MBA in Spain Without GMAT
You might be surprised to know how many business schools offer the option of waiving admission tests such as the GMAT exam. Spanish business schools are an example of this phenomenon. In Spain, higher education institution leaders are aware that many talented applicants opt out of applying to an MBA program dreading taking the lengthy GMAT exam. This is why there has been an increase in Spanish business schools that accept students without GMAT scores.
Can I Study MBA in Spain Without GMAT?
Yes, plenty of business schools in Spain will offer you a place even if you do not have GMAT scores to submit. Higher education institutions in Spain have decided to rely on other methods of evaluating the skills that the GMAT exam already evaluates. These methods include replacing GMAT scores with proof of professional experience, undertaking tests of the business school itself, or through relevant elements. Also, instead of GMAT scores, your business school might require that you submit GRE scores.
MBA Admission Requirements in Spain
MBAs in Spain provide students with a high quality of education in the business field. The program is designed for people that aim to work in management or leadership positions. To ensure that the best candidates receive a place, Spanish business schools set a variety of admission requirements that each prospective student must meet. These requirements differ from one business school to the other, but the general ones remain the same in most schools.
The admission requirements you must meet to attend an MBA program in Spain include the following:
- Bachelor’s Degree: To be eligible for admission to an MBA program in Spain you must be in possession of a university undergraduate degree.
- Academic Records: You must have an excellent GPA and demonstrate your professional qualifications through your motivation letter.
- Work Experience: A large number of business schools in Spain require that you have at least three years of professional experience.
- Letters of Recommendation: You can submit letters of recommendation written by a university professor or work supervisor.
- CV: Submitting a copy of your CV might be one of the requirements for admission to an MBA program in Spain.
- Test Scores: Business schools in Spain allow you to submit GRE, as well as GMAT scores. Some universities administer their own tests, saving you the trouble of sitting for the GMAT, or GRE test — so you will need to present high test scores to be considered for admission.
- Interview: Most universities in Spain require that you pass the individual interview conducted by one of the admissions officers.
Related: Erudera’s Complete Guide on Studying MBA in Spain.
MBA Colleges in Spain Without GMAT
Spain has a reputation for its relatively high quality of education. Especially, Spanish business schools that rank high in international rankings. These universities offer GMAT waivers to their prospective students or list the submission of GMAT scores as optional.
Some MBA colleges in Spain that accept students without GMAT scores include the following:
| Universities | Admission Requirements | Duration | Tuition Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| ESADE Business School | Bachelor Degree and Transcripts.English Test Scores (TOEFL IBT 100; IELTS 7.0; Certificate in Advanced English B+, etc).A minimum of three years of work experience.GRE or GMAT scores. | 12 to 18 Months | €73,800 |
| IESE Business School |
An undergraduate degree.High GRE or GMAT score. At least three years of professional experience. |
15 or 19 Months | €93,500 in total. |
| IE Business School |
A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. Official Transcripts.2 letters of recommendation.Proof of English Language Proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Tests or Cambridge Advanced or Proficiency level).A minimum of three years of relevant professional experience. Personal statement.GMAT, GRE, or IEGAT.Pass the personal interview. |
1 Year | €72,200 |
| EADA Business School | A university degree and university transcripts. 2 letters of recommendation. GMAT or GRE scores. English Language Proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS). 3 or 5 years of work experience (depending on the type of MBA program you choose to attend). Take EADA’s own admission test. | 10 to 14 Months | €39,000 |
| UPF Barcelona School of Management | University degree.Minimum experience of three years.English language proficiency. | 1 Year | €26,900 |
| Universidad Carlos III de Madrid | Undergraduate degree.Pass the interview with the MBA’s Assistant Director.Minimum of three years of work experience. | 18 Months |
€19,500 €13,900 for EU students. |
| EAE Business School |
University degree and academic record. Minimum of three years of work experience. Motivation letter.CV.Letters of recommendation. |
12 Months | €29,500 |
| ESIC Business & Marketing School | University degree.Letter of recommendation.English language proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS).Minimum three to five years of work experience | 1 Year | €20,900 |
Pursuing an MBA in a Spanish business school means that you will study in excellent business schools, with world-renowned lecturers without having to take the high-pressure test.
MBA in Spain Without GMAT and Work Experience
While most business schools might prefer candidates with work experience or high GMAT scores under their belt, plenty of Spanish universities accept students without GMAT scores or work experience. Business schools in Spain have different work experience expectations which mainly depend on the type of MBA program you aim to pursue.
Usually, students that apply to an MBA program in Spain but have no work experience submit documents such as completed internships, volunteering, or something that would serve as proof of professional maturity. Another way of making up for your lack of professional experience is using your essay to explain your employment gap in your CV. This will let the admissions team understand how the skillset you already possess is of benefit to their institution.
The lack of GMAT scores does not associate with immediate disqualification when applying to MBA programs in Spain. Some of the best business schools in Spain will offer you a place in their MBA program even if you have not sat for this long and challenging exam. Considering that the GMAT is used as a reliable predictor of your academic performance, you must present a high college GPA, excellent letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, and relevant admission factors.