Fair – Cape Town: Access MBA
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Cape Town
Global Executive MBA GEMBA.
Next-level leadership for global gamechangers.
Ranked #4 Executive MBA in the World 2024 by the Financial Times.
IESE GEMBA
(WHY) Driven by ambition and impact, you seek to deepen your business expertise, expand your global network, and gain a broader, more strategic perspective to lead effectively on a worldwide scale.
(WHERE & HOW) With international experience both professionally and personally, the GEMBA class explores a world that you will recognize as your home. Entrepreneurial at heart, you look for a cutting-edge, flexible, and innovation-driven program that empowers you to navigate an increasingly complex and uncertain future with confidence.
(WHAT) Built around four core pillars — Leadership, Sustainability, Digital & AI, and Entrepreneurship — the program equips you to lead with purpose in a fast-changing, complex world.
A unique learning experience that combines world-class faculty, real-world exposure in several business hubs worldwide, and a powerful international network.
If you are a lifelong learner, immerse yourself in this truly global and diverse adventure!
GEMBA journey at a glance.
You can choose between a 16-month experience, cohort based, to maximize class bonding and peer learning or completing the foundational initial part during the first 6 months and then complete the most advanced modules, during the following two years, for a better fit in your career and personal life.
Start Date
February
Duration
Flexible, from 16 months and up to 28 months
Language
English
Study Format
Part-time
Format
Blended. Combining residential weeks with distance learning online contents
Locations
Up to 8 destinations (Barcelona, Madrid, Munich, New York, Singapore, Silicon Valley, and elective options)
Leading in a world shaped by AI
Artificial intelligence is changing every aspect of management. At IESE, AI is not treated as a standalone topic but as a transformation that affects strategy, leadership, decision-making and the way organizations operate.
Across our programs, you will learn to harness AI effectively while developing the qualities that matter even more in an AI-enabled world: sound judgment, critical thinking, responsibility and the ability to lead people through change.
This approach is grounded in the case method, where AI becomes part of the analysis, discussion and decision-making process.
Learn more about AI at IESE
6 reasons to join the GEMBA experience
1
A truly IMMERSIVE learning journey
With modules held across multiple geographies, experience first-hand how business is shaped by culture and context connecting you directly with local business leaders and the pulse of the world.
2
NETWORK with a high-caliber cohort
Learn alongside an exceptional cadre of senior leaders from a rich diversity of business and cultural backgrounds. The breadth and depth of their knowledge generates an energizing classroom dynamic.
3
Learn with RIGOR and relevance
Guided by IESE faculty and local experts, the program incorporates integrated courses based on case analysis, innovative techniques and workshops. Global speakers and company visits will be core to zero in on the most critical issues, current and future trends shaping the global economy.
4
Modular: with built-in FLEXIBILITY
After an initial shared experience, this modular program adapts to your agenda — so you can choose to finish the program in 16 months or to continue whenever your schedule allows. E.g., Complete the program with built-in flexibility, allowing you to spread modules across two cohorts and two calendar years.
5
CAREER support designed for you
Whether you want to grow within your organization or explore new opportunities, you’ll have access to personalized resources, expert guidance, and a broad set of services to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
6
Our unique LIFELONG GEMBA
As an alum, you can rejoin the GEMBA classroom and community anytime and for several occasions, reconnecting with the same energy, community, and distinctive learning experiences that made your time with us unique.
A Global Executive MBA for world-class leaders.
Meet GEMBA Alumni
Among the most engaged within our global IESE Alumni community, GEMBA Alumni remain deeply connected to the school long after graduation, actively participating in numerous initiatives and events across IESE.
ONCE A GEMBA, ALWAYS A GEMBA.
FAQs
Still have a few questions? To learn more about IESE, please click here. Additionally, we have compiled a list of common questions from candidates to assist you in taking the first step of your journey
The best way to learn more about the Global Executive MBA is by scheduling an informative call with a member of our GEMBA Team.
Our goal is to guide you through the admissions process smoothly and efficiently. Feel free to reach out with any questions — book your call today!
IESE also hosts regular interactive online orientation sessions to help you understand what to expect from the Global Executive MBA. These sessions will help you assess the right time to pursue further studies and how the program can elevate your career. You can view the full list of upcoming sessions here.
Want to hear directly from our community?
