Language Policy 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    NB: This Language Policy applies to applicants of the 20J and 20D MBA Classes. For all other MBA Classes, please use 
    this document as a reference only and be sure to contact the MBA Admissions Office for confirmation.  
     
    Last revised in October 2018. Please note that this Language Policy document is subject to change regularly and without prior 
        
    notice.
     
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     Contents 
      
        
        
        
        
        
        
       Page 3   INSEAD Language Proficiency Measurement Scale  
        
       Page 4   Summary of INSEAD Language Requirements 
        
       Page 5   English Proficiency Certification 
        
       Page 6   Entry Language Requirement 
        
       Page 7   Exit Language Requirement 
        
       Page 8   FL&C contact details  
        
       Page 9   FL&C Language courses available 
        
       Page 12   FL&C Language tests available 
        
       Page 13   Language Tuition Prior to starting the MBA Programme 
        
       Page 15   List of Official Language Tests recognised by INSEAD 
        
       Page 22   Frequently Asked Questions 
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
        
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         INSEAD Language Proficiency Measurement Scale 
         
         
         
         
        INSEAD uses  a four-level scale which  measures language competency. This is in line with the Common 
        European Framework of Reference for language levels (CEFR). Below is a table which indicates the proficiency 
        needed to fulfil INSEAD language requirement. 
          
        To be admitted to the MBA Programme, a candidate must be fluent level in English and have at least a 
        practical level of knowledge of a second language. These two languages are referred to as your “Entry 
        languages”. 
         
        A candidate must also have at least a basic level of understanding of a third language. This will be referred to 
        as “Exit language”. 
                
                                                                                        
         LEVEL        DESCRIPTION                                                      INSEAD REQUIREMENTS 
                      Ability to communicate  spontaneously,  very fluently and   
         Native       precisely in more complex situations.                                 One only to declare 
                      Equivalent to C2 on CEFR scale. 
                      Ability to communicate very fluently and precisely in complex     
         Fluent       situations.                                                       Minimum Required Level for 
                      Equivalent to C1 on CEFR scale.                                       English Proficiency 
                      Ability to interact with a degree of fluency and communicate on                     
         Business  a wide range of subjects including in a professional context.  
                      Equivalent to B2 on CEFR scale. 
                      Ability to understand and communicate on familiar matters                         
         Practical    regularly encountered in work, school, leisure etc.               Minimum Required Level for 
                      Equivalent to B1 on CEFR scale.                                         Entry Language 
                      Ability to communicate in a simple and direct exchange of                           
         Basic        information on routine matters.                                   Minimum Required Level for 
                      Equivalent to A2 on CEFR scale.                                          Exit Language 
                      Ability to communicate in a simple way, using familiar, everyday                    
         Beginner  basic phrases.                                                          No INSEAD validation 
                      Equivalent to A1 on CEFR scale. 
         
        Native Language - Please note the following: 
                     The definition of a native language is the first language you have been exposed to from birth 
                       AND the language in which you consider yourself most fluent and skilled. Therefore, it is not 
                       necessary for you to certify your declared native language.  
                        
                     Your native language will automatically be listed in your final transcript and cannot be changed 
                       once you have declared it in your application. 
                        
                        
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     Summary of INSEAD Language Requirements 
      
      
      
      
      
      
     Entry Language Requirement  
      
      
     To start the MBA Programme, there are 2 Entry Language requirements: 
      
             A candidate must be fluent in English 
             A candidate must have at least a B1 “Practical” level of knowledge in a second language 
      
      
     The certification requirements will differ for each candidate, depending on whether English is your native 
     language or not.  
      
     (More details can be found on Pages 5 & 6.) 
      
      
      
      
      
      
     Exit Language Requirement 
      
      
     Exit Language validation is a requirement to graduate 
      
     You are required to certify an ability to speak a third, commercially useful, language at A2 “Basic” level in order 
     to graduate from the programme.  
      
     The Exit language requirement does not need to be certified before the start of the programme (although we 
     strongly recommend that you do). This can be done any time before or during the MBA Programme (only up to 
     the end of P3 if you are taking a test with FL&C).  
      
     Please note that if your Exit language requirement has not been fulfilled by the end of the MBA Programme, your 
     MBA diploma will not be awarded at the time of graduation.  
      
     (More details can be found on Page 7.) 
      
      
      
      
      
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