MBA: The Why, The Whats & The Hows

MBA in Spain for Indian Students: Business Schools in Spain, Admission Process, Eligibility, Cost, and More

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Spain is one of the most scenic countries in the world. What if I told you that you could study for an MBA while you enjoy some tapas and flamenco music? Sounds great, doesn’t it? There are around 76 universities in the country's higher education system, 45 public and 31 private. These universities offer excellent courses for pursuing an MBA in Spain. In 2019, around 1.2 lakh international students opted for Spain as their education destination, of which an estimated 4,500 were from India, as per the data shared by an Embassy of Spain official.

Ready to take the next step? Yocket Premium offers personalized guidance and support to help you navigate the entire process, from university selection to visa application. With over 10,000 success stories, including admissions to top schools like Harvard, Columbia, Babson, and UCLA, our experts have the knowledge to turn your MBA dreams into reality. Join Yocket Premium today.

Table of Content

Why Study an MBA in Spain?

Spanish business schools and MBA programs earned an excellent global reputation, ranking highly in publications such as The Financial Times, BusinessWeek, and Forbes. Additionally, the prerequisites for admission to a Spanish business school may be less stringent than in other nations. On the other hand, the programs are as rigorous and give the necessary training for a professional job. Let’s check the other perks of studying MBA in Spain:

  • The educational system is well-organized and well-executed to provide the best learning opportunities to students at all levels.
  • What better motivation to study in Spain than to have the opportunity to practice your Spanish language skills with native Spanish speakers? Even if you are learning English in Spain, you can take a Spanish course or practice independently.
  • Spain's economy appeals to students who desire to stay in the country after graduation.
  • MBA programs in Spain are available in Barcelona, Madrid, and even Seville. Some top management universities hold AMBA, EQUIS, and AACSB accreditation.

Suggested: Cost of Living in Spain

MBA Programs in Spain

When it comes to the type of MBA, business schools in Spain offer different programs, including:

  • Full-Time MBA: Students with a few years of professional experience can pursue a full-time MBA.
  • Part-time MBA: Students with three years of professional experience and particular professional responsibilities can pursue this course.
  • Executive MBA: This program is ideal for students with at least five years of professional experience.
  • Global MBA: This course is for university students with five years of work experience. It's a part-time program with online classes delivered through technological learning platforms.

Next, look at the universities where international students can pursue these MBA courses.

Top MBA Universities in Spain

MBA in Spain for international students is offered in some top universities with a better career path. We have mentioned a few below:

1. Universitat de Barcelona (The University of Barcelona)

The Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) is the most acclaimed university for MBA in Spain and is noted for its brilliance in research and teaching. The University of Alabama at Birmingham caters to all facets of university life. The campus is a city of knowledge with about 50,000 students, lecturers, researchers, and administrative personnel. It is equipped with the university's essential services, including residence halls, specialized libraries, a language study center, recreation facilities, a healthcare center, restaurants, and cafés.

QS Ranking 2024

164

QS Subject Ranking 2024

113 MBA

Tuition Fees

Approx EUR 12,000/ INR 10,04,695 annually

Programs Offered

Executive MBA

2. Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (The Autonomous University Of Madrid)

This university was founded in 1968 and offers diverse programs grouped into eight schools and connected institutions, such as the Red Cross University School of Nursing and the ONCE School of Physiotherapy.

This institution has over 30,000 students and 3,000 academic staff members, and two campuses—the famed Faculty of Medicine, located near Madrid's La Paz Hospital, and the Cantoblanco Campus, located 15 kilometers north of Madrid, surrounded by nature.

This university is part of the Campus de Excelencia UAM-CSIC and has an ambitious employability plan and several relationships with other universities, in addition to its excellent academic offerings. For example, math, Nanotechnology, and Theoretical Physics have garnered a prominent international reputation as research excellence areas in this university.

QS Ranking 2024

199

QS Subject Ranking 2024

125 in MBA

Tuition Fees

Approx EUR 27,36/ INR 2,29,003 Annually

Program offered

MBA in Economics and Administration

3. Complutense University Of Madrid (The Complutense University Of Madrid)

Established in 1927, the Ciudad Universitaria campus works to combine education, research, and culture. This extremely competitive university now has over 86,000 students and is spread throughout Madrid's Ciudad Universitaria neighborhood.

It also has institutions in the neighboring city of Pozuelo de Alarcón, Spain's largest university. Media and communication science, teaching and learning science, and computer science are among the science domains taught at the institution. It also houses an art faculty, geography, and veterinary medical programs. In addition, the institution has specialty schools for medicine and law.

