The IMD BackPack-Excellence Scholarship 2026 is a prestigious fully funded MBA scholarship in Switzerland aimed at empowering exceptional women with leadership potential who have faced significant personal or professional challenges.
This scholarship is offered by the IMD Business School in partnership with the BackPack Foundation, supporting women to access world-class business education.
Overview of the Scholarship
Host Institution: IMD Business School
Study Location: Switzerland
Program: MBA
Funding Type: Fully Funded
Eligible Applicants: Women from all countries
Deadline: Typically around July 2026
The scholarship is highly competitive and awarded to one outstanding candidate each year.
Scholarship Benefits
The IMD BackPack-Excellence Scholarship provides full financial support, including:
Full MBA tuition fees
Living expenses coverage
Mentorship and leadership development
Access to global professional networks
The total value of the scholarship can reach approximately CHF 133,500, covering both tuition and living costs. �
IMD Business School
About the Program
The scholarship is tied to the IMD MBA program, a globally recognized leadership-focused business degree.
Key features include:
Intensive leadership and management training
Real-world business projects
Global networking opportunities
Career acceleration support
The program is designed to produce impactful leaders in business, government, and society.
Eligible Criteria
To qualify for the IMD BackPack-Excellence Scholarship 2026, applicants must:
Be a female candidate with strong leadership potential
Demonstrate academic excellence
Have professional experience (typically required for MBA programs)
Show evidence of overcoming challenges such as:
Financial hardship
Career disruption
Family responsibilities
Displacement due to crises
Be committed to making a positive societal impact
The scholarship particularly supports women who may have thought an MBA was out of reach. �
IMD Business School
Required Documents
Applicants are typically required to submit:
MBA application to IMD
Academic transcripts
CV or resume
Personal statement
Scholarship essay
Short video (90–120 seconds) explaining values and leadership journey
Application Process
Follow these steps to apply:
Apply for the IMD MBA program
Indicate interest in the BackPack-Excellence Scholarship
Submit a 500-word essay on a pressing challenge you want to address
Upload a short video showcasing your leadership values
Participate in interviews if shortlisted