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International MBA

Curated learning for the Next Best You
duration11, 15 or 19 months
languageEnglish
locationMadrid
intakeSeptember & January
MODE OF STUDYFull-time
FORMATIn-person

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. 

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WANT TO KNOW MORE?

Your Program: A Journey Designed Around You

At IE Business School, we believe there’s no single path to success—only the one that’s right for you. That’s why the International MBA is more than a degree: it’s a customizable journey that puts your personal and professional goals at the center.

Whether you're pivoting industries, launching a startup, or climbing the corporate ladder, this transformational experience adapts to your ambitions. 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:

  • Core Period: Build a strong business foundation with a hands-on, practical approach to management, leadership, and digital innovation.
  • Personalized Learning Journey: Choose from a wide range of electives, career-focused labs, and international exchange options that align with your goals.
  • Global Immersion Experiences: Step into new markets, challenge your worldview, and grow your global network through immersive travel and multicultural teamwork.
  • Next Best You: Develop the skills and mindset needed to thrive in an ever-evolving world.

Our MBA isn’t about fitting into a mold—it’s about breaking it. We equip you with the tools, mindset, and experiences to define success on your own terms and lead with impact in any industry, anywhere in the world.

Are you ready to become the Next Best You?

In Their Shoes l Samantha Zorn's Journey at the International MBA
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  • 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

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.

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. 

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

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.

KEY AREAS

  • BUSINESS CORE

  • CONCENTRATION

  • PERSONALIZED EXPERIENCE AND PRACTICAL APPLICATION (LABS OR INTERNSHIPS)

  • ELECTIVE PERIOD AND GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES

  • IMPACT CAREER IMPACT AND PURPOSE ACCELERATORS

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. 

RANKINGS

  • 4
    international mbain Europe
    QS 2025
  • 9
    INTERNATIONAL MBAworldwide
    QS 2025
  • 10
    European business schoolin Europe
    Financial Times 2024

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.

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​YOUR FUTURE NETWORK

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.

  • Title

    Male
    Female
  • Academic Backgrounds

    Business
    Engineering
    Economics
    Legal
    Science
    Social Sciences & Humanities
    Technology
  • Sectors represented in class

    Consulting
    Consumer products & Retail
    Banking, Insurance, Financial Services
    Technology, Telecommunications
    Marketing / Advertisement / Communication​
    Transport / Logistics / Automotive​
    Real estate / Construction​
    Healthcare, Pharma, Biotechnology
    Other
  • 92%
    International Students
  • +44
    Nationalities
  • 30
    Average age

CAREER OUTCOMES

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.

    Alumni Stories

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      KOICHI SAITO | THE VENTURE CAPITALIST

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      Breaking the Mold: John Achkar’s Unconventional Path After IE Business School

    OUR FACULTY ARE HERE TO GUIDE YOU 

    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. 

    LIVING YOUR MBA 

    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.

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    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 

    Extracurriculars | IE University

    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.

    Nurturing your Entrepreneurial Spirit | IE University

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • At IE Business School, The Next Best You about is helping you grow – both personally and professionally, our guiding philosophy: the International MBA is designed not just to boost your career, but to help you redefine your purpose, impact and leadership style. Through a mix of immersive learning, career discovery and personal development, you’ll graduate as the most empowered, future-ready

    • This program is for ambitious professionals with several years of work experience who want to accelerate their careers, broaden their global outlook and develop into versatile leaders. Whether you are looking to pivot industries, move into leadership roles or launch your own venture, the International MBA provides the skills and network to make it happen.

    • The International MBA is highly flexible: you can complete it in 11, 15, 19 or 23 months, depending on your personal and professional goals. The program takes place in Madrid, with opportunities for global immersion, international labs and exchanges.

    • The program combines core business foundations with customizable labs, electives, and leadership development. Students can choose focus areas, join hands-on experiences like Start-Up Lab, Tech Lab, Social Impact Lab, and take part in global exchanges or consulting projects. This flexible structure allows you to tailor the MBA to your career aspirations.

    • The Master in Management (MiM) is designed for recent graduates and young professionals at the start of their careers. The International MBA (IMBA), on the other hand, is for professionals with significant work experience who want to accelerate their trajectory, take on leadership roles, or shift industries. Both are internationally recognized, but they serve different career stages.