QS Ranking 2024

171

QS Subject Ranking 2024

100 in MBA

Tuition Fees

Approx EUR 5,000 / INR 4,18,500 annually

Program Offered

MBA in Accounting, Business Organisation, Operation Management and Technology

4. IESE Business School

IESE Business School is a part of the University of Navarra and was founded in 1958 in Barcelona. The IESE MBA program begins in September and lasts 15 to 19 months. The Economist ranked it first in Europe in 2018. More than 50 nationalities are represented as part of this university, more than 85% of students are from outside the United States, and up to 94% land top positions within three months of graduation. Students in the IESE MBA program have an average of 5 years of work experience and are 29 years old.

Tuition Fees

Approx EUR 46,350 / INR 38,83,348/- annually

Program offered

Executive MBA / Global MBA

5. ESCP Business School

ESCP Business School started its academic doors two centuries ago. Madrid, Berlin, Paris, London, Turin, and Warsaw are among the cities where it presently has campuses. Students pursuing an MBA in International Management can study on different campuses each semester.

As a result, they can begin their studies in Madrid and finish at one of the other ESCP campuses throughout Europe. Candidates with at least three years of work experience are welcome to apply for the MBA, which lasts ten months.

Tuition Fees

Approx EUR 20,850/ INR 17,46,878 annually

Program Offered

MBA in International Management

Admission Process and Eligibility Requirements for MBA in Spain

To earn seats in Spain's best MBA programs, you must follow all the admission processes and eligibility criteria.

Eligibility Criteria

If you wish to study MBA in Spain, you must have a relevant bachelor's degree or an equivalent qualification. To pursue an MBA in Spain, you must have at least three years of professional experience. Most Spanish universities accept GMAT scores, and students must submit IELTS or TOEFL scores as proof of English competence to be taken into Spanish universities.

Admission Process

MBA applications for international students in Spain are available online on the university's official website. You can download the application form directly from their separate websites. Fill out the application form and submit it along with the required papers by the deadline. An interview is scheduled after the institution receives the application.

The interview is a critical step toward gaining admission to the university and a student visa. It tests your perspectives, knowledge, communication skills, and abilities. So, demonstrate self-assurance and a positive outlook while giving one.

Suggested: A Guide on MIM in Spain



Document Requirements for MBA in Spain

Following are the document requirements for MBA in Spain for Indian students:

  • Fees and application form
  • Certificates of work experience
  • Academic certificates and qualifications
  • For admission to an MBA program in Spain, several business institutions require GMAT scores
  • TOEFL/IELTS scores
  • A CV should contain detailed information about you, such as your educational background, accomplishments, work experience, etc.
  • At least two letters of recommendation, one from your boss and one from an academic professor. The document must be signed and sealed.
  • At least three application essays are required. Include your objectives and replies to questions, such as why this business school, your 5-year professional ambitions, and what you hope to achieve through this business school.
 

How to Apply to Top MBA Colleges in Spain?

Applying for an MBA in Spain involves several critical steps. Here's a detailed guide to help you navigate the process:

Step 1: Research and Select Universities

  • Identify top universities: Research top MBA programs offered by Spanish universities such as IE Business School, ESADE Business School, IESE Business School, and others.
  • Program details: Review the curriculum, specializations, program duration, and format (full-time, part-time, executive).
  • Rankings and accreditations: Check the business schools' global rankings and accreditations (AMBA, EQUIS, AACSB).

Step 2: Check Eligibility Criteria

  • Academic qualifications: Ensure you have a relevant bachelor's degree or equivalent.
  • Work experience: Most programs require 3-5 years of professional experience.
  • Test scores: Prepare for and take the GMAT/GRE if required. Check if the university accepts alternatives or waives this requirement based on work experience.
  • Language proficiency: Demonstrate proficiency in English through TOEFL or IELTS scores. Some programs may also require Spanish proficiency.

Step 3: Prepare Application Materials

Application form: Fill out the online application form on the university's official website.

  • Resume/CV: Update your resume to include detailed information about your educational background, accomplishments, and work experience.
  • Transcripts: Obtain official transcripts from your previous educational institutions.
  • Letters of recommendation: Secure at least two letters of recommendation, one from a professional contact (e.g., employer) and one from an academic source (e.g., professor).
  • Statement of purpose/essays: Write compelling essays that explain your motivations for pursuing an MBA, your career goals, and why you chose the specific business school.
  • GMAT/GRE and TOEFL/IELTS scores: Ensure your test scores are sent directly to the universities.
  • Passport copy: Provide a copy of your valid passport.

