MBA from IMD
- Goalisb
- Oct 14
- 15 min read
The IMD MBA program offers the perfect launchpad, blending exceptional academic rigor with an unparalleled commitment to personal and professional growth. We delve deep into the various facets of the IMD MBA, equipping you with the information you need to get started.
Table of Contents
IMD MBA Application Deadlines 2025 Intake
Before we dive into the details of the program, it's crucial to understand the application process. IMD provides several application deadlines, giving you the flexibility you need to plan your MBA journey. Whether you're aiming for the Early Bird Deadline with a fee waiver or prefer one of the subsequent deadlines, this post will guide you through the process.
IMD MBA January 2026 Intake Application Deadlines
Rounds | Application Deadline | Interview Decision Notification | Final Decision Notification |
Round 1 | March 11, 2025 | April 11, 2025 | May 16, 2025 |
Round 2 | April 22, 2025 | May 23, 2025 | July 4, 2025 |
Round 3 | June 17, 2025 | July 18, 2025 | August 22, 2025 |
Round 4 | August 26, 2025 | September 16, 2025 | October 24, 2025 |
IMD MBA August 2026 Intake Application Deadlines
Rounds | Application Deadline | Interview Decision Notification | Final Decision Notification |
Round 1 | September 16, 2025 | October 17, 2025 | November 21, 2025 |
Round 2 | November 4, 2025 | December 5, 2025 | January 16, 2026 |
Round 3 | January 20, 2026 | February 20, 2026 | March 20, 2026 |
Round 4 | March 10, 2026 | April 10, 2026 | May 8, 2026 |
Confused about which IMD MBA round suits your profile best? Connect with a GOALisB expert today for a personalized application timeline strategy.
IMD MBA Admission Requirements
IMD maintains high standards when it comes to its MBA candidates. To ensure you're the right fit for this program, you'll need:
A Bachelor's degree or its equivalent
At least 2 years of work experience
One recommendation
A GMAT/GRE score (the average GMAT score for the class is 680)
A TOEFL or IELTs score if applicable
An updated CV
An application fee of CHF 150
Need help meeting IMD’s competitive admission criteria? Contact our consultants at GOALisB to help you position your experience and leadership story effectively.
IMD MBA Fee
The investment in your future through the IMD MBA program includes a tuition fee of CHF 80,000, as well as additional mandatory fees for program and project-related expenses, totaling CHF 17,500.
IMD MBA Ranking
The IMD MBA program maintains its position as a top-ranking business school in the Financial Times (FT) Global MBA Rankings for the year 2023. Here's a detailed analysis of the key metrics and their significance in understanding IMD's performance:
Rank in 2023: IMD secures an impressive 32nd rank in the 2023 FT Global MBA Rankings, reflecting its prominence in the world of business education.
Sector Diversity Rank: IMD excels in sector diversity, showcasing a significant variety in industries represented within its MBA program. This diversity enriches classroom discussions and peer learning, providing students with a holistic understanding of various business sectors.
International Mobility Rank: Securing the 3rd rank in international mobility highlights IMD's global appeal. The school attracts a diverse cohort of students from around the world, offering a truly international MBA experience.
Female Faculty (%): 20 While there's room for growth in terms of female faculty representation, IMD's commitment to gender diversity is evident. The presence of female faculty members contributes to a more balanced and inclusive learning environment.
Alumni Network Rank: IMD boasts an extensive and well-connected alumni network, ranked 7th globally. This network offers valuable post-MBA opportunities and support to current students, enhancing the overall MBA experience.
Overall Satisfaction: The exceptionally high satisfaction rate among IMD MBA graduates, scoring 9.59 out of 10, is a testament to the program's quality and its ability to meet students' expectations and needs effectively.
Career Progress Rank: The 35th rank in career progress suggests that IMD MBA graduates experience significant career advancement post-graduation. It reflects the school's strong focus on enhancing students' career prospects.
International Course Experience Rank: While IMD excels in international mobility, the 69th rank in international course experience implies room for improvement in incorporating global perspectives within the curriculum.
Location, by Primary Campus: Switzerland The Swiss campus location is known for its breathtaking surroundings and business-friendly environment, offering students a serene yet bustling backdrop for their MBA journey.
Carbon Footprint Rank: IMD's 77th rank in carbon footprint indicates a commitment to environmental sustainability, albeit with scope for further improvements in this aspect.