Check out what our participants, alumni, and speakers are saying by exploring the hashtag #IESEgemba on LinkedIn.
Global Executive MBA (GEMBA)
The GEMBA is a 16-month, part-time, modular, blended and flexible program designed for high-achiever senior professionals with 10+ years of experience. It combines distance learning with intensive in-person modules across global business hubs. The journey takes you to IESE campuses in Barcelona, Madrid, Munich, and New York, and extends to dynamic business hubs such as Singapore and Silicon Valley. Additionally, the elective and exchange modules further enhance the program’s global reach, taking participants to various additional cities such as São Paulo, Shanghai, Tokyo, or Accra, depending on the year. Participants represent over 30 nationalities and a wide range of industries, creating a rich, multicultural learning environment.
GEMBA is ideal for executives seeking a global perspective, an international peer network, and deeper immersive insights into global leadership, stakeholder management, and multicultural business practices.
Executive MBA (EMBA)
IESE’s 18-month, part-time EMBA is designed for professionals with 5+ years of experience who aspire to grow as leaders. Delivered primarily in person at our campuses in Barcelona, Madrid, Munich, or São Paulo, the program combines regular weekly, biweekly, or triweekly sessions (depending on the campus) with six intensive residential weeks. Three of these take place at your home campus in Year 1, while the remaining three are global elective weeks in Year 2, held in cities such as New York, Lagos, Nairobi, or Shanghai. These global weeks bring together participants from all four EMBA tracks, fostering strong cross-campus connections and providing a truly international learning experience, making the EMBA ideal for professionals seeking high-impact development without extensive travel.
Program Format & Structure
The GEMBA modularity allows you to go through it sequentially, during 16-months or with flexible scheduling, split in two cohorts, and finish it in 28 months. Ask our team about the possibilities to adapt to your career needs.
The GEMBA program does not have a single “main campus.” Its global nature is reflected in the diverse locations where its modules are held. The journey begins at IESE’s campuses in Barcelona, Madrid, Munich, and New York, then extends to dynamic destinations like Singapore and Silicon Valley. Additionally, the elective and exchange modules further enhance the program’s global reach, taking participants to various cities such as São Paulo, Shanghai, Tokyo, or Accra, depending on the year.
You can expect to dedicate around 20 hours per week to preparing the required material. The flexible format is designed for senior executives, allowing you to integrate the program seamlessly into a demanding schedule. Every other Saturday, you will participate in two live online sessions, keeping you on track and connected with your learning team.
Yes. The program is designed for executives who continue working full-time, supported by a flexible learning structure.
Global & Networking Experience
The class is typically highly diverse, with participants representing +30 countries and a wide range of industries.
Each location offers business insights specific to its region, providing participants with firsthand exposure to local economies, cultures, and leadership practices. This experience fosters the development of a global perspective, which is essential for effective leadership in today’s interconnected world. Furthermore, the multi-campus format, international faculty, and diverse global cohort enable participants to cultivate a truly global mindset and build an extensive international network
Career & Impact
IESE’s GEMBA supports career growth through personalized executive coaching, targeted career development services, and a powerful global alumni network. The program enhances leadership and strategic decision-making skills while offering international exposure and market insights to help executives advance, pivot, or expand their careers globally.
Admissions Process
- Minimum 10 years of work experience
- At least 4 years in managerial roles
- A bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- International experience through study or work
- Fluency in English
The Admissions Committee may grant Executive Assessment waivers to candidates who demonstrate their general management aptitude and skills through their work experience and academic history.
IESE’s Global Executive MBA has multiple admission rounds throughout the year. However, it is highly recommended to apply as early as possible to secure your place in the program, take advantage of scholarship opportunities, and manage logistics efficiently. For details on the admissions round dates, please click here.
Fees & Financing
The total fee is approximately €138,000 which includes tuition, course materials, and some meals during modules.
Yes, scholarships are available and are awarded based on merit, diversity, or financial need.
Early applicants have more scholarship options.
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"I decided to do a GEMBA because that ‘G’ makes a big difference for me. Everything that I learned, I have the mandate to apply in my regions with my teams. "
"I needed something that could take my career to the highest level. The Global Executive MBA at IESE proved to be exactly that. It is everything it says it is. It’s changed my life."
For more information
Arve Utseth
Global Executive MBA and International Executive Education Director
autseth@iese.edu
+34 618 915 364
IESE Rankings.
