ESADE MBA

ESADE MBA

ESADE MBA
Ranking : #8

The Esade MBA, offered in Barcelona, Spain, is globally recognized for its flexible 12-, 15-, or 18-month duration options, allowing students to tailor the MBA experience to their career goals. Known for its strong focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership development, Esade attracts a highly diverse international student body. The program emphasizes experiential learning, global exposure, and a collaborative culture, making it an ideal choice for professionals seeking to pivot or accelerate their careers in a dynamic, international business environment.

ESADE MBA – Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve answered some of the most common queries applicants have about this globally respected MBA program

  • Esade offers merit-based, need-based, and diversity scholarships. Indian applicants may also qualify for Asia Leadership Awards or Women in Business scholarships. Many awards are automatically considered upon application

  • Esade has strong links with global recruiters in consulting, tech, finance, and FMCG. International students, including Indians, often secure roles across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, especially with visa sponsorship support

  • Yes. Spain offers a 12-month post-study work visa which allows graduates to stay and seek employment. Many students also receive company-sponsored work permits after securing a job

  • Yes. Students in the 15- or 18-month track can pursue internships. Esade’s Career Development Center facilitates access to summer internships across major industrie

ESADE MBA - Class Profile

Esade Business School’s Full‑Time MBA in Barcelona hosts one of Europe’s most international student bodies. Designed for professionals focused on entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership, and global mindset, the program cultivates a transformative learning environment with rich multicultural collaboration.

Class Profile Highlights (MBA Class of 2025)

  • Class Size: About 180–183 students
  • Average Age: 28–29 years s
  • Average Work Experience: ~6 years
  • International Students: ~95–98% from outside Spain
  • Nationalities Represented: Over 40–50 countries
  • Women in Class: Approximately 34% 

Academic and Professional Backgrounds

  • Undergraduate Degrees:
    • Business/Management: ~36%
    • Engineering: ~25%
    • Technology: ~12%
    • Social Sciences: ~8%
    • Economics: ~7%
  • Pre‑MBA Industries (Class of 2026 as proxy):
    • Consulting: ~18–21%
    • Financial Services & Manufacturing: ~15–19%
    • Technology / FMCG / Media / Others: remaining mix

ESADE MBA – Basic Program Information

The Esade Full‑Time MBA is a globally recognized, flexible, customizable business program in Barcelona designed to empower future leaders through a blend of innovation, entrepreneurship, and international exposure.

• Program Duration:
Choose between 12, 15, or 18 months. The 12-month track delivers an accelerated core curriculum, while the 15‑ and 18‑month options include summer internships and global exchange opportunities.

• Tuition Fee:
The comprehensive tuition for the Full‑Time MBA is €78,500, which covers course materials, on‑campus IT services, library access, and more. MBAFair+2Esade+2Clear Admit+2

• Additional Fees:

  • Application Fee: €135
  • MBA Student Association Fee: €100

• Deposit Schedule:
Upon admission:

  • Reserve your place with an €8,000 non‑refundable fee
  • Pay another €8,000 as a commitment fee by mid-June
    Installments are then split: 50% due in September, remainder in March of the following year.

• Estimated Living Expenses:
Living costs in Barcelona are estimated at €1,100–€2,300 per month. This includes accommodation (€400–€1,000), food (€250–€500), utilities, transport, recreation, and miscellaneous expenses.

ESADE MBA - Employment Report (Class of 2025–26)

Graduates of the Esade MBA program consistently achieve outstanding career outcomes, making it one of the top MBA programs globally in terms of international job opportunities and return on investment.

  • Average Post-MBA Salary:
    €108,500 (~$113,400), among the highest MBA salaries in Europe.
  • Job Offer Rate (3 months post-graduation):
    91%
  • Top Hiring Sectors:
    • Management Consulting – 55%
    • Technology & Product Roles – 11%
    • Investment Banking & Financial Services – 11%
  • Top Hiring Regions:
    • Europe (Northern/Western) – 30%
    • Asia-Pacific – 24%
    • Middle East & Africa – 23%
  • Top Recruiters:
    McKinsey & Company, Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Bain & Company, Amazon, Google, Strategy&
  • Alumni Network:
    66,000+ Esade alumni in 180+ countries, offering access to a powerful global network.

ESADE MBA Program Deadlines & Intakes

Esade offers a single annual intake, starting each September, giving applicants a definitive timeline to plan around and align with professional or academic milestones.

