International MBA
International MBA
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TRANSFORM YOUR CAREER BY TRANSFORMING YOURSELF
TRANSFORM YOUR CAREER BY TRANSFORMING YOURSELF
The International MBA is designed for professionals who recognize that the greatest challenges – and the most rewarding opportunities – come from within.
The pace of change can make defining a career path feel overwhelming. How can you choose the right direction, ensure long-term career growth, and find fulfilment? In the International MBA, we answer these questions by focusing on you.
This journey of transformation provides a personalized learning experience, tailored to your strengths, goals, and aspirations. We’ll work with you to identify and refine your skills, while addressing any gaps. And we’ll ensure that you establish a platform for purpose-driven growth by aligning your career path with what truly motivates you.
The program combines cutting-edge teaching methodologies with a focus on the skills and experiences for practical impact. Through our hands-on International MBA Labs, you’ll apply your learning in real-world projects aligned to your area of interest. The Global Immersion Month will empower you to grow your international profile with company visits and social impact initiatives across different European markets.
With a unique, holistic approach, the International MBA is more than just a career move – it’s about transforming yourself to achieve lasting success.
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
WHY STUDY THE INTERNATIONAL MBA?
WHY STUDY THE INTERNATIONAL MBA?
No two career paths are the same. That’s why the International MBA is built around your unique strengths, ambitions, and definition of success.
That starts with drawing up a detailed picture of who you are and your professional goals. Then we’ll work with you to:
- Define your vision: Gain clarity on your goals and what success means to you.
- Tailor your academic experience: Craft a curated MBA journey designed to match your aspirations.
- Equip you with the right tools: Master the impact skills and behaviors you need to thrive.
- Guide you every step of the way: Expert mentorship and career support to set your path.
- Empower you to lead: Graduate with the knowledge and capabilities to achieve your professional goals.
Your International MBA experience will be as unique as your ambitions – a journey of personal and professional transformation for enduring career success.
Overview
WHO IS THE INTERNATIONAL MBA RIGHT FOR?
WHO IS THE INTERNATIONAL MBA RIGHT FOR?
The International MBA is designed for ambitious professionals who are looking to transform their careers with the skills, knowledge, and behaviors needed for lasting impact.
Whether you’re looking to launch a business, accelerate your career, or pivot to a new industry, this program is tailored to help you achieve your goals. With an average age of 30 and around six years of professional experience, you’ll find like-minded peers whatever your objectives:
Entrepreneurs and Founders
Gain the skills, connections, and mindset to launch and scale businesses.
Career Accelerators
Define your personal career goals and develop the skills to make them reality.
Industry Changers
Transition into a new role or sector and align your career with your sense of purpose.
Future Proofers
Upskill or reskill to get ahead in an evolving job market.
Aspiring Leaders
Develop the strategic thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills to take your career to the C-suite.
Global Networkers
Expand your professional footprint and engage with a diverse international community of peers and alumni.
- International MBA Program Specialists
NEED HELP FIGURING OUT WHAT’S NEXT?
At IE Business School, we know what jobs are out there and the skills recruiters want. If you want to explore your career options, contact us today and we’ll gladly share our expertise with you – no strings attached.
Upcoming events
Upcoming events
Stay ahead in your career journey by joining our upcoming International MBA events. Whether you're looking to deepen your understanding of the program, connect with our global community, or explore networking opportunities, these events are tailored to give you valuable insights and firsthand experiences.
Program Structure
Program Structure
CHOOSE THE DURATION THAT'S RIGHT FOR YOU
CHOOSE THE DURATION THAT'S RIGHT FOR YOU
The International MBA gives you the flexibility to design a personalized academic journey that aligns with your career goals, experience, and timeline.
Whether you want to upskill to advance in your current role, explore new career opportunities, or even expand your options with a dual degree, you can choose the program duration that best fits your ambitions.
Breaking down your options
Breaking down your options
Your transformational journey starts with a choice: select the duration that fits your goals and lifestyle — 11, 15, or opt for a dual-degree format of 19/23 months.
In this section, you’ll discover what makes the International MBA a truly customizable and forward-thinking program. From cutting-edge learning labs to global immersion experiences, it’s designed to challenge, inspire, and prepare you for the future of business.
Whether you're aiming to pivot your career, launch a venture, or accelerate your professional growth, the International MBA provides the tools, mindset, and global network to drive what’s next.
11 months
Gain the essential skills and knowledge to accelerate your career growth in your chosen field. Customize your journey with the right pathway for you – choices include consulting, entrepreneurship, tech, or marketing. Leverage a tailored learning experience and our expert guidance to take your career to the next level.
