Madrid is home to a thriving technology sector, a flourishing startup ecosystem and some of the most prestigious business schools in the world.
EAE is a top-performing business school in the heart of the city (Photo: EAE)
For years, US and UK institutions attracted the best and brightest business students, but change is afoot. In the past decade, Madrid has emerged as a top destination for business education – and little wonder why. This thriving financial centre is one of the top 25 startup hubs in the world, home to some of the planet’s biggest brands and boasts several world-class academic business institutions. Most of the best business schools are private, but programs, campuses and fees vary considerably. To help you decide which business school is best for you, we’ve analysed and compared five of the best business schools in Madrid. We’ve taken into consideration campus life, the range of programmes, course content, career prospects and costs.
EAE Business School
Established in 1958, EAE Business School is one of the capital’s most prestigious schools for business studies. The school offers an excellent range of MBA and Masters programmes, in subjects ranging from International Business to Innovation and Change Management. Students can take advantage of the city’s vibrant cultural life at two centrally located campuses in Republica Argentina and Plaza de Cataluna. The school also offers a business incubator to help students shape and finance their entrepreneurial ventures, an international talent program and business networking with professionals from large companies. Students have gone on to work for some of the world’s biggest brands, such as HP, Nestle and Disney. Prices range from €14,500 to €29,500 for full-time, year-long programs.
IE Madrid
IE Business School offers an excellent range of full-time and part-time programmes for international students (Photo: IE Business School)
Formerly known as the Instituto de Empresa, IE Business School mixes the best of the latest learning technologies with innovative courses to prepare students for today’s market realities. The school offers a choice of full-time and part-time programmes lasting between 10 and 30 months that focus on hard, soft and digital skills in English or English and Spanish. Students also benefit from a year-long mentor programme in which alumni provide support and network-building opportunities in specific fields. Academic partners include Microsoft, Estrella Galicia and Lululemon. Fees range from €25,000 for a Bachelor in Business Administration to €82,300 for an MBA.
ESCP Business School
With six campuses in Berlin, Madrid, London, Paris, Turin and Warsaw, ESCP Business School is a truly interconnected academic institution. Students can choose from a variety of programmes, including MBA, Executive MBA, International MBA and a variety of Masters degrees in finance, business and administration. Education programmes are interdisciplinary and lessons are taught in English. MBA students can choose to live and study in three European countries during the course of their studies and opt to take lessons on campus, online or in a hybrid setting too. Course specialisms include Consulting, Entrepreneurship, Luxury or Fintech and Innovation. Fees average €46,500, though they vary depending on the format of the course.
IESE Business School, University of Navarra
The newly renovated campus at IESE offers state-of-the-art facilities for business students (Photo: IESE Business School)
IESE Business School has offered highly-regarded business programs across Spain for more than 60 years. Students can choose from full-time and part-time programmes, making it an excellent option for those looking to work and study at the same time. As well as offering an Executive MBA, the school offers more specialist topics such as Masters in Management and Global CEO Programs. The new €52 million Madrid campus offers state-of-the-art facilities, including four new amphitheatre classrooms, just 25 minutes from the city centre. At €99,500, program fees are significantly higher than other reputable business schools, though the school does offer generous grants, loans and scholarships.
Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M)
This prestigious university established its Business School in 1993 and has since become one of the city’s most reputable institutions. The school only offers one MBA Program accredited by the Association of MBAs, an 11-month, full-time program delivered in English with extra-curricular Spanish training. Students benefit from long-standing partnerships with the university’s faculties, like Science Park, while the business incubator allows them to work alongside entrepreneurs and investors. Fees are competitive and significantly lower than other private schools, averaging €19,800 for general students and €13,500 for EU students.