Poets&Quants Top Business Schools

#4

Contact our general manager with any questions. Profile updated: July 20, 2023.

ESADE Business School

MBA Program Stats

Annual Tuition: €76,500

Annual Tuition Non-Resident: €76,500

Acceptance Rate: 37%

Full-Time Enrollment: 183

Median GMAT: 675

International: 97%

Female: 32%

Male: 68%

Average Age: 28

What You Need To Know

If practice makes perfect, then Barcelona’s ESADE MBA program should be pretty good at teaching MBAs, because they have been doing it since 1964. The school prides itself on being at the forefront of modern MBAs because their aim is to prepare creative leaders who can flourish in a disruptive environment. The ESADE MBA is based on Four C’s – Collaborative leadership, Critical thinking, Creativity, and Communication skills.

“I love everything about Barcelona, I feel a part of me now will always be from Barcelona. The culture, art, architecture, music, football, beach, mountains, and life in this city is just contagious, I feel I’m the main character everywhere in this city. I could not have chosen a better city with joy and perfect harmony for this experience. Even after 1.5 years here, I still feel I’m not done with this city and can’t wait to come back and re-experience this city at another point in my life,” says MBA Kimia Koushesh.

Academics And Programs

The program has a total of 183 students from about 50 countries – 96% of them come from outside Spain, so it’s not surprising that this is an eye-opening and diverse program. The program is flexible for most student’s schedules, offering 12-, 15-, and 18-month options, with the longer options involving exchanges and internships. The first term is about transformation, building awareness, promoting introspection and self-knowledge and students do so fully engaged. Most put their careers on pause while attending the program. The second term is about learning to create and innovate, and the third is about transformation, putting into practice what you have learned.

The MBA has core courses and around 40 electives ranging from the predictable courses, like Hedge Funds to the unusual, such as their “In Search of Principles for a Life Philosophy” course. The B-School offers the usual study tours, treks, and exchanges — and with 13 partner schools in Asia and 11 in the United States, the range is impressive. ESADE also offers Business Labs for family businesses, innovation, entrepreneurship, and marketing, and boasts a Career Acceleration Program in investment and private banking, consulting, and technological disruption.

Aside from required courses, ESADE also offers both business and social clubs, conferences, and case competitions. Post-grad, MBAs have gone on to work for nearby companies like Banco Sabadell, CaixaBank, Telefónica, Mango, and Accenture, and the B-School reported that 95% of their graduates changed sector, function, or location.

“We pride ourselves on having a diverse cohort on the MBA because we believe the leader of the future must be able to work with others, to foster collaboration and the creation of ecosystems. Collaborative leadership is at the core of what we do. We have a very diverse cohort and we want to build on that diversity. We do not want to homogenize the class, we want them to embrace their differences, backgrounds, and origins by recombining them and creating something new. Our students have interesting stories, and we want them to go on creating even more interesting stories,” says Associate Dean Luis Vives.

Why Students Chose

“ESADE is known for its entrepreneurial vein, which is currently important whether you plan to start something of your own or work in a scale up. This was my main driver, but sunny Barcelona also played a role.” Douglas Bernardo Silva (‘22)

“The tremendous diversity. There were 180 or so students from 47 different countries. I was exposed to a wide variety of cultures, which is exactly what I wanted in order to become a global citizen, appreciating, learning, and understanding how others behave, think and do business.” Maram Albutairi (‘22)

“I chose ESADE for the flexibility it offers to customize your MBA journey. ESADE not only allows you to complete the MBA in 12, 15, or 18 months, you are also not expected to choose your track until you are a good eight months into the program. This flexibility allowed me to front-load my subjects in such a way that I could do two internships in two different countries and an exchange at Kellogg School of Management in the U.S.” Rishabh Chaturvedi (‘20)

“I chose ESADE because of its focus on women, entrepreneurship, and its people. Overall, the program has delivered beyond my expectations. Throughout the program and coupled with the activities run by the Women in Business Club, I felt supported and connected to a strong network of women who empowered and inspired me to test my limits. The ESADE Entrepreneurship Institute also did a great job of enabling us to navigate the uncertainty of creating and running a startup with the help of the Accelerator Program. Lastly, the ESADE community was and always will be warm and welcoming, which made me feel at home throughout my MBA journey.” Michelle Rojo (‘20)

“I chose ESADE because one of its strengths is entrepreneurship and because it is ‘the best MBA for women in Europe’ (FT). However, to be honest, I also chose ESADE to enjoy my life. Acquiring knowledge is only a fraction of what an MBA provides. With Barcelona’s fine weather, nice local people, and delicious food, there was a good chance that I would be able to enjoy my life enough to come up with a good business idea and become an entrepreneur. In addition, I thought the diverse culture at ESADE and in Barcelona would positively influence my children’s mindset.” Megumi Takemoto (‘20)

