INSEAD, one of the world's leading and most diverse business schools, is renowned for its commitment to producing leaders who positively impact society. With campuses in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, INSEAD offers its students an unparalleled global experience and a rigorous academic environment through its graduate and executive education programmes.

For the mid-August 2026 intake, INSEAD is now looking for 16-18 PhD candidates in the following areas: Accounting and Control, Decision Sciences, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Marketing, Organisational Behaviour, Strategy, and Technology and Operations Management specialisations. Each specialisation provides an exciting and rigorous environment for students to receive intensive research training and conduct high-quality research.

Programme structure:

Years 1 and 2: Coursework (core and advanced courses), research paper requirements, research practicum, campus exchange between Singapore and France, field comprehensive exam

Years 3 to 5: PhD candidacy – Research proposal and defense, advisor selection, job market review and search, dissertation defense, and graduation

Throughout the programme: teaching practicum, seminars, workshops, conferences, annual performance reviews

Who is welcome to apply? We welcome applicants from various backgrounds. A business or management background is not essential, and while research experience is beneficial, it is not a prerequisite.

We strongly encourage individuals who are passionate about research, motivated to pursue a successful career in business academia as management professors, and driven to contribute to new and impactful research.

Scholarship and Funding: https://inse.ad/phd-financing

Regardless of nationality and background, all candidates receive a competitive funding package for the first five years of the programme. The funding covers tuition fee waiver, annual stipend (accommodation and living allowance), research and conference budget support, and comprehensive international health insurance coverage. We renew this generous benefit annually based on the candidate’s satisfactory progress.

Eager to learn more from our faculty and students? Visit https://inse.ad/phd and https://inse.ad/why-the-insead-phd or attend our recruitment events for the 2026 intake. Visit https://inse.ad/phd/events for the latest schedule and registration information. Or contact us at https://inse.ad/phd-inquiry-university-positions.

Key Responsibilities:

Conduct original and high-quality research in their chosen area.
Collaborate with faculty members on research projects.
Contribute to the academic community through publications and presentations at conferences.
Take up courses and training to enhance research and teaching skills.
Assist in teaching activities, including tutorials and workshops.

Qualifications:

A minimum undergraduate degree (a 3-year bachelor’s is accepted) from any subject area; a master’s qualification, whether completed or in progress, is advantageous, but not a prerequisite
Strong academic record and critical-thinking and analytical skills.
Good written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research-oriented environment; while research experience is not required, it is beneficial.
Demonstrate a strong interest in pursuing an academic career as a management professor in the chosen field of specialisation.

Benefits:

Academic mentorship from renowned faculty members and experts.
Competitive stipend and funding for research-related expenses.
Dual-campus structure – study in Singapore or France, with a mandatory campus exchange between the two locations.
Benefit from the strategic alliances with The Wharton School (PhD Exchange) in the US and the Sorbonne Université in Paris, France (State-of-the-art behavioural lab in Paris).
Access to INSEAD's global network and resources.
Opportunities for professional development and mentorship.
Exposure to a vibrant and diverse academic community.
Secure competitive academic positions globally after the programme.

Application Process: Our application process is online and straightforward. For more information, go to https://inse.ad/phd/admissions.

Prospects must prepare the following for their portfolio:

Duly accomplished online application at https://inse.ad/phd-apply-2026.
One to two pages curriculum vitae (CV), including educational and professional background.
Statement of Purpose (SOP, a 1,500-word essay) outlining research interests, goals, and reasons for applying to INSEAD, possibly detailing future collaborations with INSEAD faculty. We do not require applicants to select an advisor and submit a formal research proposal in the application. Applicants finalise their advisor and submit the detailed proposal only in year 3.
Academic transcripts from relevant institutions (officially translated to English, if in a foreign language). We accept transcripts in French.
Three letters of recommendation, preferably with at least one letter from an academic referee; industry recommendations are also accepted.
A valid GMAT or GRE score (less than five years old; classic and new editions accepted).
The TOEFL exam is required for applicants whose native language is not English. We will waive the TOEFL if your degree is taught exclusively in English.
80 € application fee per application submitted. Applicants applying for two areas must pay for two applications.
An open one-way recorded interview will follow once the online application is submitted.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a live interview from the end of January until the end of March.

Dates and deadlines:

Online applications open in the first week of September 2025

Preferred deadline: 15 December 2025

Last day of application: Monday, 05 January 2026, 11:59 pm CET

One-way recorded interview deadline: Monday, 12 January 2026, 11:59 pm CET

Keen to learn more? Attend our recruiting events or contact us at https://inse.ad/phd-inquiry-university-positions

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