Loans and scholarships
Ways to finance your studies
IESE’s Financial Aid Office will help you find the financing options available to you. Thanks to years of accumulated experience built with help from student feedback, we’re able to guide you through the options and help you elect the best option for your specific needs.
Scholarships and agreements for IESE students
Completing a Master in Management (MiM), MBA, Executive MBA, Global Executive MBA, PhD or Executive Education program is one of the best possible investments in your future personal and professional growth. As such, deciding how to finance your studies calls for rigorous planning. We have arrangements in place with public and private institutions, which are available to benefit the majority of our students, although of course they can choose other options.
In the wake of COVID-19, we have redoubled our efforts to support young professionals and talented emerging managers who are unable to finance their studies because of the impact of the pandemic. If that’s your case, check out our COVID-19 scholarships, below.
Other Loans and Scholarships
Additional funding options include Banco Santander, Gyan Dhan, the Romanian Education Trust, Colfuturo and Conacyt, among others. Please use the browser to find more sources of funding specific to your nationality.
COVID-19 Scholarships
COVID-19 scholarships are aimed at people who were in the admissions process for a program and who decided to change their plans because of the new economic situation, and at exceptional candidates who work in sectors most affected by the pandemic and who are unable to assume the cost of executive training.
IESE has identified the sectors and profiles most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The scholarships will be available for young talent between 23 and 30 years of age who wish to pursue a Master in Management or a full-time MBA. Scholarships are also available to emerging managers in the five sectors most affected by the pandemic (auto, tourism, airlines, distribution, textile and fashion), who wish to pursue an Executive MBA or the PDD or PMD executive education program. You can find admissions conditions in the page of each program.
IESE COVID-19 Scholarship
Scholarship for students with an exceptional academic record whose personal financial situation has changed as a result of the pandemic. The COVID-19 scholarship covers up to 50% of fees. To apply, you must present your:
- Academic transcript
- Letter of recommendation from a professor
- Proof of family income (last 2 salary receipts of people who contribute to family income, and February, March and April 2020 bank statements).*
*Large families will be given special consideration.
IESE Trust Scholarship
The IESE Trust awards scholarships to students with outstanding academic records, excellent professional experience and personal merit. The scholarships cover up to 60% of tuition fees. Please note that living expenses are not covered by any of the scholarships. The Trust Scholarships are awarded at the discretion of the Scholarship Committee.
Forte Foundation Scholarship
IESE is committed to increasing the number of women leaders in business. These scholarships support women with a track record of outstanding professional accomplishment.
Scholarship for Students from Developing Countries
The MiM program welcomes professionals from developing economies. These scholarships support outstanding candidates who live and work in a developing country.
IESE MiM Pan-African Scholarship
IESE awards one scholarship covering 10-50% of the tuition fee to a recently graduated student from Africa with an excellent academic background.
IESE MiM North-African Scholarship
IESE awards one scholarship covering 10-50% of the tuition fee to a student from Algeria, Morocco, Egypt or Tunisia with an excellent academic profile and a strong commitment with her/his country.
IESE MiM Tomorrow’s Leaders Scholarship
IESE awards one scholarship covering 10-50% of the tuition fee to a recently graduated student with a clear leadership experience.
IESE MiM Social Entrepreneurship Scholarship
IESE awards one scholarship covering 10-50% of the tuition fee to a recently graduated student with a relevant experience in social entrepreneurial projects and a strong desire to have a positive impact in the world.
IESE MiM Italian Talent Scholarship – Fondazione RUI
IESE awards 4 scholarships covering 50% of the tuition fee to Italian students with academic excellence and strong commitment to their country. To be eligible candidates must submit a recommendation letter from a staff member of Fondazione RUI. Please email Cristian Ciardelli c.ciardelli@fondazionerui.it.
IESE MiM French Talent Scholarship – Grande Ecole
IESE awards one scholarship covering 50% of the tuition fee to a French student recently graduated from a Grande Ecole with excellent academic profile.
IESE MiM Spanish Talent Scholarship
IESE awards one scholarship covering 10-50% of the tuition fee to a Spanish student with an excellent academic profile.
IESE MiM STEM Talent Scholarship
IESE awards one scholarship covering 50% of the tuition fee to a recently graduated student with an excellent academic STEM profile.
IESE MiM Spanish Alumni Scholarship
IESE awards one scholarship covering 50% of the tuition fee to a Spanish student with an excellent academic profile. To be eligible candidates must submit a recommendation letter by a IESE Alumni.
IESE MiM German Alumni Scholarship
IESE awards one scholarship covering 50% of the tuition fee to a German student with an excellent academic profile. To be eligible candidates must submit a recommendation letter by a IESE Alumni.
IESE MiM Swiss Alumni Scholarship
IESE awards one scholarship covering 50% of the tuition fee to a Swiss student with an excellent academic profile. To be eligible candidates must submit a recommendation letter by a IESE Alumni.
