Getting an MBA or Executive MBA in Spain

Consistently ranking among the best in the world, Spanish business schools have a lot to offer aspiring business leaders. Studying in Spain involves high business education standards, comparatively low tuition costs, and an opportunity to learn Spanish. Whether you’re a recent graduate pursuing an advanced degree or an ambitious mid-career professional, there are plenty of options for those seeking an MBA or EMBA in Spain.

Read on for more about the following topics:

What’s the difference between an MBA and an EMBA?

An MBA, or Master of Business Administration, is a comprehensive full-time degree program in business management. Typically, MBA students are younger and often enroll immediately after completing their undergraduate degrees. This early start allows them to gain a solid foundation in business principles and practices, preparing them for entry-level business roles upon graduation.

The Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) degree, on the other hand, is designed for professionals already in their careers. The average age of an EMBA student is 39 years old, and they have about 15 years of relevant work experience. An EMBA helps professionals to grow in their intended field and usually earn a higher salary.

Flexibility is one of the main differences between an executive and a traditional MBA. In an EMBA program, students with full-time jobs can attend classes that work around their schedules. Universities tend to hold EMBA classes either in the evenings, on the weekends, or for full weeks but with long breaks in between.

Pursuing an MBA in Spain

How much does an MBA cost in Spain?

The cost to obtain an MBA in Spain ranges from €50,000 to €130,000 for a full-time, one-year program. Total costs vary greatly depending on the ranking of the school you attend.

For example, if you do a traditional MBA at a top-20 business school in Spain, expect to pay about €100,000 for your education and living expenses. However, a lower-ranking university or an online MBA might cost closer to €60,000 if you save on tuition and commuting costs.

Expense	Estimated cost
Program tuition fees	€30,000–80,000 (depending on the school’s ranking)
Application fee	€100–200
Enrollment fees	€1,000–5,000
Learning materials	€2,000
Accomodation	€600–1,500/month
Health insurance (for international students)	€50–100/month
Visa and immigration fees	€60–150

How long does it take to get an MBA in Spain?

Depending on whether you decide to go to school full- or part-time, it takes between one and three years to get an MBA in Spain.

Full-time MBA programs last one to two years. Doing an MBA in one year is an intensive, accelerated experience that involves a lot of lectures and coursework. Two-year MBAs often include an internship, an exchange program, and individual or group projects.

Part-time MBAs last two or three years. It’s much easier to continue working while doing a part-time MBA than with its full-time equivalent. Classes are usually held in the evenings or on weekends, like with an EMBA.

What language are MBAs taught in?

Most business schools in Spain offer MBAs in English. This is to attract international students, especially in Madrid and Barcelona.

There are some programs in Spanish, but these exist mostly in smaller cities and cater to local students. A few business schools even offer bilingual MBAs aimed at helping students become proficient in both languages.

Pursuing an Executive MBA in Spain

How much does an EMBA cost in Spain?

Expect to pay €35,000–90,000 for an EMBA in Spain, depending on which business school you choose and whether you require accommodation for your studies.

Expense	Estimated cost
Program tuition fees	€35,000–70,000 (depending on the school’s ranking)
Application fee	€100–200
Enrollment fees	€1,000–5,000
Learning materials	€1,500
Accommodation	€600–1,500/month
Travel/commuting	€40–60/month
Health insurance (for international students)	€50–100/month
Visa and immigration fees	€60–150

How long does it take to get an EMBA in Spain?

It takes between one and a half and two years to get an EMBA in Spain. Since EMBA programs are designed for working professionals, it’s not uncommon to attend lectures, do coursework, and work a full-time job at the same time. This also applies to online EMBAs, which are becoming increasingly popular in Spain and worldwide.

What language are EMBAs taught in?

The majority of EMBAs in Spain are taught in English. Business schools recognize that EMBA students often work in global industries and value a multicultural environment. A few business schools, such as Esade, also prioritize the local market and offer an EMBA in Spanish.

Is a Spanish MBA or EMBA worth it?

Your experience pursuing an MBA or EMBA in Spain will depend heavily on where you study and your chosen program structure. Top-ranked universities have expensive tuition costs, and lower-ranking schools may not offer the desired career or salary outcomes.

The following are important elements to consider when deciding on tuition costs to make sure you choose a good MBA or EMBA program for your money.

Program quality

With world-class institutions like Esade, IESE, and IE, Spain is a top destination for business education. These schools are well-linked to major global industries and have some of the most highly qualified professors in the business world.

