INSEAD vs IESE: Which European MBA is Better for Consulting?
If you are considering a European MBA to pivot into consulting, chances are you have shortlisted two of Europe’s most prestigious programs: INSEAD and IESE. Both are ranked highly in the world MBA rankings, and known for their global reputation, academic rigor, diversity, and strong placement into top consulting firms. But how do you decide which one is better for a consulting career? In this article, I do detailed comparison of INSEAD vs IESE from a consulting career perspective to help you make an informed choice.
Program Structure and Duration
INSEAD MBA is one of the shortest in the world. It is 10-months long, with an option to extend to 12 months. The program offers two intakes, January and September, with the J-term (January intake) including a 2-month summer internship option.
The program is designed for experienced professionals ready to hit the ground running and re-enter the workforce quickly. For those who are clear about their post-MBA goals, INSEAD offers an efficient path with minimal opportunity cost.
On the other hand, IESE MBA is 15- to-19 months long. This extended duration allows for a summer internship, ideal for career switchers or those who want more time to explore, network, and prepare for consulting recruitment. The longer duration also allows time to engage better with peers, have an immersive experience and develop leadership skills.
Choose INSEAD for a fast-track, IESE if you need internship opportunities or want longer learning experience.
Read more about what INSEAD looks for in its applicants here.
Consulting Outcomes
Both schools are consulting powerhouses, but they differ slightly in scale and placement patterns.
At INSEAD, roughly 50% of the class enters consulting post-MBA. The school has longstanding relationships with MBB firms, as well as firms like Strategy&, Kearney, Roland Berger, and Oliver Wyman. Given INSEAD’s large class size and its two intakes, consulting firms recruit aggressively here. As per the latest employment statistics published on the INSEAD website, the annual median salary for consulting is ~€120,000.
IESE sees about 40% of its MBA class entering consulting. MBB firms recruit heavily, especially for offices across Europe and Latin America. While the class size is smaller, IESE still has excellent placement stats and a strong reputation in the consulting sector. According to estimates, Some IESE grads moving into consulting were offered an average salary of ~€110,000.
INSEAD leads in volume, but both have strong consulting pipelines.
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Geographic Placement
INSEAD MBA grads land consulting roles all over the world with Europe, Middle East, and Asia being key destinations. With a strong global alumni base across the world, grads get support with placements across regions. Offices in Dubai, Singapore, London, and Paris recruit actively from INSEAD.
Meanwhile, IESE has a strong footprint in Europe and Latin America. If you are aiming for Spain, Germany, Italy, or Latin American offices, IESE has an advantage. While some students go to Asia or North America, the bulk of consulting placements are within Europe. INSEAD is ideal for global spread, while IESE for Europe/LatAm focus.
Networking and Alumni Access
INSEAD boasts one of the largest MBA alumni networks in the world, with over 60,000 alumni across 170+ countries. In consulting specifically, INSEAD alumni are well-represented at every level, from post-MBA roles to senior leadership at MBB firms. The global reach makes it easier to tap into networks regardless of your target region.
IESE’s alumni network is smaller, but tightly connected. Its roots in Spain and strong influence in Europe and Latin America offer an edge if you are targeting those regions. Alumni engagement is high, and many IESE grads actively support students through referrals and mentorship.
INSEAD for global reach, IESE for tighter, more regionally focused networks.
Career Services and Consulting Prep
INSEAD has an exceptionally structured consulting prep program. Students have access to case interview workshops, peer-led case practice groups, mock interviews with alumni, and consulting career treks. The school’s Consulting Club is one of the most active student groups, often running events in collaboration with firms.
One of IESE MBA’s strengths is its Harvard-inspired case-method teaching style. It naturally builds analytical and communication skills required for consulting. Additionally, IESE offers intensive interview prep support, with strong guidance from its Career Development Center and a highly active Consulting Club.
Both offer excellent support and prep, but the style may differ (INSEAD’s structured vs IESE’s embedded in the academic model).
If you are confused between a European MBA and a U.S. MBA, this article might be helpful.
Class Profile and Learning Experience
INSEAD, often referred to as ‘The Business School for the World,’ is highly diverse. With students from over 90 nationalities and campuses in France, Singapore, and Abu Dhabi, students are constantly exposed to a global mix of perspectives. INSEAD’s class size is around 1,000 students per year (across two intakes), with an average age of 29, average work experience of 6 years, and an average GMAT score around 710. Many of your classmates will have prior consulting experience, which enriches peer learning.
While IESE is also diverse, with around 55+ nationalities represented, it is slightly less diverse than INSEAD. IESE’s class size is approximately 350 students per year, with an average age of 29, around 5 years of work experience, and an average GMAT score close to 680. The learning environment is collaborative because of the small class size and highly enriched by the case method. IESE mostly draws students from Europe and Latin America, giving it a distinct regional flavor.
INSEAD for international exposure, IESE for depth in Europe and LatAm.
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Cost and ROI
INSEAD’s tuition is around €105,000 (varying slightly depending on the intake), but the shorter program duration means faster return to the workforce. For candidates with clear consulting goals, the fast turnaround can offer a quicker ROI. INSEAD also offers generous merit-based and need-based scholarships to deserving candidates.
IESE has similar tuition fee €110,000, but the longer program increases the total cost of attendance. However, the internship opportunity could help in career switch or boost consulting readiness. IESE also offers several scholarships to accepted students which cover between 20% and 50% of the tuition.
INSEAD for quicker ROI, IESE if you need internship for career transition.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Pick INSEAD if you want to fast-track your consulting career, have a global learning experience, and are comfortable with an intense, fast-paced program.
- Pick IESE if you want more time to explore and prepare, value a tight-knit learning environment, or are targeting Europe or Latin America.
Both are outstanding pathways into consulting. Your choice should ultimately align with your learning style, career goals, and desired post-MBA location.
Final Thoughts
INSEAD and IESE both place exceptionally well into consulting and offer strong support systems to get you there. The key is to choose the program that fits your timeline, budget, preferred learning style, and post-MBA goals.
If you are considering more European MBA programs, read these posts about INSEAD vs HEC Paris, and IESE vs HEC Paris where I do a deep dive on how these programs compare.
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