On average, students will incur additional expenses of around €3,000 (₹2.6 Lakh) during their MBA journey. These costs cover essential living expenses such as rent, transportation, meals, and other day-to-day expenses, which can vary based on your lifestyle. Effective budgeting is crucial for managing these expenses.
Below is an estimate of what you can expect to spend on living costs while pursuing your MBA at INSEAD:
Expenses
|
France
|
Singapore
|
Accommodation
|
€11,000 (₹9 Lakh)
|
€17,000(₹14 Lakh)
|
Transportation
|
€750 (₹66,000)
|
€1,000(₹89,000)
|
Food
|
€6,000 ( ₹5 Lakh)
|
€6,700(₹6 Lakh)
|
Telephone
|
€250 (₹22,000)
|
€200(₹17,000)
|
Miscellaneous
|
€1,600 (₹1.4 Lakh)
|
€1,600 (₹1.4 Lakh)
|
Field Trips
|
€3,000 (₹2.6 Lakh)
|
€3,000 (₹2.6 Lakh)
|
Car Lease
|
€3,900 (₹3.4 Lakh)
|
-
|
Laptop
|
€1,000 (₹88,000)
|
€1,000 (₹ 85,000)
|
Travel for Job Search
|
€2,500 (₹2.2 Lakh)
|
€2,500 (2.2 Lakh)
|
Total
|
€30,000 (₹26 Lakh)
|
€33,000 (INR 28 Lakh)
|
Here’s a brief explanation of each expense while studying at INSEAD:
Accommodation:
Your living expenses will depend on your housing preferences and location. For instance, if you’re staying in Fontainebleau, France, budget approximately €11,000 (₹9 Lakh) for accommodation over the ten-month program. In Singapore, living costs are higher, with housing expenses averaging €17,000 (₹14 Lakh) for the same duration.
Transportation
Commuting costs vary between the two locations. In Fontainebleau, a monthly Navigo pass costs €65.20 (₹5,500), giving you access to the region’s public transport. In Singapore, students typically use an EZ-link card, which costs €8 (₹700) initially and requires periodic top-ups based on usage.
Food and Dining
Food expenses are an essential consideration. In Fontainebleau, dining for the entire program will cost you approximately €6,000 (₹5 Lakh), while in Singapore, food expenses average around €6,700 (₹6 Lakh). Both campuses feature affordable cafeteria options, making it easier to stay within budget.
Telephone
Staying connected during your MBA journey is essential, and you should plan for telephone-related expenses. In Fontainebleau and Singapore, expect to spend around €250 (₹22,000) over the duration of the program. This includes mobile plans and any additional international calling or data requirements you may have.
Miscellaneous
Plan for about €1,600 (₹1.4 Lakh) in miscellaneous expenses, which include books and relocation costs. These estimates exclude leisure activities and vary based on your lifestyle, family commitments, and financial priorities.
Field Trips
Field trips are a fantastic opportunity to enhance your learning experience, but they come with additional expenses. If you plan to join, expect to spend around €3,000 (₹2.6 Lakh) for a trip to Fontainebleau or about €2,700 (₹2.3 Lakh) for one in Singapore. These costs include airfare, meals, accommodations, and other incidentals.
Car Lease
In Fontainebleau, many students choose to lease or buy a car for ease of travel, which can cost roughly €3,900 (₹3.4 Lakh) for the entire program. On the other hand, Singapore offers a well-connected public transport network, making car ownership unnecessary for most participants. Public transit is the go-to option on this campus.
Laptop
Having a reliable laptop is crucial for managing coursework and collaborating with peers. Students typically invest in a high-performance laptop, which costs around €1,000 (₹88,000) in Fontainebleau and in Singapore. Make sure to account for this one-time expense, as it will be an essential tool throughout your studies.
Travel for Job Search
Pursuing an MBA often includes networking and travelling for interviews or job fairs. Allocate approximately €2,500 (₹2.2 Lakh) for job search-related travel in Fontainebleau. Similarly, if you’re based in Singapore, these costs will be about €2,500 (₹2.2 Lakh). These expenses cover flights, accommodation, and other logistics to help you connect with potential employers globally.