International MBA
International MBA
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THE FULL-TIME INTERNATIONAL MBA THAT TRANSFORMS YOUR CAREER
Picture a classroom in Madrid where nearly 60 nationalities learn side by side, and 92% of your classmates come from abroad. That’s the full-time, in-person International MBA.
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.
This full-time MBA combines cutting-edge teaching methodologies, specialized concentrations, and 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.
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.
With a unique, holistic approach, the International MBA is more than just a career move – it's about transforming yourself to achieve lasting success.
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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. You'll begin by mastering core business fundamentals, then move into a flexible structure that allows you to specialize through concentrations, labs, electives, international experiences, and purpose-driven modules.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS:
- A Full-Time Program in Madrid: Study in person in Madrid, with 11-, 15- or 19/23-month options.
- Core Period: Build a strong business foundation with a hands-on, practical approach to management, leadership, and digital innovation.
- Personalized Learning Journey: Choose your concentration, a wide range of electives, career-focused labs or internships, and international exchange options to craft a curated MBA journey that matches your aspirations.
- Global Immersion Experiences: Step into new markets, challenge your worldview, and grow your global network through immersive travel and multicultural teamwork.
- Guidance Every Step of the Way: Get expert mentorship and career support to set your path through our Impact Career and Purpose Accelerators.
- Next Best You: Master the impact skills and mindset you need to thrive in an ever-evolving world.
Our MBA isn't about fitting into a mold—it's about breaking it. Your experience will be as unique as your ambitions: a journey of personal and professional transformation for enduring career success.
Inside the International MBA
Inside the International MBA
WHO IS THE INTERNATIONAL MBA RIGHT FOR?
The International MBA is designed for professionals who want to transform their careers through an MBA in international business administration, gaining the skills, knowledge, and behaviors needed for lasting impact.
Launch a business, accelerate your career or pivot to a new industry: this program is designed to help you achieve your goals. Participants are, on average, 30 years old and bring around six years of professional experience, although the minimum requirement is three years. Whatever your objectives, you’ll learn alongside like-minded peers:
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.
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.
WHAT'S HAPPENING?
WHAT'S HAPPENING?
Explore a dynamic agenda of events, combining expert talks, key sessions, and opportunities to connect.
RANKINGS
- 4international mbain EuropeQS 2025
- 11INTERNATIONAL MBAworldwideQS 2027
- 10European business schoolin EuropeFinancial Times 2024
student profile
student profile
OVERVIEW
SECTOR REPRESENTED IN CLASS (%)
ACADEMIC BACKGROUND (%)
GENDER (%)
CAREER OUTCOMES
CAREER OUTCOMES
SECTORS WHERE OUR ALUMNI WORK (%)
CAREER MOVES AFTER THE PROGRAM (sector vs vertical)
Where our graduates work
Where our graduates work
Job seekers who received a job offer within 6 months after graduation
EMPLOYMENT FUNCTIONS (%)
EMPLOYMENT LOCATIONS
WOMEN LEADERSHIP CHALLENGE
WOMEN LEADERSHIP CHALLENGE
The Women in Leadership Challenge is designed for women who are looking to step into leadership with confidence, purpose, and impact through the International MBA.
It’s an opportunity to challenge the status quo, turn ideas into action, and propose real solutions to today’s business challenges—while connecting with a global community of ambitious women ready to redefine how leadership works.
Thinking of applying?
Explore the participation requirements and discover how the Women in Leadership Challenge can be part of your International MBA journey.
Women in Business: International MBA Awards & Opportunities
Your Questions Answered
Alumni Stories
KOICHI SAITO: THE VENTURE CAPITALIST
Breaking the Mold: John Achkar’s Unconventional Path After IE Business School
In Their Shoes: Samantha Zorn's Journey at the International MBA
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.
Transatlantic Perspective: Dual Degree with IENYC
Transatlantic Perspective: Dual Degree with IENYC
Enhance your MBA experience by pursuing a second specialized degree at IE New York College. This dual program bridges the business ecosystems of Madrid and New York City, enabling you to earn two master's degrees in under two years. Beyond academic immersion in the U.S., international students are eligible to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT). This status allows graduates to work in the U.S. for 12 months, with a potential extension to 36 months for STEM-designated programs.
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.
Real-World Experts
LIVING YOUR MBA
LIVING YOUR MBA
Experience Madrid
Experience Madrid
Madrid is one of the most vibrant and student-friendly cities in Spain, offering an excellent public transport network, a thriving cultural scene, and a dynamic nightlife. Beyond its energy and charm, Spain’s capital is also a hub for major international companies such as Google, Microsoft, and Apple—opening the door to valuable professional opportunities.
