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Top MBA Schools in Spain

Dhruvin Jain

Dhruvin Jain

Apr 12, 2025

5 mins read

Masters in Business Administration MBA MBA Abroad MBA Colleges MBA in Spain
Best MBA Colleges in Spain

Best MBA Colleges in Spain: Top MBA Programs in 2024

If you’re planning to study for your MBA in Spain, you’re looking in the right place. Spain is home to some of Europe’s most respected business schools, offering high-quality education, strong international networks, and flexible formats. Whether your goal is to work in consulting, tech, finance, or start your own venture, the top MBA programs in Spain provide excellent return on investment.

In this guide, we’ve listed the top 5 MBA colleges in Spain for 2024, along with details about their programs, tuition, career outcomes, and more.

Why Study MBA in Spain?

Spain is becoming one of the top destinations for international students looking to pursue a global business degree. Here's why:

  • Globally ranked MBA programs with international recognition
  • Shorter formats (10–18 months) that offer faster return on investment
  • Affordable tuition compared to the U.S. and U.K.
  • Programs taught fully in English
  • Friendly post-study work environment with job access across Europe
  • Cities like Madrid and Barcelona offer strong startup ecosystems and corporate headquarters
  • Diverse student bodies and strong career services

Whether you're looking for the best MBA in Spain for international students, or want a strong European degree without a massive cost, Spain delivers.

Want help with your study abroad journey?

Top 5 MBA Programs in Spain – 2024

1. IESE Business School – University of Navarra

  • Location: Barcelona
  • Duration: 15–19 months
  • Tuition: €99,500
  • FT Global MBA Ranking (2024): #3
  • Language: English
  • Average GMAT: 670

Why IESE:
IESE is often ranked as the top business school in Spain. Known for its case-based learning model and strong global exposure, the school also runs modules in New York, São Paulo, Nairobi, and Shanghai.

Specializations:

  • Strategy & Leadership
  • Finance
  • Digital Business
  • Entrepreneurship

Career Outcomes:
50,000+ alumni. Top recruiters include McKinsey, Amazon, Google, and Goldman Sachs.

2. ESADE Business School – Ramon Llull University

  • Location: Barcelona
  • Duration: 12, 15, or 18 months
  • Tuition: €82,000
  • FT Global MBA Ranking (2024): #18
  • Language: English
  • Average GMAT: 660

Why ESADE:
ESADE offers one of the best MBA programs in Barcelona, with flexible program lengths and a focus on innovation and global leadership.

Specializations:

  • Innovation & Entrepreneurship
  • Finance
  • Marketing
  • International Business

Career Outcomes:
60,000+ alumni. Top employers include BCG, Microsoft, Accenture, and L'Oréal.

Want help with your study abroad journey?

3. IE Business School – IE University

  • Location: Madrid
  • Duration: 11 months
  • Tuition: €82,300
  • FT Global MBA Ranking (2024): #32
  • QS Europe Rank: #7
  • Language: English
  • Average GMAT: 650 (or IE Admission Test)

Why IE:
IE is ideal for students seeking a global MBA in Spain with a focus on tech, startups, and innovation. It has one of the most diverse MBA classes in Europe.

Specializations:

  • Digital Innovation
  • Entrepreneurship
  • International Business
  • Finance

Career Outcomes:
70,000+ alumni. Graduates work at PwC, Spotify, Salesforce, and fast-growing startups.

4. EADA Business School – Barcelona

  • Location: Barcelona
  • Duration: 12 months
  • Tuition: €44,000
  • QS Global MBA Ranking (Europe): Top 50
  • Language: English
  • GMAT: Optional

Why EADA:
EADA focuses on hands-on learning, small class sizes, and leadership development. It’s known for its strong ROI and personal learning environment.

Specializations:

  • Structured Finance
  • Strategy & Leadership
  • Customer Experience & Omnichannel

Career Outcomes:
Graduates often work in mid-size consulting firms, healthcare, and the retail sector.

