IE University Application Guide 2026: Steps, Documents & Tips
Applying to IE? The admission test is the gatekeeper. Step 3 below covers what the IE University Admission Test is, where you sit it, and the SAT, ACT and LNAT scores you can submit instead. If you arrived here looking for the ieGAT, read what the ieGAT actually is and why it is not your test first.
In a nutshell: IE University accepts applications on a rolling basis through its online portal. You need to submit your transcripts, CV, personal statement, two recommendation letters, sit the IE University Admission Test (or submit SAT, ACT or LNAT scores), complete an online assessment, and pass a personal interview. Apply as early as possible since spots are limited.
Updated 6 September 2026
Key facts and figures
- Admissions rounds 2027-28 (new): Early Round deadline 18 September 2026 (decision by 23 October 2026), Round 1 6 November 2026 (decision by 11 December 2026), Round 2 15 January 2027 (decision by 19 February 2027), Round 3 5 March 2027 (decision by 23 April 2027) (source: IE University, consulted 5 September 2026).
- Admissions test: verbal, logical and numerical reasoning, in English or Spanish, sat at the Segovia or Madrid campus or at one of 25 IE offices worldwide; SAT (code 6293), ACT (code 5360), Cambridge assessments and, for the Bachelor of Laws, the LNAT are accepted instead (source: IE University, consulted 5 September 2026).
- Tuition: Bachelor in Business Administration 29,000 EUR for 2026-27 and 29,880 EUR for 2027-28, first-year fee, adjusted annually (source: IE University, consulted 5 September 2026).
- Your Dream School results: 44 students admitted to IE University since 2018 (source: our results overview, updated 6 September 2026).
Figures taken from our admissions database, 2019 to 2025 intakes. They are minimums: the 2017-2018 and 2025-2026 intakes are not yet consolidated.
Lawrence and Adam are very complementary and efficiently prepare students for each of the steps that allow students to be admitted to the university of their dreams! They are readily available and always dependable.
Marie, admitted to CASS Business School, ESCP Europe and the University of Westminster in Management, client testimonial
Why Your Dream School for IE University applications
IE University now decides by rounds, five to seven weeks after each deadline, so the choice of round is part of the strategy. We prepare the IE University Admission Test or the SAT, the personal statement, the online assessment and the interview, one-to-one, in English or French. Your Dream School has coached more than 1,000 students since 2018, with 44 students admitted to IE University and 160+ five-star Google reviews. Should none of the 3 first-choice universities defined at the start admit the student, the re-application is coached with us. Book a free assessment.
Related pages: ESADE admission guide, Bocconi application guide, SAT preparation pack and premium admissions coaching.
Timeline and Key Dates
Update, 5 September 2026: IE University now publishes admissions rounds for 2027-28 (Early Round 18 September 2026, Round 1 6 November 2026, Round 2 15 January 2027, Round 3 5 March 2027); see the key facts above (source: IE University, consulted 5 September 2026).
IE University operates on rolling admissions: there is no fixed deadline, but spots are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. For a September 2026 intake, here are the recommended milestones:
| Period | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| September to December 2025 | Prepare your application, take the English test, start your personal statement |
| January to March 2026 | Submit your online application, sit the IE University Admission Test |
| March to May 2026 | Complete the online assessment and interview |
| May to July 2026 | Last chance : very limited spots at this stage |
Step 1: Prepare Your Application
Before starting your online application, gather all required documents. A complete and polished application significantly increases your chances of admission. Required documents include:
- High school transcripts : last 3 years, translated into English if necessary
- One-page CV : highlighting extracurricular activities, leadership, and achievements
- Personal statement : a motivation essay explaining why IE University and your chosen program
- Two recommendation letters : ideally from a teacher and a mentor/employer
- English proficiency test: TOEFL minimum 100 (105 recommended), IELTS minimum 7 (7.5 recommended), Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) or C2 Proficiency (CPE), or Duolingo minimum 130. Certificates are valid for two years from the exam date, and are not required if you studied in an Anglophone system throughout or for at least the last two years of high school
- Passport copy and recent ID photo
- Portfolio : only for Design and Architecture programs
Step 2: Online Application
Create an account on IE University’s admission portal (apply.ie.edu). Fill in all sections carefully: personal information, academic background, program choice, and preferred campus. You can save your application and return to it later. The admission fee is €150 and is non-refundable. Paying it is what gives you the right to sit the admission test and to have your profile assessed by the Admissions Committee.
Step 3: IE University Admission Test, or SAT / ACT / LNAT
The IE University Admission Test is IE’s own entrance test for undergraduate applicants. It assesses verbal, logical and numerical reasoning, and it centres on how you reason rather than what you have memorised, so IE states you do not need to study for it beforehand. You can take it in Spanish or in English, depending on the language you will study your program in.
