International MBA students
Student satisfaction rate
Schools accredited by AACSB, AMBA or EQUIS
Average annual salary
If you are an MBA applicant, you might choose Spain for its excellent education, warm climate, exciting lifestyle, and global outlook. There is much more to this country than flamenco dancing and La Tomatina festival – each region has its own unique sights. Walk the lively streets of the capital city Madrid, dive in the artistic vibe of Barcelona, or enjoy the Mediterranean coastline of Valencia. Spoken by 500 million people worldwide, learning or brushing up on your Spanish can reveal new professional opportunities. Spain also has lower living expenses compared to many other European countries, which further makes it a popular choice among students.
The cultural etiquette in Spain speaks of the warm and social nature of its people. For example, it’s common to exchange kisses on both cheeks when greeting, even in business settings. Spaniards are expressive in their communication and they use hand gestures to convey their message. Family is an important pillar in Spanish culture, where extended families are often very close. People like spending time together for lunch and dinner, with the latter rarely starting before 9 PM. The siesta, though less common in busy urban areas, remains an important cultural tradition.
Leisure and enjoyment are essential for the quality of life of local people, exemplified by their popular saying “trabajar para vivir, no vivir para trabajar” (work to live, not live to work).
In Spanish culture, tradition meets modernity. Personal relationships are important even in business settings and are often strengthened over long meals and coffee breaks. While people appreciate being on time for meetings, they may start a bit later than scheduled, with some small talk or discussion of personal matters before addressing the topic on hand. Spanish businesses often have hierarchical structures, which means that making key decisions can also take time until different levels of management have their say.
Summer holidays, especially in August, are the most leisurely time of the year and many businesses operate with skeleton staff or shut down completely during this month.
Let these international alumni take you on an insightful tour through Spain’s top business schools.
Podcast special from Unimy, Unimy and Beyond, and Prepadivser. How and why should you use culture to find your best MBA?
The MBA Cultural Fit Index compares schools along different cultural dimensions.
The latest Financial Times MBA and EMBA rankings list 6 Spanish schools among the top in the world, recognizing their strategic locations and the significant advantages in networking and career opportunities they provide. Of the only 129 schools globally that hold the coveted Triple Crown accreditation, 2 universities in Spain are accredited by AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA – a marker of high educational standards and international credibility.
Many Spanish business schools offer merit-based scholarships, some of them covering big portions of MBA tuition fees based on academic excellence, leadership potential, and diversity. And it’s not just the schools – there are also government-funded programs for international students as well as foundations like Fundación Carolina, which are specifically aimed at students from Latin America. These opportunities can significantly reduce the cost of the education in the country.
As for career prospects, an MBA from a Spanish institution can open doors all over the world. Spain’s strong business ties with Europe and Latin America in particular mean graduates often find exciting roles in multinational companies. Finance, consulting, and technology are especially hot sectors for graduates.
Rent of one-bedroom apartment in city center (monthly): EUR 952.64
Basic utilities (monthly): EUR 134.65
Public transport pass (monthly): EUR 30.00
Gym subscription (monthly): EUR 39.30
Water (1.5-liter bottle): EUR 0.67
Source: Numbeo
International students from non-EU/EEA countries going to Spain will need to apply for a student visa. To obtain one, they will need proof of admission to a recognized institution, sufficient financial resources, and health insurance. When they arrive in Spain, MBA candidates can also apply for a student residence card. Those on a student visa can work up to 20 hours per week during their studies, as long as their side job doesn’t interfere with their academic commitments. Depending on the type of job, a work permit might be necessary as well.
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