September 2026 Intake (Classes Start: September 2026)

  • Round 1: Application deadline – October 3, 2025
  • Round 2: Application deadline – November 21, 2025
  • Round 3: Application deadline – January 14, 2026
  • Round 4: Application deadline – February 20, 2026
  • Round 5: Application deadline – March 20, 2026
  • Round 6: Application deadline – April 24, 2026
  • Round 7: Application deadline – May 15, 2026
  • Round 8: Application deadline – June 5, 2026
  • Round 9: Application deadline – June 20, 2026

ESADE MBA - Application Requirements

Esade MBA Application Requirements

Prepare a complete and compelling application package to showcase your academic excellence, leadership potential, and international outlook. All materials must be submitted through Esade's online portal before the application deadline.

• GMAT / GRE

  • A valid GMAT or GRE score is required. Competitive scores are preferred.
  • Esade also accepts the Esade Admission Test as an alternative.

• Essays

Applicants must respond to the following prompts as part of the application:

Essay 1
Which aspects have you improved on during your academic and professional career so far? Which tools or values have helped you achieve this?
(3,000 characters)

Essay 2
How will your background, values and non-work-related activities enhance the experience of other ESADE MBA students and add to the diverse culture we strive for at ESADE?
(3,000 characters)

Essay 3
What are your motivations in pursuing a full-time MBA at this point in your life? Describe your mid-term and long-term visions for your post-MBA career path. What is it about Esade you think will help you reach your goals?

Essay 4
Complete two of the following four questions or statements (3,000 characters total):

  • a) I am most proud of…
  • b) People may be surprised to learn that I…
  • c) What has your biggest challenge been and what did it help you learn about yourself?
  • d) Which historical figure do you most identify with and why?

Essay 5 (Optional)
Please provide any additional information that you would like to bring to the attention of the Admissions Committee. This may include gaps in employment, your undergraduate record, plans to retake the GMAT or any other relevant information.
(3,000 characters max)

• Letters of Recommendation

  • One recommendation letter is required.
  • Should be written by someone who knows your professional capabilities well (ideally a current or former supervisor).

• Online Application Form

  • Complete all sections accurately including personal data, academic background, and professional experience.

• Resume (Curriculum Vitae)

  • A one-page CV highlighting academic, professional, and extracurricular experiences.

• Transcripts and Diplomas

  • Scanned copies of original transcripts and diplomas from all academic institutions attended.

• English Language Proficiency

  • Non-native English speakers must demonstrate proficiency via TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent if the undergraduate degree was not taught entirely in English.

• Passport Copy

  • Submit a scanned copy of your passport (valid for the duration of your studies in Spain).

• Application Fee

  • A non-refundable application fee of €135 is required.

Some of Our Students Who Got Admitted to Top MBA Programs

At LilacBuds, we don’t just guide applications—we empower transformations. Our personalized MBA admissions consulting has helped professionals from diverse backgrounds earn admits to top global MBA programs like INSEAD, LBS, Cambridge Judge, and HEC Paris, often with scholarships. Here's what success looks like:

The customized mentorship was invaluable. Lilacbuds helped me curate my resume, shape my story, draft essays, and prepare for interviews. There were always available and provided the right advice at every stage. Their support played a crucial role in securing my MBA admit.

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MBA Class of 2024 Admit

Rajiv’s expert guidance and personalized approach were key to my admission to a top 25 US MBA program. His insights on my essays helped me clearly articulate my vision and confidently present myself, elevating my entire application and boosting my chances of success.

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Top‑25 US MBA admit

The LilacBuds team helped me craft a standout application that truly reflected my journey. Their support across resume, essays, and interviews was timely, thorough, and encouraging. With their help, I secured an admit to Foster School of Business.

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Foster Business School, MBA Class of 2024

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Mohit Malviya

Cornell Tech MBA (GMAT waiver + $15K scholarship)

Lilacbuds helped me transform the essay writing process into an engaging storytelling journey. They also supported me through loan assistance. Ultimately, I received an admit from Cornell Johnson with a $60K scholarship. Their mentorship was key to my success in the MBA application process.

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Cornell Johnson MBA with $60K scholarship

Thanks to LilacBuds’ expert guidance, I received offers from top US and Canadian MBA programs. Their support went beyond just applications—making the entire journey smoother, more strategic, and rewarding. I also received generous scholarship offers along the way.

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Cornell Johnson MBA (with $60K scholarship)