However, lower-ranking schools can also have high-quality programs if they offer enriching educational experiences to their students. These experiences can be transformative, providing the opportunity for personal and professional growth through studying abroad, completing an internship, or participating in a project related to their specialization.

Practical skills

Spain is a great place to learn practical cultural skills during your MBA or EMBA studies. For example, studying in Spain gives you the opportunity to learn Spanish by immersion. This is an incredibly valuable skill for international business leaders as Spanish is the second most commonly spoken language in the world.

If you attend an MBA or EMBA program in Madrid or Barcelona, chances are you’ll meet international students from all over the world in a multicultural setting. Given the wide variations in global business etiquette, a diverse group of classmates will boost your confidence in navigating cultural differences at work.

Career prospects

Business schools in Spain have strong connections with major multinational companies and elite business institutions, providing students access to highly respected global forums, conferences, events, and employment opportunities.

MBA and EMBA graduates have a wide range of career paths to choose from, including business operations, market research analysis, management analysis, and human resources. This versatility makes an advanced business degree a valuable asset in the job market.

Earning potential

When compared to having only an undergraduate degree in business, obtaining an advanced degree like an MBA or EMBA significantly boosts your earning potential. You can expect to earn a salary relevant to your experience level:

Position	Experience	Annual salary with an MBA
Entry-level	0–4 years	€30,000–60,000
Mid-level	5–10 years	€50,000–100,000
Senior/C-level	11+ years	€100,000+

EMBAs, on the other hand, will increase your existing salary, depending on the quality of the program you attended and how it applies to your current job. A 2023 survey revealed that EMBA graduates received an average of 23.9% increase in compensation upon completing their program.

The best business schools in Spain

If you’re interested in doing an MBA or EMBA in Spain, fortunately you have many globally top-rated business schools to choose from.

Eada Business School

Eada Business School is a private institution based in Barcelona that offers an EMBA, a traditional MBA, and an online MBA, all focusing on global sustainability and social responsibility. The institution ranks highly for employability after graduation, and its student body is 97% international.

Esade Business School

With campuses in Barcelona and Madrid, Esade is a leader in top-ranked business schools worldwide. It offers both MBAs and EMBAs with a variety of schedules and program structures. Esade receives praise for high alumni salaries, student satisfaction rates, and diversity.

IE Business School

Based in Madrid, IE Business School offers an MBA, a global online MBA, and three part-time EMBAs. IE ranks among the top business schools in the world and is especially noted for its high alumni earning potential, strong diversity, and low carbon footprint.

IESE Business School

Consistently top-ranked among business schools, IESE has Spanish campuses in Barcelona and Madrid. The school offers customizable MBA programs as well as part-time EMBAs. IESE is praised for the international experience it offers students and is considered a very good value for money.

Online MBAs and EMBAs in Spain

In Spain and around the world, online MBAs and EMBAs are more popular than ever. Almost all the top universities in Spain offer hybrid learning options, and many offer full-time online MBAs.

Online MBAs and EMBAs provide roughly the same benefits as on-campus programs. By eliminating the need for commuting and often offering more affordable tuition, these programs are a financially savvy choice.

One thing to take into consideration is how important socializing is to your learning experience. Traditional programs will always offer more interpersonal contact than online ones.

How to apply for an MBA or EMBA in Spain

The application process for an MBA or EMBA program in Spain varies depending on the school you’re applying to and which country you’re coming from. In most cases, you start by attending an open day or setting up a meeting with a program advisor.

For all programs, you must demonstrate your suitability for the course by proving your experience and qualifications. For some, you must pass an entrance exam or attend an interview to be considered for the program. Submitting letters of recommendation, from previous professors or employers, and writing an essay for your application are also standard requirements.

There are special considerations for international students when applying to business school in Spain. First, if the program’s language of instruction isn’t your native language, you’ll need to prove your proficiency in that language. You’ll also need to have your qualifications recognized, which may mean translated or submitted officially to the Spanish government.

For students from outside the EU, obtaining a student visa is a necessary step to begin your business education in Spain. Even though you don’t apply for your visa until after being admitted to a university, it’s good to familiarize yourself with the process in advance. For example, checking the required materials and looking at health insurance quotes.

Useful resources

• Financial Times MBA rankings – the top-rated business schools for getting an MBA in 2024
• Financial Times Online MBA rankings – the top-rated business schools for getting an online MBA in 2024
• Financial Times EMBA rankings – the top-rated business schools for getting an EMBA in 2023
• Executive MBA Council (EMBAC) – research about EMBA students and outcomes