Country: Kingdom of Spain
Founded: 1973
Institution Type: Private University
Address:
- C. Cardenal Zúñiga, 12, 40003 Segovia, Spain
- P.º de la Castellana, 259E, Fuencarral-El Pardo, 28046 Madrid, Spain
Website: IE University
OVERVIEW OF THE UNIVERSITY
IE University is one of the world’s leading international higher education institutions, founded in 1973 in Madrid, Spain by entrepreneurs who wanted to bridge the gap between traditional education and the real-world skills required in the modern era.
With a global vision and a commitment to driving positive social change, IE has built a practical education platform that combines multidisciplinary knowledge and promotes confidence in students as the foundation for personal, systemic, and global transformation.
The university currently comprises six schools and delivers a 100% English-taught educational experience, bringing together students, professors, researchers, and industry partners from more than 160 countries worldwide.
Every year, IE welcomes more than 2,300 students, with 75% of students coming from over 130 countries around the world. The university has also built a strong alumni network of more than 85,000 graduates from over 170 countries across continents.
RANKINGS
IE’s global reputation and its commitment to preparing students for successful international careers, recognized as one of the world’s leading international universities, IE University consistently stands out across global rankings for academic excellence, innovation, diversity, entrepreneurship, and graduate employability. Its strong performance in prestigious rankings:
- #6th among the world’s best business schools by Forbes (September 2025).
- #7th Top business schools in Europe and the Middle East by Bloomberg Businessweek (September 2025).
- #2nd worldwide for its Global MBA by QS (September 2025).
- #7th worldwide among non-U.S. International MBA programs by Poets & Quants (2025–2026).
- #1 worldwide for the Online MBA Program by the Financial Times (March 2026).
- #3rd worldwide for MBA Programs in Entrepreneurship by QS (November 2025).
- #10 worldwide for Executive Education programs by the Financial Times (May 2025), recognizing IE University’s open-enrollment programs designed to strengthen leadership, strategic thinking, and business expertise for professionals.
- #3rd worldwide for the Master in Strategic Marketing and Communication by QS (September 2024).
IE University is ranked #6 in Europe and #17 worldwide for Graduate Employability in 2026, ahead of Columbia University and Yale University, both prestigious Ivy League institutions in the United States.
THE DISTINCT IDENTITY OF IE UNIVERSITY
IE University’s unique identity is shaped around four foundational principles:
1. Diversity
By promoting a diverse and dynamic environment, IE University creates an equal and inclusive space where every student has the opportunity to connect without any barriers.
2. Innovation
Recognized as one of the world’s leading universities in technological and educational innovation, IE University continuously strives toward sustainable transformation in every context.
3. Humanities
Humanistic and social values always play an essential role within IE University’s academic curriculum. Helping students develop critical skills such as critical thinking, empathy, communication skills, and effective interpersonal interaction.
4. Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurial thinking is the desire to create positive change for society, and it is the quality that helps students advance regardless of their goals.
Entrepreneurial thinking is also the key to unlocking students’ potential, encouraging innovation, job creation, diversity enhancement, and adaptability.
These pillars are reflected in IE University’s Manifesto: To foster positive change, because the world needs extraordinary.
Extraordinary people.
Extraordinary ideas.
Extraordinary action and impact.
To tackle the challenges of today, and drive the progress of tomorrow.
Video for reference: Extraordinary. Nothing Less.
ACADEMIC DISCIPLINES
IE University brings together six innovative schools that combine academic excellence, industry connection, technology, creativity, and global perspectives. Each school is designed to prepare students for the evolving demands of the international job market while encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration, entrepreneurship, and real-world impact:
- Business School
- Law School
- School of Architecture and Design
- School of Science and Technology
- School of Arts and Humanities
- School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs
IE UNIVERSITY BACHELOR PROGRAMS
Here you have them listed, if want to know more, dive deep into IE University's bachelor portfolio here.
