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Freshmen students | IE University

Freshmen students

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IE University welcomes candidates who have demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence, from over 60 different educational systems. Our academic requirements are meant to be a reference of the rigurosity of our selection process.

Our process is based on an admissions scoring system, which assigns points based on various factors, including:

  • Academic Records
  • Extracurricular Involvement
  • Personal Background
  • English Certificate
  • Admission Test Scores (ie Admission Test, SAT, ACT or LNAT)
  • Performance in the Online Assessment
  • Interview Evaluation

By taking this multifaceted approach, we aim to ensure that our student body is composed of individuals who excel academically while also bringing diverse perspectives, talents, and experiences to the IE University community.

Candidates with outstanding academic results may be eligible for a definitive admission from IE University, based on their strong academic track record and scoring points from the admissions process.

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IE University Admissions Department

The aim of the IE University Admissions Department is to guide you in your choice and discover whether you meet the criteria to succeed in your selected bachelor program. We provide you with individual attention: you will be assigned a contact person in the Admissions Department, who will liaise with you in all your communications with IE University during your journey to becoming a student here.

Below you’ll find some helpful information about the IE University entry requirements and the legal requirements to access higher education in Spain. Don’t hesitate to contact our Admissions Department (undergrad.admissions@ie.edu) with any questions.

UNIVERSITY ENTRY REQUIREMENTS 

Diversity is highly valued in our admissions process. Over 80% of our students are international and represent more than 140 different countries. Our students speak three languages on average, and come from more than 60 different educational systems. This diversity enriches our students’ experience and fosters reflection, debate and the exchange of ideas.

Some relevant aspects about the entry requirements that you should bear in mind, are:

  • 01.

    initial exam results for admission

    We only consider initial exam results for admission. Retake scores for partial exams may be considered, but we do not take into account retakes of final exams or grades from extraordinary intakes during the admissions process.

  • 02.

    requirements established by the Ministry of Education

    Remember that IE University is recognized by the Spanish Government. To be officially enrolled, all students must comply with the requirements established by the Ministry of Education. As a general rule, a student is required to meet the university entry requirements from their country of residence to be able to study officially in Spain.

  • 03.

    Foundational years and pre-university courses

    Foundational years and pre-university courses will not be considered as part of the admissions process, and they may not be eligible for recognition by the Ministry of Education.

  • 04.

    Secondary Education Diploma

    Furthermore, according to Constitutional Court Ruling 133/2010, if you completed your studies online or through distance education outside of Spain, your studies won't be recognized as equivalent to a Secondary Education Diploma. Similarly, if you pursued distance education / completed an online education from a foreign educational system, while living in Spain, those studies will not be eligible for validation as the First Year of Baccalaureate or a Baccalaureate diploma.

    EDUCATIONAL SYSTEMS

    The information below is provided as guidance for the most popular educational systems represented on campus. These guidelines are purely advisory and do not guarantee admission.

    • IE University requires a minimum of three A-Levels, and our applications range from ABB to A*A*A*, in the ordinary intake. Retakes will not be accepted.  

      Candidates with a predicted grade of AAA or higher, after successfully completing our admissions scoring process, may be eligible for a definitive admissions offer from IE University, under the condition they complete their full A-level exams. Candidates with a predicted within the entry requirement range may be eligible for a conditional admission, conditioned to their final grade results.   

      Additionally, IE University strongly recommends taking subjects relevant to your chosen program. If you are not able to provide relevant subjects you may be asked for some additional academic requirements.  

      Although the Spanish government also requires a minimum of five GCSEs at grade C or higher, IE University applicants should preferably have obtained As and Bs, especially in the subjects relevant to their chosen program.  

      Remember that The Ministry of Education requires the official GCE or IGCSE results to homologate your A-Level studies.   

    • IE University welcomes IB Diploma students. The rich, diverse and globalized learning environment we offer enhances learning for each individual and our unique learning environment provides a seamless transition from the IB Diploma to IE University.  

      The average final IB score of our students is 36. Typical admissions are based on scores between 32 and 45. We only accept the first IB results; retake exam scores will not be considered.  

