Welcome to the FAQ section. While you might find some useful information
here, please be sure to also visit our Forum section, where you'll be able to find
additional information or post a new query if you do not find what you are
looking for.
When does the programme start? The Programme starts in the first week of September each year. For the 2009/2010 intake, the first day of the programme will be September 3rd 2009.
How much work is involved in the International Organizations MBA programme? The International Organizations MBA programme is very intense, and requires a high level of commitment. The general rule is for every 1 hour in class there are 2 hours of preparation. With an average of about 20 contact hours per week, participants can expect to spend about 60 hours a week on programme related activities.
How accessible are the Faculty to the participants? Very much so. With small classes (about 40 students) and an unparalleled faculty/participant ratio, we feel that the International Organizations MBA programme offers participants a great advantage in the accessibility of its Faculty and network of professionals in international and nongovernmental organizations.
Will the International Organizations MBA programme help me find an internship? Yes. An internship in an International Organization, NGO or Transational Company is an integral part of the programme, and is facilitated through our unique network of organizational contacts promoted by the IOMBA Career Services resources.
Do participants have to study a language? The programme in taught entirely in English, so participants are not required to study another language. However, due to its privileged location, Geneva is an ideal place to master the French language. International Organizations MBA programme participants can benefit from intense summer courses in French offered by the University of Geneva, as well as year-round courses tailored for their specific needs (beginners/advanced beginners/intermediate level). Furthermore, participants may select (with prior approval) to take elective courses taught in French from a vast course offering at the University of Geneva.
Applying
Is it possible to get admitted to the International Organizations MBA Programme without significant work experience? Yes. Each year a few applicants with less than three years work experience are admitted. However, all other aspects of the application must be very strong.
Can I apply if I have not previously completed any business courses? Yes. The International Organizations MBA Programme is designed to accommodate participants from diverse backgrounds. Those who join our programme without any prior knowledge in a given area (Economics for example) will have to spend more time in the first few weeks of the courses catching up on the fundamentals, but after that prior knowledge tend to be unimportant. In general, because of the diversity of our participants, most will find that they have an initial advantage in some courses and an initial disadvantage in others.
How many applicants do you accept? We admit around 40 people each year to the International Organizations MBA Programme. We believe that forming quality managers for IOs, NGOs, and TNCs requires a high faculty/participant ratio, solid mentoring and individualized placement services, and a good support services infrastructure that simply cannot be offered on a mass scale.
When should I apply? Although our final application deadline is May 15, we review applications as soon as they are complete, and make offers starting December. To be considered for financial aid (scholarships), applicants must apply by our stage two application deadline, 15 November. In light of the limited number of places available on the programme, applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications as soon as they have decided to apply.
Is there an advantage to applying online? Yes. We strongly encourage applicants to complete the online application to help speed the processing and review of materials. Furthermore, the application fee is heavily discounted for online applications (€75 instead of €200). Notwithstanding, paper-based applications are treated equally in the selection process, so applicants are free to choose whichever method they prefer.
How can I re-login to my online application? When you created your application account, you provided us with a username (email address) and a password. To re-log in into your application, please do the following:
1. go to "Apply to IOMBA" 2. scroll down to the bottom of the page, click on "login to your application" 3. on the login page, enter your email and password.
I forgot my password. What can I do? If you forgot your password, and also cannot find the account creation confirmation email with your password, you can still do the following:
1. go to "Apply to IOMBA" 2. scroll down to the bottom of the page, click on "login to your application" 3. on the login page, click on "password reminder" 4. on the password reminder page, fill in the same email address you gave us when creating your account, birth date, and mother's maiden name.
Does the IOMBA offer deferred admissions? The IOMBA does not accept applications that are submitted in anticipation of entrance beyond the next immediate academic year. However, in certain extraordinary situations we will allow accepted applicants to defer their admission for a period of one year.
