News Stories · Diversity and Equity and Inclusion

IMD launches EMBA scholarships to promote diversity among future leaders

The scholarships are aimed at deserving leaders from diverse backgrounds and sectors who want to drive positive change in business and society.
October 2022

With the launch of five new specialist scholarships as well as a general excellence scholarship, IMD aims to open up its executive MBA program to a diverse group of talented leaders by alleviating some of the financial burden for those who may have previously been unable to afford a top-tier business education.

“Our scholarships will increase access to the IMD EMBA program for exceptionally talented individuals whose diverse set of experiences and profiles will greatly enrich our learning environment,” said Professor Vanina Farber, Dean of the EMBA program and elea Professor for Social Innovation. “These perspectives are essential to achieve IMD’s mission of challenging what is and inspiring what could be.”

A limited number of partial scholarships will be offered to exceptional candidates based upon merit and financial need in five categories:

  • Emerging market economy leaders
  • Women leaders
  • Sustainability/tech leaders
  • Not-for-profit leaders
  • Entrepreneurs

Applications for the emerging market economy leaders scholarship are welcomed from those from countries classed as emerging market economies, while the not-for-profit leaders scholarship is open to those with significant professional and leadership achievements in the sector.

The women leaders scholarship will be awarded to female leaders with an excellent track record in driving gender and viewpoint diversity within their professional organizations and society at large, while the sustainability/tech leaders scholarship is aimed at those who are committed to setting industry-wide best practices for sustainability, conservation, or technology.

For the entrepreneurship scholarship, the admissions committee is looking for candidates with a strong entrepreneurial drive who have started and successfully developed their business.

Finally, a general excellence scholarship is open to standout candidates who possess a proven track record of achievement excellence in, but not limited to, the following dimensions: educational, professional and leadership excellence as well as demonstrated positive societal impact.

Eligible candidates must be able to demonstrate a strong academic and professional profile, potential for future growth and impact, and financial need. Candidates must have submitted an EMBA program application package before making a scholarship application.

More information on the application criteria, as well as the terms and conditions of the scholarships, can be found on the EMBA admissions page.

IMD’s EMBA program is a transformative leadership program lasting between 15-19 months. In 2021, there were a record 155 graduates across three cohorts. The program is consistently ranked #1 business school for executive leadership development. Its award-winning international faculty share their knowledge, resources, and contacts in discovery modules around the globe, enabling participants to build critical skills in entrepreneurship, innovation and much more.