Study at the best universities in the United States
Spain is home to two of the most prestigious business schools in Europe: ESADE Barcelona and IE Madrid.
These two schools offer Bachelor’s courses in Business Administration entirely in English that will allow you to grow and develop in an international environment while mastering both English and Spanish.
Fast facts about admission
What is the selection process at IE Madrid and ESADE?
- Letter of motivation
- Letter of recommendation
- Skype Interview
- Baccalaureate results (or equivalent)
- English exam (IELTS, TOEFL)
Deadline for applying: October-June (of your final year of high school)
Duration of Program: 4 years (Bachelor’s degree)
- 1 or 2 years (Master’s degree)
Cost of Schooling for a Bachelor’s at ESADE:
16,200 euros per year
Cost of Tuition for a Bachelor’s at IE Madrid:
20,300 euros per year
Average number of teaching hours per week: 15-20
100% of our students admitted
to top universities around the world
Why Study in Spain?
Spain is home to two of Europe’s most innovative and globally recognized business schools: ESADE Barcelona and IE Madrid. Both consistently rank among the world’s top institutions for business education, offering cutting-edge programs in entrepreneurship, finance, and digital transformation.
- Top global business schools — ESADE and IE rank in the top 10 in Europe for MBA and MiM
- Innovation and entrepreneurship — IE is a global leader in entrepreneurship education
- Programs in English — most programs fully taught in English
- Vibrant student cities — Barcelona and Madrid offer world-class culture, food, and nightlife
- Affordable living — lower cost of living than London, Paris, or New York
Top Spanish Business School Rankings (2025)
| School | Ranking (FT 2025) | Key Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| IE Business School (Madrid) | Top 10 Europe | Entrepreneurship, Tech, Digital Transformation |
| ESADE (Barcelona) | Top 10 Europe | Finance, Marketing, Social Innovation |
| IESE Business School | Top 5 Europe | General Management, Leadership |
Cost of Studying in Spain
| Expense Type | Estimated Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition (business school programs) | €15,000 – €35,000/year |
| Tuition (MBA) | €40,000 – €75,000 (full program) |
| Accommodation (Madrid/Barcelona) | €6,000 – €12,000 |
| Food and daily expenses | €3,000 – €5,000 |
| Transport | €500 – €800 |
| Estimated total budget | €25,000 – €53,000 |
Application Timeline
Research programs, prepare GMAT/GRE scores, draft essays, gather recommendation letters
Submit applications (rolling admissions at most Spanish business schools)
Interviews and admissions decisions. Early application strongly recommended for best chances
Confirm enrollment, apply for student visa (if non-EU), arrange accommodation
Our Partner Schools in Spain
ESADE Barcelona
Located in vibrant Barcelona, ESADE is one of the world’s leading business schools. Triple-accredited (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA), it is known for its innovative approach to business education and strong links to the Spanish and European business world.
IE University (Madrid)
IE is a global pioneer in entrepreneurship and technology-driven business education. Based in the heart of Madrid, IE attracts students from over 130 countries and is renowned for its innovative, hands-on teaching methodology.
Study at Spain’s Top Business Schools
Our expert advisors help you navigate the admissions process at ESADE and IE, from GMAT preparation to interview coaching.
Request a Free Admissions AssessmentFrequently Asked Questions About Studying in Spain
ESADE in Barcelona is renowned for finance, marketing, and social innovation with a European focus. IE in Madrid excels in entrepreneurship, technology, and digital transformation with a more global outlook. Both are triple-accredited and world-class. Your choice should depend on your career goals, preferred city, and program focus.
No — most programs at ESADE and IE are taught entirely in English. However, learning basic Spanish will greatly enhance your daily life and career prospects in Spain. Both schools offer Spanish language courses as part of their programs.
IE typically looks for GMAT scores of 680+ for its MBA and competitive programs. ESADE recommends 660+. Both accept the GRE as an alternative. Strong profiles with excellent work experience may compensate for slightly lower scores.
Yes! EU citizens can work freely. Non-EU graduates can apply for a job-seeker visa (up to 12 months) to find employment in Spain. Both ESADE and IE have strong career services with excellent placement rates at top companies in Europe and globally.
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