Admissions

Before beginning the Esade MBA, you must have been awarded an undergraduate degree entitling you to undertake postgraduate studies in the degree-granting country. If you are not in possession of the qualification required, the admission/registration will be academically void, and any qualifications obtained will be cancelled. Find out more about this admission requirement here.

You must have one of the following English language certificates:

• TOEFL IBT: 100 (Esade’s code is 0884)
• IELTS: 7.0 Academic test
• Certificate in Advanced English: B+
• Certificate of Proficiency in English: C+
• Academic Pearson: +68
• Duolingo English Test: +130
• Native English speakers and candidates who have completed their Bachelor's or Master’s degree entirely in English are exempt from this requirement. If your Bachelor's degree (at least 120ECTS) or your Master's degree (60ECTS) was taught entirely in English, please send us a Diploma Supplement or certification from the university.

Note: Language test scores are only valid for two years.

Peer-to-peer learning is an essential part of the Esade Full Time MBA.

That's why everyone on the program, like you, will have a minimum of two years' professional experience. Together you can share your insights and your perspectives from different business sectors, functions, and cultures, creating a richer, more diverse program based on real-world experience.

All applicants must take the Esade Admission Test (TAE) , GMAT or GRE. Please note the Esade Admission Test is included in the application fee.

We accept valid GMAT scores achieved through the current or previous edition of the exam. Scores will be assessed using the percentile tables published by GMAC.

In recent years, our class average GMAT score tends to be around 615 (current edition) or 660 (previous edition of the exam). This equates to a performance in the 75% percentile under each format. Our average GRE score has been around 160/162.

Official GMAT or GRE scores must be sent to Esade using the following codes:   

• GMAT: 93M-3K-60
• GRE: 5761

Note: GMAT and GRE scores are valid for five years.

The first step in your application process is to complete the Online Application Form. You will be asked to register. You can then save your application form to submit it later.

APPLICATION TIP: you can complete your application form without a final GMAT/GRE/English exam result — simply include the date you plan to sit the test.

Two recommendation letters must be submitted as part of the application process. These can be from professional and/or academic referees, although we recommend that both be from professional sources. Your recommendation letters will be used to evaluate your global mindset and personal motivation.

You will need to introduce your referees' information in your online application form. Once you have completed and saved this section of the form, your referees will receive an automatic request to submit your recommendation letter.

At the end of the form, you will need to upload:

• Your CV
• A scan of your identity card (Spanish citizens) or your passport (EU and non-EU nationals)

The application is not complete until you pay the non-refundable application fee and complete the electronic signature with your name. Once you have done this, your application will be considered as properly submitted and you will be able to upload the remaining documents to complete your application.

After submitting your application, you will need to upload the following documents through the student portal:

A) Bachelor Transcripts: During the application process, scanned copies from your Bachelor Transcripts will be accepted. This document must be issued in the original language. Any documents that are not in Catalan, Spanish or English must be submitted with an official translation into one of these languages.

B) Bachelor’s Degree: One of the basic prerequisites for applying for the MBA program is an undergraduate degree equivalent to a Bachelor's degree. You must submit a copy of your diploma (if the degree granted is not shown on the transcripts). This document must be issued in the original language. Any documents that are not in Catalan, Spanish or English must be submitted with an official translation into one of these languages. Find out more about the official university degree requirements and other frequently asked questions in this document.

C) Esade Admission Test: we offer the option of taking the online Esade Admission Test which is included in the application fee. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information OR  GRE/GMAT Unofficial Scores: upload the unofficial scores into the student portal and ask the GMAT/GRE organization to send your official scores to Esade, using the following codes:

• GMAT: 93M-3K-60
• GRE: 5761

We accept valid GMAT scores achieved through either the current or previous edition of the exam. In recent years, our class average GMAT score tends to be around 615 (current edition) or 660 (previous edition of the exam). This equates to a performance in the 75% percentile tables published by GMAC.

D) English Test Scores:
All participants who are not native English speakers or have completed their Bachelor’s degree in English must have one of the following certificates:

• TOEFL IBT: 100 (Esade’s code is 0884)
• IELTS: 7.0 Academic test
• Certificate in Advanced English: B+
• Certificate in Proficiency in English: C+
• Academic Pearson: +68
• Duolingo English Test: +130

Esade will accept English Certificates taken within the last two years. Esade only accepts official TOEFL scores sent directly to Esade from ETS. Our institution code is 0884. Cambridge and IELTS certificates are also accepted and must be originals or certified true copies. ** TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition test and IELTS Indicator online test are accepted.

If you are a native English speaker or you have completed your Bachelor’s degree in English, you may be exempt from the English requirement. If your Bachelor’s degree was taught entirely in English (+120ECTS), please send us a certificate from your university (i.e., diploma supplement) stating the language of instruction.

Your file will be considered by our admissions team once all the required documentation is submitted. Please check your application through the student portal on a regular basis to make sure that your file is complete. Your documents will be shown as “received” after being validated by the Admissions Team.

After submitting all your documents, you may be shortlisted for an interview, which is a mandatory requirement for your admission. An Associate Director of Admissions will interview all selected applicants. 

Official interviews for the Esade MBA program can be conducted in person either in Barcelona or at one of our international off-campus admissions events. Alternatively, if you cannot attend an admissions event or visit the campus in Barcelona, the interview can be done online.

After the official interview, your application will be considered by the Admissions Committee, which comprises faculty members and the entire Admissions Team. The decisions of the Admissions Committee are final. You will find the final decision from the Admissions Committee in your Student Portal.