Step 4: Submit Applications

  • Application fee: Pay the application fee as specified by each university.
  • Submit documents: Upload all required documents through the university's application portal.
  • Deadlines: Ensure you submit your application before the specified deadlines. Pay attention to different rounds of admissions if applicable.

Step 5: Attend Interviews

  • Interview invitation: If shortlisted, you will receive an invitation for an interview.
  • Preparation: Prepare for the interview by reviewing your application, understanding the program, and practicing common MBA interview questions.
  • Interview: Attend the interview, either in person or online, demonstrating confidence, clarity, and a positive outlook.

Step 6: Apply for a Student Visa

  • Visa application: Apply for a student visa at your home country's Spanish consulate or embassy.

  • Required documents: Submit the offer letter, proof of financial means, health insurance, passport, and visa application form.

  • Visa interview: Attend the visa interview if required.

By following these steps, you can effectively navigate the application process for an MBA at top universities in Spain, ensuring you meet all requirements and deadlines.

Suggested: Ultimate Guide to Spain Student Visa

What is the Cost of Studying MBA in Spain?

MBA in Spain for Indian students depends on the university and the type of management course they are taking up.

Expenses

Cost in Euro

Cost in INR

Tuition Fees

Euro 960 to 1,800 (public university)

Euro 10,000 to 20,000 (private university)

Rs 80,537/- to Rs 1,51,007 yearly

Rs 8,38,929/- to Rs 16,77,859 yearly

Accommodation Cost

350 to 650 Euro per month

Rs 29,362 to 54,530 per month

Food Cost

200-300 Euro per month

Rs 16,778 per month

Transportation cost

60 Euro per month

Rs 5,033/- per month

Scholarship for MBA in Spain

Business schools in Spain offer scholarships for international students. Using the scholarship money, you can pursue the best MBA programs in Spain, like the executive MBA Spain. These scholarships help to bring down the overall cost of studying in Spain. International students receive various scholarships depending on their merits and annual alums. Let’s check a few that can be applied:

Scholarship

Eligibility & Grant

Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarships

A monthly stipend of Euro 1,000/ Rs 84,049, travel, and others. Students need to graduate for this scholarship.

UIC Barcelona – International Excellence Scholarships

20% discount on tuition fees. Students need to have a degree certificate.

EADA Business School – EADA Scholarships

25 – 50% discount on tuition fees. It is offered on a merit basis.

Barcelona GSE Master Scholarship

The candidate must be an undergraduate or a bachelor holding a university diploma. The candidate will receive a tuition fee waiver of up to 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100% of their tuition expenses.

Suggested: Part-time Jobs in Spain

With these scholarships, any international student can pursue an executive MBA in Spain or any other. Next, check the opportunities one will get after pursuing an MBA in Spain.

Job Scope & Salary Afer MBA in Spain

After completing your education in Spain, you can work there, although obtaining jobs in Spain for Indian students can be challenging—post-undergraduate or postgraduate degree programs. Candidates must apply for a post-study-work visa, allowing them to stay in Spain for a year after graduation and hunt for work.

If you want to apply for a post-study work visa in Spain, you must do so at least 60 days before your current student visa expires at the Spanish immigration office.

Some of the job opportunities after an MBA in Spain are:

  • Customer Success Manager
  • Business Development Manager
  • Program Manager
  • Innovation Strategy Consultant

The average annual salary of an MBA certificate holder in Spain is 90,901 Euro/Rs 76,18,203. Let’s check more job roles with salaries after an MBA in Spain.

Job role

Payscale (Annually)

Operation Manager

173378 Euro/Rs 145,33,200

Project Manager

99815 Euro/ Rs 83,66,871

Business Development Manager

80800 Euro/ Rs 67,72,961

Suggested: Public Universities in Spain

From the Desk of Yocket

Now you know all the critical information to pursue an MBA in Spain. Beginning your Study Abroad journey in Spain can be daunting, but this blog has all the information you need. With top-ranked universities, diverse program offerings, and abundant career opportunities, Spain stands out as an ideal study-abroad destination.

However, if you still need help with any step or decision, take end-to-end guidance from our expert counselors by choosing Yocket Premium. We’ve helped thousands of students gain admission to top B-schools, and we can help you do it too! Connect with yocket professionals to learn more and begin your study abroad journey!

Frequently Asked Questions on MBA in Spain

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