PhD. Admissions and Tuition
Applications now closed - New application available on September 1, 2026.
Due to the very rigorous competition and an exceptional first-round conversion rate, all available slots for this year’s cohort have now been filled.
Please consider applying again for the new intake, application portal will be available by September 1, 2026.
What Makes a Strong PhD Application
Successful applicants typically demonstrate strong research potential, intellectual curiosity, and clear alignment with faculty research interests.
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Background in research-oriented master’s programs or predoc/RA positions
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Strong quantitative or analytical preparation
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Clear research interests aligned with IESE faculty
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Letters of recommendation from academic researchers
Admissions Timeline
- First Round: Closed
- Interviews: January – February
- Decisions: Mid-March
- Second Round: Open — Rolling review until April 20
- Interviews: March–April
- Decisions: Starting April
Application Procedure
Admission to the IESE PhD is contingent on first completing the Master in Research in Management or already being in possession of a postgraduate degree in research methodologies for business and management sciences.
1. Apply Online
All applications will only be received through our online portal.
To be eligible for admission, you should hold the equivalent of a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) degree and our IESE Master in Research in Management or already being in possession of a postgraduate degree in research methodologies for business and management sciences.
Documents required
- Completed application form
- Diplomas and transcripts of each college and graduate institution attended for at least 6 months
- GMAT/GRE
- English language ability
- 3 letters of recommendation
- Motivation letter
- Essay on research interests
- Photograph
- Photocopy of your passport
- Military or civil service obligations (if applicable)
- Fellowship form (available in the “Tuition and Fellowship Conditions” section)
2. Admissions pre-committee
Once a complete application is received at IESE (application online, three recommendation letters, GMAT, TOEFL, and photocopies of university transcripts and diplomas), the Admissions Committee will review the application and invite you to a personal interview, or notify you that your admission has been denied on this occasion.
3. Personal interview
If, after an initial review of the application, the Admissions Committee decides to invite you to a personal interview, you will be notified in writing. Interviews may be held in person at our campus or online.
4. Admissions Committee
Once the interview report is received at IESE, the Admissions Committee meets again to review the application as a whole in order to reach a final decision. Decisions will be sent by email. The Admissions Committee never communicates decisions over the telephone.
5. Admission Accepted
Welcome to IESE!
You’ll receive an email confirming the committee’s decision.
Tuition and Fellowship Conditions
The financial support package includes:
- Tuition fees waiver (€5,000)
- Yearly stipend for living expenses (1,500 month net)
- Private medical insurance
- 100% funding for Conference attendance: registration fee, travel and accommodation expenses and visa fees completely covered by the program
- 100% funding for Summer workshops
This aid is renewable upon satisfactory progress in the program for up to 5 years (MRM + PhD).
If you have any questions about funding, please contact our MRM & PhD Office: doctoral@iese.edu.