MBA Program Stats
Annual Tuition: €83,500
Annual Tuition Non-Resident: €83,500
Acceptance Rate: 33%
Full-Time Enrollment: 450
Average GPA: 4
Median GMAT: 690
International: 92%
Minority: N/A%
Female: 37%
Male: 63%
Average Age: 29
What You Need To Know
A lot of business schools talk about being entrepreneurial, but entrepreneurship is in Madrid-based IE’s DNA. The school was set up in 1973 by three entrepreneurs, rather than academics, and it retains a creative spirit that other schools can only aspire to — as well as the flagship International MBA (IMBA), a highly regarded executive MBA, an online Global MBA (the world’s first), and an Asian-focused program run with Singapore Management University. The B-School says that the MBA is perfect for those who are “open-minded adventurers seeking a unique MBA program that brings opportunities for personal and professional transformation, inside the classroom and out.”
Aside from being a major business hub that is home to numerous multinational companies and industries, Madrid offers students to immerse themselves in the Spanish culture, learn a new language, and experience a diverse range of cuisines, festivals, and attractions. Some of the top Madrid-based companies that IE graduates go on to work for are Banco Santander, Telefónica, Inditex, and BBVA.
Academics And Programs
IE is committed to having a diverse cohort; each year 90% or more of its students are international, from over 44 nationalities representing 450 students. Typically, a quarter comes from Europe, the same amount hails from Latin America, and North America and Asia account for another 15% each. The B-School offers students the choice to study entirely in English or in an English-Spanish hybrid format.
True to IE’s commitment to doing things differently, the IMBA spans 11, 15 or 19-months (dual-degree) and is organized in an unusual way. The program kicks off with a six-month Core Period that includes the usual business fundamentals, such as accounting and managerial decision-making. But it gives equal weight to two other areas: Developing an Entrepreneurial Mindset — IE was the first business school to make an entrepreneurial course a requirement — and Thinking Beyond Business, which includes courses on Innovation in a Digital World, Critical Management Thinking, and Business, Government, and Society.
This is followed by a two-month Lab Period. Depending on how they see their futures, students can choose between Business Lab (for those wanting to work in a corporation), Start-Up Lab (for entrepreneurs), or Social Impact Lab. Alternatively, those focused on a career change can do a four- to seven-week internship.
The final, four-month Elective Period is where students choose from a long menu of electives and/or take on consulting projects, exchanges, or treks. There is also Venture Lab, which helps take a business idea to investment-readiness. All of this runs parallel with courses in Career and Behavioral Fitness, which promise to develop students’ soft skills to make them more competitive.
Why Students Chose
“I chose IE’s MBA program for its entrepreneurial mindset and its non-traditional and future-oriented approach. I was certain that IE Business School would be the ideal place to build the necessary skill set, expand my network globally, and emerge as a responsible leader at my own venture. I chose to attend IE Business School because I knew it would help me hone my competitiveness and bring together my marketing experience, entrepreneurial nature, and my international commercial track record.” Amélie Leuchtenberger (‘20)
“I chose IE Business School for the opportunity to fully immerse myself in the experience of a real entrepreneurial venture through the Startup and Venture Labs. This was essential for me. I really appreciate the possibility of freely deciding what value to create, even with all the risk that comes with starting your own venture. Entrepreneurship is different from other professional categories – the possibilities are endless, and, for me, that is the beauty of it.” Antonio Lucena López (‘20)
“IE Business School’s relentless focus on diversity – from a geographic and cultural perspective as well as in regard to educational and professional backgrounds – really appealed to me. I believe that the exchange of ideas and visions that ensue from diversity creates a unique atmosphere that helps individuals explore critical thinking and understand different values. Moreover, approximately 50% of IE’s MBA program can be tailored and I find this really exciting!” Mees Middelweerd (‘20)
Career Stats
IE’s Compensation and Career Statistics
| Compensation Statistics | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mean Base Salary | 75,846 | 77,750 | 73,365 | 71,195 | 69,712 |
| % of MBAs Employed 3 months post Graduation | 92% | 92% | 91% | 92% |
Industry Choices of IE’s MBA Graduates
| % of MBAs Employed by Industry Sector | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Consulting | 15% | 18% | 19% | 17% | 21% |
| Consumer Products | 15% | 12% | 14% | 15% | 14% |
| Financial Services | 20% | 20% | 19% | 19% | 21% |
| Law, auditing & tax | 4% | 0% | 0% | ||
| Manufacturing | 4% | 6% | 6% | 7% | |
| Media Entertainment | 4% | 0% | 0% | ||
| Technology | 10% | 16% | 0% | 13% | 13% |
| Real Estate / Construction | 5% | 5% | 3% | 4% | |
| Government, NGOs | 5% | ||||
| Industry, Energy, Construction | 20% | ||||
| Pharma, Biotech, Health | 5% | 4% | 4% | 7% | 2% |
| Energy | 5% | 3% | 3% | 3% | |
| Other | 2% | 16% | 17% | 17% | 15% |
Where IE Graduate MBAs Went To Work
| Top Hirers of IE MBA’s in 2016 |
|---|
| Microsoft |
| Amazon |
| Hilti |
| Credit Suisse |
| McKinsey&Company |
| BCP |
| Accenture |
| Deloitte |
| Lilly |
| Ericson |
| EY |
| Infosys |
| Johnson&Johnson |
| KPMG |
| Vodafone |
Admissions For IE Business School
From IE Business School
Welcome to a globally acclaimed international school and leader in innovative learning. Consistently recognized as one of the top business schools in the world based on international rankings, IE Business School will empower you to reach the pinnacle of personal and professional excellence.