Salary Today (US$): IMD's graduates enjoy a competitive salary post-MBA, with an average salary of $170,257. This showcases the program's effectiveness in adding substantial value to students' career prospects.
International Faculty (%): 98 IMD's faculty comprises a predominantly international cohort, further enhancing the global perspective offered to students.
Aims Achieved (%): The 89% score in aims achieved implies that the majority of IMD graduates are successful in reaching their career and personal development goals through the MBA program.
Careers Service Rank: IMD's 26th rank in career services signifies the school's commitment to providing strong support and resources for students' professional development.
International Board (%): An 89% international board suggests diversity and global representation in the school's governing body.
Women on Board (%): IMD's board also boasts a notable 32% female representation, contributing to gender diversity in leadership positions.
Weighted Salary (US$): The weighted salary of $171,116 further emphasizes the significant salary increase IMD graduates experience, underlining the program's excellent return on investment.
Value for Money Rank: IMD secures the 16th rank in value for money, indicating that students find the program's cost justified by the quality of education and post-MBA outcomes.
FT Research Rank: IMD's 56th rank in FT research signifies contributions to academic research and business knowledge.
Faculty with Doctorates (%): IMD's faculty consists of accomplished academics with a 100% doctorate percentage, ensuring high-quality teaching and research capabilities.
Female Students (%): A 34% female student population indicates a growing commitment to gender diversity among IMD's MBA students.
Rank in 2022: While dropping from the previous year's rank, IMD's 32nd position in 2023 demonstrates the school's consistent commitment to excellence in business education.
Employed at Three Months (%): 90% of IMD graduates secure employment within three months of graduation, indicating the strong employability of the school's MBA alumni.
Salary Percentage Increase: The 72% salary increase reflects the substantial growth in earning potential for IMD MBA graduates.
International Students (%): IMD maintains its global appeal with a 99% international student composition, fostering a diverse and enriching learning environment.
ESG and Net Zero Teaching Rank: IMD's 31st rank in ESG and net zero teaching signifies the integration of important environmental, social, and governance principles into the curriculum.
Rank in 2021: IMD continues to evolve, maintaining a strong presence in the global MBA landscape.
Three-Year Average Rank: IMD's three-year average rank of 26 affirms its consistent performance as a top business school.
Schedule a call and discuss your IMD MBA career goals with a GOALisB expert to plan a strategy that aligns with global MBA rankings and recruiter trends.
IMD MBA Class Profile
The strength of any MBA program lies in its diversity.
Work Experience Range: 3 to 8 years
Age Range: 25 to 34 years
Average GMAT: 680
Class SIze: 87
Students between 25 to 32 years old: 82%
Women: 36%
Average years of work experience: 6
Wondering if you fit the IMD MBA class profile? Book a free consultation with GOALisB to see how competitive you are.
IMD MBA Placements
The IMD MBA program is not just about academics; it's about launching you into a successful post-MBA career. With 96 graduates in the Class of 2022, the statistics speak for themselves:
90% received at least one job offer within three months of graduation.
Graduates were employed in various countries, including Switzerland, Germany, and the Netherlands.
Discover the industries, functions, and companies that IMD graduates often find themselves working with after the program.
Whether you're considering a career change or aiming for personal growth and development, IMD's exceptional MBA program could be your gateway to success.
Prepare to transform your career. Our team of experts is here to guide you through the intricacies of MBA admissions, providing you with a tailored roadmap to success. From selecting the right programs to crafting stellar application essays, we've got you covered.
Get in touch with an MBA admission consultant at GOALisB. Alternatively you can write to us at contact@goalisb.com or whatsapp at +91 7719497187.
For personalized admissions consulting, visit GOALisB.
Your Ultimate Guide to Global MBA & Master’s Programs
Whether you're considering an MBA in the USA, Canada, Europe, Germany, or specialized master's degrees, this guide provides well-structured insights into admissions, rankings, scholarships, career prospects, and more.
MBA in the USA
Explore top-ranked MBA programs in the United States, including M7 business schools and emerging programs:
Wharton MBA – Everything You Need to Know
Stanford MBA – How to Get In
Harvard Business School – Can an Indian Get In?
Dartmouth Tuck MBA – Is It Right for You?
Chicago Booth MBA – An M7 Business School
Michigan Ross MBA – A Top US MBA Program
Duke Fuqua MBA – What Makes It Unique?
