There are several reasons why studying an MBA in Spain can be a great option for international students:
High-Quality Education: Spain has several top-ranked universities that offer world-class MBA programs, taught by experienced faculty members who are experts in their fields.
Global Recognition: Spanish MBA programs are globally recognized and accredited, making them highly respected in the business world.
Diverse Student Body: Spain is a popular destination for international students, and MBA programs in Spain attract a diverse student body from all over the world, providing a rich cultural experience.
Networking Opportunities: Studying an MBA in Spain provides excellent networking opportunities, as students can interact with other international students, professors, and industry experts, creating valuable professional connections.
Affordable Tuition: Compared to other top MBA destinations, Spain offers relatively affordable tuition fees, making it an excellent option for students on a budget.
Career Opportunities: Spain has a growing economy, and MBA graduates have numerous career opportunities in various industries, including finance, marketing, and technology. Additionally, the Spanish government offers special visas for international students to stay and work in the country after graduation, making it an attractive option for those looking to start their careers in Europe.
University |
MBA Specializations |
Duration |
Fees |
Intake |
---|---|---|---|---|
IESE Business School | General Management, Finance, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Operations Management | 19 months | €89,950 | September |
ESADE Business School | Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Finance, Marketing, Global Governance and Human Rights, Digital Business | 12-18 months | €79,200 | September |
IE Business School | International MBA, Dual Degrees, Executive MBA, Global MBA, International Executive MBA, Part-Time MBA | 10-16 months | €71,200 - €85,200 | September, January, April |
EADA Business School | International MBA, Executive MBA, Global Executive MBA, Master in Sustainable Business & Innovation | 12-18 months | €49,500 - €64,000 | January, September |
ESIC Business & Marketing School | Executive MBA, MBA Full Time, MBA Part-Time, Global MBA | 10-15 months | €16,900 - €22,500 | October, February, June |
EU Business School | International Business, International Marketing, International Finance, Leisure & Tourism Management, Communication & Public Relations, Sports Management, Human Resources Management, Design Management | 12-24 months | €28,900 - €36,800 | October, January, March, June |
ISDI | Digital Business, Digital Marketing, Digital Talent Management, Digital Product Management, Digital Sales | 11 months | €26,900 | January, May, September |
OBS Business School | MBA in Digital Marketing, MBA in Project Management, MBA in Human Resources, MBA in Tourism and Hospitality, MBA in Big Data and Business Intelligence, MBA in Healthcare Management | 10-18 months | €9,900 - €13,500 | Open Enrollment |
Toulouse Business School | Aerospace MBA, Executive MBA, Part-Time MBA, Advanced Master's in Strategy and Management of International Business | 10-24 months | €18,000 - €44,000 | September, January |
University of Navarra - IESE | Executive MBA, Global Executive MBA, PhD in Management | 15-20 months | €69,500 - €82,500 | September |
Polytechnic University of Valencia | MBA in Management of Technology Companies, MBA in Construction Management and Real Estate Development | 18 months | €16,000 | October |
University of Deusto | MBA in Management, MBA in Entrepreneurship, MBA in International Management | 10-18 months | €16,000 - €26,000 | September |
University of Barcelona - UB Business School | MBA in International Business, MBA in Entrepreneurship, MBA in Marketing Management | 12-18 months | €25,800 - €32,500 | September |
Carlos III University of Madrid | MBA in Sports Management, MBA in International Business, MBA in Finance | 12-15 months | €18,000 - €20,500 | September, January |
CEU San Pablo University | MBA in Business Administration, MBA in Digital Business | 10-18 months | €16,000 - €21,600 | September, February, June |
La Salle - Ramon Llull University | MBA in Business Management, MBA in International Management, MBA in Digital Business | 12-18 months | €16,800 - €20,500 | October, January, April |
Comillas Pontifical University - ICADE Business School | MBA in Business Administration, MBA in International Management, MBA in Marketing | 18-24 months |
The specific requirements for MBA programs in Spain can vary depending on the university and program, but generally, the following are the requirements for MBA programs in Spain:
Bachelor's Degree: Most MBA programs in Spain require applicants to have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Some universities may also require a minimum grade point average (GPA) for admission.
Work Experience: Many MBA programs in Spain require applicants to have some professional work experience, typically ranging from two to five years. However, some universities may accept recent graduates who have relevant internship experience.
English Language Proficiency: As most MBA programs in Spain are taught in English, non-native English speakers are required to demonstrate their proficiency in the language through standardized tests such as TOEFL or IELTS.
GMAT or GRE: Some MBA programs in Spain may require applicants to submit GMAT or GRE scores as part of the admission process. However, some universities may waive this requirement for applicants with extensive work experience or advanced degrees.
Letters of Recommendation: Most MBA programs in Spain require applicants to submit letters of recommendation from professional or academic references who can attest to their qualifications and potential for success in the program.
Personal Statement: Applicants may also be required to submit a personal statement or essay describing their career goals, academic achievements, and motivations for pursuing an MBA in Spain.
