All our programs can be taken both online and in person. Online courses are offered throughout the year through our e-learning platform, MyISM. In-person courses are offered as 2-4 day courses throughout the year in Paris, and on a rotating basis in New York, Shanghai, Cape Town, São Paulo, and New Delhi. You can customize your program to take a mix of online and in-person courses to find a balance that suits your interests and needs.

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 two weeks of 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 requirement. The PhD allows you to specialize in Finance, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Leadership in Higher Education, 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.

We have received several accolades for our programs. You can learn more on the Rankings & Awards page.

Yes, we are accredited by both the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) and the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE). We are also recognized by both the French Ministry of Education and the US State Authority to Confer Diplomas by the Delaware Department of Education. See instructions for how to verify ISM's status with the French Ministry of Education here. You can learn more on the Accreditation & Recognition page.

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.

Yes – we offer several payment plan options for the different programs, allowing you to pay your tuition in installments. Please refer to the Fees and Scholarships page for program-specific payment plans.

No, we do not offer full scholarships. The maximum scholarship awarded is 30% of the total tuition. Please see the Fees and Scholarships page for more information.

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 classes in Paris and at affiliated universities in New York, Shanghai, New Delhi, São Paulo, or Cape Town. 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.

Applying to ISM consists of two parts: an online application and a telephone interview. We strongly encourage you to have an admissions consultation before you start the application process.

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.

The admissions process consists of the online application form and an interview. Visit apply.ism.edu to see the full list of requirements and to start your application.

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.

If you missed the application deadline, please contact the Admissions Team at info@ism.edu.

Letters of recommendation are not required in the application package. However, we encourage you to include optional letters of recommendation with your online application form if you feel it will support your candidacy.

Yes – you are welcome to visit us in Paris or New York. If the schedule allows, you may even be able to sit in on a course or join a networking event. Please contact the Admissions Team at info@ism.edu to schedule a visit.

In exceptional cases, the Admissions Committee will review profiles that do not meet the minimum requirements if they are able to demonstrate competency. For example, a doctoral applicant may apply without a master’s degree if they showed 10 years of significant business experience. Please note that these applications must go through an additional approval process, and are only accepted on an exceptional basis. Please contact the Admissions Team at info@ism.edu or complete the Speak to an Admissions Officer form with any questions on eligibility.