If you’re considering a top global MBA, two names almost always come up: INSEAD and London Business School (LBS). Both are world-class, both have incredible alumni networks, and both open doors to global careers. But the experience, focus areas, and outcomes can feel quite different.
Here’s a breakdown — from my personal experience at INSEAD, and from what I’ve gathered about LBS.
INSEAD: The Business School for the World
When INSEAD says it’s the “Business School for the World,” it’s not just branding. Diversity is at the core of the INSEAD experience.
In my own class:
- A monk who had spent his entire life in monastic service joined INSEAD — and went into consulting.
- A concert pianist who had been playing since age 4 ended up at McKinsey.
- A French engineer who grew up in Korea brought a truly cross-cultural perspective.
- A British Army major who had served in the Middle East switched careers into the corporate world.
No one is a misfit at INSEAD. Everyone is unique, and that’s celebrated. It’s one of the most inclusive, globally diverse MBA environments you’ll ever find.
Career Focus: INSEAD is often seen as more of a consulting school. McKinsey, BCG, and Bain recruit heavily, and consulting is the top post-MBA career path. It’s less of a pure investment banking hub — though some do make that switch, the numbers are smaller compared to finance-heavy schools.
Program Structure:
- Duration: 10 months — fast-paced, intense, and perfect if you want to return to the workforce quickly.
- Fees: Around €105,000 (~₹1 crore).
- Campuses: Fontainebleau (France), Singapore, Abu Dhabi — with opportunities to swap between them.
The short format means you’ll work hard, but you’ll also save on opportunity cost compared to a 2-year program.
LBS: The London Advantage
While I haven’t personally studied at LBS, I’ve interacted with many alumni and peers. Here’s what stands out:
Career Focus: LBS is often considered finance-focused. Its location in London gives students unparalleled access to investment banks, private equity firms, and hedge funds. Finance, investment banking, and capital markets are strongly represented in both recruitment and alumni outcomes. Consulting firms also recruit here, but finance is where LBS really shines.
Program Structure:
- Duration: 15–21 months (students can choose to accelerate or extend). The longer format means more time to do internships, career exploration, and networking.
- Fees: Around £115,000 (~₹1.4 crore).
- Location: Right in the heart of London, which makes attending interviews, networking events, and coffee chats with alumni incredibly easy.
The city itself is a huge advantage — living and studying in one of the world’s top financial hubs puts you in the middle of the action.
INSEAD vs LBS: Which One Should You Choose?
- If you want a consulting career, thrive in diversity, and want an accelerated MBA journey: INSEAD is hard to beat.
- If you want to build a career in finance, leverage London’s financial hub, and prefer a longer program with room for internships: LBS may be the better fit.
Both are globally respected, and both open doors across industries. The real question is — do you see yourself at a château party in France or a networking event in the City of London?
Bottom line:
- INSEAD = diversity + consulting + intensity (10 months).
- LBS = finance + London network + flexibility (15–21 months).
Whichever you choose, you’ll gain access to an elite alumni network and career opportunities across the world. The decision comes down to your career goals, lifestyle preferences, and how quickly you want to rejoin the workforce.