Ready to join our global student community of over 130 nationalities? Need more help deciding which of our programs is best for you? All the information you need is here.
Download a brochure for detailed information about our IMBA, DBA and PhD programs.
Ask us about a specific program, or request an initial review of your profile.
Visit us in person to meet an admissions officer or sit in on a course.
Start the application process.
APPLICATION DEADLINES
We accept applications throughout the year, with intakes in October, January, April, and July. We may accept applications after these deadlines on a case-by-case basis:
January intake
Early application deadline:
September 1
Final deadline for applications:
November 15
April intake
Early application deadline:
December 1
Final deadline for applications:
February 15
July intake
Early application deadline:
March 1
Final deadline for applications:
May 15
October intake
Early application deadline:
June 1
Final deadline for applications:
August 15
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Program questions
All our programs can be pursued online or in person, allowing you to customize your learning experience. Online courses are offered throughout the year on our e-learning platform, MyISM. In-person courses are offered in 1-2 week intensive course blocks in Paris and New York, and on a rotating basis at our other international locations. Each course block is comprised of multiple short courses, allowing you the flexibility to attend the entire block or select individual courses. You can mix online and in-person options to create a tailored learning journey that best suits your interests and needs.
- IMBA: Up to 2 years
- DBA: 3-4 years
- PhD: 4-5 years
The DBA and PhD programs can be completed via e-learning. However, it is recommended that 5-6 credits for the doctoral programs be completed in person. This can be accomplished by attending courses at any of ISM’s locations.
The IMBA program can be completed 100% online, though we encourage you to attend the in-person courses when possible.
Our International MBA gives you the global edge you need to take your business career to the top. Built for working executives, the program offers all the academic rigor of a traditional MBA, but with a sharper focus on the diverse cultures and practices that drive modern business.
Read our article outlining what the IMBA is here.
The PhD is a Doctor of Philosophy in International Business Management. The program requires 68 credits, including a teaching or publishing requirement. The PhD allows you to specialize in Finance, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Learning and Development, International Business, or Strategic Technology Management. The PhD is a good fit if you want a traditional qualification for careers in academia (professor, researcher, administrator).
The DBA is a Doctor of Business Administration. The program requires 54 credits, and has a multidisciplinary curriculum. The DBA is a good fit for students with careers in industry and who want a professional doctorate. Many students choose the DBA for the intellectual challenge, to address a relevant research topic within their business, to prepare for a move into a senior executive management role, or to start their own business.
Read our article outlining the difference between a DBA and a PhD here.
Yes, ISM has both programmatic and institutional accreditation. ISM’s programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) and by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE). ISM is institutionally accredited by the Association for Transnational Higher Education Accreditation (ATHEA).
ISM has the status of a private institute of higher learning (“établissement d’enseignement supérieur privé technique”) with the French Ministry of Education (MOE). See instructions for how to verify ISM’s status with the French MOE here. ISM also has the authority from the State of Delaware in the US to confer diplomas. See the list of verified institutions on the department of education website here. You can learn more on the Accreditation & Recognition page.
Financial questions
You are eligible to apply for scholarships of up to 30%, whichever of our programs you choose. The scholarship application is built into the online application form. The decision on scholarship award is made by the Admissions Committee once your application is received and your interview is completed.
Please see the Fees and Scholarships page for further information on specific programs. We encourage you to discuss tuition fees, scholarships and payment plans directly with a member of the Admissions Team during the admissions process.
No. We do not offer any working positions at the school such as assistantships or fellowships.
Tuition fees cover all academic services provided by ISM, including online courses, and the option of taking courses in Paris or New York and other international locations. Tuition fees do not include travel, living expenses, or textbooks.
No. ISM is a private institution with headquarters outside of the USA and is not eligible for FAFSA funding.
Admissions questions
No, we do not require the GMAT, GRE, TOEFL, IELTS, or other standardized exams. Our Admissions Committee believes that standardized tests do not adequately predict student success in the classroom. Our admissions process puts emphasis on professional experience, personal interviews, and past academic performance.
We handle requests for transfer credits on a case-by-case basis. To request an evaluation of potential transfer credits, please send transcripts with course names, grades, and credit hours to info@ism.edu or request an admissions consultation.
We allow for a maximum of nine credits to be transferred as credit towards an IMBA degree from coursework completed at another institution at an equivalent master’s level of studies. We handle transfer credits for doctoral applicants on a case-by-case basis, and subject to final approval from the Academic Department. You are responsible for requesting official transcripts to be sent directly by the issuing institution to ISM. A maximum of nine master’s level coursework credits may be considered for transfer credit towards a doctoral degree if the courses are deemed to be of an equivalent level. This is subject to final approval by the Admissions Committee and Academic Department.