- Applied Mathematics
- Architectural Studies
- Behavior and Social Sciences
- Business Administration
- Global Business Administration
- Communication and Digital Media
- Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence
- Data and Business Analytics
- Design
- Economics
- Environmental Sciences for Sustainability
- Fashion Design
- Humanities
- International Relations
- Laws - LL.B
- Philosophy, Politics, Law and Economics - PPLE
- Political Science
- Dual Degree Business Administration & Data and Business Analytics
- Dual Degree Business Administration & Design
- Dual Degree Business Administration & Fashion Design
- Dual Degree Business Administration & Humanities
- Dual Degree Business Administration & International Relations
- Dual Degree Business Administration And Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.)
- Dual Degree Business Administration & Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence
- Dual Degree Business Administration & Political Science
- Dual Degree in Economics & Applied Mathematics
- Dual Degree in Economics & International Relations
- Dual Degree Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) and Bachelor in International Relations
MASTER PROGRAMS
Choose from more than 45 world-class master’s programs, including innovative Dual Master’s Degrees designed to help students expand their expertise across multiple disciplines and gain a competitive global edge.
Discover the program that matches your ambitions and take the next step toward an international career.
SUMMER SCHOOL
University also offers Summer School programs designed for a wide range of participants, from high school students to executive professionals. These programs combine academic excellence with personal growth, international exposure, and hands-on learning experiences, allowing participants to immerse themselves in IE’s dynamic and world-class educational environment. Learn more about IE’s Pre-University Program.
STUDENT LIFE
CAMPUS
IE University currently has three campuses located across the cities of Madrid and Segovia in Spain.
Madrid
1. IE Tower Campus
- Designed for undergraduate students
- The fifth tallest building in Madrid and seventh tallest in Spain, with over 50,000 m² of space
- A future-oriented campus with flexible multifunctional spaces and 64 spacious classrooms
- Located in the center of the capital city, close to major global corporations and equipped with one of the most advanced infrastructures available
- A hub promoting innovation and entrepreneurship among students
2. María de Molina Campus
- Designed for master’s students
- Modern facilities, advanced technology, and a dynamic learning environment
- One of the city’s outstanding educational campuses
- A nurturing environment for breakthrough learning experiences and holistic professional development
Segovia
Santa Cruz La Real Campus
- Designed for undergraduate students
- Located in a UNESCO World Heritage city famous for its architecture, ancient Roman aqueduct, winding streets, and magnificent old castles
- A multicultural campus with students from more than 100 countries
- An ideal environment for studying, relaxing, and building friendships throughout university life at IE
See it yourself, click here and choose your own campus tour.
PARTNERS & COLLABORATIONS
In addition, IE collaborates with universities in the United States to provide students with global and intercontinental learning opportunities, specifically:
1. IE University & IE New York College
- 3+1 Program: Students complete three years of study at IE University in Spain and their final year in New York, allowing them to gain an international academic experience while accelerating their educational journey.
- 4+1 Program: Students complete their bachelor’s degree at IE University in Spain and continue their academic path at IE New York College (IENYC), where they can specialize further through a master’s degree while gaining international exposure and professional experience.
2. IE University & Brown University (prestigious Ivy League research university)
Students who complete their undergraduate studies at IE with outstanding academic performance may continue directly into Brown University’s master’s program in the United States.
Applicable program: Master of Science in Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship (PRIME)
IE University has built a global network of partnerships with more than 260 prestigious universities across 71 countries. These collaborations provide students with unique international opportunities, including exchange programs, dual degrees, academic pathways, and joint initiatives that enrich both their educational and global professional experience.
STUDENT EXPERIENCE
Beyond academics, IE University offers a vibrant and dynamic student experience designed to foster creativity, leadership, wellbeing, and personal growth. The university’s ecosystem brings together artists, entrepreneurs, innovators, young leaders, critical thinkers, and professionals from diverse industries and cultural backgrounds.
IE Sports & Well-Being
A key pillar of IE University’s holistic educational philosophy, IE Sports & Well-Being encourages students to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle while developing teamwork, resilience, and leadership skills.
Students have access to a wide range of recreational and competitive sports activities, supported by state-of-the-art facilities at the IE Athletic Center, including a multifunctional sports arena, swimming pool, and modern fitness spaces. Competitive teams include men’s and women’s football, basketball, volleyball, cheerleading, and e-sports, among many others.
