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IESE Business School

Barcelona/Madrid, 🇪🇸 Spain Private
#1 National #10 QS World
IESE Business School campus
1,596 students 85% international Multiple Campuses €70k - €90k/yr

About IESE Business School

IESE Business School, with campuses in Barcelona and Madrid, Spain, is a globally recognized graduate business school of the University of Navarra. Established in 1958, IESE is known for its emphasis on ethical leadership, a global perspective, and its highly-ranked MBA and executive education programs.

Academics


IESE's academic approach is distinguished by its extensive use of the case study method, which comprises 80% of its content, complemented by lectures, simulations, and coaching. This method encourages students to analyze real-life business problems and develop decision-making skills. The school offers a range of programs including a full-time MBA, Executive MBA, Global Executive MBA, Master in Management (MiM), and PhD in Management. Key academic departments include Accounting and Control, Business Ethics, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Financial Management, and Strategic Management, all contributing to a multidisciplinary learning environment.

International Students


IESE boasts a highly international student body, with 85% of its MBA students coming from over 50 different countries. Programs like the full-time MBA are taught entirely in English, and students have the option to take Business Spanish courses. The school offers various scholarships, including merit-based, diversity, and need-based options, to support international students. IESE's commitment to diversity extends to fostering an inclusive environment, with a Dignity, Diversity, and Belonging (DDB) Office promoting mutual understanding and respect.

Campus & Location


IESE has prominent campuses in both Barcelona and Madrid, offering distinct but equally vibrant experiences. The Barcelona campus is situated about 20 minutes from the city center, a dynamic and culturally diverse business hub. The Madrid campus, located in Aravaca, is also near the city center, a major economic hub home to numerous tech companies. Both campuses provide state-of-the-art learning facilities and are well-connected, with the Barcelona campus being 15 minutes from the airport and the Madrid campus 25 minutes.

Career Outcomes


IESE demonstrates strong career outcomes for its graduates, with 94% of the Class of 2023 MBA graduates securing employment within three months of graduation. Consulting consistently remains a top industry for IESE graduates, accounting for a significant portion of placements, followed by finance and diversified industries. The school's Career Development Center plays a crucial role in supporting students, and IESE's extensive alumni network of over 60,000 professionals worldwide provides valuable connections and mentorship opportunities. IESE's MBA program has been recognized for its strong career services and the effectiveness of its alumni network.

Highlights

  • Consistently ranked among world's top MBAs
  • Strong focus on ethical leadership values
  • Global campuses in Barcelona and Madrid
  • Case study method teaching approach
  • Extensive international alumni network
  • Deep connection to Harvard Business School

Subject Areas

BusinessManagementLeadershipStrategyFinance

Student Life & Support

Visa Support Campus Housing Work on Campus Work Placements Disability Support Scholarships Available

Photos

IESE Business School photo 1IESE Business School photo 2IESE Business School photo 3IESE Business School photo 4IESE Business School photo 5IESE Business School photo 6IESE Business School photo 7IESE Business School photo 8IESE Business School photo 9

Programs Offered at IESE Business School (8)

Offers programs in:

Business & Management Computer Science

Certificate Programs (1)

Executive Education Programs

Leadership, Finance, Marketing, Strategy, Innovation, Digital Transformation, General Management

Leadership
certificatedigitaleducationexecutivefinance
English Full-time
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Master Programs (6)

Executive MBA (EMBA)

Business Administration, Executive Leadership, General Management

Business Administration, Executive Leadership, General Management
masters in spainbusiness administration, executive leadership, general management at iese business schoolenglish-taught masters business administration, executive leadership, general management in spainbusiness degree abroadstudy business administration, executive leadership, general management spain
18 months English Part-time
Scholarships View details →

Master in Business Administration (MBA)

Business Administration, General Management

Business Administration
business administration, general management at iese business schoolmaster in business administration (mba)study business administration, general management abroadstudy business administration, general management in spainbusiness management degree
15 months English Full-time
Scholarships View details →

