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Barcelona, Spain

ESADE Business School

#451 QS World RankingPrivateEurope

QS World Ranking

#451

Acceptance Rate

35%

Annual Tuition (USD)

$20,000

On-Campus Housing

Find Own

QS Best Student City

#15

Barcelona

Application Deadline

March 1

via Direct

Student Body

Total Enrollment

900

students

International Students

75%

US Students

8%

of total enrollment

Figures are approximate based on institutional reports and QS data.

Why This School

One of Europe's top business schools in Barcelona — the EU's most dynamic city for startups and culture.

QS Subject Rankings 2025

Rankings by academic subject — source: QS World University Rankings by Subject

#51–100Business & Management#51–100Law

Notes for US Students

Top European business school in Barcelona. Strong English programs. Excellent MBA and BBA programs.

Admission Criteria

Key requirements for US students applying to ESADE Business School

Acceptance Rate

35%

Selective

Application System

Direct

Deadline

March 1

Instruction Language

English/Spanish

School Type

Private

Annual Tuition

$20,000

Requirements Checklist for US Applicants

  • Apply directly via ESADE portal (rolling, closes ~May 31)
  • SAT 1350+ or ACT 30+ or IB 36+
  • IELTS 7.0+ or TOEFL 100+ (BBA taught in English; Spanish courses required)
  • Personal essay and motivation letter required
  • Interview required (part of selection process)
  • Extracurricular and leadership activities valued

Class Size

Avg. Lecture45 students
Avg. Seminar18 students
Student : Faculty7:1

Academic Calendar

SystemTrimester (3/yr)
Fall TermEarly SeptemberLate November
Spring TermEarly JanuaryMid-March
BreaksDec, Apr, Jun–Aug

Three 10-week terms per year.

Requirements may vary by program. Always verify with the university's official admissions page.

Admission Details

Language of Instruction
English/Spanish
Estimated Annual Tuition
~$20,000 / year
Application Deadline
March 1
Application System
Direct
School Type
Private
Acceptance Rate
35%
QS Best Student City (Barcelona)
#15 globally

Programs Offered

BusinessLawManagementFinanceEntrepreneurship

Scholarships to Explore

  • ESADE Scholarships
  • Need-based Aid

Cost of Living — Barcelona, Spain

Moderate Cost
Rent (1BR near campus)$1,200/mo
Groceries & dining$360/mo
Transportation$80/mo
Misc (phone, entertainment)$230/mo

Estimated monthly total

$1,870

vs. avg US college student

2% cheaper

US avg ~$1,900/mo

Barcelona is moderately expensive by European standards. Student housing near Sant Cugat or Pedralbes campuses. T-Casual metro cards cut transport costs significantly.

Estimates based on 2025–26 student budgets. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and housing choice.

About Studying at ESADE Business School as a US Student

ESADE Business School is located in Barcelona, Spain and is ranked #451in the QS World University Rankings. The school offers programs in Business, Law, Management, Finance, Entrepreneurship. Instruction is offered in English/Spanish. The estimated annual tuition for international students is ~$20,000 / year, with an acceptance rate of approximately 35%. Applications are submitted through Direct with a deadline of March 1. Scholarships available include the ESADE Scholarships.