Imperial MBA Admissions: Requirements, Deadlines and Fees 2027

What is the Imperial Full-Time MBA and who is it for?

The Full-Time MBA is a 12-month programme (16 with the optional extended term), taught at South Kensington and White City from September 2027. From September to March you take the core, from corporate finance to data analytics. From April to August you choose from 40+ electives, with five optional concentrations: Analytics & Operations, Strategy and Digital Transformation, Innovation & Entrepreneurship, ESG and Stakeholder Impact, and Finance.

You also complete a Strategic Consulting Project for a real client and a compulsory Global Experience Week. The FT Global MBA ranking 2026 placed the programme 4th in the UK.

The Imperial MBA class profile for the Class of 2027 shows 69 students, an average age of 28, 25 nationalities and 46% women. Before the MBA, 35% worked in banking and finance, 17% in consulting and professional services and 12% in consumer and retail.

What are the Imperial MBA requirements?

• Work experience: at least three years of continuous, relevant full-time work after graduation.
• Degree: a UK second-class honours degree or equivalent, or an accepted professional qualification such as ACCA, CIMA or ICAEW membership.
• Imperial MBA GMAT score: a valid score is required. The minimum is 555 on GMAT Focus or 600 on the GMAT 10th Edition, where the current average is 666. GRE applicants need at least 156 Verbal and 158 Quant, and an Executive Assessment of 150 or more is recommended.
• Waivers: a small number each cycle for exceptional academic and quantitative records. CFA Level 2 or 3 holders qualify automatically.
• English: IELTS Academic 7.0 with 6.5 in each element, or an accepted equivalent.
• References: two professional referees, ideally including your current line manager.

Our guide to MBA requirements explains how schools weigh these.

Imperial MBA deadlines and application process for 2027

You write three essays, measured in characters including spaces: your short and long-term career goals (2,500), why Imperial and how you will contribute (3,500), and a time you embodied one of Imperial's values (3,500). The application fee is £150. Shortlisted candidates have a 30-minute online interview during their round's interview window.

With Round 1 closed, Round 2 is now the main opportunity.

Imperial MBA fees and salary outcomes

Imperial MBA fees are £81,000 for the 2027 intake, excluding living costs, and change each year.

For the Class of 2025, the average Imperial MBA salary was $124,363 (PPP), a 40% rise on pre-MBA pay. 73% are employed in the UK and 35% work in technology. Recent hirers include Amazon, Capital One, BCG, Deloitte, IBM, Mastercard and Revolut, according to the Full-Time MBA career impact page.

How to stand out in Imperial MBA admissions

• Connect your goal to Imperial's strengths. Technology, analytics and innovation run through the programme.
• Quantify your impact on your CV: budgets, revenue, team size.
• Show progression, not just tenure.
• Write the contribution essay for a class of 69. Small cohorts notice what you bring.

Have ten or more years of experience? Compare Imperial Executive MBA admissions. For the school's direction, see our Imperial Business School overview.

Frequently asked questions

What GMAT score do you need for the Imperial MBA?

The minimum is 600 on the GMAT 10th Edition or 555 on GMAT Focus, but the current average is 666, so aim near or above it. GRE scores of 156 Verbal and 158 Quant are accepted, and CFA Level 2 or 3 holders qualify for a waiver.

Can I apply to the Imperial MBA with less than three years of experience?

Only in exceptional cases. Imperial asks for three years of continuous full-time work after graduation and considers less only alongside strong academics, career progression, international experience and a competitive test score. If you have less, the Imperial MiM admissions route may suit you better.