Related Guides:
One-Year MBA in the USA – Is It Worth It?
MBA Cost in the USA – What to Expect
MBA in Canada
Canada offers affordable MBA programs with high ROI for international students:
MBA in Canada – Best Options for International Students
Alberta MBA – Why It Stands Out
MBA in Canada vs. MBA in Singapore – Key Differences
Specialized Canadian MBA Guides:
MBA in Europe
Europe has some of the most prestigious MBA programs, often with lower tuition and shorter durations:
MBA in Germany
Germany is known for affordable tuition and strong industry ties in technology and manufacturing:
🔹 Specialized Masters in Germany:
Master’s in Finance
For students exploring specialized Master’s in Finance programs, these are top choices:
Master’s in Supply Chain & Business Analytics
These degrees provide high ROI and global career opportunities:
Explore a one-on-one strategy session with GOALisB to compare IMD with other top European MBAs like INSEAD, HEC Paris, and IESE.
Frequently Asked Questions
What GMAT score is required for IMD?
The GMAT range for admission to IMD Business School is 555-755.
The IMD MBA (Lausanne, Switzerland) is one of the world’s most selective and leadership-focused one-year MBA programs. While IMD uses a holistic admissions approach, a competitive GMAT or GRE score remains an important component of the evaluation.
IMD MBA GMAT Profile (Class of 2024):
GMAT Range: 555-755
Average Work Experience: 6 years
Average Age: 29.9 years
Class Size: 90-100 students (one of the smallest top MBAs globally)
IMD’s GMAT Policy:
No minimum GMAT or GRE score is officially required.
Candidates with strong academic backgrounds, international exposure, and proven leadership can compensate for slightly lower scores.
The Executive Assessment (EA) is also accepted for experienced professionals.
Admissions Emphasis:
IMD values:
Global leadership potential
Maturity and self-awareness
Diversity of professional and cultural background
Tip: A GMAT score of 700+ strengthens your candidacy, but IMD weighs interviews, leadership trajectory, and personal impact more heavily than test scores alone.
Summary: To be competitive for IMD’s elite 1-year MBA, aim for a GMAT of 680–700+, backed by strong leadership experience and international career achievements.
What is the acceptance rate for IMD Switzerland MBA?
The acceptance rate for the IMD Switzerland MBA is approximately 25–30%, making it one of the most selective MBA programs in Europe, with only about 90 students admitted each year.
The IMD Business School MBA (International Institute for Management Development, Lausanne, Switzerland) maintains a highly selective admissions process due to its small class size, global leadership focus, and rigorous assessment methodology.
IMD MBA Admissions Statistics (Class of 2024):
Acceptance Rate: ~25–30%
Class Size: 90-100 students (from over 60 nationalities)
GMAT Range: 555-755
Average Age: 29.9 years
Average Work Experience: 6 years
Female Students: 42%
National Diversity: 42 countries represented
Why the Acceptance Rate Is Low:
Small Cohort Size: IMD caps enrollment at around 90 to maintain its intimate, leadership-focused learning model.
Rigorous Selection Process: Candidates must complete application essays, a leadership assessment, and interviews that test emotional intelligence and self-awareness.
Leadership Emphasis: IMD prioritizes experienced professionals (7–10 years) who’ve already demonstrated impact and global perspective, rather than early-career applicants.
IMD’s Admissions Philosophy:
The school focuses on quality of experience over quantity of applications. A strong candidate has:
Proven management and leadership record
Clear career vision
Maturity and international mindset
Thus, the IMD MBA acceptance rate of 25–30% reflects its elite positioning, small cohort, and leadership-centered admissions approach—making it one of Europe’s most competitive MBA programs.
How much do IMD MBA graduates make?
The average salary for IMD MBA graduates is $172k.
The IMD MBA (Lausanne, Switzerland) delivers one of the strongest ROI outcomes in Europe, driven by its small class size, experienced cohort, and leadership-focused curriculum.
IMD MBA Employment & Salary Overview (Class of 2024):
Average Weighted Salary: US $172,000
Employment Rate (within 3 months):100%
Top Hiring Industries:
Sector | % of Graduates(2023) |
Consulting | 16% |
Technology | 16% |
Industrial / Manufacturing | 19% |
Finance | 16% |
Healthcare & Pharma | 12% |
Top Employers:
McKinsey & Company
Amazon
Google
Novartis
Hilti
Roche
Bain & Company
Regional Placement:
Europe: 60% of graduates
Asia-Pacific: 9%
Middle East / Africa: 5%
North America: 14%
Why IMD Delivers Strong ROI:
Highly experienced cohort (average age 31, 7 years of work).
