IMD Business School

IMD Business School in Lausanne is an independent, not‑for‑profit institution founded by industry leaders to develop global executives. Its heritage from IMI and IMEDE shapes a pragmatic approach focused on real-world leadership. With a faculty drawn from 21 nationalities and a presence in Singapore and Shenzhen, IMD blends Swiss rigor with global reach. Its mission centers on preparing professionals to navigate complexity with responsibility and agility.

IMD hosts over 28,000 executives annually and maintains an alumni network of 130,000 professionals across 180 countries. Recognized for excellence, the school ranks among the world’s top institutions, including Bloomberg’s #1 MBA in Europe and frequent global top-three placements in executive education.

IMD’s career ecosystem leverages strong employer relationships and a global alumni base to facilitate meaningful career transitions. Participants access 1,700 corporate partners, benefiting from real consulting assignments and exposure to diverse sectors. Career advisors and leadership coaches help refine goals, expand networks, and build confidence in high-stakes roles.

Graduates commonly transition into consulting, industry, and tech, supported by IMD’s reputation for producing mature, globally minded leaders. High placement outcomes and strong salary progression reflect the school’s emphasis on practical capability rather than theoretical specialization, creating a resilient professional trajectory.

Candidates select IMD for its distinctive personalization and real-world relevance. Small cohorts enable individual coaching, leadership assessments, and direct interaction with faculty. The curriculum integrates AI tools across coursework, preparing participants for complex decisions in rapidly evolving business environments.

IMD emphasizes experiential learning, global exposure, and tangible career outcomes, offering a compact yet transformative program design. Its industry connections, executive heritage, and proven ROI—including strong mobility and rapid post-MBA progression—appeal to professionals seeking accelerated growth and authentic leadership development.

IMD advances global leadership through research, sustainability initiatives, and digital transformation. As one of the most frequently published schools in top management reviews, it contributes actionable insights for executives navigating uncertainty. Its foundation status allows agile, practitioner-oriented projects with organizations and policymakers.

Innovation is embedded through programs like IMD AI+, which personalizes learning and integrates data-driven decision practices. The Future Lab in Singapore offers exposure to tech ecosystems, supporting entrepreneurship and organizational transformation. IMD’s mission-driven focus ensures that its advancements translate into real impact for companies and society.

What differentiates IMD’s MBA? It combines small cohorts, personalized coaching, and extensive experiential learning with integrated AI tools, creating a highly applied and leadership-focused learning journey.

How diverse is the community? With nearly all students coming from abroad, IMD offers a culturally rich environment that enhances global perspectives, collaboration, and long-term networking opportunities.

What career support is available? Participants benefit from tailored advising, strong employer partnerships, and leadership guidance, helping them secure competitive roles and achieve rapid career progression.

IMD’s admissions process prioritizes leadership potential, professional maturity, and international outlook. Applicants submit academic records, test scores, recommendations, and essays reflecting career motivation. Selected candidates complete assessments and interviews designed to evaluate fit and readiness for the program’s intensity.

Tuition includes academic materials, while scholarships support both merit and diversity. Lausanne offers convenient access to multinational employers, and IMD provides visa guidance and relocation support. The experience begins with a high-impact orientation, preparing participants for the rigorous, collaborative year ahead.