CEIBS

Shanghai, China · Private · 16-month full-time MBA (12-month accelerated option); one August intake; Shanghai

Average GMAT Focus: 640 (585–695 (middle 80%))
Median base salary: CNY 60,781 (Class of 2026)
Program tuition: CNY 72,699 (full program)

Deadlines

Early Action (MBA Class of 2029, Aug 2027 intake): Oct. 14, 2026
Round 1 (MBA Class of 2029): Dec. 2, 2026
Round 2 (MBA Class of 2029): March 17, 2027
Round 3 (MBA Class of 2029): May 19, 2027

Essays

Essay 1: career goals (500 words)

What are your short-term and long-term post-MBA career aspirations? Discuss how your prior experience has prepared you for these goals and explain how the CEIBS MBA Program will help you achieve them.

Essay 2: accomplishment and failure (500 words)

Share an accomplishment you are most proud of and a situation where you faced failure. Explain why you felt proud of your accomplishment and how you have dealt with the failure. How have these experiences shaped your relationships with others and your overall growth?

Optional essay (300 words)

As we review your application, what else would you like us to know as we consider your candidacy for the CEIBS MBA Programme?

Editor's notes

Early Action on Oct. 14 is the date to beat. You'd have a decision by Nov. 4, your fee comes back if you enrol, and a whole set of named scholarships is open only to Early Action, Round 1 and Round 2 candidates. After March, you're competing for what's left.
Treat the interview as part of the written file. CEIBS won't make an offer without one, strongly prefers to meet you in person, and asks specifically about your interest in CEIBS. Go in with a China-specific reason for being there, tied to the goal in your essays.
The school sells itself on China depth with global breadth, and last year's graduates went heavily into healthcare, technology and manufacturing. If your goal sits in one of those sectors, or needs mainland China exposure, say so plainly. A goal that could be pursued from any business school will read that way.
If your GMAT is weak, look at the CEIBS Admission Test. It's free with your application, drops the Integrated Reasoning section, and runs on Dec. 12 and March 20. But you get one attempt a year, so prepare as you would for the GMAT.