Career Stats

Compensation Statistics of ESADE MBAs

Compensation 2019 2017 2016 2015 2014
Average Base Salary € 71,263 € 94,261 € 76,110 € 61,008 € 68,489

ESADE MBA Graduate Employment Offers

Employment 2019 2017 2016 2015 2014
% of MBAs Employed 3 months post Graduation 91 90 86 83 88

Industry Choices of ESADE MBAs

% of MBAs Employed   by Industry Sector 2019 2017 2016 2015 2014
Consulting 21% 19% 12% 23% 13%
Financial Serivces 12% 21% 5% 11% 15%
Manufacturing 7% 20% 34% 30% 24%
Technology 33% 32% 30% 20% 29%
Govt/Non Profit 2% 2% 0% 4%
General Services 6% 15% 16% 15%
Communication 2%
Healthcare 7%
Consumer Packaged Goods 7%
Retail 2%
Transportation/Logistics 2%

 

Admissions For ESADE

From ESADE Business School

ESADE Business School is an international academic institution that was established in Barcelona in 1958 as a non-profit organisation. Its key mission is to train individuals to become highly-competent professionals fully aware of their social responsibility. We promote education and research through both our Law and Business Schools with a firm commitment to intellectual rigour, critical analysis, and academic excellence.

The vast majority of ESADE’s 70,000 alumni are ambassadors of these values in over one hundred countries and hold top-level posts in companies, public administration, and the non-profit sector.

Throughout the years, ESADE has forged deep-rooted ties with the business, economic and social sectors as a platform for education and innovation, as a benchmark research centre, and as a stage for reflection and dialogue.

ESADE has a global prestige stems from the excellent standard of its programmes in management, its quality education, its international focus, and its holistic approach towards professional and personal skills development. For this reason, ESADE achieves consistently high positions in global rankings how being the 8th Best Business School in the world, by the prestigious Financial Times magazine.

The ESADE Full-Time MBA

The ESADE MBA forges next-generation leaders with the courage to ask difficult questions. Disruptive thinkers who don’t just adapt to change, but drive it. Who opens a path that others can follow. Creactivists – creative activists – with the flexibility to find insights and the rigour to deliver results. A different kind of learning experience that will amplify your talents, expand your abilities and accelerate your career.

You will learn to be a creactivist by focusing on the 4Cs of critical skills and competencies: Critical Thinking, Creativity, Collaborative Leadership and Communication Skills. The 4Cs of fundamental core skills have been refined by top recruiters and expert faculty. During the first three terms of the programme, you’ll develop them as part of three connected phases:

  1. Awareness: Develop in-depth knowledge of the business environment – and of your own capabilities
  2. Create & Innovate: Learn to create and innovate using the strengths you explored in phase 1, discovering opportunities within disruption.
  3. Transform: Turn ideas into action. Transform yourself, lead your team, and take your company beyond what was previously possible.

Besides, The ESADE MBA is designed for maximum flexibility. You can tailor the programme’s length, contents, and focus so it is always a perfect fit for your goals.

Why the ESADE Full-Time MBA?

    • Think differently: At ESADE, we challenge you to think outside your comfort zone, beyond borders and in a way you never thought possible. Deconstruct everything you know and re-learn, with new global perspective and with a greater awareness and appreciation for the world around you.
    • Life-changing experience: Everything is about to change: be open to seeing where life takes you. The MBA at ESADE offers opportunity perspective and the possibility to do whatever you put your mind to. Grow both personally and professionally, in ways you hadn’t thought possible.
    • “Your” MBA: Decide on the length of your MBA after the second term when you’ve had a chance to settle in. Take the 12-month track or add an exchange, an internship, or both to adapt to your professional needs.
    • Boutique MBA: We are firm believers in the personalised approach, adapted to the needs of the individual for best results. We know our students well, and how they are most likely to succeed.
    • Global Experience: You don’t need to look further than our classrooms to discover the world, with a wide diversity of students on the MBA programme, though we offer numerous global internships, global study tours and exchange opportunities to enhance your experience.
    • Real-world Challenges: The real world is not just beyond the limits of our campus; we bring real business experiences into the classroom, so that you can participate in real-life company challenges, a chance to put your knowledge into practise from day one.
      • Become a team player: The MBA at ESADE is where teamwork comes into its own. Different cultures, perspectives and tight deadlines. You’ll discover what it is to relish in the successes of others and how you work best in a group.
      • Career Development: ESADE Careers are here to give you their undivided attention and personalised support to ensure you achieve your professional goals. Also, you will have the opportunity to meet with recruiters from top global companies.
      • Barcelona: Enjoy your MBA experience in Barcelona, one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the Mediterranean, which is defined by its style and has become the European capital of innovation and hob for entrepreneurs. Barcelona is full of fun and opportunities for development. Studying in Barcelona is a synonym for success!
      • Our reputation: ESADE is synonymous with academic excellence, ranking among the best business schools in the world. ESADE is endorsed by the most important international accreditors: AACSB International, the EQUIS accreditation from the EFMD and the British Association of MBAs (AMBA).