Due to the confidential nature of Committee decision-making, we regret that feedback on rejected applications is not given.

We accept the GMAT™ (both the original GMAT test and the GMAT Focus edition), as well as the GRE and the Esade Admission Test. To submit your application, you will need to have completed one of the admissions tests. 

We also accept the GRE® General Test at Home and the online version of the TOEFL exam.

Although scholarship funds normally run out before the final deadline, we have reserved funds to last throughout the entire process.

If you are experiencing temporary delays in obtaining your transcripts, don’t worry. We will be flexible and proceed with the admission process.

Today more than ever, the Esade Admissions team is more connected with candidates. The team would be happy to meet with candidates for an online informational or official interview at almost any time.

We work on a rolling admissions-basis within each deadline, so please don’t worry if you miss a deadline by a couple of days. We understand that there could be unexpected delays on your side due to Covid-19 disruptions and hope that you will understand that there may also be technical problems on our side that could delay the application review process.

If you wish to be considered for a late application post the final deadline, please click here for further information

The best way to know more about our campus is to visit us. If you're in Barcelona and want to visit our campus outside of established on-campus events, we would be happy to take you on a tour of our facilities.

Contact us by email at esadebschool.admissions@esade.edu, or call our admissions office on the number below to arrange a time and day to suit you.

The Esade Full Time MBA accepts one intake per year and classes start in September. The program is flexible, which means that students can decide to complete the MBA in 12, 15, or 18 months. Classes are conducted from Monday through Friday. The first seven months of the program consist of obligatory core courses followed by the electives phase.

Esade has bilateral agreements with universities around the world and approximately 35 percent of MBA students participate in an exchange program. If demand is high for limited places at a particular university, you will be evaluated on the basis of your academic record and a personal interview. However, exchange program participants don’t have to take an exam or complete an application form.

The Esade Full Time MBA has an intake of approximately 180 students every year.

Before beginning the Esade MBA, you must have been awarded an undergraduate degree entitling you to undertake postgraduate studies in the degree-granting country. 

If you are not in possession of the qualification required, the admission/registration will be academically void, and any qualifications obtained will be cancelled.

Find out more about this admission requirement here. 

Take a look at the student profile for the Esade MBA here. 

You need to complete your online application form and submit the required documentation. Please notice that you can apply before having taken the GMAT/GRE/English test, just indicating the date when you are going to sit the test.

After submitting all your documents, you may be shortlisted for an interview, which is a requirement for admissions. Interviews may be via Skype, in person at our campus, or during one of the admissions director’s visits to your area.

The sooner you apply, the better.   

Documents included in the online application:

• A scan of your identity card (Spanish citizens) or passport (EU and non-EU nationals).
• Essays and updated CV.

Documents you must send once you submit the online application:

• Official university transcripts and diploma (if the degree granted is not shown on your transcripts). These certificates must be issued in the original language. Any documents that are not in Catalan, Spanish or English must be submitted with an official translation into one of these languages. Scanned copies can be accepted during the admission process. Upon admittance, you will be required to send originals or certified copies if you studied in an EU country. Documents for degrees awarded outside the EU must be legalized. See here for more information.
• Two recommendation letters, at least one professional.
• English test official score report (please provide Esade's institution code 0884 when taking the TOEFL or provide us with the Test Report Form -TRF- for the IELTS).
• GMAT (GMAT Exam and GMAT Focus Edition are accepted) or GRE official score report (please provide Esade’s institution code – 93M-3K-60 for GMAT and 5761 for GRE – when taking the test).

All aspects mentioned in the application are taken into consideration. The Admissions Committee looks at your academic performance, professional experience, test scores, international experience, essays, and recommendations. The interview is also a key aspect of the final decision the committee makes.

Yes, if you are not a citizen of the European Union, you must apply for a long-term student visa to study in Spain. We recommend starting the process as soon as possible, as it can take several months and getting an appointment at the consulate may be difficult.
Contact the Spanish embassy or consulate in your country of residence to obtain the exact list of required documents.

• Passport renewal (if applicable)
• Criminal background check
• Legalization of documents
• Health insurance
• Proof of financial means
• Admission letter (included in your Welcome Pack)
• Housing letter (included in your Welcome Pack)

After payment, you will receive access to MyEsade, where you can download the Official Admission Certificate for your visa application.
Book your appointment at the consulate as soon as you have the certificate. Availability is limited and the process can take time.

Fees are paid in four instalments. Find all the necessary information here. 

Esade has a scholarship system that covers an average of 25 percent of tuition fees. Nevertheless, most students finance their studies with a bank loan or private funds.

While some scholarships require an application, others are awarded directly by the admissions committee.

You can find more information in the Fees and Financing section.

The cost of living in Barcelona is not as high as in some other major cities. It varies depending on your housing choices, lifestyle, and financial situation. The typical cost for accommodation (in a shared apartment) with food, and transport for a month is approximately €1,200.

Esade has exclusive agreements with accommodation agencies that coordinate searches on behalf of MBA students. They can provide apartments for single use or match you with others wanting to share accommodation. When you are admitted and have paid your deposit, you will also have access to the Esade Facebook page where you can contact other students in the same intake to share accommodation information.

You can pay your enrollment and fees online through Flywire, our preferred payment partner. Flywire provides a secure global payment network that simplifies the payment of your fees. Payment options may include bank transfers, credit cards, e-wallets, and more, usually in your local currency, for most countries.