Overview
The CEMS Master in International Management (MIM) at Copenhagen Business School (CBS) is a highly selective programme that combines international management education with practical business experience. The application process includes a written application followed by an interview for shortlisted candidates.
One important point for applicants: CBS does not publish fixed essay questions on its official CEMS MIM page. Instead, the written application is evaluated using specific selection criteria, so your application should clearly demonstrate your academic performance, international exposure and international work or volunteering experience.
Copenhagen CEMS MIM Application at a Glance
| Selection Stage | What CBS Evaluates |
|---|---|
| Written Application | GPA, studying abroad, working/volunteering abroad |
| GPA Weight | 80% |
| Study Abroad | 10% |
| Work/Volunteering Abroad | 10% |
| Interview | Top 70 applicants |
| Interview Language | English |
Are There Official Copenhagen CEMS MIM Essay Questions?
No fixed essay questions are listed by CBS on the official CEMS MIM programme page. CBS describes the first stage as a written application that is ranked according to three factors: academic performance, studying abroad, and working or volunteering abroad.
This means applicants should avoid treating the application like a conventional personal statement where motivation alone determines the outcome. Your written application needs to provide clear evidence of the experiences that CBS uses in its selection process.
What Should You Cover in the Written Application?
1. Academic Performance
Academic performance is by far the most important component of the written application, accounting for 80% of the ranking.
CBS also requires applicants to have a minimum final bachelor’s GPA of 7.0 on the Danish grading scale.
Therefore, your application should clearly present your academic strengths and relevant business knowledge rather than relying only on extracurricular achievements.
2. Studying Abroad
Studying abroad accounts for 10% of the written application assessment.
International academic experience can demonstrate that you are comfortable adapting to different educational systems, cultures and environments. If you have completed an exchange semester or another formal study-abroad experience, explain what you learned and how it changed your perspective.
3. Working or Volunteering Abroad
Working or volunteering abroad accounts for another 10% of the written application assessment.
This can demonstrate your ability to work with people from different cultural backgrounds and adapt to international environments. Focus on what you actually did, the responsibility you had and what you learned from the experience.
What Does CBS Look for in the CEMS MIM Interview?
The top 70 applicants from the written application are invited to an assessment interview conducted in English.
The interview evaluates three major areas:
- Intellectual potential and knowledge
- Attitude and soft skills
- International orientation
Intellectual Potential & Knowledge
CBS evaluates your intellectual potential, academic excellence and prior knowledge in the business field.
You should therefore be prepared to discuss your academic background, business interests and examples of how you approach complex problems.
Attitude & Soft Skills
The interview also evaluates your desire to achieve, interpersonal competencies, integrity, critical thinking and motivation for CEMS.
Your answers should demonstrate how you work with others, respond to challenges and contribute to a team rather than simply listing achievements.
International Orientation
International orientation is particularly important because CEMS is built around international management.
CBS evaluates language skills, international openness and cross-cultural aptitude. Applicants should be able to explain how they have interacted with different cultures and why they want an international career and learning environment.
Copenhagen CEMS MIM Language Requirements
CEMS students must demonstrate proficiency in three languages, including English. CBS states that English must be at a high level, normally at least C1.
Typically, one language is your mother tongue, while the third language can be at beginner level. Applicants should check the current documentation requirements before applying.
Who Can Apply for CEMS MIM at CBS?
The Copenhagen CEMS MIM is not an independent master’s degree that anyone can apply to directly. You must first be enrolled as a first-semester student in one of CBS’s eligible master’s programmes.
Eligible programmes include areas such as:
- Finance and Investments
- Finance and Strategic Management
- Applied Economics and Finance
- Strategy, Organisation and Leadership
- Management of Innovation and Business Development
- Supply Chain Management
- General Management and Analytics
- International Business and Politics
How Competitive Is the CEMS MIM Application?
The programme has a limited number of places. Meeting the minimum requirements therefore does not guarantee admission.
Applicants can apply for CEMS only once during their CBS studies. If you are unsuccessful, CBS does not allow you to submit another CEMS application later in your degree.
How to Approach Your CEMS MIM Application
- Prioritise academics: GPA represents 80% of the written application assessment.
- Show international exposure: Clearly document meaningful study-abroad experience.
- Explain international work: Highlight work or volunteering experience abroad.
- Demonstrate cultural adaptability: Show how you work effectively across cultures.
- Prepare for the interview: Be ready to discuss motivation, leadership, critical thinking and international goals.
- Be evidence-based: Use specific experiences rather than generic claims about being international or ambitious.
Copenhagen CEMS MIM Application Selection Criteria
| Criteria | Weight / Assessment |
|---|---|
| Academic Performance / GPA | 80% |
| Studying Abroad | 10% |
| Working / Volunteering Abroad | 10% |
| Intellectual Potential | Interview |
| Soft Skills & Attitude | Interview |
| International Orientation | Interview |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Copenhagen CEMS MIM essay questions?
CBS does not currently publish a fixed list of CEMS MIM essay questions on its official programme page. The written application is evaluated based on academic performance, studying abroad, and working or volunteering abroad.
What is the most important part of the CEMS application?
Academic performance is the largest component, accounting for 80% of the written application assessment.
What GPA do I need for Copenhagen CEMS MIM?
CBS requires a minimum final bachelor’s GPA of 7.0 on the Danish grading scale.
How many students are invited to the CEMS interview?
The top 70 applicants from the written application are invited to the assessment interview.
What does the CEMS interview assess?
The interview assesses intellectual potential and knowledge, attitude and soft skills, and international orientation.
Can I apply to CEMS more than once?
No. CBS states that students can apply for the CEMS programme only once during their studies at CBS.
Final Verdict
The Copenhagen CEMS MIM application is different from a typical master’s application because CBS does not rely on a published set of essay prompts. Instead, the written application is heavily driven by academic performance, with international academic and professional exposure making up the remaining assessment.
If you are preparing your CEMS application, focus first on your academic record, then clearly demonstrate meaningful international experience and prepare thoroughly for the interview’s intellectual, interpersonal and cross-cultural assessment.