15 months
Ideal for exploring your career options and deeper specialization. Expand your global business perspective and develop the skills to pivot in your career, switch industries, or launch a startup with confidence. Specialize in areas that align with your goals and stand out in a fiercely competitive job market.
19/23 months - Dual Degree
Earn a Dual Degree in less than two years, combining the International MBA with a specialized master’s degree. Expand your career horizons with a deeper academic experience. Develop an expert understanding of global business and leadership and put yourself at the forefront of industry trends.
Visualizing the International MBA Experience
Visualizing the International MBA Experience
A visual journey into a transformative program that adapts to who you are and where you want to go. With customizable concentrations, hands-on labs, and immersive global experiences, the International MBA empowers you to shape a career path aligned with your strengths, and aspirations — turning ambition into impact.
- PRE PROGRAM
- CORE 1 & 2
- CONCENTRATIONS
- LABS OR INTERSHIP
- ELECTIVE PERIOD & GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES15 MONTH OPTION
- FINAL INTEGRATIVE EXERCISE
- MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR IMBA
- dESCRIPTION
- BUSINESS FOUNDATIONS I
- BUSINESS FOUNDATIONS II
- Description
- Concentrations
- Description
- Labs
- INTERNSHIP
- CHOOSE BETWEEN
- Intership & ELectives
- FINAL INTEGRATIVE EXERCISE
- Description
- IMPACT SKILLS ACCELERATOR
- CAREER DISCOVERY ACCELERATOR
- JOB PREP & SEARCH
- DUAL DEGREE19 months
- PRE PROGRAM
- CORE 1 & 2
- CONCENTRATIONS
- LABS OR INTERSHIP
- ELECTIVE PERIOD & GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES 15 MONTH OPTION
- FINAL INTEGRATIVE EXERCISE
- MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR IMBA
*Please note that our program content is continually updated to remain in sync with market demands. Therefore, we advise you that the content is subject to change and it can be dependent on student demand.
OFFICIAL DEGREE
OFFICIAL DEGREE
The International MBA is an official degree that awards a total of 60 ECTS credits. Students must meet the following conditions and requirements to be officially enrolled and entitled to request the official university degree upon completion of the master program. If educational prerequisites are not provided and/or if the requirements are not met on time, the student will not be able to request the official university degree as issued by the Spanish government. In this case, the studies will not be official under Spanish educational regulations.
MAKE IT A DUAL DEGREE - DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT
MAKE IT A DUAL DEGREE - DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT
Pursue two disciplines while gaining insight from different perspectives and ways of thinking. You'll cover the contents of two master's programs—and graduate with two diplomas—ensuring in-depth expertise that maximizes your value in the job market.
PUT YOUR SKILLS TO THE TEST WITH INTERNATIONAL MBA LABS
PUT YOUR SKILLS TO THE TEST WITH INTERNATIONAL MBA LABS
A key feature of the program is the International MBA Labs – a five-week, hands-on experience where you’ll work on real-world challenges, develop practical business skills, and apply your learning in high-impact environments.
Taking place in the third term, these labs put you at the heart of real projects with top companies and organizations. Offering a unique chance to challenge yourself in a practical environment, International MBA labs will enhance your abilities and cement your learning.
To align with your specific area of interest, students can choose from four labs:
- Startup Lab – Create your own startup with support from experienced mentors and pitch your project to investors.
- Tech Lab – Develop innovative solutions to real-world challenges for leading tech companies like Microsoft and IBM.
- Business Impact Lab – Tackle strategic business challenges for global brands such as Johnson & Johnson, McDonald's, Heineken, Lego, and Nissan.
- Social Impact Lab – Work as a social development consultant with NGOs to help define their needs and achieve their goals.
Each lab is designed to sharpen the skills that will define future business leaders: critical thinking, collaboration, problem-solving, and communication.
IMBA Labs are the ideal environment to lead, test your skills, and grow.
Discover our events
Discover our events
Everything you need to know about our International MBA
Experience Global Immersion Month with the International MBA
Experience Global Immersion Month with the International MBA
The Global Immersion Month offers International MBA students the opportunity to deepen their international perspective through hands-on learning in leading global markets.
Class profile
Class profile
The International MBA brings together professionals from diverse industries, backgrounds, and disciplines, creating a rich and dynamic learning environment. This diversity not only enhances classroom discussions but also opens doors to global networking and career opportunities.
Discover how this unique mix of talent and experience can shape your MBA journey.
