How competitive is Imperial MFin admission in 2025–26, and what kind of profiles usually get shortlisted?Do applicants with finance internships but no full-time work exp still stand a good chance?

Question

Jayant M · Accepted Answer

Imperial MFin admissions in 2025&ndash;26 are extremely competitive, with acceptance rates often below 20%. The program draws candidates from top global universities, many with strong quant skills and brand-name finance exposure. Profiles that stand out usually combine high grades, finance-related internships, and solid test scores.
While GMAT isn&rsquo;t compulsory, a balanced score above 600 is the minimum Imperial accepts, with the current class average at 689. Applicants from less quant-heavy degrees are strongly advised to submit GMAT or GRE (GRE Quant 159+) to prove readiness.
Students without full-time work experience are regularly admitted, provided they show strong academic preparation and a clear story about pursuing IB, PE, or markets in London. Internships with Big 4, boutique IB firms, or corporate finance teams often carry enough weight if supported by good recommendations and well-structured essays.

Hema A · Answer

A lot of people assume Imperial only admits candidates with years of banking experience, but that isn&rsquo;t true. Many in the MFin class are just 22&ndash;23 years old and entered straight after undergrad.
&bull; Students with solid internships in IB, consulting, or Big 4 are shortlisted frequently if they combine it with high academic marks. &bull; The admissions team looks closely at quant strength. A GMAT score of at least 600 is required, and the current average is 689. For GRE, a Quant score of 159 or above works well. &bull; Commerce or economics majors who add CFA Level 1 or quant electives usually stand out. &bull; Engineering or math backgrounds remain strong differentiators for quant-heavy tracks. &bull; Lack of full-time work is less of a problem than vague career goals &mdash; essays and recommendations need to clearly link past internships with the plan to build an IB career in London.
So yes, with internships and proof of quant strength, applicants without full-time jobs still stand a strong chance.
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