IMD in Lausanne runs one of the smallest and most intensive MBAs in the world: around 90 experienced professionals, one year, and a strong focus on personal leadership development. MBA Center has helped 6 candidates into IMD’s MBA and Executive MBA. We help you decide whether IMD fits your profile, reach a competitive GMAT, GRE or Executive Assessment score, build your one-page CV and application, and prepare for IMD’s Assessment Day.
Sources: IMD MBA, participants, admissions and fees pages, checked October 2026. See our GMAT preparation and GRE preparation.
IMD runs six application rounds for each January intake. For the January 2027 class, the final deadline is 13 October 2026. If you are not ready by then, plan for the January 2028 intake.
Diplomas and transcripts, your GMAT, GRE or Executive Assessment score, a one-page CV on IMD’s own template and one business recommender.
Online or on campus: individual and group tasks plus your interview. IMD also assesses your English here.
Comparing your profile with other candidates in your round.
A non-refundable deposit secures your place.
IMD only accepts a recommender with a professional email address. See our group interview preparation.
For senior professionals who want to keep working, the IMD Executive MBA is part-time, starts in September or April and lasts from 20 months, combining Lausanne, online learning and international locations with only about six weeks out of the office. See our Executive MBA admissions consulting.
Both are one-year MBAs for experienced professionals, but they feel very different. IMD has around 90 students, a January start and a heavy focus on personal leadership coaching; INSEAD has several hundred students across campuses in France and Singapore and a 10-month programme.
Your application is managed by a Head Coach, a Personal Coach, an Editor and a Concierge who keeps every deadline on track. No consultant works with more than six candidates at a time. MBA Center was founded in 1993 by Dr Hubert Silly, who still advises candidates personally.
The final deadline for the January 2027 IMD MBA is 13 October 2026, with Assessment Days on 23 October (online) and 30–31 October 2026 (on campus). After that, candidates apply for the January 2028 intake.
IMD recommends a GMAT score of 555 or above, or an equivalent GRE or Executive Assessment score. The class average is 615, and scores must be less than five years old.
Shortlisted candidates attend an Assessment Day, online or on campus in Lausanne, with individual and group tasks and an interview. IMD also assesses your English during the day.
IMD requires at least two years of full-time, post-graduate experience. The class average is six years, with a typical range of three to eight.
The IMD MBA costs CHF 97,500 in total: CHF 80,000 tuition plus CHF 17,500 in mandatory fees. About 48% of students receive a scholarship or bursary.