You sit the test at the Segovia campus, the Madrid campus, or any of the 25 IE offices around the world. Visiting students are exempt. You book a slot through the admissions test calendar on ie.edu, and paying the 150 EUR admission fee is what unlocks the right to sit it.
You can submit one of these international tests instead: SAT minimum 1200 (IE code 6293; the 25th and 75th percentiles of admitted students are 1270 and 1460), ACT minimum 24 (IE code 5360), LNAT minimum 22 if you are applying to the Bachelor of Laws, or a Cambridge Assessment (CAS) result sent to IE by the examining body.
Worth being clear about one thing: the ieGAT is IE’s test for its master’s programs, not the undergraduate route, and IE states that no centre is authorised to prepare candidates for it. If you are applying to a Bachelor, the admission test described above is the one that matters.
Academic Entry Requirements by School System
IE reviews every application holistically, but these are the ranges it publishes as guidance. They are advisory and do not guarantee admission.
| School system | What IE looks for |
|---|---|
| International Baccalaureate | Typical admits score 32 to 45. The average final score of IE students is 36. The full Diploma is required, as the Certificate is not legally accepted in Spain. First results only, retakes are not considered. |
| French Baccalauréat | Final results of 14 or above (Mention Bien and Très Bien). The average final BAC grade of IE students is 15/20. The Bac professionnel is not accepted. |
| A-Levels | Three A-Levels, ranging from ABB to A*A*A*. GCSEs preferably at A and B, especially in subjects relevant to your program. |
| US High School Diploma | GPA of 3.2 or higher, unweighted. AP and Honors courses are recommended. Transcripts for Years 10, 11 and 12 are required for Spanish homologation. |
| Spanish Bachillerato + EvAU / EBAU | A Bachillerato average of at least 7.5, and above 7.5/10 in the mandatory section of the CAU. June results only. |
One real deadline exists even though admissions are rolling: your legal enrolment documents must reach IE University Admissions at the Madrid or Segovia campus before 15 October.
Step 4: Online Assessment
This step consists of a video and written assessment completed online. You will answer questions demonstrating your critical thinking, communication skills, and motivation. This is your chance to show your personality beyond your academic record. Prepare by practicing structured responses to open-ended questions.
Step 5: Personal Interview
If your profile is shortlisted, the Admissions Committee invites you to a personal interview (in person or via video call). The interview lasts about 30 minutes and covers your background, motivations, career goals, and understanding of your chosen program. Be authentic, well-informed about IE University, and ready to explain why you are a strong candidate.
Strategic Tips to Maximize Your Chances
- Apply early : the most popular programs (BBA, International Relations) fill up quickly
- Polish your personal statement : show your personality, not just your grades
- Do not over-prepare for the admission test: it measures reasoning, not recall, and IE says no advance study is needed. Put that time into your personal statement and interview instead
- Apply for scholarships at the same time : funds are limited and allocated on a rolling basis
- Prepare for the interview : research IE University thoroughly and prepare relevant questions
Need Help with Your Application?
Your Dream School supports you at every step: application strategy, admission test familiarisation, personal statement writing, and interview coaching. Our consultants understand IE University’s specific expectations and help you build a strong application.
Author: Adam Girsault, Founder of Your Dream School.
Frequently asked questions
When should I apply to IE University for September 2027?
IE University now publishes admissions rounds. For 2027-28 the Early Round closes on 18 September 2026, Round 1 on 6 November 2026, Round 2 on 15 January 2027 and Round 3 on 5 March 2027, each with a decision date 5 to 7 weeks later (source: IE University, consulted 5 September 2026). Applications after Round 3 are considered from May 2027 if places remain.
What documents do I need to apply to IE University?
High school transcripts for the last 3 years, a one-page CV, a personal statement, two recommendation letters, an English test (TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge or Duolingo) unless you studied in English, a passport copy and, for Design and Architecture, a portfolio. Then the admissions test or SAT, ACT or LNAT scores, an online assessment and an interview (source: IE University, consulted 5 September 2026).
How much does the IE University application and tuition cost?
The admission fee is 150 EUR and is non-refundable. Tuition for the Bachelor in Business Administration is 29,000 EUR for the first year in 2026-27 and 29,880 EUR for 2027-28; fees are adjusted annually over the 4 years of the degree (source: IE University, consulted 5 September 2026). Other bachelors publish their own fee on ie.edu.
Can the IE University admission interview be done online?
Yes. After the application and the test, candidates complete an online assessment with video and written questions, then a personal interview with admissions staff, held on campus or by video call, lasting about 30 minutes. IE describes 5 steps in total, ending with the committee decision communicated in writing (source: IE University, consulted 5 September 2026).
Can I apply to multiple IE University programs at the same time?
Yes. The application lets you indicate a primary programme and an alternative, and the committee may recommend a different programme if it fits your profile better; outcomes include definitive admission, conditional admission, further review in a later round, or no admission (source: IE University, consulted 5 September 2026). Since 2018, 44 students have been admitted to IE University.