Top MBA Programs in Spain 2025

Spain is on the bucket list of many people around the world, and the number of tourists visiting is increasing each year. According to the latest statistics by the National Statistics Institute, about 5.7 million tourists visited the country in 2023. However, this appeal extends beyond just tourists, as Spain has become a very popular study abroad destination among international students as well. 

Aside from the delicious food, the miles of beautiful beaches, and the fun, easygoing personalities of the people, the benefits of studying in Spain are countless. On a more serious note, Spain is home to some of the best universities in Europe, offering high-quality education and a wide range of programs. 

However, this article is specifically aimed at those who wish to pursue an MBA in Spain and you might be asking yourself why Spain.

Here are some of the top reasons to pursue an MBA in Spain: 

• Top ranked business schools. Spain is known to have some of the best business schools in Europe. This success is based on the high employment rate after graduation, the alumni successful careers, high salaries and the high quality education these MBA programs provide.
• Easier admission. Compared to other European countries, Spain has some of the lowest entry requirements for MBA programs. Admission can still be challenging because of the increasing interest, however the entry requirements tend to be more flexible. Most of the time they only ask for your bachelor’s degree and Spanish/English language proficiency depending on the university.
• English-taught MBA programs. One of the main reasons that more and more international students are interested in pursuing an MBA in Spain, is because many universities offer MBA programs taught entirely in English. 
• Internship opportunities. MBA programs in Spain provide students with excellent real life skills by offering internship opportunities either during or after studies. Most business schools in Spain have close partnerships with important multinational companies. These internships typically lead to students finding their dream jobs after graduation. 

‍If the reasons we provided above convinced you, check this list of some of the best MBA programs in Spain:

1. C3S Business School

The C3S Business School stands out as the top universities for an MBA degree mainly because it offers accredited online programs. Located in Barcelona, they offer a high quality curriculum which leads to students having immediate connections with the world of international business. 

The mixed learning, meaning half face to face lectures and half distance learning, adds to the uniqueness of the C3S Business School, which attracts a large number of international students yearly. 

The faculty and academic staff at the C3S Business School is highly focused on equipping their students with skills and experience that will surely get them into some of the best companies not only in Spain, but anywhere in Europe. Graduates of this school show great success after graduation, earning jobs in international business roles. 

Other benefits of pursuing an MBA degree from CS3 Business School include:

• Getting a UK-accredited qualification at a fraction of the cost.
• English-taught programs.
• Paid internship opportunities.
• Renowned professors and academics. 
• Flexible curriculum.
• Constant student support.

2. ESADE Business School

The ESADE Business School takes pride in its reputation for offering a hands-on, practical approach to teaching, including business scenario simulations, case studies, group discussions,workshops and much more. A private university located in Barcelona, ESADE Business School is a dream for many international students who want to pursue an MBA in a renowned institution. 

With around 72,000 alumni living in more than 120 countries in the world, it is a very rich network consisting of highly successful professionals, business executives and entrepreneurs in a large range of countries and business fields.

They maintain close partnerships with the business world such as different types of national and international organizations, business companies as well as academic partners. These relationships help ESADE Business School’s students and faculty excellent exchange opportunities. 

Here are some of the above mentioned partnerships:

• SIGMA
• "La Caixa" Foundation
• PWC Foundation
• ISS Iberia
• Fotocasa
• Leroy Merlin
• Neinor
• Comisión Europea
• University of Bath
• Agbar
• Work4progress
• Copenhagen Business School (CBS)
• Esade SUD
• BLab

Learn more about ESADE Business School

3. IE Business School 

The IE Business School is located in the heart of Spain, the vibrant city of Madrid. The uniqueness of this university comes from their entrepreneurial and innovative approach to teaching, making it one of the best business schools to pursue an MBA in Spain. 

It offers a variety of programs such as: 

• International MBA.
  • Duration: 11-19 months
  • Language of instruction: English
  • Study mode: Full-time
  • Learning format: Madrid (On-campus).
• Executive MBA.
  • Duration: 20 months
  • Language of instruction: English
  • Study mode: Part-time
  • Learning format: Blended (online and on-campus).
• Global Online MBA.
  • Duration: 17-36 months.
  • Language of instruction: English
  • Study mode: Part-time
  • Learning format: 100% Online or On-campus/Blended (online and on-campus).
• Executive MBA In-person Spanish.
  • Duration: 16 months.
  • Language of instruction: Spanish
  • Study mode: Part-time
  • Learning format: On-campus.
• Global Executive MBA.
  • Duration: 20 months.
  • Language of instruction: English
  • Study mode: Part-time
  • Learning format: Madrid, London, Singapore, Los Angeles, and Online.

