IE Executive MBA Admissions: Global MBA, Global EMBA and IE Brown

Which IE EMBA format fits you?

IE's online MBA, ranked first by the Financial Times in March 2026, has evolved into the IE Global MBA, while senior leaders choose between two executive programmes.

IE Global MBA

The Global MBA runs for 18 months, fully online or blended, and starts and ends in Madrid. Optional Global Immersion Weeks may include New York, Riyadh, San Francisco, Shanghai, Copenhagen and Segovia. A weekend, in-person Spanish edition is also taught in Madrid.

IE Global Executive MBA

The IE Global Executive MBA lasts 20 months and focuses on global strategy, digital capabilities and C-suite readiness. Online learning combines with residential periods in Madrid, Oxford, Singapore and Los Angeles, with faculty from UCLA, Singapore Management University and the University of Oxford.

IE Brown Executive MBA

The IE Brown Executive MBA is a 15-month joint degree that blends management with the humanities and social sciences. Residential periods take place in Madrid, Providence and Cape Town. QS ranked it 5th in the world in its 2025 Executive MBA ranking, with the Global Executive MBA 13th.

IE Executive MBA requirements

• A bachelor's degree, with official transcripts
• A one-page CV, a personal statement and two references
• An employment verification letter and an organisational chart
• English is assessed throughout; if asked, TOEFL 100, IELTS 7, Duolingo 130 or Cambridge Advanced
• Global Executive MBA: at least 10 years of experience, 5 in management, plus international experience; no entrance test
• Global MBA: the ieGAT, GMAT, GRE or Executive Assessment

For the IE Brown Executive MBA, confirm the current test policy and fees on the programme's own page.

How the IE Executive MBA admissions process works

IE admits on a rolling basis with no fixed deadlines. For 2027 starts, apply several months ahead, as IE advises, so that you can arrange time away from work for residential periods.

1. Submit the online application and documents, and pay the €150 fee.
2. Complete the online assessment: three questions, two on video and one written.
3. Interview with an admissions manager, in person or online.
4. Receive a decision, usually within 1 to 3 weeks; offers hold for your intake and the next.

IE Executive MBA tuition

IE Executive MBA tuition is listed at €65,000 for the Global MBA and €102,000 for the Global Executive MBA. Both add a one-off €1,200 IE Foundation contribution, and IE reviews fees every year. Budget for travel to residentials too.

How to stand out

• Show scope, not titles: team size, budget, markets and results.
• Prepare your organisational chart and verification letter early, and agree time off for residentials with your employer.
• Explain how you will apply what you learn at work.
• Choose the format around your life: travel load, family and the region where you want to lead next.

Earlier in your career and ready for a full-time year? Read our guide to IE MBA admissions and the IE Business School overview.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need the GMAT for the IE Executive MBA?

Not always. The Global Executive MBA requires no entrance test. The Global MBA accepts the ieGAT, GMAT, GRE or Executive Assessment, so pick the test that suits you. If you choose the ieGAT, prepare first: IE allows only one attempt.

How much work experience do I need for the IE EMBA?

The Global Executive MBA asks for at least 10 years of experience, 5 in management, plus international exposure. The IE Brown Executive MBA targets 10+ years in senior leadership. The Global MBA suits mid-career professionals, and its admissions page publishes no minimum.

What is the difference between the IE Global MBA and the Global Executive MBA?

The Global MBA is an 18-month online or blended MBA for mid-career professionals, with optional immersion weeks. The Global Executive MBA is a 20-month programme for senior executives, with residential periods on three continents and a higher price, around €102,000 against €65,000.