INSEAD entry language criteria. Any way around it? : INSEAD

Okay so I am in a bit of a situation with INSEAD.

I have been lucky enough to be invited to interview with INSEAD for round 3. I am of course over the moon and frankly didn't expect to get an interview as I thought it was a stretch to apply. But here I am.

Heres my issue. Somehow, I missed the whole language policy situation at INSEAD. Specifically the fact that I need a B1 proficiency in a second language to be admitted. Something that seems ridiculous to me is that this is not needed to APPLY but is needed to START the program, and thus, I was able to get through an application without any second language listed. I guess because I am just a dumb Australian, I never had a second language as a part of my core schooling and I have never worked overseas previously.

Here is my question.

IF given an offer, is there any way I am able to be admitted and actually start the INSEAD MBA program without this second language B1 certification? Has anyone heard of anyone getting an exemption from this policy? Is there any way around it? Or room to negotiate conditions of entry?

I understand this is probably a stretch, but for the life of me I cant understand why I even have an interview with them if I didn't list a second language. It seems (from my research) that it is impossible for me to reach B1 proficiency in any language by the June 1st cutoff. I am willing to attempt this, but I cant risk my whole MBA admission on this.

Any info on this would be great.

I think it's a bit strange that you got this far but perhaps they saw something and think that you might be able to pull it off? No second language whatsoever? Super basic?

I don't think B1 is that hard if you can take some intensive lessons starting right now.

TOEFL might assist in getting through.

agproductguy2023 wrote:I think it's a bit strange that you got this far but perhaps they saw something and think that you might be able to pull it off? No second language whatsoever? Super basic?

I don't think B1 is that hard if you can take some intensive lessons starting right now.

Definitely hoping that I can still progress. And yes I am planning to at least attempt to get to B1 level proficiency. Its more so making the commitment while also hoping that I can pass a proficiency test for a brand new language 3 months beforehand.

I am generally just looking to see if anyone has been in my position or have found an alternate way through.

And in regards to the other comment about TOEFL. That is a test for English. I'm not sure how that is relevant to my scenario.

From FAQ:
Do I require any languages other than English to start the programme?
No, you do not need to have validated another language other than English to start the programme. However, to
make the most of your INSEAD MBA programme, we strongly encourage you to put as much time and effort into
improving your Second and Third languages before the start of the programme. (See page 6&7 of the Language
Policy.)

Okay so for anyone out there who somehow ends up in my situation, there is absolutely no way around it. Tried talking to admissions and they were very clear that B1 second language is a must. So my INSEAD journey comes to a premature end, however, I already have some other offers so I guess it all works out.

Sorry to hear that mate. What other offers did you get and which schools are you leaning towards?

agproductguy2023 Sorry for the delayed response. I was lucky enough to receive offers from Oxford, Cambridge, SDA Bocconi and IESE. I have since accepted Oxford

Congrats on Oxford, I’m sure you’ll love it!

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AUSMattyG wrote:agproductguy2023 Sorry for the delayed response. I was lucky enough to receive offers from Oxford, Cambridge, SDA Bocconi and IESE. I have since accepted Oxford

Congratulations! Oxford is a great school!