With its unique blend of tradition and innovation, Madrid offers an inspiring backdrop for an unforgettable educational journey.
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
From banking to backing founders. International MBA alumna Sarah Finegan used her full-time MBA in Madrid to pivot into venture capital. Today, she is an Associate Partner at Antler, a global early-stage VC firm.
"The MBA was a catalyst for me to compound a lot of different experiences into one, so that I could pivot into something more meaningful."
Watch how the program gave her the clarity, network, and confidence to make the move. And if you want to build your own venture, IE's Entrepreneurship & Innovation Center and our in-house incubator, Area 31, give you direct access to investors, mentors, and a global network of founders.
READ OUR BLOG
STILL UNSURE WHICH MBA IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
STILL UNSURE WHICH MBA IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the International MBA for?
The International MBA is designed for ambitious professionals with a minimum of three years of work experience. On average, participants bring around six years of professional experience to the classroom. The program is ideal for those looking to accelerate their careers, transition into a new industry, move into leadership roles or launch their own venture.
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What is the difference between the Master in Management and the International MBA?
The Master in Management (MiM) is designed for recent graduates and young professionals at the beginning of their careers. The International MBA (IMBA), on the other hand, requires a minimum of three years of work experience, with participants bringing an average of around six years. Both programs are internationally recognized, but they are designed for professionals at different stages of their careers.
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Where is the International MBA taught in Madrid, in what language, and when does it start?
The International MBA is taught in English through full-time in-person classes in Madrid. There are two intake periods each year in September and January
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How long is the International MBA?
You can complete the International MBA in 11 or 15 months or pursue a dual degree in 19 or 23 months. The 11-month option offers a shorter journey, while the 15-month option provides additional time for exploration and practical experience.
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What makes the International MBA different vs. other MBAs in Europe?
The International MBA is built around personalization. Core business foundations come first, then you will tailor your path via concentrations, hands-on IMBA Labs (e.g., Startup, Tech, Business Impact, Social Impact), electives and international experiences (including a Global Immersion Month). This design aligns content with your specific career goals, from consulting to entrepreneurship, tech, marketing, sustainability and more.
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Is the International MBA an official degree in Spain and how many ECTS does it award?
Yes. The International MBA is an official Spanish degree awarding 60 ECTS (36 mandatory + 18 electives + 6 final project) and is registered with the Spanish Ministry’s RUCT. Instruction takes place face-to-face in Madrid.
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What kind of network and community will I join?
You’ll study alongside a diverse, global class, connect with recruiters through on-campus and virtual events and gain access to IE Business School’s wide alumni network. The program foregrounds community building via clubs, events and talent connections.
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How does the International MBA prepare students for the AI era?
The International MBA prepares students to lead in a business environment increasingly shaped by AI. Throughout the programme, you'll develop the strategic thinking, analytical mindset and leadership capabilities needed to understand emerging technologies, make informed decisions and drive innovation. Rather than focusing only on tools, the programme equips you with the skills to create value in a rapidly evolving business landscape.
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Is an MBA still relevant in the age of AI?
Absolutely. While AI is transforming the way businesses operate and automating many routine tasks, the demand for strong leaders has never been greater. Human capabilities such as critical thinking, creativity, judgement, communication and leadership remain essential to turning technology into business impact. Our International MBA develops these skills while helping you understand how to leverage AI responsibly and effectively.
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Is the International MBA a full-time program?
Yes. The International MBA is a full-time program delivered in person, offering an immersive experience that combines classes, practical learning and opportunities to connect with your peers.
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Is the International MBA program fully taught in English?
Yes. The International MBA is taught entirely in English.
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What's the difference between the International MBA (full-time) and the Global MBA (part-time/online) at IE?
The International MBA offers a full-time, in-person learning experience in Madrid. The Global MBA offers part-time study through blended or 100% online formats, allowing participants to continue working while completing their degree. The choice depends on whether you want to dedicate yourself to full-time study or combine your MBA with your professional commitments.
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Why study an international MBA in Madrid, Spain?
Madrid combines a vibrant international business environment with a rich cultural experience. Home to major international companies such as Google, Microsoft and Apple, the city offers an engaging setting to develop your business perspective. Studying at IE Business School also gives you the opportunity to build a global network while experiencing life in Spain’s capital.
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