Overview
The Imperial College Business School Full-Time MBA follows a staged admissions process, with multiple application rounds throughout the year. Applications for the September 2027 intake are now open, giving candidates several opportunities to submit their applications and be considered for admission and scholarships.
Imperial MBA Deadlines 2027
| Round | Application Deadline | Interview Dates | Decision Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | 22 September 2026 | 12–23 October 2026 | 13 November 2026 |
| Round 2 | 12 January 2027 | 1–19 February 2027 | 12 March 2027 |
| Round 3 | 16 March 2027 | 29 March–16 April 2027 | 30 April 2027 |
| Round 4 | 11 May 2027 | 31 May–11 June 2027 | 25 June 2027 |
Imperial recommends applying as early as possible. Later rounds may have fewer available places, and applying earlier can also provide more time to prepare for the MBA and take advantage of scholarship opportunities.
Imperial MBA Application Timeline
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Application Submission | Submit the completed online application and supporting documents. |
| Application Review | Imperial assesses the application and determines whether the candidate progresses to interview. |
| Interview | Shortlisted candidates participate in an interview during the relevant interview period. |
| Admission Decision | The final application decision is communicated by the published decision deadline. |
| Scholarship Consideration | Eligible applicants are considered according to the relevant scholarship timeline. |
Which Imperial MBA Round Should You Choose?
Round 1 is the earliest opportunity and is a strong choice for candidates whose applications are ready. Round 2 gives applicants additional preparation time while remaining relatively early in the cycle. Rounds 3 and 4 provide later opportunities, but applicants should avoid waiting unnecessarily when their application is already competitive.
- Round 1: Best for applicants with a fully prepared application.
- Round 2: Suitable if you need additional time for testing, essays, or recommendations.
- Round 3: A later option for candidates who need more preparation time.
- Round 4: Final published round for the September 2027 intake.
Imperial MBA Application Requirements
Applicants should ensure that the key components of their application are ready before their selected deadline.
- Current CV.
- Complete degree transcripts.
- Two professional referees.
- Required MBA essays.
- Valid GMAT, Executive Assessment, or GRE score, unless an approved waiver applies.
- English language qualification, where required.
- Personal statement.
- £150 application processing fee.
Imperial requires a minimum of three years of continuous relevant full-time work experience after graduation, although exceptional candidates with less experience may be considered.
Imperial MBA Test Requirements
Applicants must submit a valid GMAT, Executive Assessment, or GRE score unless they receive an approved waiver. Imperial currently requires a minimum GMAT score of 555, while the Executive Assessment has no formal minimum but Imperial recommends aiming for 150 or above. For the GRE, applicants need at least 156 in Verbal and 158 in Quantitative.
Final Tip for Applicants
If your application is ready, applying in an earlier round is the safer strategy. Imperial explicitly recommends early applications because places may not remain available in later rounds, while early submission also gives candidates more time to prepare for the programme and pursue scholarship opportunities.
Imperial MBA Application Process
Imperial follows a four-step application process. Applicants should complete each stage before the relevant round deadline so that the application can be fully assessed.
- Start your application: Create an account and complete the online application.
- Submit supporting documents: Upload your CV, personal statement, degree transcripts, referee details, essays, test scores, and English-language scores where required.
- Complete the application: Pay the £150 application processing fee.
- Interview and decision: Shortlisted candidates attend a 30-minute online interview, followed by the admission decision for that application round.
Imperial MBA Application Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Work Experience | Minimum 3 years of continuous relevant full-time experience after graduation |
| Academic Qualification | At least a UK Second Class Honours degree or international equivalent |
| GMAT / EA / GRE | Valid score required unless an approved waiver is granted |
| Professional References | Two professional referees |
| CV | Current CV |
| Essays | Three required MBA essays |
| English Proficiency | Required where applicable |
| Application Fee | £150 |
Imperial takes a holistic approach to admissions, considering applicants’ professional qualifications as well as their motivations, collaboration skills, leadership potential, and ability to contribute to the MBA community.
Imperial MBA Interview
Shortlisted applicants are invited to a 30-minute online interview during the interview period assigned to their application round. The interview gives candidates an opportunity to demonstrate their motivation, passion, and reasons for pursuing the Imperial Full-Time MBA.
When Should You Apply for the Imperial MBA?
Imperial operates a staged admissions process with four deadlines for the September 2027 intake. The school encourages early applications, as this provides more time to prepare for the MBA and attend admitted-student events. Scholarship funding is also allocated to strong candidates in every round.
| Round | Application Deadline | Decision Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | 22 September 2026 | 13 November 2026 |
| Round 2 | 12 January 2027 | 12 March 2027 |
| Round 3 | 16 March 2027 | 30 April 2027 |
| Round 4 | 11 May 2027 | 25 June 2027 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Imperial MBA application rounds are there?
There are four application rounds for the September 2027 intake.
What is the final Imperial MBA deadline?
The final application deadline for September 2027 entry is 11 May 2027, with the application and scholarship decision deadline on 25 June 2027.
When does Imperial release MBA decisions?
Decisions are communicated according to the published deadline for the application round. Imperial states that decisions are typically released approximately four weeks after each application deadline.
Can I apply without GMAT or GRE?
Only if Imperial grants you a test waiver. A small number of waivers are available to candidates who demonstrate exceptional academic performance and strong quantitative skills. CFA Level 2 or 3 holders automatically qualify for consideration for a waiver.
Is early application recommended?
Yes. Imperial encourages early applications because candidates benefit from more time to prepare for the MBA and can be considered for scholarship funding available across the admissions rounds.
Final Verdict
For the September 2027 Imperial MBA intake, applicants have four opportunities to apply, with Round 1 opening the cycle on 22 September 2026 and Round 4 closing applications on 11 May 2027. The strongest strategy is to submit a complete, competitive application as early as your preparation allows rather than waiting for the final round.