5. ESCP Business School – Madrid Campus

  • Location: Madrid (with campuses in Paris, Berlin, London, Turin, Warsaw)
  • Duration: 10 months
  • Tuition: €51,000
  • QS Executive MBA Rank: Top 20 Worldwide
  • Language: English
  • Average GMAT: 600+

Why ESCP:
ESCP offers a pan-European MBA program, letting you rotate between different cities. It’s ideal if you want a cross-cultural and mobile experience.

Specializations:

  • International Management
  • Marketing & Digital Strategy
  • Finance

Career Outcomes:
68,000+ alumni. Careers in multinational firms, luxury management, and cross-border consulting.

Want help with your study abroad journey?

Conclusion: Why Choose Spain for Your MBA?

Spain has become one of the best MBA destinations in Europe thanks to:

  • World-ranked business schools like IESE, ESADE, and IE
  • 1-year and flexible programs that save time and money
  • Access to top companies in consulting, tech, and finance
  • A vibrant lifestyle in cities like Barcelona and Madrid
  • English-taught programs with global student networks
  • Affordable tuition and living costs compared to other top destinations

Final Tips:

  • Choose IESE or ESADE for consulting and leadership careers
  • Pick IE Business School for tech, entrepreneurship, and startup access
  • Opt for EADA for small class sizes and hands-on learning
  • Go with ESCP for multi-country exposure and cross-cultural careers

Want Help with Your Study Abroad Journey?

MastersBuddy helps students apply to the top MBA programs in Spain. From shortlisting schools to essays, interviews, and scholarships—we’ve got your back.

👉 Ready to take the next step? Talk to MastersBuddy now and get expert guidance on your MBA journey in Spain.

FAQs
What is the average cost of an MBA in Spain?
The average tuition for a top-ranked MBA in Spain ranges from €40,000 to €100,000, depending on the school and program duration. Living expenses are relatively affordable—around €1,000 to €1,500 per month in cities like Madrid or Barcelona.
How long are MBA programs in Spain?
Most full-time MBA programs in Spain offer flexible formats, typically lasting 11 to 18 months. IE, for example, offers an 11-month program, while IESE gives students the option to complete their MBA in 15 or 19 months.
Is GMAT mandatory for MBA in Spain?
It depends on the school. Required: IESE, ESADE, and EADA often require a GMAT or GRE. Flexible: IE Business School accepts the IE Global Admissions Test as an alternative. Waivers: Some schools offer waivers based on academic or professional background.
What is the average post-MBA salary in Spain?
Graduates from top Spanish MBA programs report average salaries between €70,000 and €100,000, depending on the industry and prior experience. Consulting and tech sectors tend to offer the highest packages, with some international roles paying even more.
Are MBA programs in Spain taught in English?
Yes! All top-tier MBA programs in Spain—such as IESE, ESADE, IE, EADA, and ESCP—are 100% taught in English. Some schools also offer optional Spanish language classes to help with local integration and job prospects.
Can I stay in Spain after MBA as an international student?
Yes. International graduates can apply for a post-study residence permit that allows them to stay up to 12 months to look for a job. Once employed, it's possible to transition to a work visa and eventually apply for long-term residency.
What are the top MBA specializations offered in Spain?
Spain’s MBA programs offer a wide range of in-demand specializations, including: Consulting Finance & Investment Marketing & Digital Strategy Entrepreneurship International Business Innovation & Tech Management Sustainability and Social Impact
Are there scholarships available for international students?
Absolutely. All major business schools in Spain offer merit-based, need-based, and diversity scholarships. Common awards include: IE Women in Business Scholarship ESADE Excellence Scholarship IESE Global Leaders Fellowship EADA Talent Scholarship It's best to apply early, as most scholarships are awarded on a rolling basis.
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Dhruvin Jain
Dhruvin Jain

Articles: 20

Dhruvin Jain is the co-founder of MastersBuddy, a tech-first platform that has helped over 2500 students find and apply to top master’s programs globally. He is a master’s graduate from IE Business School, and is passionate about education, technology, and entrepreneurship.

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