Business schools in Spain are very popular not only among Spaniards themselves, but also among foreign students. Studying at a business school in Spain is an excellent opportunity to continue your education in Europe, obtain a study visa and complete the program studying in Spain at the highest world standards. The most prestigious and powerful Spanish business schools are located in Madrid and Barcelona.
Almost all business schools in Spain offer their courses in two languages – Spanish and English, or only in English (the minimum requirement for proficiency in a particular language is B2). By choosing an English program, you can start learning Spanish from scratch on the spot.
Advantages of business schools in Spain
When choosing a foreign business school, the economic side of the issue is of no small importance. Business schools in Spain outperform German, French and Swiss business schools both in terms of tuition costs (on average from 2 to 20 thousand €, with the exception of top training centers where the cost can reach 100,000 €) and in terms of living costs in the country (accommodation, meals, educational materials, etc.).
Business schools in Spain offer a wide range of study programs, including highly specialized ones, giving the student the opportunity to focus on core disciplines from the very beginning.
The process of obtaining a study visa also plays an important role in decision-making: in Spain, this can be done either through the consulate in the student’s country of permanent residence, or directly on the territory of Spain, if there is another possibility of legal entry (for example, on a multiple visa). The wonderful climate, rich history and culture of the country are another argument in favor of business schools in Spain.
And finally, after successfully completing their studies at business schools in Spain, graduates can request a residence permit to seek work in Spain, or receive a full-fledged residence permit with work rights for yourself (if you want to implement your own project) or with the right to work for hire (if there is an interested employer).
It is worth noting that even while studying at a business school in Spain, a foreign student has the right to work: if this does not interfere with the educational process, you can request a special work permit (no more than 20 hours per week).
Alegria company provides assistance with obtaining a student visa in Spain. We will help you collect the necessary documents and submit an application to the chosen educational institution. Read more about the service here:
Business schools in Spain offer their students a variety of training programs: a 3-4 year undergraduate course and a 1-2 year master’s course, as well as MBA programs of varying degrees of intensity, including the opportunity to complete the full course in one year without compromising the quality of the knowledge gained.
Admission to business school in Spain
Each business school in Spain has its own admission rules for foreign students. Often, in addition to submitting educational documents (apostilled and translated into Spanish by a sworn translator), it is necessary to confirm your language level (IELTS, TOEFL certificate, etc.), professional experience, write a motivation letter, pass entrance exams (GMAT or GRE) and/or undergo an interview. Some business schools in Spain require letters of recommendation (from the university, from a current employer, etc.).
Business schools in Spain accept applications throughout the year. The educational programs themselves start at a strictly defined time (usually in spring and autumn), but you can submit an application and all the necessary documents at any time – the main thing is that there are free places.
Best Business Schools in Spain
Spain has a large selection of business schools, both independent and well-known Spanish universities. Every year, leading periodicals, as well as Internet portals that analyze and compile ratings in various areas, publish TOP lists of the best business schools in Spain. The popularity of schools among foreign students, as well as their international recognition, quality of education, subsequent employment of graduates and the positions they occupy are assessed.
In 2022, the TOP 5 best business schools in Spain included:
ESADE Business School
Programs: Bachelor, Master and MBA. Possibility of full-time and online training. Study campuses in Barcelona and Madrid. The most prestigious course: Full-Time MBA (registration for a new stream is open (September 2022 – March 2024), place of study: Barcelona, language: English.
Cost: 73.800 €.
MBA programs of 12, 15 and 18 months duration are also offered, with the possibility of internships and international exchanges.
Website: https://www.esade.edu/es
IE Business School
Programs: Bachelor, Master and MBA, as well as the possibility of obtaining a double diploma Master+Master or Master+MBA. Various forms of training, including online. Campuses in Segovia and Madrid. In 2021, the school took 12th place in the Global European Business Schools Ranking 2021. For admission, you must pass an exam and an interview.
Course fee for the IE International MBA program is 72,200 €.
Website: https://www.ie.edu/business-school/
IESE Business School
Programs: Master and MBA (intensive and part-time). Study campuses in Barcelona and Madrid. According to Financial imes and The Economost, the MBA courses at this business school are one of the best in the world rankings. Applications are already being accepted for 12-, 16- or 19-month programs starting in April and September 2022.
Cost of the most prestigious program The Global Executive MBA is 120.700 €.
The school offers financial support from its own fund for startup projects of its graduates.
Website: https://www.iese.edu/es/
EADA Business School
Programs: Bachelor, Master and MBA. Study campus in Barcelona. Duration of courses: from 9 to 24 months. Start of a new stream: October 2022. There are different options: training in English, English and Spanish, online, etc.
Tuition fee: from 12.400 to 39.000 €.
Website: https://www.eada.edu/es
Universidad de Navarra – School of Economics and Business
Business School at the University of Navarra in Madrid. Study campuses in Barcelona and Madrid. Programs: Master and MBA. Languages: English or English + Spanish. Course duration: from 11 to 18 months. Training formats: full-time, part-time and online.
Website: https://www.unav.edu/
These business schools are considered by the Financial Times to offer the best MBA programs in Spain.
As for master’s degrees, the leading periodical El Mundo has nominated the International Finance program at the IEB (Instituto de Estudos Bursátiles) for the title of best for 4 years in a row, and the Financial Times names the Masters in Finance programs offered at IE Business School, Esade Business School and Eada Business School as the best.
