Gaining leadership positions in business, entrepreneurship, and international management can be achieved by pursuing an MBA degree. IMD Business School’s MBA program supports gifted people from all over the world with a variety of scholarships, bursaries, and outside financial alternatives. IMD aims to draw in high-potential applicants who exhibit leadership potential, academic achievement, and ambitious career goals through merit-based rewards and need-based financial help. In order to provide individuals from a variety of backgrounds with access to a top-notch management education, over half of the MBA cohort receives financial assistance.
Located in Lausanne, Switzerland, the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) is an independent business school with international recognition. IMD, which was founded in 1990 as a result of the merger of two corporate education institutions, specializes in leadership development, executive education, and highly regarded MBA and Executive MBA programs. The institution is renowned for its small, rigorous programs, international student body, and emphasis on leadership, innovation, and real-world business difficulties. Additionally, IMD collaborates closely with international businesses and organizations, providing training for seasoned professionals who want to improve their leadership skills in a cutthroat global business setting.
Host Country: Switzerland
University: IMD Switzerland (International Institute for Management Development)
Opportunity Type: Master’s,
Eligibility Country: International Students
Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
Eligibility Criteria:
- Acceptance into the IMD MBA program is a prerequisite for admission.
- Strong academic record: Proven success in previous coursework and accomplishments.
- Potential for leadership: Proof of leadership via work or extracurricular activities.
- Professional experience and career advancement: Relevant job experience and career advancement.
- Contribution to a varied MBA cohort: The capacity to enhance the learning environment and introduce global viewpoints.
- Financial need (for bursaries): Records demonstrating the requirement for funding.
Benefits:
MD provides a range of scholarships to support MBA candidates, typically awarded based on merit, leadership potential, and professional accomplishments.
Available scholarships include the following:
- MBA5 Scholarship – CHF 50,000
- Hilti STEM Scholars Program – CHF 50,000
- Nestlé Scholarship for Women – CHF 40,000
- Forté Scholarship for Women – CHF 30,000
- IMD MBA Merit Scholarships – Up to CHF 40,000
Over half of these scholarships are awarded to women, reflecting IMD’s strong commitment to diversity and gender equality in business leadership.
Bursaries (Need-Based Financial Aid)
In addition to merit-based scholarships, IMD offers bursaries to support students who demonstrate financial need, ensuring that talented candidates can pursue the MBA program regardless of their financial situation.
Bursary Eligibility Criteria:
- Demonstrated financial need
- Strong academic record
- Positive reference letters
- Consistent career progression
Bursaries are awarded on a rolling basis following admission to the MBA program.
External Funding and Student Loans
IMD partners with global loan providers specializing in higher education financing for top business schools.
Loan providers include the following:
- Lendwise
- Prodigy Finance
- Sallie Mae
- GradRight (for Indian applicants)
These lenders offer flexible repayment options based on future earning potential, helping students manage the cost of their MBA.
Funding Options for Women
Female MBA candidates can also explore additional external scholarships and fellowships offered by international organizations supporting women in leadership.
Examples include:
- The MBA for Women Foundation
- American Association of University Women Educational Foundation
- Graduate Women International Fellowships
- Canadian Federation of University Women
These initiatives aim to promote education, leadership, and empowerment for women across various industries.
Deadline: May 15, 2026
