. The MBA curriculum includes courses in entrepreneurship and innovation. You do not need to arrive with a startup idea — InnoLab gives you the full first year to explore before committing to any direction. 

INNOVATEChina is the CEIBS InnoLab's annual flagship global innovation competition, first launched in 2008 and now in its 17th consecutive year. Each edition brings together approximately 60 teams from leading business schools around the world to tackle a real innovation challenge set by a corporate partner. Past themes have included new-energy-vehicle ecosystem innovation and sustainable business model design. You do not need a startup to compete. It rewards the ability to frame problems, generate solutions, and present a compelling case to a real business audience.

InnoLab runs year-round event programming open to all members:

• Inno Talk: Sessions led by senior executives, industry experts, and academic scholars sharing foresights and real-world experience.
• Inno Workshop: A hands-on series focused on areas such as entrepreneurship and AI, building essential skills for innovators and entrepreneurs.
• Inno Connect: Networking opportunities with established enterprises and startups, opening doors to diverse career pathways.
• INNOVATEChina: The annual global innovation competition bringing together university students from around the world.

For members developing independent ventures, InnoLab additionally offers:

• Inno Mentoring & Coaching: Group and one-on-one guidance from seasoned entrepreneurs and investors, tailored to each entrepreneur's unique challenges.
• Demo Day: An annual signature roadshow event connecting startup projects with potential partners and the broader public.

The programme supports continued leadership development, broader strategic responsibility, and a stronger cross-border perspective, as well as career transitions in some cases. Career support includes mentoring, job postings, alumni networking, industry events, and access to opportunities across key sectors after graduation.

Yes. The Global EMBA is a two-year part-time programme designed so participants can continue working while completing the degree, allowing them to balance professional responsibilities with study.

Yes. Global EMBA alumni have full access to the CEIBS online database of job postings, with hundreds of postings each year.

The programme prepares students for early-career management, analyst, project, and international business-track roles, with the strongest fit in organisations that value cross-border exposure and China-Europe literacy.

Yes. The programme includes a required internship or work period and provides lifelong access to both CEIBS and ESCP alumni networks, supporting long-term career development. The Global MiM programme has a dedicated career development team to provide comprehensive career services to students, such as individual career counselling, workshops, CV reviews, and mock interviews. Students also have access to a diverse network of career mentors who support them in securing their desired roles. 

The programme includes a four- to eight-month internship or work component as an integral part of the curriculum. Support is provided throughout the process, while students are expected to take an active role in securing opportunities that align with their goals. Students are also allowed to seek alternative opportunities in any country or location of their choosing. 

It gives you access to two brands, two alumni networks, and a degree structure that signals both China and European business exposure. For employers, that combination can be particularly relevant in roles involving cross-border business, international management, and mobility between regions.

Yes. The programme is explicitly designed around “China Edge, Global Experience,” which includes study in Shanghai, and combines that with CEIBS alumni access and global internship exposure. That does not remove the need to build language or market familiarity over time, but it does give non-Chinese students a structured entry point into China-facing careers.

Student life combines an academically intensive environment with an active campus community. Students take part in clubs, student-led forums, and regular events, including TEDxCEIBS, the Investment Forum, the Healthcare Forum, the Female Leadership Forum, and ESG-focused initiatives.

Living in Shanghai offers a blend of tradition and modern business activity, providing direct access to one of the world’s leading economic centres. The city is an integral part of the experience, supporting both academic learning and broader exposure to China’s business environment.

Yes. The programme is taught in English and includes international admissions support, overseas modules, and exchange opportunities. The cohort is internationally diverse, with strong outcomes for graduates pursuing careers in China and across Asia Pacific.

The MBA 2027 cohort includes 105 students from 20 countries,, with 53.3% female representation and 30.5% students from outside the Chinese mainland. Students bring an average of 5.4 years of work experience, with varied backgrounds spanning industries such as technology, financial services, consulting, manufacturing, and healthcare. 

The CEIBS alumni network includes over 34,000 members, supported by more than 120 chapters and clubs worldwide. It is one of the largest and most active business school networks in China.

The Global EMBA is a part-time programme that combines leadership development, China-focused insight, global modules, executive coaching, social responsibility, and applied learning. The structure allows participants to step away from day-to-day work, reflect on complex challenges, and return with a broader strategic perspective.

The cohort is highly experienced and international, with 100 participants from 20 countries and regions and working across 40 global locations. The average age is 41, with 17 years of work experience and 12 years in management roles. Participants come from a wide range of industries, functions, and organisations.

The student experience is built around mobility, multicultural learning, and early-career acceleration. Students move through four major business cities, study in English, work across a cohort of 100 in two sections, and combine classroom learning with a required global internship or work period.

Yes. Graduates join both the CEIBS and ESCP alumni networks, which gives them access to two long-term professional communities rather than one.