Deferral requests must be made in writing to the IOMBA Admissions Office. If the deferral request is denied, the applicant must choose either to matriculate in the class to which admission has been offered or to reapply for admission at a future date.
Do accepted applicants need to pay anything to reserve their deferred place on the programme? Yes. All accepted applicant must pay a commitment fee to reserve their place in the class, and deferred applicants are not exempt from this rule. This commitment fee is fully deducted from the tuition fees. However, if an accepted applicant chooses not to attend after reserving a place in the programme, the deposit is forfeited.
What is the IOMBA policy for reapplications? We maintain all admissions materials for two years. After that time, an entirely new application, including official test scores and transcripts, must be submitted again.
Applicants wishing to reapply within two academic years must submit a cover letter requesting reactivation of their file; an updated CV; a statement explaining how their experiences and plans have changed since the original date of application; and a €50 reapplication fee.
Applicants who were previously denied are also expected to submit additional materials they think might enhance their application (improved test scores, increased international exposure, new recommendations, revised essays, etc.), and explain why their qualifications are stronger than they were at the original date of application.
Applicants who are reapplying should do so by the first round deadline in the year they plan to enroll.
Previous offers of admission and financial aid are not guaranteed for a future year.
I sent a reference form but it arrived empty - why is that? In order to save the reference form you need to have the full version of Adobe Acrobat (NOT the reader). If you do not have the full version of Acrobat, please fill out the form, then print it and either mail it or fax it to us.
GMAT, GRE, and TOEFL
Where is it possible to take the GMAT? The GMAT can be taken year-round in Switzerland and around the world. Please follow this link to look for dates and register online.
Where is it possible to take the GRE? The GRE can be taken year round in Switzerland and around the world. For testing dates and locations, please click here.
Is it possible to get admitted without taking the GMAT or GRE? No, either the GRE or the GMAT is required of all applicants.
What is the minimum acceptable GMAT score? We do not set a minimum acceptable score for the GMAT. As several of the programme's core courses require a high level of quantitative and analytical skills, a high GMAT score will enhance your chances of being admitted, but a high score does not guarantee admission into the programme and a lower score does not preclude admission.
For how long is my GRE or GMAT score valid? We accept scores up to five years old.
I have taken the GMAT or GRE more than once. Which score do you use? We will use your highest score.
I plan on taking the GMAT or GRE just before the application deadline. Consequently, I will not be able to provide the IOMBA Admissions Office with official scores before the application deadline. Will my application still be considered?
Yes. Your official GMAT scores are sent to us directly by ETS and Pearson VUE, and this can take up to two weeks. The determining factor for us is the date on which you took the exam. If you have taken the exam prior to the application deadline, we will consider your application for the original application round.
Is a TOEFL score required? A Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score, no older than 2 years, is required of all applicants whose native language is not English, or who did not receive an undergraduate or graduate degree from an institution in the US, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand.
What is the minimum acceptable TOEFL score? A score of 600 on the paper-based exam, 250 on the computer-based exam or 100 on the internet-based exam is required.
What is the International Organizations MBA programme school code for test score reports? Our GMAT institution code is 651-QT-72 Our GRE Institution code is 5374 Our TOEFL institution code is 0771
Preparing for the programme
Do accepted applicants need to pay anything to reserve their place on the programme? Yes. When applicants are made an offer of a place on the International Organizations MBA programme, they need to pay a commitment fee (currently amounting to 10% of the tuition fee) to reserve their place in the class. This fee, which is normally due 4-6 weeks after the receipt of the offer letter, is fully deducted from the total fees.
Can one pay in installments? Yes. The tuition fee can be paid in two installments at the beginning of each term. Please be aware that if one chooses to pay in installments, an additional charge is added.
Is French an entry requirement for the International Organizations MBA Programme? No. The International Organizations MBA programme is taught entirely in English, and French is not an entry requirement. However, since French is the official language in Geneva, we recommend that participants have a basic knowledge of French before entering the Programme.