- 92%International Students
- +44Nationalities
- 30Average age
gENDER
MaleFemaleAcademic Backgrounds
BusinessEngineeringEconomicsLegalScienceSocial Sciences & HumanitiesTechnologySectors represented in class
ConsultingConsumer products & RetailBanking, Insurance, Financial ServicesTechnology, TelecommunicationsMarketing / Advertisement / CommunicationTransport / Logistics / AutomotiveReal estate / ConstructionHealthcare, Pharma, BiotechnologyOther
RANKINGS
RANKINGS
- 4international mbain EuropeQS 2025
- 9INTERNATIONAL MBAworldwideQS 2025
- 10European business schoolin EuropeFinancial Times 2024
Where will our International MBA take you?
Where will our International MBA take you?
YOUR OPPORTUNITIES IN THE WORLD OF WORK
YOUR OPPORTUNITIES IN THE WORLD OF WORK
Where will our International MBA take you? Gain exclusive, up-to-date insights and explore the career paths our alumni are taking after graduation to help you plan your next career move.
ACADEMIC PARTNERS OF THE INTERNATIONAL MBA
ACADEMIC PARTNERS OF THE INTERNATIONAL MBA
These are some of the Academic Partners in the International MBA:
Alumni Stories
Alumni Stories
KOICHI SAITO | THE VENTURE CAPITALIST
Breaking the Mold: John Achkar’s Unconventional Path After IE Business School
LIVING YOUR MBA
LIVING YOUR MBA
Experience outside the classroom
Experience outside the classroom
Studying in Madrid, you’ll be immersed in a global business hub that blends professional opportunities with an unmatched cultural and social scene. Spain’s capital is home to major global companies like Google, Microsoft, and Apple, offering countless networking and career opportunities.
And famed for its student-friendly environment, the city’s vibrant nightlife, affordable public transport, and thriving alternative scene make it the perfect place for personal and professional growth.
Additional Highlights:
- Excellence in Education: Home to IE University, one of the world’s leading institutions, Madrid offers cutting-edge programs with a strong international focus, innovative learning methods, and a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment.
- Strategic Location: As a gateway to Europe, Latin America, and beyond, Madrid provides excellent global connectivity.
- Rich Cultural Heritage: From the Prado Museum to Flamenco shows, the city offers a unique blend of history and modernity.
- Culinary Delights: Enjoy traditional Spanish cuisine, from tapas to Michelin-starred dining experiences.
- Sunshine & Outdoor Lifestyle: With over 300 days of sunshine per year, Madrid’s parks and plazas create the perfect setting for socializing and relaxation.
EXTRACURRICULARS
EXTRACURRICULARS
With 120+ student clubs to choose from, there’s a place for everyone to embrace their passions and discover new ones. Expand your interests, build connections, and develop leadership skills outside the classroom. Popular clubs include:
- IE Sports and Wellbeing
- IE Net Impact Club
- IE Women in Business
NURTURING YOUR ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT
NURTURING YOUR ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT
IE’s Entrepreneurship & Innovation Center provides direct access to investors, mentors, and a global network of entrepreneurs with the expertise to help you launch your own venture.
Our in-house incubator, Area 31, offers a dedicated workspace for startups created by IE alumni. Explore every aspect of entrepreneurship and innovation with support from experienced founders and disruptors.
OUR FACULTY ARE HERE TO GUIDE YOU
OUR FACULTY ARE HERE TO GUIDE YOU
Meet the International MBA Vice-Dean David Suarez
Meet the International MBA Vice-Dean David Suarez
With more than 25 years in strategy and management consulting, David Suarez brings deep expertise in leadership, business transformation, and organizational strategy to the International MBA.
- Partner at PwC – Led human capital consulting in the Middle East.
- Former Vice President (Partner) at Booz & Company in the Organization, Change and Leadership Practice.
- Deloitte Consulting – Advised clients across Europe and the Americas.
- Deep expertise in human capital strategy, talent and leadership development, change management, business transformation, governance, and more.
- Future of work focus – Studying how organizations handle megatrends including impact of tech disruption and demographic shifts.
At IE Business School, David uses his expertise to help students craft the career path that is right for them, developing the skills and mindsets to empower the next generation of global business leaders.
THE NEXT BEST YOU
THE NEXT BEST YOU
Education at IE goes beyond externalities. It creates game-changing moments that transform who you are personally and professionally. You are unique. Understanding and building on your particular aspirations, strengths and blind spots is the best preparation to lead in a rapidly changing world. That’s why we tailor the International MBA to elevate you, as an individual, above all else. The journey won’t be easy. Change demands challenge, honesty and leaving your comfort zone. Who is the next best you? Identify your career path, boost your impact and hone your purpose to find out.
