International Institute for Management Development (IMD)
Developing global leaders to transform organizations and impact society.
📍 Lausanne, Switzerland 🇨🇭
🏆 #1 in Switzerland
Quick Facts about International Institute for Management Development (IMD)
- Type: Private Non-Profit
- Students: 100
- International: 97%
- Campus: Multiple Campuses
- Tuition: $97,500 – $97,500/year
- Language: English
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 2:1
- Intakes: Fall
About International Institute for Management Development (IMD)
Academics
IMD is primarily known for its highly selective MBA and Executive MBA programs, which emphasize real-world application over theoretical lectures. The teaching approach utilizes the "Real Learning, Real Impact" philosophy, incorporating hands-on projects, leadership coaching, and intense collaboration with industry partners. While it is a specialized business school rather than a broad university, its multidisciplinary strengths lie in digital transformation, sustainable leadership, and global family business management.
International Students
The student body is exceptionally diverse, with the MBA cohort typically representing over 40 different nationalities and no single dominant culture. All programs are taught entirely in English, and the school provides extensive support services to help international students navigate Swiss residency and integration. Students benefit from a tight-knit community and various interest groups that foster cultural exchange and professional networking within the global alumni circle.
Campus & Location
The campus is situated on the scenic shores of Lake Geneva in Lausanne, offering a serene yet professional atmosphere conducive to intensive study. Lausanne is a vibrant, French-speaking city known as the Olympic Capital, providing efficient public transportation and easy access to the Swiss Alps. Students can enjoy a high quality of life with numerous lakeside attractions, cultural museums, and a central European location that makes international travel highly convenient.
Career Outcomes
IMD maintains one of the highest return-on-investment profiles in the world, with graduates frequently securing leadership roles in consulting, technology, and manufacturing. The dedicated career services team provides personalized coaching and facilitates direct recruitment opportunities with major global firms like McKinsey, Amazon, and Nestlé. Additionally, the school fosters a strong entrepreneurial spirit, supporting graduates who wish to launch startups or join venture capital firms through its extensive corporate network.
Information for International Students at International Institute for Management Development (IMD)
International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Lausanne, Switzerland welcomes international students, with 97% of the student body coming from abroad.
- 97% of students are international
- Visa support available
- No on-campus work
- Student housing available (~$2750/month)
- Work placement / internship opportunities available
- Teaching languages: English
Admissions Requirements for International Institute for Management Development (IMD)
Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to International Institute for Management Development (IMD):
- IELTS minimum: 7.5
- TOEFL minimum: 105
- GRE required
- GMAT required
- Application fee: $150
- Selectivity: Selective (20-40%)
- Application deadline: 2025-10-15
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Programs at International Institute for Management Development (IMD) (9 programs)
International Institute for Management Development (IMD) offers 9 programs across Master levels.
Master Programs (5)
- Executive MBA (EMBA) (MBA) — 15 months · English · Part-time · $115,000/yr · Scholarship available
A modular, flexible program for senior leaders that combines online learning with global discovery expeditions and on-campus sessions.
Field: Executive Management
Career outcomes: C-suite roles, Global business leadership, Organizational transformation
Deadline: Rolling admissions - Master of Science in Sustainable Management and Technology (MSc SMT) (MSc) — 24 months · English · $1,560/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
A joint degree offered by IMD, EPFL, and UNIL (E4S) for graduates with little to no work experience, focusing on the intersection of technology, management, and sustainability.
Field: Sustainable Management & Technology
Career outcomes: Sustainability consultants, ESG analysts, Corporate social responsibility (CSR) managers
Deadline: March 31 annually - Executive Master in AI & Digital Business Transformation — 18 months · English · Part-time · $70,000/yr · STEM
A stackable degree designed for leaders to bridge the gap between technology (AI/Data) and business strategy.
Field: AI / Digital Transformation
Career outcomes: Chief Digital Officer (CDO), AI Strategy Lead, Innovation Director
Deadline: Rolling admissions - Master of Business Administration (MBA) (MBA) — 12 months · English · $97,500/yr · Scholarship available
An intensive, leadership-focused program designed for professionals with 5–7 years of experience, featuring a month-long "Future Lab" in Singapore and hands-on consulting projects.
Field: Business Administration / General Management
Career outcomes: Senior management, Consulting, Entrepreneurship
Deadline: Six rounds annually (January, March, May, July, September, October) - Executive Master in Sustainable Business Transformation — 18 months · English · Part-time · $60,000/yr
A stackable degree for experienced professionals to lead sustainability-driven change within organizations.
Field: Sustainability / Business Transformation
Career outcomes: Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO), ESG Director, Transformation Lead
Deadline: Rolling admissions
Scholarships & Tuition at International Institute for Management Development (IMD)
Annual tuition for international students: $97,500 – $97,500/year
✅ International Institute for Management Development (IMD) offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.
Rankings of International Institute for Management Development (IMD)
- National Ranking: #1 in Switzerland
- Ranking tier: Unranked
- Research output: High
Campus & Facilities at International Institute for Management Development (IMD)
- Student housing available
- Sports facilities available
- Disability support available
- Campus type: Multiple Campuses
- Average class size: 100
- Housing cost: ~$2750/month
Key Highlights
- Consistently ranked top for executive education
- Real Learning Real Impact teaching philosophy
- Highly selective and diverse international cohort
- Scenic campus on Lake Geneva shores
- Strong focus on global family business
- Deeply rooted in the corporate world
Accreditation
- AACSB
- AMBA
- EQUIS
Fields of Study at International Institute for Management Development (IMD)
- Business Administration
- Management
Notable Alumni
- Paul Bulcke
- Susanne Klatten
- Thomas Schmidheiny
- Ong Ye Kung
Frequently Asked Questions about International Institute for Management Development (IMD)
What is International Institute for Management Development (IMD)?
International Institute for Management Development (IMD) is a private non-profit university located in Lausanne, Switzerland. It has approximately 100 students, with 97% being international students.
How much does it cost to study at International Institute for Management Development (IMD)?
Tuition fees at International Institute for Management Development (IMD) for international students range from $97,500 – $97,500/year. Student housing costs approximately $2750/month. Scholarships are available for international students.
What are the admission requirements for International Institute for Management Development (IMD)?
IELTS minimum: 7.5. TOEFL minimum: 105. GRE required. GMAT required. Application fee: $150. Selectivity: Selective (20-40%). Application deadline: 2025-10-15.
What language are courses taught in at International Institute for Management Development (IMD)?
Courses at International Institute for Management Development (IMD) are taught in English. International students need a minimum IELTS score of 7.5.
How many programs does International Institute for Management Development (IMD) offer?
International Institute for Management Development (IMD) offers 9 programs: 0 Bachelor's, 5 Master's, and 0 PhD programs across various fields of study.
What is International Institute for Management Development (IMD) ranked?
#1 in Switzerland.
Does International Institute for Management Development (IMD) offer scholarships?
Yes, International Institute for Management Development (IMD) offers scholarships for international students. Visit the university's official financial aid page for current opportunities, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.
Does International Institute for Management Development (IMD) provide visa support?
Yes, International Institute for Management Development (IMD) provides visa support for international students. Student housing is also available.
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