With a risk-taking and boundary-breaking entrepreneurial foundation, IE Business School is an institution of restless learning. An institution of powerful connection. An institution that always strives for more. It mirrors the market, molding its education to incorporate current trends using innovative methodologies. The faculty of more than 500 professors represents countless years of hands-on professional expertise, giving you access to the latest in industry insights and cutting-edge analysis.
IE Business School offers a wide array of programs in different areas of study. From bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and dual degrees; to MBA & EMBA, certificate, and executive education programs—we will empower you to find the perfect fit for your unique profile. You will develop deep skill sets in specific areas of business: management, finance, marketing and communication, talent development and leadership, and business tech and analytics. Catering to the real needs of the real world, the school offers programs in full-time, part-time or blended formats to ensure utmost flexibility.
A state-of-the-art urban campus in Madrid, delegations across five continents, and students from over 140 nations give IE Business School its distinctly international flair. Its global network represents international, transformational entrepreneurial vision. Through an unabashed celebration of multicultural perspectives, you will gain invaluable insights into today’s most important economic regions and a truly global outlook of the modern business world.
Student Features For IE Business School
Meet IE Business School’s MBA Class Of 2020
A promising MBA class that is anything but ordinary
Meet IE Business School’s MBA Class Of 2019
A promising class of entrepreneurs & change-makers
2023 Best & Brightest Online MBA: Zoriana Adamovych, IE Business School
“I believe in a positive mindset and the impact of giving free of expectations”
2023 Best & Brightest Online MBA: Kamille Carlos, IE Business School
“A Filipina taking inspiration from the world, always eager to bring the learnings back home”
2023 Best & Brightest MBA: Wouter Jaspers, IE Business School
“Using trust and motivation to make an impact in this world”
2023 Best & Brightest MBA: Ashmita Dutta, IE Business School
“Marketing professional, with a passion for dogs, fantasy fiction, cubism, and feminism”
2022 Best & Brightest Online MBA: Iouliana Litou, IE Business School
“Lifelong student, curious and restless. Engineering background with philosophical questions and human psychology interests”
2022 Best & Brightest Online MBA: Shir Zalzberg-Gino, IE Business School
“Israeli user experience manager living in the Netherlands, community builder, and Forbes 30 under 30”
2021 MBAs To Watch: Cristian Arens, IE Business School
“I am an entrepreneur who wants to change the world through financial education”
2021 MBAs To Watch: Christina Gohl, IE Business School
“I’m a results-oriented, people-oriented, ex-scientist turned business development professional who loves skiing in the Rockies”
Master’s In Finance: Sofía Arriba, IE Business School
After graduating from her bachelor's degree with the second best academic record, she enrolled in her top school choice at IE Business School. Now, she's joined Duff & Phelps, one of the world's leading valuation firms as a Valuation Analysis.
School Features
Innovation: A Digital Toolkit For Business Grads
IE Business School will hand more than a diploma to its graduates. IE will also receive a digital toolkit of frameworks & tools to have an immediate impact at work
2022 Best 40-Under-40 MBA Professors: Kriti Jain, IE Business School
Kriti Jain of IE Business School filled the heart of one student that the student vowed to use her life not only to better her business but also herself as an entrepreneur and a woman
Will Lee Newman Become The World’s Most Visionary B-School Dean?
Putting a radical focus on individual careers with a highly curated educational experience
Lee Newman Named New Dean Of IE Business School
IE turns to an American expatriate and MIT Sloan MBA with McKinsey experience
Rankings Data For IE Business School
| Year | Poets&Quants |
|---|---|
| 2023-2024 | 11 |
| 2022-2023 | 15 |
| 2021-2022 | 15 |
| 2020-2021 | 12 |
| 2019-2020 | 11 |
News Coverage For IE Business School
Inside IE University’s All-In AI Strategy
IE University in Spain has announced a new collaboration with OpenAI, making it one of the first institutions to provide university-wide ChatGPT Edu to all of its 10,000 students, faculty, and staff across its six academic schools.
Spain’s IE Makes Major Expansion Into The U.S.
IE makes a big splash by moving into the New York City market with a planned sustainability-focused college
2024 Best 40-Under-40 MBA Professors: Konstantina Valogianni, IE Business School
Congrats to Konstantina Valogianni of IE Business School for being named a 2024 Best 40 Under 40 MBA Professor.
2022 Most Disruptive MBA Startups: Better Than Good, IE Business School
"App that aims to incentivize patients to take greater action towards their preventive healthcare"
IE Business School Tops QS Online MBA Ranking
European schools dominate the Top Ten, with KelleyDirect the top U.S. option
A New Milestone Awaits Spain’s IE Business School
IE University expects to start classes at its new tower campus in September
IE Business School Dean Is GMAC’s New Board Chair
Martin Boehm takes over for next 2 years, replacing Duke's Bill Boulding
IE Business School Adopts Blended Teaching Model For Fall
Touts what it calls a 'liquid learning model'