Master in Business Analytics

STEM

Business Analytics, Data Science, Data Analytics

Business Analytics, Data Science, Data Analytics
msc businessbusiness analytics, data science, data analytics degree program abroadinternational masters business analytics, data science, data analyticsmasters in business analytics, data science, data analyticsbusiness analytics, data science, data analytics program in barcelona/madrid
10 months English Full-time
Scholarships View details →

Master in Finance

STEM

Finance, Financial Markets, Investment Management

Finance
Master in FinanceFinanceFinancial MarketsInvestment Managementmaster's in Finance
12 months English Full-time
Scholarships View details →

Master in Management (MiM)

General Management, Business Administration

General Management
administrationbusinessgeneralgraduateiese
10 months English Full-time
Scholarships View details →

Global Executive MBA

Global Business Administration, Executive Leadership

Global Business Administration
administrationbusinessexecutivegloballeadership
15 months English Part-time
Scholarships View details →

PhD Programs (1)

PhD in Management

Management

Management
phd in managementphd managementstudy management in spainenglish-taught program in spainstudy in barcelona/madrid spain
36 months English Full-time
Scholarships View details →

IESE Business School Admissions Requirements & Acceptance Rate

7.5+ IELTS
100+ TOEFL
Required GRE
Required GMAT
Acceptance Rate Selective (20-40%)
Intakes Fall
Application Deadline May 8, 2026
Tuition (per year) €70k - €90k/yr
Application Fee $200
Teaching Language English, Spanish
Student : Faculty 3:1
Accreditation
AACSBEQUISANECA

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Frequently Asked Questions About IESE Business School

Common questions from international students considering IESE Business School.

What is the acceptance rate at IESE Business School?

IESE Business School is classified as "Selective (20-40%)" by admissions selectivity. Acceptance rates vary by program — competitive programs and graduate degrees typically have lower acceptance rates than undergraduate programs.

How much does IESE Business School cost for international students?

Tuition at IESE Business School ranges from €70k - €90k/yr per year. Costs vary by degree level and program. International students may also need to budget for housing, books, and living expenses.

What is IESE Business School ranked globally?

IESE Business School holds the following rankings: QS World #10, #1 in Spain. Rankings vary by methodology and subject area — for the most accurate picture, check the specific subject rankings for your intended field of study.

What English language requirements does IESE Business School have?

IESE Business School typically requires IELTS 7.5+ or TOEFL 100+ for international students. Specific programs may set higher minimums — verify requirements for your target program directly. Some applicants may qualify for an English requirement waiver if their previous education was English-medium.

Are scholarships available at IESE Business School?

Yes, IESE Business School offers scholarships and financial aid opportunities for international students. Available aid varies by program, nationality, and academic merit. We recommend checking each program's funding page and applying early — many scholarships have separate deadlines from the main admission application.

When does IESE Business School start its semesters?

IESE Business School has intakes starting in Fall. Application deadlines typically fall 3-6 months before the semester start date. International students should apply earlier due to visa processing times — we recommend submitting applications 6-9 months ahead of the intended start date.

How many English-taught programs does IESE Business School offer?

IESE Business School offers 8+ programs taught in English, accessible to international students without local language proficiency. These span Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD levels across multiple disciplines.

Where is IESE Business School located?

IESE Business School is located in Barcelona/Madrid, Spain 🇪🇸. The city offers an international student-friendly environment with access to academic facilities, accommodation, and cultural amenities.

Is IESE recognized in the US?

IESE Business School is a strong choice that compares favorably to peer institutions (QS World #10). Each university has different strengths — we recommend comparing specific programs, location, cost, and graduate outcomes for your field rather than overall rankings alone.

What GMAT score does IESE require?

For specific details about IESE Business School, we recommend reviewing the program-specific information and contacting the admissions office. Each program may have unique requirements and considerations.

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