Rank |
Management School |
QS World Ranking in Spain |
---|---|---|
1 |
IESE Business School |
1 |
2 |
IE Business School |
8 |
3 |
ESADE Business School |
10 |
4 |
EADA Business School |
22 |
5 |
EAE Business School |
47 |
6 |
EU Business School |
54 |
7 |
Schiller International University |
901-1000 |
8 |
Instituto de Empresa |
Not Ranked |
9 |
University of Navarra - IESE Business School |
Not Ranked |
10 |
CEU San Pablo University - ESIC Business & Law |
Not Ranked |
11 |
ESEUNE Business School |
Not Ranked |
12 |
ESCP Europe Business School Madrid |
Not Ranked |
13 |
Global Business School |
Not Ranked |
14 |
Instituto de Estudios Bursátiles |
Not Ranked |
15 |
Instituto de Tecnología Bancaria |
Not Ranked |
16 |
Instituto Superior de Derecho y Economía (ISDE) |
Not Ranked |
17 |
ISDI Business School |
Not Ranked |
18 |
OBS Business School |
Not Ranked |
19 |
Toulouse Business School - Barcelona |
Not Ranked |
20 |
UIC Barcelona - School of Management |
|
Research and select MBA programs: Research MBA programs offered by universities in Spain and select the ones that best fit your academic background, professional goals, and personal preferences.
Check admission requirements: Check the admission requirements for each MBA program you are interested in. These requirements may include academic qualifications, work experience, English language proficiency, and standardized test scores (e.g. GMAT or GRE).
Prepare required documents: Gather all the required documents for your MBA application, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a resume/CV.
Apply to MBA programs: Apply to MBA programs through the university's online application system, submitting all required documents and paying the application fee.
Wait for admission decisions: Wait for the MBA program's admission committee to review your application and make a decision.
Attend an interview: Some MBA programs may require you to attend an interview, either in-person or online.
Receive admission offer: If you are accepted into an MBA program, you will receive an admission offer, which will include details about the program, tuition fees, and any scholarships or financial aid available.
Accept admission offer: If you decide to accept the admission offer, you will need to confirm your place in the program and pay any required fees.
IE Foundation: IE Foundation offers a variety of scholarships for MBA programs, including the IE Foundation Scholarship, which covers up to 40% of tuition fees.
La Caixa Foundation: La Caixa Foundation provides scholarships for students who want to study MBA in Spain. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.
Fundación Carolina: Fundación Carolina provides scholarships for students from Latin America who want to study in Spain. They offer scholarships for MBA programs, as well as other fields of study.
Banco Santander: Banco Santander provides scholarships for students from Latin America who want to study MBA in Spain. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.
ESADE Business School: ESADE Business School offers scholarships for MBA programs, including the ESADE Excellence Scholarship, which covers up to 50% of tuition fees.
EADA Business School: EADA Business School provides scholarships for MBA programs, including the EADA Scholarship, which covers up to 50% of tuition fees.
Industries: Spain has a diverse economy with thriving sectors in technology, finance, tourism, and renewable energy. Graduates with an MBA can explore opportunities in these industries, among others.
Job roles: Some of the popular job roles that MBA graduates can aim for include Business Development Manager, Financial Analyst, Marketing Manager, Operations Manager, and Project Manager.
Salary: The salary range for MBA graduates in Spain can vary depending on several factors, including the company size, industry, and years of experience. According to Payscale, the average salary for an MBA graduate in Spain is around €50,000 per year, with the range typically falling between €32,000 to €88,000 per year.
Job market: The job market for MBA graduates in Spain can be competitive, and fluency in Spanish can be an advantage in many roles. It's essential to network, gain relevant experience through internships or part-time jobs, and leverage alumni networks to increase job opportunities.
If you are a non-European Union (EU) student planning to study an MBA program in Spain, you will need to obtain a student visa before you arrive in Spain. Here are the general steps to obtain a student visa:
Apply to an MBA program: You must first apply and be accepted into an MBA program at a Spanish university before applying for a student visa.
Obtain a letter of acceptance: Once you have been accepted into an MBA program, the university will provide you with a letter of acceptance that you will need for your student visa application.
Gather necessary documents: You will need to gather several documents, including your passport, proof of financial means, proof of accommodation, and health insurance, among others.
Apply for a student visa: You can apply for a student visa at the Spanish embassy or consulate in your home country. The visa application process can take several weeks, so it's important to apply well in advance of your planned arrival date.
Attend an interview: You may be required to attend an interview at the Spanish embassy or consulate as part of your visa application process.
Pay visa fees: You will be required to pay a visa application fee, which varies depending on your home country.
What is the duration of an MBA program in Spain? Most MBA programs in Spain range from 1 to 2 years in duration. Some programs offer part-time or executive options, which may take longer to complete.
What are the language requirements for MBA programs in Spain? Many MBA programs in Spain are taught in English, so international applicants may need to demonstrate proficiency in English through standardized tests such as TOEFL, IELTS, or Cambridge English exams. However, some programs may also offer courses in Spanish, so it's important to check language requirements for each program.
What is the cost of an MBA program in Spain? The cost of an MBA program in Spain varies depending on the university and program. However, it is generally less expensive compared to MBA programs in the US and the UK. MBA programs in Spain can cost between €10,000 to €60,000 or more.
Are scholarships available for MBA programs in Spain? Yes, many MBA programs in Spain offer scholarships or financial aid to students based on academic merit or financial need. It's important to research scholarship opportunities and check the eligibility criteria for each program.
Can international students work in Spain after completing their MBA? Yes, international students can work in Spain after completing their MBA program, but they need to apply for a work visa or work permit. The Spanish government has introduced measures to encourage international students to stay and work in Spain after graduation.
What are the employment prospects for MBA graduates in Spain? MBA graduates in Spain have good employment prospects, with opportunities available in a wide range of industries including finance, consulting, marketing, and technology. MBA graduates can expect to earn a competitive salary depending on their industry and level of experience.
Can I study an MBA in Spain without work experience? While some MBA programs in Spain may consider applicants without work experience, most programs prefer candidates with relevant work experience. It's important to check the admission requirements for each program to determine whether work experience is required.