4. ESCP Business School

ESCP Business School is one of the top ranked universities for MBA in Europe. According to Financial Times (2020), this university was ranked at the top 10 business schools in Europe for their Executive MBA and top 30 worldwide.

ESCP offers flexibility for those who are thinking of choosing to complete your MBA studies, meaning that you can choose the option of studying 10,22 or 34 months. This will give you the freedom to work part-time or develop new skills/training. Moreover, ESCP Business School gives students the opportunity to focus and gain expertise in one specific topic such as Consultancy, Entrepreneurship, Fintech and Innovation, and Luxury Management.

Speaking of flexibility, at ESCP Business School you also have the opportunity to choose between 100% online, on-campus, or blended learning. This is another great advantage if you need to support yourself financially and work while pursuing the MBA. Another benefit of online learning is that students can study from their home country without having to worry about accommodation, financial planning, and all the challenges of studying abroad. And finally, more good news for international students, all courses are taught in English.

5. EADA Business School

Another high ranked university located in Barcelona, EADA was founded in 1957 and it was the first Spanish higher education institution to offer training for the business community. Their teaching methodology has proven to be very effective because of their small classes and they encourage active participation in the lectures. This teaching method ensures critical thinking and prepares future graduates to tackle the business world head-on so that they can face challenges directly. 

EADA is validated by two very well-known business school accreditations: EQUIS (European Quality Improvement System) and AMBA (Association of MBAs) for its MBA programs. 

Some of the MBA programs they offer include the following:

• Global Executive MBA
  • Duration: 13 months.
  • Language of instruction: English.
  • Study mode: Part-time
  • Learning format: In person.
• Executive MBA
  • Duration: 14 months.
  • Language of instruction: Spanish.
  • Study mode: Part-time
  • Learning format: In person.
• International MBA
  • Duration: 11 months.
  • Language of instruction: English.
  • Study mode: Full-time
  • Learning format: In person.
• International MBA - Bilingual
  • Duration: 11 months.
  • Language of instruction: English.
  • Study mode: Full-time
  • Learning format: In person.
• MBA Online
  • Duration: 24 months.
  • Language of instruction: Spanish.
  • Study mode: Part-time
  • Learning format: Online.

Learn more about EADA Business School

6. Carlos III University of Madrid Business School - UC3M

Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M) is a very well-known public university in Madrid, Spain. The Master in Business Administration at UC3M is a full-time 11 months program with no other option and taught entirely in English. Moreover, the only method of attendance is in person, meaning that they do not offer the flexibility of online teaching. However, as the only accredited MBA program at UC3M, it is one of the most prestigious MBAs in the country, offered for almost 20 years in a row. 

They welcome a significant number of international students each year, more specifically over 90% of students are international. They have the unique opportunity to participate in a partnership with the university’s Science Park which offers them the chance to work alongside professional entrepreneurs and inventors.

It is also important to mention that the MBA is the only degree with 2 international accreditations at UC3M which are AMBA and AACSB. 

Learn more about UC3M

7. IESE Business School

Finally, but definitely not least, IESE Business School is one of the most prestigious business schools in Spain, Europe and globally. This is best proven by its ranking in as the #1 MBA in the world in 2021 by The Economist and #3 by the Financial Times in 2023. The full-time MBA program at IESE can last for 15 or 19 months depending on the student’s plans. However, there are two other MBA part time options that you can choose such as the Executive MBA and Global Executive MBA. 

There are plenty of reasons why students should choose to pursue an MBA at IESE business school and here are some of the most important: 

• Sought-after experience. You will have the opportunity to gain professional experience while completing the MBA, collaborating with faculty and other students from all parts of the world. 
• Gain leadership skills. Going into the business world means knowing yourself and knowing how to make decisions. An MBA at IESE Business Schools offers just that, an understanding of your organizational skills and how to put them to work. 
• Bilingual opportunities. You can choose from two part-time MBA programs, either in Spanish or the bilingual option offered by IESE. Choosing to do your MBA in a bilingual setting will expand your career options and become more qualified. 
• Develop an entrepreneurial mindset. IESE helps you boost your creativity and business skills, guiding you to become a confident and skillful future employee when in the harsh reality of the business world. 

Learn more about IESE Business School