IMD FAQ
Answers to common questions about IMD MBA admissions, GMAT scores, deadlines, costs and career outcomes.
Admissions
What GMAT score do I need for IMD?
IMD recommends a score of 555 or above on the GMAT, or an equivalent GRE or Executive Assessment score. The Class of 2026 average is 615 on the GMAT Focus scale.
How much work experience do I need for IMD?
IMD requires at least two years of full-time postgraduate work experience. The Class of 2026 average is 6 years, and IMD states the typical range is three to eight years.
What are the application deadlines for IMD?
Applications for the Class of 2027 (January 2027 start) are still open with no published closing date. The Class of 2028 (January 2028 start) has six deadlines: 26 January, 16 March, 4 May, 13 July, 7 September and 12 October 2027. IMD does not publish decision dates.
What is the interview process at IMD?
Shortlisted applicants attend an assessment day, online or on campus, with individual and group tasks and an interview.
Does IMD offer deferred admission?
IMD's MBA admission pages do not state a deferral policy.
Program
How long is the IMD MBA program?
The IMD MBA is a 12-month full-time program in Lausanne that runs from January to December.
What is the class size at IMD?
The Class of 2026 has 90 participants.
What percentage of the IMD class are women?
34% of the Class of 2026 are women.
What other programs does IMD offer?
IMD also offers a modular part-time Executive MBA of at least 20 months for executives aged 35 or older with at least 10 years of work experience, with intakes in April and September.
Career
What do IMD graduates earn?
For the Class of 2025, IMD reports average annualized total compensation of USD 136,940 (not PPP adjusted) and USD 176,719 in PPP-adjusted international dollars. IMD does not publish a median base salary.
What is the job placement rate at IMD?
For the Class of 2025, 78% of graduates received a job offer and 70% accepted one within three months of graduation.
Financial
How much is tuition at IMD?
Tuition is CHF 80,000 plus mandatory fees of CHF 17,500, a total of CHF 97,500.
What does the IMD MBA cost in total?
CHF 97,500 in tuition and fees, plus living expenses that IMD estimates at CHF 30,000 to CHF 36,000 per year.
Application
How many recommendation letters does IMD require?
One, from a business-related source, submitted through IMD's online form.
Does IMD require the TOEFL or IELTS?
No. IMD assesses English proficiency during the assessment day.
Does IMD accept test waivers?
IMD's MBA admission pages do not describe a test waiver. IMD accepts the GMAT, GRE or Executive Assessment.
School
Where is IMD located?
IMD is in Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland.
What industries do IMD students come from?
The largest pre-MBA industries in the Class of 2026 are Financial Services (21%), Consulting (18%) and Healthcare (17%).
How is IMD ranked?
IMD is 30th (joint) in the FT Global MBA 2026 ranking and 1st in the Bloomberg Businessweek 2026-27 Europe and Middle East ranking.