Want to Be a Global Business Leader? These IMD MBA Scholarships Are Basically Your Launchpad

So, you’ve got leadership dreams bigger than your caffeine habit, and “impact” isn’t just a buzzword you throw into your LinkedIn bio - you mean it. If that sounds like you, say hello to IMD MBA scholarships, a ticket to a world-class education in Switzerland without draining your savings (or your sanity).

Because let’s be real, MBAs are expensive. But IMD isn’t just handing out degrees; they’re investing in people who want to lead, build, and shake things up.

And if you’re already nodding? Good. Let’s unpack what these scholarships are and why your name might belong on one.

First, What’s IMD?

IMD (International Institute for Management Development) is a top-ranked business school in Lausanne, Switzerland. It's elite, it’s global, and it’s super committed to developing future-ready leaders, like you.

And guess what?

• 48% of IMD MBA students receive scholarships.
• More than half go to women.
• So yes, your odds are actually decent if you’ve got the ambition to back it up.

IMD MBA Scholarships You Should Know About

Let’s break them down, no jargon, just facts.

Official link

1. The MBA5 Scholarship – CHF 50,000

This one’s all about excellence. High GPA? Killer GMAT/GRE? Fast-track career growth? You're in the running.

What they’re looking for:

• Academic and professional brilliance
• Global exposure
• A vision to lead
• And a spicy 750-word essay about how you’ll contribute to the MBA class and beyond

Apply anytime in 2025 — until funds run out.

2. Hilti STEM Scholarship – CHF 50,000

For the engineers and STEM nerds with a mission. If you believe tech can build a better world, Hilti’s got your back.

What they want:

• STEM background or passion
• Academic excellence
• A strong belief in STEM’s power to drive change
• Leadership potential in the tech space

Open throughout 2025.

3. BackPack-Excellence Scholarship for Women – Full Tuition + Living Expenses

Yes, FULL scholarship. As in, the whole deal. Plus living costs.

This one’s for women who’ve hit pause on their careers due to money, family, or just life happening, and now, they’re ready to soar.

Key things they value:

• Grit and talent
• Life experience over a linear resume
• Drive to lead and grow

Deadline: 15 July 2025

4. Nestlé Scholarship for Women – CHF 40,000

Nestlé’s sponsoring this one for women from developing countries. (Psst… India? You’re in.)

What they want:

• Strong academic record
• Clear leadership goals
• Global mindset
• Sorry, Nestlé employees not eligible

Rolling until the fund’s gone.
 

5. Forté Scholarship for Women – CHF 30,000

Another power-boost for future female leaders. Think of this as a push to help you break the glass ceiling (and then replace it with a solar panel).

Looking for:

• Great GPA + test scores
• Vision, drive, and leadership juice
• Global experience

Available all through 2025
 

6. IMD MBA Merit Scholarships – Up to CHF 40,000

This one’s a bit of a wildcard, available to candidates who shine bright and show strong potential, even if they don’t fit neatly into one category.

Also open throughout the year.

How to Apply?

Simple. When you’re applying for the MBA program, just fill out the scholarship section too. (No extra portals, no 12-step madness.)
Each one has its own essay or criteria, so read carefully and tailor your story.

Oh, and yes, your performance on Assessment Day (think interviews + teamwork activities) plays a huge role. So bring your A-game.

TL;DR?

If you’re ready to stop talking about changing the world and start doing something about it, IMD wants to help you get there. These scholarships aren’t handouts. They’re investments in the kind of leader you’re becoming.

The only thing standing between you and an MBA in the Swiss Alps? A great story, a little paperwork, and the courage to click "Apply."

Now go get that future. You’ve already got the drive, time to get the funding.