For further information on ESADE’s Full Time MBA, visit our webpage or contact with Admissions Team.

Student Features For ESADE

Meet Esade Business School’s MBA Class Of 2024

Plus an Interview with Associate Dean Jan Hohberger

Meet the MBA Class of 2024: Felipe Alarcón Alvarez, Esade Business School

“Passionate about value generation and building bridges among the business, consulting, finance, and legal worlds”

2023 MBA To Watch: Melinda Keys, ESADE Business School

“A geologist by trade, a gender equity advocate by passion, and a soon-to-be consultant by profession”

2023 MBA To Watch: Florian Burmeister, ESADE Business School

“Passionate, goal-oriented, positive leader and sportsman, who has worked in +15 countries and loves pasta”

2023 Best & Brightest MBA: Kimia Koushesh, ESADE Business School

“Passionate Iranian woman ready to give my grain of sand to the world”

2022 Best & Brightest MBA: Maram Albutairi, ESADE Business School

“A brand of success, a mother of two who is willing to go above and beyond to reach her goals”

2021 Best & Brightest MBAs: Sarah Schilling, ESADE Business School

“Positive, impact-driven European with a passion for giving back and empowering others”

2020 Best & Brightest MBAs: Angeliki Malizou, ESADE

EU policymaker makes the triple jump into entrepreneurship

2022 MBA To Watch: Douglas Bernardo Silva, ESADE Business School

“Born in Brazil, I have lived in five countries and love learning new cultures”

2021 MBAs To Watch: Anuar Jorge de Saráchaga, ESADE Business School

“Passionate, motivated, and curious human being”

2020 MBAs To Watch: Rishabh Chaturvedi, ESADE

'Rishabh is not only a thinker but also a furious doer'

2020 MBAs To Watch: Michelle Rojo, ESADE

'A pure-blooded Ilongga who wraps her resilience and grit in a soft-spoken and genteel hijab'

2020 MBAs To Watch: Megumi Takemoto, ESADE

Motorcycle adventurer, baseball player and mother starting new life as an entrepreneur

2022 MBA To Watch: Juan Carlos Cerdas Del Río, ESADE Business School

“An ambitious person who strives to have a positive impact on the world”

School Features

ESADE Names A Long Time Professor Its New Dean

Joan Rodon will assume the deanship at ESADE after serving for 22 years on the faculty

Congrats to Namrata Goyal of Esade Business School for being named a 2023 Best 40 Under 40 MBA Professor

2023 Best 40-Under-40 MBA Professors: Namrata Goyal, Esade Business School

Congrats to Namrata Goyal of Esade Business School for being named a 2023 Best 40 Under 40 MBA Professor.

2021 Best 40-Under-40 Professors: Bart De Langhe, Esade Business School

'His dedication and way of teaching was brilliant and highest among all'

MBA Watch For ESADE

MBA Watch is where thousands of MBA applicants not only get to tell their story but have John A. Byrne, MBA admissions coaches and our audience, assess their odds of admission and get help to improve their chances of getting in!

Ms. Banker

An ex-banker at the largest bank in India, student council member at undergrad school, painting enthusiast, pursuing CFA level 1.

Mr. Sports BI Analyst

I am a BI analyst and social media coordinator for a sports analytical startup that didn't make it big.

Mr. Businessman Engineer

A technology and business enthusiast with 3 years of experience and demonstrated history of working in a cross-functional environment; skilled in effective communication, problem-solving, and prioritizing and eliminating challenges; possess an analytical and innovative outlook.

Ms. Low-GPA

Turkish woman who studied finance at a European business school with financial aid while leading a student-run consulting association and interning in Luxembourg PE & Middle East MBB.

Mr. Healthcare Engineer Consultant

I am an associate consultant for a multinational consulting firm.

Rankings Data For ESADE

Global Rankings 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015
Poets&Quants 8 8 9 9 7
Financial Times 10 8 8 10 9
The Economist 10 15 14 19 7
BusinessWeek 11 7 9 12 11
Forbes 5 5 5 10 10

News Coverage For ESADE

On Tour In Silicon Valley With Esade’s Entrepreneurs

In April, 57 of the Spanish B-school's master's students showcased Esade's 'get out and do' ethos in a tour of Silicon Valley

A New Winner Tops Our 2022-2023 International MBA Ranking

IESE unseats INSEAD as the top international MBA program--by a technicality

2021 Most Disruptive MBA Startups: RCube, ESADE

ESADE startup uses recycled waste and patented additives to create durable products

2020 Most Disruptive MBA Startups: Kleta, ESADE

ESADE applies sharing model to bicycles

How ESADE Became A Startup Haven

A truly global entrepreneurial MBA from a business school in Barcelona