YOUR CAREER
When choosing something as important as a career, there are so many options and so much information. We help you cut through the noise. Let us help you get to know yourself better, explore your options and get on the career path that’s right for you. Using the insight gleaned from our connections to the business community and analysis of the labor market, we help you curate your future-proof career path and sharpen the set of skills that recruiters are after. Find what’s best for you and pursue it.
YOUR IMPACT
What does it take to change the world? Your impact depends on your ideas, behavior and digital skills. No matter the context, top companies, startups and social enterprises strive to find people who can make big things happen, professionals who can harness available resources to forge solutions to real-world challenges. From creative thinking to alliance building and data-driven decision-making, this program will give you what you need to become a high-impact business professional.
YOUR PURPOSE
On massive societal challenges ranging from climate change to inequality, there’s no question that the business community will play a pivotal role. What that role will look like depends on you, on the individuals driving forward companies and sectors. That’s why we are passionate about guiding you to find your deeper purpose, refine it, align it with your career and make the world a genuinely better place. It’s not a platitude; it’s our commitment.
DISCOVER MORE ABOUT OUR ACCELERATORS
DISCOVER MORE ABOUT OUR ACCELERATORS
The Accelerators are an integral part of the International MBA at IE Business School, guiding you through a transformative journey of self-discovery and growth. They provide essential knowledge, competencies, and skills in a focused and comprehensive way.
GET TO KNOW OUR COMMUNITY
GET TO KNOW OUR COMMUNITY
STILL UNSURE WHICH MBA IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
DEGREE INFORMATION AND INTERNAL QUALITY ASSURANCE SYSTEM
DEGREE INFORMATION AND INTERNAL QUALITY ASSURANCE SYSTEM
APPLICABLE REGULATIONS OF THE PROGRAM
APPLICABLE REGULATIONS OF THE PROGRAM
FACT SHEET
PROGRAM
Máster Universitario en Administración Internacional de Empresas / Master in International Business Administration (IMBA) por la IE Universidad
DURATION
11,15,19 Months
LANGUAGE
English
CENTRES OF STUDY AND NUMBER OF PLACES
Centro de Estudios Superiores IE (Madrid) – 600 places
CREDITS
Total number of credits: 60 ECTS*
Distribution of credits and subjects**:
Mandatory subjects – 36 ECTS
Elective subjects – 18 ECTS
Final Project – 6 ECTS
AREA OF KNOWLEDGE
Economic Sciences, Business Administration, Marketing, Trade, Accounting and Tourism
TEACHING METHODOLOGY
Face-to-face
DEGREE DATA & INTERNAL QUALITY ASSURANCE SYSTEM
SPANISH MINISTRY’S REGISTRY OF UNIVERSITIES, CENTRES AND DEGREES
ASSURANCE AGENCY
ACSUCYL*** – Buscador Títulos Oficiales
REPORT ON THE PROPOSAL FOR A SUBSTANTIAL MODIFICATION OF THE OFFICIAL DEGREE (2023)
RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF UNIVERSITIES REGARDING THE ACCREDITATION OF THE DEGREE PROGRAMME LEADING TO THE AWARD OF THE DEGREE (2020)
*European Credit Transfer System
**The character of the subjects is defined by the Spanish legislation
***Quality Assurance Agency for the University System in Castilla y León
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS ‘THE NEXT BEST YOU’?
At IE Business School, The Next Best You about helping you grow – both personally and professionally. We take the time to understand who you are, your career goals, and what kind of leader you want to become. Then we curate a learning journey designed to get you there.
Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, the International MBA is designed around you. Through personalized learning paths, career coaching, and hands-on experiences, we’ll help you develop the skills, knowledge, and behaviors for lasting success.
Who is the International MBA for?
The International MBA is a program of personal transformation aimed at professionals with an average of six years of work experience. The average age in the classroom is 30, and the program is open to students of any academic and/or professional background.
What is the length and format of the International MBA?
The International MBA is a full-time program in Madrid that you can complete in 11, 15, or 19 months, depending on your goals and schedule. We offer two intakes per year, in January and September.
How is the International MBA structured?
The International MBA is a highly customizable program that allows you to tailor your learning journey to your career ambitions.
In the first two “Core” periods of the program, you’ll cover essential business fundamentals.
After that, you’ll choose a practical International MBA Lab module, where you’ll apply your learning in real-world projects. Lab options include: Startup, Tech, Business Impact, and Social Impact.
Then in the final stage, you can specialize further through electives or a concentration in the area most relevant to you.
What is the difference between the Master in Management and the International MBA?
The Master in Management is designed for recent graduates with up to two years’ experience, with an average age of 21-25. The International MBA is designed for professionals with at least three years of experience, with an average age of 30. To discuss which option is right for you, contact our Global Recruitment Team here.