IESE Business School – Barcelona, Spain Overview

Founded in 1958, IESE Business School has been a leader in education and leadership development, located in Barcelona, Spain. The school launched its MBA program in 1964, followed by the opening of its Madrid campus in 1991, New York campus in 2007, and Munich campus in 2015. Over the years, IESE has consistently ranked among the world’s top business schools, with its MBA program securing a place in the Top 5 in the Financial Times rankings for 2024 and 2023.

IESE Business School holds prestigious accreditations, including AACSB and EQUIS, and is recognized by Spain’s Ministry of Education’s ANECA, which accredits higher education institutions in the country. The school offers a range of graduate-level programs, such as the MBA, Master in Management (MIM), Master of Research in Management, and PhD in Management. Additionally, part-time and executive programs like the Global Executive MBA and Executive MBA are available. IESE has five campuses worldwide: Barcelona, Madrid, Munich, New York, and São Paulo.

IESE’s student body is highly international, with faculty and staff representing over 50 different countries. Unofficial sources estimate the school’s acceptance rate at around 25-26%, making admissions highly selective. Notable alumni include Cristina Garmendia (Former Minister of Science and Innovation, Spain), Francisco García Paramés (Former CEO of Bestinver), Marek Kamiński (explorer, author, and entrepreneur), and Camille Villar (Politician, Member of the Philippine House of Representatives).

IESE Business School boasts a 94% job placement rate, with graduates working at companies such as Henkel, Oracle, Santander, ESADE, ISDI, and ESIC Business & Marketing School.

IESE Business School Rankings 2024

IESE Business School has consistently been recognized among the top business schools globally. In the 2024 Financial Times MBA rankings, IESE secured the #5 spot. Additionally, another major ranking source placed IESE at #9 for the same year. Notably, The Economist ranked IESE's full-time MBA program as the #1 in the world in 2021.

IESE Business School Programs

IESE Business School provides a range of graduate-level programs, as well as Executive Education programs (part-time). Among the degree offerings are the Master in Management (MIM), MBA, Executive MBA, Global Executive MBA, Master in Research in Management, and PhD in Management. However, IESE does not offer any undergraduate programs. The MBA is the most popular program among international students, with a duration of either 15 or 19 months.

Based on available information, IESE Business School alumni have pursued courses in fields such as Business Administration & Management, Economics, Business/Commerce, Organizational Leadership, and Marketing.

Course Duration & Fees

IESE Business School Admission 2024

Applicants must apply online through the designated application links available on IESE’s official website. Along with the application, several documents are required, including official transcripts, a CV, GMAT/GRE scores, English language proficiency scores, and recommendation letters. The application fee varies depending on the course. For the MBA, the fee is €200, while for the MIM, it is €120 (approximately INR 11,000).

IESE Business School Application Deadlines 2024

IESE’s MIM program follows a rolling admissions process, meaning there is no specific deadline for applications. However, for the MBA program, there are set deadlines, and international applicants are advised to apply by Round 3 to ensure sufficient time for visa processing. Below are the key deadlines for the Master in Research in Management program:

IESE Business School Tuition Fees, Duration, & Eligibility 2024

Applicants must meet the specific admission requirements set by IESE Business School to be considered for enrollment. For the MBA and MIM programs, the key requirement is an undergraduate degree. Additionally, applicants must provide GMAT/GRE scores and other necessary documents as part of the application process. For details regarding admission to Executive programs, candidates should refer to the official IESE Business School website.

English Language Proficiency Requirements

For admission to the MBA program, IESE recommends that applicants submit scores from an English language proficiency test such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE. The minimum required scores are:

IESE Business School Scholarships

IESE Business School offers various scholarships for different programs, including MBA, MIM, and Executive Education. Some of the key scholarships available to students are as follows:

Note: The scholarships listed above are specific to the MBA program. For information on scholarships for other programs, please visit the official IESE Business School website.

IESE Business School Placements

According to the 2023 IESE Business School MBA employment report, 94% of graduates received job offers within three months of graduation.

Over 400 companies recruited IESE MBA graduates. Additionally, there has been a remarkable 144% increase in salary post-graduation, the highest salary growth among European schools within three years of graduation, as noted by the Financial Times 2022.

The primary sectors where IESE MBA graduates find employment include Consulting, Finance, Diversified Industries, and Technology.

Below are the employment details for the IESE MBA Class of 2023:

IESE graduates work in a range of sectors, including Consulting, Financial Services, Consumer Goods, and Technology.

IESE’s Barcelona Campus and Facilities

The IESE Barcelona campus offers state-of-the-art amenities, including modern conference rooms, a library equipped with cutting-edge technology, and an auditorium with a seating capacity of over 600 people. The campus also features virtual and digital learning spaces, numerous meeting rooms, beautifully landscaped gardens, as well as canteens and cafeterias. Explore the campus firsthand to experience these top-tier facilities!

IESE Business School’s Barcelona campus is an impressive hub of innovation and academic excellence, designed to offer a world-class learning environment. Spanning over 30,000 square meters, the campus is located in the Pedralbes neighborhood, offering stunning views of the city and a serene atmosphere conducive to learning and collaboration.

Key facilities include:

1. State-of-the-Art Conference Rooms: Equipped with the latest technology, these rooms are ideal for interactive sessions, workshops, and seminars, facilitating global business discussions.

2. Advanced Library: The library houses an extensive collection of academic resources, research papers, books, and digital databases. It integrates the latest technology, providing students and faculty with easy access to both print and digital materials.

3. Auditorium: A large auditorium that can seat over 600 people is frequently used for guest lectures, conferences, and significant academic events.

4. Virtual and Digital Learning Spaces: The campus is equipped with advanced digital tools and virtual learning spaces, allowing students to engage in online and hybrid courses, collaborate with peers globally, and access learning resources remotely.

5. Meeting Rooms: These rooms offer modern settings for group discussions, team projects, and business simulations, fostering collaboration and practical learning.

6. Gardens: The beautifully maintained gardens provide an ideal space for relaxation, informal meetings, and outdoor study sessions.

7. Canteens and Cafeterias: The campus has a variety of dining options, offering healthy and diverse food choices. These spaces serve as informal meeting areas where students and faculty can socialize and network.

8. Sports and Fitness Facilities: The campus also includes fitness areas to promote health and well-being, encouraging a balanced lifestyle for students.

The Barcelona campus combines modern architecture with a focus on sustainability and functionality, creating an optimal environment for education and leadership development.