IESE Business School MBA Deadlines 2025-2026
The graduate business school of the University of Navarra, IESE, has released their 2025-2026 MBA deadlines for the Class of 2028. For more details on the IESE application requirements, visit their website.
Applications will be reviewed every 2 weeks. The time between submission and final decision is expected to be around 6 weeks. A GMAT/GRE score will be required for a final decision.
| Rounds | Application deadline | Interview decision by | Final decision by |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | September 25, 2025 | October 10, 2025 | November 24, 2025 |
| Round 2 | January 9, 2026 | January 23, 2026 | March 16, 2026 |
| Round 3 | March 12, 2026 | March 23, 2026 | April 30, 2026 |
| Round 4 | May 8, 2026 | May 15, 2026 | June 12, 2026 |
Required Materials
To apply to the IESE MBA program, candidates must have completed a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
The completed online application form must be submitted with a CV, responses to essay questions, official transcripts, GMAT or GRE scores, one letter of recommendation (preferably from a current employer; up to 3 recommenders may be submitted), a military or Civil Service Obligation Passport-size digital photograph, passport copy, and the non-refundable $200 application fee.
Non-native English speakers who have not obtained a university or post-graduate degree entirely in English or in an English speaking country, or have not lived and worked for at least two consecutive years in an English speaking country, must take the TOEFL, PTE, IELTS, or the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English.
How Does IESE Conduct Interviews?
Interviews are by invitation only. Face-to-face interviews can be held on the IESE campus in Barcelona, via videoconference, or with traveling admissions directors who can meet the candidate in their local area. Interviews are conducted in English.
MBA Applywire
I'm a GCC national at MBB in the region. Mostly worked on large-scale government projects, and hoping to continue in government after graduation (also a woman, not sure if that makes a difference but I see fewer women from my country applying to MBAs).
322 GRE (162V 160Q)
3.0 GPA from US T30 school (this one is painful but I had a strong upward trend after switching majors)
5 years experience (boutique + currently MBB)
Hey everyone,
I’d really appreciate an honest profile review and advice on how to best position myself over the next 4–5 years before applying to MBA programs (targeting M7 / T15, ideally with strong scholarship outcomes).
Background:
• 23M, URM (Latino, immigrant background)
• Graduated December 2025 from a non-target state school (Honors College)
• Major: Finance
• GPA: \~3.7–3.8
Work Experience:
Incoming: Management Rotation Program (Audit track) at a large U.S. financial institution (starting mid-2026)
• Rotational program with exposure to risk, capital markets, and enterprise functions
Current: Financial Analyst (Controls / Risk) at a large global tech company (co-op + full-time transition before MRP) not FAANG but similar
Prior internships:
A) 6 months internship Internal Audit – Housing Finance / Mortgage-related institution (Fannie/freddie)
B) 1 year internship and 1 year contract Risk & Compliance – Fixed Income / Debt Issuance organization (~$800B issuance exposure)
Exposure to MBS, capital markets, and financial risk frameworks
C) Summer experience for a regulatory agency (Pcaob, SEC, GAO)
Leadership & Extracurriculars:
• Director of Data Analytics – professional Latino association (2-5K members)
• Committee Member – State CPA Society (content + events)
Certifications / Plans:
Sitting for CFA Level I (May) → plan to complete CFA within ~3–4 years
Planning to complete CPA (150 credits + exams) within ~4–5 years
Short-Term Goal (pre-MBA):
Move from audit → capital markets / risk / transaction-related roles internally
Potentially pivot into roles closer to banking, valuation, or strategy
Long-Term Goal (post-MBA):
Investment Banking (M&A / Capital Markets) or potentially strategy consulting as backup
⸻
Questions:
1. How competitive is this profile today for M7 / T15 (assuming a strong GMAT, targeting 740+)?
2. What matters more in my case over the next few years:
• Internal mobility into capital markets–related roles?
• External jump (e.g., consulting, transaction advisory)?
3. Will CPA + CFA actually help for MBA admissions + IB recruiting, or is that overkill?
4. How can I best differentiate coming from a non-target + audit background?
5. What would you prioritize if you were me for the next 4–5 years?
I am a European 28-years-old engineer (automotive and oil&gas background) preparing my MBA applications. GMAT Focus 695 (97th percentile), IELTS 8/9, ~3 years of work experience.
4.1 GPA from a T10 university in STEM planning on doing entrepreneurship post college during the deferred years.