Fully Funded IMD Business School 2025 BackPack Excellence Scholarship in Switzerland for Women

About the IMD Business School 2025 BackPack Excellence Scholarship for Women

The IMD Business School in Switzerland is offering a fully funded scholarship that supports women from around the world to earn an MBA without financial burden. The BackPack Excellence Scholarship for Women 2025 is a life-changing opportunity for ambitious women who have encountered significant challenges in their pursuit of education and leadership roles.

Launched by the BackPack Foundation, the scholarship is designed to bridge the opportunity gap for women who have faced personal, financial, or professional barriers that made an MBA seem out of reach. Whether due to disrupted careers, family responsibilities, or lack of financial resources, this initiative provides these women with the tools, confidence, and international network necessary to lead with impact across sectors.

Through the scholarship, recipients are empowered to develop leadership capabilities, broaden their global outlook, and build resilience to make meaningful contributions in business and public life.

Eligible Fields

All specializations and focus areas available within the MBA program at IMD Business School are eligible under this scholarship. This includes but is not limited to:

• Business Strategy
• Finance
• Marketing
• Entrepreneurship
• Operations and Supply Chain
• Technology Management
• Innovation and Leadership

The program supports diverse career aspirations within business leadership and global enterprise development.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the IMD Business School 2025 BackPack Excellence Scholarship for Women, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Gender: Open to female candidates only.
• Leadership Potential: Must demonstrate strong leadership capability and career ambition.
• Challenges Overcome: Must have faced significant personal, financial, or professional challenges that previously made pursuing an MBA difficult.
• No Sponsorship: Applicants must not be receiving financial sponsorship from their employer or any other institution.
• Application to IMD MBA: Must apply to the full-time IMD MBA program and meet all general admissions requirements.

Selection Criteria

Candidates for the scholarship will be evaluated based on a holistic review process, which includes the following:

• Academic and Professional Excellence: Strong performance in previous academic studies and career progression.
• Leadership Attributes: Evidence of initiative, responsibility, and potential for future impact.
• Commitment to Social Impact: Demonstrated passion for addressing critical challenges in their community or broader society.
• Values Alignment: Embodiment of the core principles of the BackPack Foundation:
  • Share: Willingness to collaborate and uplift others
  • Dare: Boldness to take risks and lead change
  • Care: Deep empathy and responsibility for people and purpose
• Vision for the Future: A clear post-MBA plan for creating impact and becoming a transformational leader.
• BackPack Assessment: Shortlisted candidates will participate in a formal assessment conducted by the Foundation.

Eligible Countries

The scholarship is open to women of all nationalities. There are no restrictions on citizenship or country of origin. Women from underrepresented regions, developing economies, and marginalized communities are especially encouraged to apply.

Documents Required

Applicants are required to submit the following documentation as part of their scholarship and MBA application:

1. Completed IMD MBA Application Form
   • Includes academic records, professional background, and personal profile.
2. Scholarship Essay
   • A written essay (maximum 500 words) responding to the prompt:
     “What pressing challenge, whether in your community or more broadly, are you most passionate about addressing? How do you think a BackPack-supported MBA at IMD will enable you to contribute to addressing that challenge?”
3. Video Statement
   • A short video of 90–120 seconds where you describe a moment in your life when you embodied one or more of the BackPack values: share, dare, care.
   • If submitting a video is difficult due to technical or personal limitations, candidates are advised to contact the admissions office for alternatives.
4. Standard Supporting Documents for MBA Admission
   • Resume/CV
   • Academic transcripts
   • Letters of recommendation
   • GMAT/GRE scores (if applicable)
   • Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS), if required

Benefits of the IMD Business School BackPack Excellence Scholarship for Women

This is a fully funded scholarship, covering all major expenses associated with the IMD MBA program. Specific benefits include:

• Full Tuition Coverage
  • 100% of MBA program fees at IMD Business School.
• Living Expenses
  • Additional financial support for accommodation, meals, and personal costs during the program duration.
• Global Exposure & Leadership Development
  • Immersion in one of the world’s top-ranked MBA programs with an international cohort of leaders and changemakers.
• Mentorship and Career Support
  • Access to a global network of alumni, leadership coaches, and career services to enhance personal and professional growth.
• Personal Empowerment
  • Development of confidence, decision-making, and resilience as a woman leader in today’s global economy.

How to Apply

To apply for the 2025 BackPack Excellence Scholarship for Women:

1. Start your application for the IMD MBA program via the official portal.
2. Complete the scholarship section within the MBA application.
3. Submit the 500-word essay and 90–120 second video, as specified.
4. Ensure all supporting documents (academic transcripts, letters, test scores) are included.
5. Apply before the deadline:
   • Application Deadline: 15 July 2025

Final Thoughts

The BackPack Excellence Scholarship for Women 2025 at IMD Business School is more than financial aid—it is a platform for transformation. For women who have battled personal, economic, or structural challenges, this scholarship offers a renewed path toward leadership and impact. By removing the financial barriers to an MBA and nurturing a spirit of bold, compassionate leadership, the BackPack Scholarship equips women to change not only their lives but also the lives of others around them.

If you’ve ever dreamed of an MBA but were held back by circumstances, this is your moment. Apply now and take your place among the next generation of female leaders shaping business and society.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

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