      Candidates with a predicted grade of 36 or higher, after successfully completing our admissions scoring process, may be eligible for a definitive admissions offer from IE University, under the condition they complete their final exams. Candidates with a predicted within the entry requirement range may be eligible for a conditional admission, conditioned to their final grade results.  

      IB students must present the full IB Diploma, as the IB Certificate is not legally accepted in Spain. Furthermore, it's essential to understand that the last two years of the IB program cannot be separated.  

      Specific subjects may be required depending on the bachelor’s program.  

      Final IB results should be submitted to IE University electronically via the IBO.  

      You will need the following codes to give us access to your results:  

      IB UNIVERSITY CODE:   

      • IE Universidad (IE University) - All campuses - N004354   

    • The average final BAC grade of our students is 15/20. We are looking for final BAC results of 14 or over (Mention Bien and Mention Très Bien). Please note that we will take a holistic approach when assessing your application.

      Letters of recommendations and transcripts can be accepted in French.

      The Baccalauréat professionnel is not accepted.

      Candidates applying with the Baccalauréat technologique will only be assessed if their academic trajectory and overall profile are outstanding.

      Specific subjects may be required depending on the bachelor’s program.

    • You should be aiming for a final average of 2.3 to 1 with Sehr Gut or Gut in subjects most closely related to the bachelor’s program you want to study.

      We do not accept “Fachhochschulreife,” “Mittlere/Realschulabschluss” or “Hauptschulabschluss.”

    • We are looking for a GPA score of 3.2 or higher (unweighted).

      Although not required, AP and Honors Courses are highly recommended.

      Specific subjects may be required depending on the bachelor’s program.

      Important note: The Spanish Ministry of Education requires students graduating with a US Diploma to present the transcripts of the last three years of High School (Years 10, 11 and 12), and does not allow students to skip any academic years. Students enrolled only in year 12 and graduating with the US Diploma are expected to present transcripts of the equivalent to Years 10 and 11 in their corresponding academic systems, otherwise they won’t be able to obtain homologation in the Spanish educational system.

    • The minimum requirements for the Italian national system are 7/10, with a 75/100 minimum for your final Maturità score. Specific subjects may be required depending on the bachelor’s program.

      Letters of recommendations and transcripts can be accepted in Italian. Istituto Tecnico and Istituto Professionale are not accepted.

    • We only accept the first EBAU/EvAU results from June; retake exam scores will not be considered.

      We are looking for an average Bachillerato score of at least 7.5, and an overall score in the mandatory section of your CAU of higher than 7.5/10.

      IE University does not require students to have taken any specific subject for the Fase Voluntaria of the EvAU/EBAU, but it is highly recommended and valued during the admissions process if any subjects related to the program of study are taken.

      Specific subjects may be required depending on the bachelor’s program.

    • We are looking for an average of 4.6 out of 6.

      Specific subjects may be required depending on the bachelor’s program.

    • We expect a minimum of 14 – 15 out of 20 on average in the Ensino Secundário.

      Please note that you will be required to submit the Direcçao Geral do Ensino Superior certificate (DGES) and the  Exames Nacionais do Ensino Secundário card (ENES).

      Specific subjects may be required depending on the bachelor’s program.

    • Certificate of the Vitnemal fra den Videregaende Skole with an average of 4.25 out of 6.

      Specific subjects may be required depending on the bachelor’s program.

    • EB Diploma awarded. We typically require a minimum of 75-80% in the European Baccalaureate.

      Specific subjects may be required depending on the bachelor’s program.

    • Award of the Certificat d'Enseignement Secondaire Superieur (CESS) or Diploma van Secundair Onderwijs with an overall grade of; at least; 75%.

      Specific subjects may be required depending on the bachelor’s program.

    • You should be aiming for a final average of at least 7.2.

      Specific subjects may be required depending on the bachelor’s program.

    • Prospective students should possess a solid understanding of mathematics. Specific subjects may be required, depending on which bachelor's program you are applying for.

      The information below is provided as general guidance for the equivalent levels recommended. These guidelines are purely advisory and do not guarantee admission.

      Admission decisions are made by evaluating each application within the context of the courses available to the student. If a required subject is unavailable at your school, your application will still be considered. We also offer pre-programs or support for students in such cases.

      • INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE (IB)

        IE School of Science & Technology:

        • Bachelor in Applied Mathematics: Mathematics AA HL.
        • Bachelor in Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence: Mathematics AA HL/SL, Math AI HL. If taking computer science, Math AI SL can also be considered.
        • Bachelor in Data & Business Analytics: Math AA HL/SL, Math AI HL. If taking computer science and/or physics, Math AI SL can also be considered.
        • Bachelor in Environmental Sciences for Sustainability: Math AA HL/SL plus at least one of these subjects: Environmental Systems and Society HL/SL, Biology HL/SL, Chemistry HL/SL, Physics HL/SL.

        IE Business School and IE School of Politics, Economics &Global Affairs:

        • Bachelor in Business Administration/Bachelor in Economics/Bachelor in Philosophy, Politics, Law & Economics: Ideally Mathematics AA HL/SL. Mathematics AI can also be considered.

        IE School of Architecture & Design:

        • Bachelor in Architectural Studies: Mathematics AA/AI HL/SL.

      • A-LEVELS

        IE School of Science & Technology:

        • Bachelor in Applied Mathematics: Mathematics and Further Mathematics (if no A-Level in Further Mathematics, AS-Level can be considered).
        • Bachelor in Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence: Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Computer Science, Digital Technology, Information Technology, Physics, Software Systems Development.
        • Bachelor in Data & Business Analytics: Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Computer Science, Digital Technology, Information Technology, Physics, Software Systems Development, Statistics. May also consider Accounting, Business, Economics, Psychology or Sociology, but a pre-math course will be required.
        • Bachelor in Environmental Sciences for Sustainability: Mathematics. We positively value applicants with an additional A-Level in Physics, Statistics, Biology, Chemistry, Global Perspectives and Research, or Marine Science. AS-Level Environmental Management may also be considered.

        IE Business School and IE School of Politics, Economics &Global Affairs:

        • Bachelor in Business Administration/Bachelor in Economics/Bachelor in Philosophy, Politics, Law & Economics: We positively value applicants taking a quantitative subject (Accounting, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology, Statistics, etc.) along with a GCSE in Mathematics.

        IE School of Architecture & Design:

        • Bachelor in Architectural Studies: We positively value applicants taking a quantitative subject (Mathematics, Physics, etc.) along with a GCSE in Mathematics and Physics.

      • US HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA

        IE School of Science & Technology:

        • Bachelor in Applied Mathematics: At least two of these subjects: AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Physics 1/2/C.
        • Bachelor in Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence: AP Calculus AB and BC, or AP Calculus and AP Computer Science A/Principles.
        • Bachelor in Data & Business Analytics: At least one of these subjects: AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Statistics, AP Computer Science.
        • Bachelor in Environmental Sciences for Sustainability: AP Calculus AB/BC. We positively value applicants taking AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Environmental Science and AP Physics 1/2.

        IE Business School and IE School of Politics, Economics & Global Affairs:

        • Bachelor in Business Administration/Bachelor in Economics/Bachelor in Philosophy, Politics, Law & Economics: AP Calculus is desirable.

        IE School of Architecture & Design:

        • Bachelor in Architectural Studies: AP exams in Calculus and Geometry.

      • FRENCH BACCALAURÉAT (BAC)

        IE School of Science & Technology:

        • Bachelor in Applied Mathematics: Math Expert. Math SPE may also be considered.
        • Bachelor in Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence: Math Expert. Math SPE may also be considered.
        • Bachelor in Data & Business Analytics: Math Expert and Math SPE. Math Complémentaire may also be considered.
        • Bachelor in Environmental Sciences for Sustainability: Math Expert and Math SPE. Math Complémentaire may also be considered. Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Geology are recommended.

        IE Business School and IE School of Politics, Economics & Global Affairs:

        • Bachelor in Business Administration / Bachelor in Economics / Bachelor in Philosophy, Politics, Law & Economics: Ideally Math SPE. Math Complémentaire may also be considered.

        IE School of Architecture & Design:

        • Bachelor in Architectural Studies: Ideally Maths Expert or Math SPE. Math Complémentaire may also be considered.