Deep corporate links with European and global multinationals.
One of the highest salary-to-duration ratios among global MBAs (1-year program).
Thus, IMD MBA graduates earn an average of about US $172K base salary, placing the school among the top European programs for post-MBA earnings and ROI.
What rank is IMD MBA?
Key Rankings for IMD MBA
IMD is ranked 22 worldwide in the Financial Times Global MBA Ranking 2025.
It is consistently 2 in Europe in the Bloomberg Businessweek Europe ranking for its MBA (2024-25).
According to Poets & Quants, IMD’s MBA is in the top 10 in Europe.
What That Means
Prestige & Selectivity: IMD is among the top-tier MBA programs globally, especially for one-year international MBAs. Its strength lies in leadership, global exposure, and faculty reputation.
International Focus: Strong ratings in areas like international faculty, student diversity, and international mobility give IMD particular standing for candidates seeking a global career.
What is the average age for IMD MBA students?
The average age for IMD MBA students is around 31 years old, with participants bringing about 7 years of professional experience on average.
The IMD Business School MBA (Switzerland) is designed for experienced professionals aiming to accelerate into senior leadership roles, rather than early-career candidates.
IMD MBA Class Profile (Class of 2024):
Average Age: 29.9 years
Age Range: 25–32 years
Average Work Experience: 6 years
Class Size: 90-100 students
Nationalities Represented: 42
Women in Class: 42%
Why IMD Students Are Older:
IMD specifically seeks mature professionals with substantial managerial or leadership experience.
The curriculum emphasizes leadership development, self-awareness, and global management, making it ideal for those ready for executive roles.
Many students are mid-career managers, consultants, engineers, or entrepreneurs transitioning to general management.
Thus, the average IMD MBA student is 29.9 years old, bringing 6 years of professional experience and significant leadership potential—making IMD one of the most experienced and selective MBA cohorts in Europe.
How much does the IMD Executive MBA cost?
The IMD Executive MBA (EMBA) costs about CHF 115,000–125,000, equivalent to roughly US $125,000–135,000, including tuition, coaching, and global modules (excluding travel and living expenses).
Program Highlights:
Duration: 18-48 months (modular, part-time)
Format: Online learning, Lausanne campus sessions, and global discovery expeditions
Target Participants: Executives with 16 years of average experience
Financing & ROI:
Many participants receive partial or full employer sponsorship.
IMD also provides scholarships for diversity and leadership potential.
Graduates report a median salary increase of 50–60% within three years post-EMBA.
Thus, the IMD EMBA costs CHF 115K–125K (≈ US $130K), positioning it among the world’s most elite executive MBA programs, offering high-touch leadership development and global exposure.
Is IMD a good school?
Yes, IMD (International Institute for Management Development) is considered one of the best business schools in the world, especially known for its leadership-focused MBA and Executive Education programs, consistently ranked top 10 globally by the Financial Times and Bloomberg Businessweek.
IMD Business School, based in Lausanne, Switzerland, is widely recognized as a global leader in executive education and MBA training, emphasizing leadership, personal development, and global business strategy.
Global Rankings (2025):
8 in Europe and 22 globally – Financial Times Global MBA Ranking 2025
1 in Europe for Executive Education – Financial Times Executive Education Ranking 2024
2 globally – Bloomberg Businessweek Best European Business Schools 2025
Top 5 worldwide for leadership and international mobility – QS Global MBA Rankings 2025
Key Strengths:
Leadership Excellence: IMD’s programs focus deeply on self-awareness, resilience, and leadership transformation, making it unique among top business schools.
Experienced Cohort: IMD admits small, mature classes — average age 31 with 7+ years of experience, fostering rich peer learning.
Global Exposure: With over 40 nationalities represented in a class of 90, IMD offers one of the most diverse and international MBA environments.
Career Outcomes: Graduates see an average salary of US $130,000–$140,000 and a 90% placement rate within 3 months.
Top for Executive Education: IMD consistently ranks 1 or 2 globally for executive and custom leadership programs.
Ideal For:
Professionals and senior managers seeking to accelerate into leadership roles or enhance global management skills rather than switch industries early in their careers.