Center for Health & Well-Being
IE University also promotes personal development through the Center for Health & Well-Being, whose initiatives focus on human performance, emotional wellbeing, and sustainable personal growth. The center helps students maximize their potential while developing essential life and professional skills for long-term success.
Student Clubs
IE University is home to more than 170 student-led clubs spanning areas such as Arts & Humanities, Diversity & Inclusion, Social Impact, Technology & Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Sustainability, Sports, and Wellbeing.
These clubs create a highly engaged international community where students can take on leadership roles, organize events, collaborate with peers, expand their professional networks, or even launch entirely new initiatives and organizations.
| Exploring Creativity | IE Photography Club at Segovia Campus | IE University Debate Club: Sharpen Your Voice and Ideas |
ADVANTAGES OF IE UNIVERSITY
- All IE undergraduate programs are accredited by the world’s most prestigious organizations in their respective industries and receive strong recommendations from leading corporate executives.
- IE was among the first business schools worldwide to launch an online MBA program, currently ranked No.1 globally.
- The university strongly promotes entrepreneurship by creating platforms and resources that help students turn business ideas into reality.
- Personalized education methods place students at the center, empowering them to build their own academic pathways and careers through additional courses, seminars, internships, and IEU laboratories.
- The multicultural learning environment helps students develop an international mindset — an essential factor in becoming global citizens.
- The highly qualified faculty combine practical teaching experience with diverse international backgrounds and are always ready to support and advise students.
- Practical learning methodologies combine theory with real-world application, enabling students to apply knowledge in real situations through projects and internship opportunities.
- IE collaborates with more than 200 partner universities across 50 countries worldwide, including prestigious institutions such as Cornell, SMU, USC, and others, providing students opportunities to study abroad and broaden their global perspectives.
- More than 3,200 corporate partners offer internship opportunities that allow students to apply academic knowledge in real professional environments and gain practical work experience.
- A vibrant extracurricular ecosystem includes more than 170 student clubs and nearly 1,700 annual events.
- More than 1,500 students receive entrepreneurship training every year.
- 96% of students are employed after graduation, and 25% of alumni become entrepreneurs or founders of their own companies.
- Scholarships of up to 80% are available for outstanding students.
ADMISSIONS & TUITION
ADMISSIONS
IE University follows a holistic admissions process designed to identify students with strong academic potential, leadership skills, international mindset, and personal ambition.
Applications are evaluated through a comprehensive assessment that considers academic performance, extracurricular involvement, personal background, English proficiency, admission test results (IE Admission Test, SAT, ACT, or LNAT), and performance during the online assessment process.
This multidimensional approach allows IE University to evaluate not only academic excellence, but also each candidate’s motivation, achievements, character, and overall fit with their chosen program.
Undergraduate entry requirements here
TUITION FEES
- Undergraduate Programs: €26,500
- Bachelor in Business Administration (BBA): €29,000
- Global BBA: €43,800
- Dual Degree with BBA: €34,000
- Other Dual Degree Programs: €31,800
*Tuition fees are subject to change.
Dive deep into financial aid options here
APPLICATION
Start your application here
CONCLUSION
As traditional study-abroad destinations such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom continue implementing policy changes that create increasing challenges for international students, many families are turning their attention toward Spain — a country within the European Union and the Schengen Area that offers students the opportunity to study, live, and work across Europe with degrees recognized internationally.
In this landscape, IE University stands out as one of Europe’s leading institutions in innovation, technology, entrepreneurship, and international education. With its multicultural environment, forward-thinking academic model, human-centered approach, and strong entrepreneurial spirit, IE provides students with a truly global educational experience in one of the world’s most dynamic and culturally rich regions.
Beyond academics, IE University is deeply committed to supporting students throughout every stage of their journey. From discovering IE and selecting the right program to navigating admissions, visa applications, housing arrangements, and relocation to Spain, students and families receive personalized guidance from dedicated international and student support teams. This comprehensive support system ensures a smooth transition and allows students to fully focus on their academic, personal, and professional growth from day one.
For students seeking a globally connected, future-oriented, and transformative university experience in Europe, IE University represents an exceptional choice.