      • ITALIAN LICEO/ESAME DI MATURITÀ

        IE School of Science & Technology:

        • Bachelor in Applied Mathematics/Bachelor in Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence: Liceo Scientifico Mathematics.
        • Bachelor in Data & Business Analytics: Liceo Scientifico Mathematics. You may be considered if you are studying Mathematics in a different Liceo.
        • Bachelor in Environmental Sciences for Sustainability: Liceo Scientifico Mathematics. Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Earth Science are also recommended.

        IE Business School and IE School of Politics, Economics & Global Affairs:

        • Bachelor in Business Administration/Bachelor in Economics/Bachelor in Philosophy, Politics, Law & Economics: ideally Liceo Scientifico Mathematics.

        IE School of Architecture & Design:

        • Bachelor in Architectural Studies: Liceo Scientifico Mathematics.

      • SPANISH BACHILLERATO

        IE School of Science & Technology:

        • Bachelor in Applied Mathematics, Bachelor in Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence: Matemáticas II (Sciences Bachillerato).
        • Bachelor in Data & Business Analytics: Matemáticas II (Sciences Bachillerato). Mathemáticas para CCSS may also be considered.
        • Bachelor in Environmental Sciences for Sustainability: Matemáticas II. We also recommend having two of the following: Biology, Physics, Geology or Chemistry.

        IE Business School and IE School of Politics, Economics & Global Affairs:

        • Bachelor in Business Administration/Bachelor in Economics/Bachelor in Philosophy, Politics, Law & Economics: Matemáticas para CCSS or Matemáticas II.

        IE School of Architecture & Design:

        • Bachelor in Architectural Studies: Matemáticas II.

        If you have any doubts regarding your specific educational system, please contact the Admissions Department at undergrad.admissions@ie.edu. 

      • OTHER OPTIONS FOR IE SCHOOL OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

        For candidates without the specified academic backgrounds mentioned above, an alternative pathway may be considered. This consists of the completion of a four-year mathematics program, covering algebra, geometry, trigonometry, analytic geometry, elementary functions (pre-calculus) and preferably calculus.

    OTHER REQUIREMENTS

    Admissions test | IE University

    IEU Admissions test

    As part of our Admissions Process, we require candidates to take our IEU Admissions Test which allows us to measure their verbal, logical and numerical skills. It also evaluates their English level.

    Alternatively, we accept the following globally recognized tests:
    • New SAT: Minimum 1200. 25th/75th Percentile: 1270/1460 (IE University’s identification code “6293”)
    • ACT: Minimum 24 (IE University’s identification code “5360”)
    • LNAT: Minimum 22 (only for Law School programs)
    • OMPT-B or OMPT-D (specially for programs within School of Science and Technology)

    ENGLISH PROFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS

    All our programs are taught completely in English, therefore all candidates will have their English communication skills assessed during the admissions process.

    The possession of a language certificate will be necessary for non-native English speakers unless they have been living in an English-speaking country for more than two years or they have studied in an English-speaking educational system (such as American High School, IB in English or A-levels) for their entire education,or at least for the last two years of high school.

    Should the Admissions Committee determine that the candidate does not have the required level of English, they may request that the candidate submit a language certificate.

    The validity of all previously mentioned English language certificates for IE University’s admissions process is two years from the date you took the exam. The testing institutions must share your exam results directly with IE University.

    English proficiency requirements | IE University

    Accepted language certificates:

    • TOEFL: minimum score of 100, 105 recommended. TOEFL Code for IE University is 5522
    • Cambridge: Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) or C2 Proficiency (CPE)
    • IELTS: minimum 7, 7.5 recommended
    • Duolingo English Test: minimum score of 130

    ENTRY LEGAL REQUIREMENTS

    IE University is recognized by the Spanish Government. To be officially enrolled, all students must comply with the requirements established by the Ministry of Education.

    You must hand in or submit by post the corresponding documents to IE University Admissions in Madrid or Segovia before October 15th.

    REQUIREMENTS TO ACCESS SPANISH UNIVERSITY STUDIES AS A FRESHMAN STUDENT. It will open in a new tab

    REQUIREMENTS TO ACCESS SPANISH UNIVERSITY STUDIES AS A FRESHMAN STUDENT