IESE MiM Dutch Alumni Scholarship
IESE awards one scholarship covering 50% of the tuition fee to a Dutch student with an excellent academic profile. To be eligible candidates must submit a recommendation letter by a IESE Alumni.
For more information visit the Master in Management Financial Aid page.
A number of scholarships are available to incoming IESE students. IESE scholarship applications should be completed and submitted within the MBA application form to the Admissions Department.
IESE COVID-19 Scholarship
Scholarship for students with an exceptional academic record whose personal financial situation has changed as a result of the pandemic. The COVID-19 scholarship covers up to 50% of fees. To apply, you must present your:
- Academic transcript
- Letter of recommendation from a professor
- Proof of family income (last 2 salary receipts of people who contribute to family income, and February, March and April 2020 bank statements).*
*Large families will be given special consideration.
IESE Trust Scholarships
The IESE Trust awards 20 to 30 scholarships to students with outstanding academic records, excellent professional experience and personal merit. Scholarships can cover up to €45,000 of tuition fees. Please note that living expenses are not covered by any of the scholarships. The Trust Scholarships are awarded at the discretion of the Scholarship Committee.
The MBA Admissions Scholarship
The MBA Admissions Department grants scholarships to outstanding candidates with verifiable financial constraints.
Forté Fellowships
Forté Fellowships are open to all female applicants. Candidates should exhibit exemplary leadership through academic, team, community and creative leadership. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to women and represent diverse educational and work backgrounds, career goals, ethnicities and citizenship. The maximum amount of the scholarship is one year’s tuition fees.
IESE Africa Scholarship
IESE awards up to three scholarships covering up to 100% of the MBA tuition fees. To be eligible, candidates must be nationals of Africa and have demonstrated exceptional work experience and personal merit. This scholarship is available to those who apply within our R1 & R2 application deadlines (before Jan. 8, 2019).
Scholarships for Students from Developing Countries
The MBA program welcomes professionals from developing economies. These scholarships support outstanding candidates who live and work in a developing country.
Scholarships for Women
IESE is committed to increasing the number of women leaders in business. These scholarships support women with a track record of outstanding professional accomplishment.
Scholarship for Students with Children
IESE welcomes students with families and grants scholarships for students who, in the opinion of the Scholarship Committee, deserve financial aid.
IESE Alumni Association Scholarships
The IESE Alumni Association awards five scholarships covering up to 50% of tuition fees for the first and second year of the MBA program. These scholarships are for future MBA students who have demonstrated exceptional work experience and personal merit.
For more information visit the MBA Financial Aid page.
IESE COVID-19 Scholarship
Scholarship for students with an exceptional academic record whose personal financial situation has changed as a result of the pandemic, or, for those students whose company is financing studies, work in a sector most affected by the pandemic. The COVID-19 Scholarship covers up to 50% of fees. To apply, you must present your:
- Academic transcript
- Letter of recommendation from a professor
- Proof of income (last two salary receipts and February, March and April 2020 bank statements; or official notice that your company has implemented ERTE furloughs or has reduced its revenue by more than 30%).*
*Large families will be given special consideration.
Excellence Scholarship
Scholarships will be awarded to those students who demonstrate academic merit together with an outstanding professional background.
Woman Talent Scholarship
Scholarships available to women with a high leadership potential.
Entrepreneurship Scholarship
Scholarships will be awarded to entrepreneurship students who have launched or are launching a new business.
For more information visit the Executive MBA Financial Aid page.
IESE’s mission is to help develop outstanding business leaders across the world. We offer a range of scholarships for the Global Executive MBA program to managers, executives and entrepreneurs who have demonstrated the potential to make a positive impact on the global business community.
IESE is particularly interested in contributing to the development of:
- entrepreneurs and innovators who can create economic and social value
- women who lead and inspire
- public sector leaders who contribute to shaping society
- business leaders in growth markets with the skills and expertise to grow their companies
- senior executives of global organizations who seek to fulfill their real potential in leadership positions
Guidelines
As a prerequisite, scholarship applicants must have already been admitted to the IESE Global Executive MBA program. On admission, eligible candidates will be invited to apply for the scholarship of their choice.
Key rules:
- Admitted candidates who are fully or partially sponsored by their companies will not be eligible for scholarships.
- Applications can only be submitted for one specific scholarship.
- Although admission to the program is deferrable, scholarships are not.
Jury
Jurors are global business leaders who collaborate actively with IESE. They will base their decisions on the candidate’s:
- academic merit
- leadership experience
- impact on his/her company and society
- admissions interview evaluation
For more information visit the Global Executive MBA Financial Aid page.
For our executive education programs, we offer direct benefits to UNAV students, as well as scholarships for entrepreneurs, women in business, and NGO employees.
For more information, visit the Scholarships and Direct Benefits page for the PDD, PDG and PADE programs.