Summary: Yes — IMD is an elite, world-class business school, especially renowned for its leadership-driven MBA and executive programs, intimate class size, and top-tier European ranking.
Is IMD a university?
No, IMD (International Institute for Management Development) is not a traditional university — it is an independent, accredited business school based in Lausanne, Switzerland, specializing exclusively in MBA and Executive Education programs.
IMD Business School operates differently from most universities. It is a stand-alone, graduate-level institution focused on leadership and executive development, rather than a university offering undergraduate or multi-discipline degrees.
Key Facts About IMD:
Type: Independent, private business school (non-university)
Founded: 1990 (through the merger of IMI Geneva and IMEDE Lausanne, originally created by Nestlé)
Location: Lausanne, Switzerland
Programs Offered:
Full-time MBA (1 year)
Executive MBA (18-48 months)
Executive Education programs (custom and open-enrollment)
Degrees Granted: IMD is authorized to grant MBA and EMBA degrees, fully accredited by AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA — the “triple crown” of business education.
What Makes IMD Distinct:
Focuses solely on postgraduate management education — no undergraduate or PhD programs.
Maintains a small, elite cohort (~90 MBA students per year) to deliver personalized leadership coaching.
Ranked 17 worldwide for Executive Education multiple times by the Financial Times.
In Comparison:
Type | Example | Characteristics |
University-based business school | Harvard, INSEAD, Oxford | Part of a larger university system |
Independent business school | IMD, IESE, Hult | Specialized in management and executive programs only |
Finally, no- IMD is not a university, but an independent, globally accredited business school offering top-ranked MBA and Executive Education programs focused on leadership and international management.
What is the MBA fees in Switzerland?
MBA Fees in Switzerland — What It Typically Costs
Type of MBA / School Tier | Tuition Range (CHF) | Examples |
Top-tier full-time MBA | ~ CHF 80,000 – CHF 100,000 | |
Comparable leading programs | CHF 60,000-80,000 | |
Mid-tier / Private schools | CHF 30,000-60,000 | |
Lower cost / Public / Smaller / Part-time/Online variants | CHF 25,000-CHF 40,000 or lower (depending heavily on format & city) | Some public university variants or less prestige/private ones. |
Other Costs to Budget For
Living expenses (housing, food, transport, insurance, visa, etc.): CHF 25,000-36,000/year is common depending on city.
Books/materials/project/travel expenses can add up. Schools like IMD include many of these in their “mandatory fees” but you’ll still need extra depending on your lifestyle.
Key Takeaways
A top Swiss MBA tends to cost close to CHF 90,000–100,000 total for tuition + fees. IMD is one of the most expensive.
If you opt for a lesser-known school or part-time/online format, you can find options in the CHF 30,000-60,000 range.
Switzerland’s cost of living is among the highest in Europe, so budget accordingly. Zurich, Geneva are more expensive; smaller cities or towns are cheaper.
How much does the INSEAD MBA cost?
The INSEAD MBA tuition fee for the 2025 intake is approximately €103,500, excluding living expenses, which bring the total estimated cost to about €133,500.
The INSEAD MBA is a top-ranked, 10 months international MBA offered at campuses in France (Fontainebleau) and Singapore, with options for Abu Dhabi and San Francisco modules.
INSEAD MBA Fees (2025 Intake):
Tuition Fee: €103,500 Covers all teaching, academic materials, and access to the Career Development Centre.
Application Fee: €250
Estimated Living Expenses (per year):
Fontainebleau campus (France): €30,000
Singapore campus: €32,000
Total Estimated Cost: €133,500–€135,000
Scholarships & Financial Aid:
INSEAD offers over 150 scholarships covering partial to full tuition.
Scholarships are need-based, merit-based, and diversity-based (average award: €15,000–€25,000).
Student loans and Prodigy Finance are available for self-funded students.
Program Duration & ROI:
Duration: 10 months (accelerated format)
Annual median post-MBA salary: US $111,400
Payback period: Typically 2–3 years
This guide serves as a one-stop resource for aspirants considering MBA and Master’s programs worldwide. Whether you are targeting a traditional MBA, an Executive MBA, or a specialized finance or analytics degree, these articles provide actionable insights.
Partner with GOALisB, India’s leading MBA admissions consulting team, for expert guidance on applications, essays, and interviews.
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