IESE COVID-19 Scholarship
For Programa de Desarollo Directivo and Program for Management Development participants
Scholarship for high-potential managers whose personal financial situation has changed as a result of the pandemic, or, for those whose company is financing studies, work in a sector most affected by the pandemic. The COVID-19 scholarship covers up to 25% of fees. To apply, you must present your:
- Letter of recommendation from a supervisor in your last position.
- Proof of income (last two salary receipts and February, March and April 2020 bank statements)*; or official notice that your company has implemented ERTE furloughs or has reduced its revenue by more than 30%.
*Large families will be given special consideration.
In addition to IESE scholarships, many students finance their studies through scholarship programs funded and administered by external organizations. Though IESE does not administer or select for these organizations, we are ready to support students in any aspect of their application process. Some foundations also rely on IESE to carry out an initial screening of candidates.
You will find all scholarships available for you in FAO Search engine.
Recommendations regarding scholarships and loans for students
1. Explore and analyze all financial options for financing your IESE program.
2. Get several rate quotes on MBA loans and compare them in order to choose the best offer.
3. Check your local finance providers and consider taking a loan in your local currency. Take into account exchange rate fluctuations, which may impact your loan repayment in the future.
4. Check out this website to look at different financing options.
5. Prepare a spreadsheet of your living costs and tuition fees, including the loan payments. Be aware that some loans require monthly payments during the study period. These payments can be interest only or principal plus interest.
6. Prepare all documents required for securing a loan before leaving your home country and bring them to Barcelona.
7. Apply for your loans as early as possible. Full-time MBA students should secure funding and send a financial proof to the Financial Aid Office before July 15.
8. For Spanish loans and other banking operations, obtain your NIE (Spanish residence permit) as soon as you arrive in Barcelona.
9. Remember that IESE’s Commitment and Reservation Fees are not covered by loans offered at IESE.
10. All full-time MBA students should send their financial plan, according to dates provided by the Financial Aid Office.
11. Take into account that loan amounts and interest rates depend on the risk profile of each candidate: a student’s loans, debt and savings, along with country risks such as an exchange rate volatility.
1. Establish a good and stable relationship with your loan/scholarship provider. Whether it’s a bank or private lender, know who your contact person is and keep your contact data updated, especially when leaving Barcelona.
2. Make sure you know your tuition payment due dates (monthly) and exact amount. In the case of loans, make sure that the bank has all information and is transferring the funds by the deadline.
3. Pay tuition according to the school tuition deadline.
4. In case you opt for the Bank Sabadell loan, remember to sign the loan in October (first week) and not before. From that moment, you will have to pay interest and your deferment period starts.
5. In case of the Bank Sabadell loan, check that you have authorized the bank to send payment for the second year tuition.
6. In case of the U.S. Federal loans, remember about restrictions regarding the international module in New York, internship and exchange program in the U.S. and in any other ineligible school.
7. If your loan is in a different currency than your national one, take measures to ensure future payments regardless of exchange rate fluctuations.
1. Meet your loan repayment schedule. If you’re going to miss a payment for any reason, be proactive and work with the lender in advance to find solutions before it triggers any procedure against you.
2. School loan conditions for incoming students depend on the payment behavior of all IESE students.
Q&A
It’s possible to cover the full cost through a mix of loans and scholarships.
All candidates, including international candidates, can apply for scholarships available and all admitted students can apply for loans.
We recommend you start planning your funding at the same time as you decide to do an MBA.
The Financial Aid Office supports all students in their relationship with banks. If you need our help, contact us at Financial Aid Office. Regarding scholarships, contact the MBA Admissions team in order to receive more information about scholarships available.
Once you are admitted to the program, you can apply for one of the loans available at IESE. You will receive a letter with further instructions from the Financial Aid Office soon after being admitted.
Yes, international students have various loan options.
You should apply for loans as soon as you are admitted to the program and at least 2-3 months before your program starts. For the incoming students of the full-time MBA program, you will receive a letter from the Financial Aid Office including deadlines for submitting your financial plan.
Please contact the Financial Aid Office at the email faohelp@iese.edu and we’ll provide you with all the necessary information.
It is not usually required, but if you can provide a bank guarantee (in the case of the Bank Sabadell loan), conditions of the loan may be more attractive with guarantees.
Contact the Admissions Department of the program for which you are applying.
The bank evaluates the student’s credit capacity on a case-by-case basis prior to granting a loan. Loan amounts and interest rates depend on the risk profile of each candidate: a student’s loans, debt and savings, along with country risks such as exchange rate volatility.
Yes. IESE is registered with the U.S. Department of Education as an accredited foreign school and is eligible to disburse U.S. Federal Loans (Stafford Loan and Graduate PLUS Loan) through the Direct Loan Program for full-time MBA program students.
The fee for the full-time MBA program starting in September 2020 is €89,950.
Learn more about the cost of living in Barcelona.