Are you looking for the best business schools in Barcelona? There are many places to study professionally, but not all have the same methodology. Do you want to learn with the best? Keep reading.

Whether you are coming to live in Barcelona as an expat or you are Catalan and looking for the best in Barcelona, Bcn Advisors has selected the top 5 business schools in Barcelona for their reputation and international outlook, as well as their connection to the city’s job market.

Barcelona’s business schools are internationally recinowned and consistently top the world rankings for executive education, one of the advantages of living in the city. International students tend to appreciate the Catalan capital’s business schools for their ability to offer a complete academic experience, and they are especially attractive to those seeking to combine elite higher education with an unparalleled Mediterranean lifestyle.

And after having already spoken in other articles about the best schools in Barcelona (including the best private schools in Barcelona), we will now highlight all those centers that if you have a business, or you are interested in entering the world of business, you should know.

The top 5 business schools in Barcelona

IESE

IESE is arguably the best business school in Barcelona thanks to its Executive Education programs, which have been ranked number one in the world by The Financial Times for five consecutive years. IESE, which offers a wide range of degrees, from MBAs and PhDs in Management to executive education programs for senior executives from around the world, is one of a small group of business schools (less than 5 percent) that have triple accreditation from AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA. The target group of students who attend these types of courses are people who are not so much in the mood of how to find a job in Barcelona, but rather value the possibility of making contacts and networking.

This business school is located in one of the most expensive neighborhoods of Barcelona, specifically in the Pedralbes area. In this neighborhood is where probably, you will find the bests luxury apartments for sale in Barcelona, and this is because it’s the richest city zone.

Among its many qualities is the geographic diversity of its classrooms and centers on five continents. Harvard Business School has been collaborating with IESE since 1994, creating joint study programs for both groups of students.

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Website: www.iese.edu

ESADE (Ramon Llull University)

ESADE was one of the first schools to offer business programs in Spain and provides a range of programs, including MBAs, executive education and undergraduate courses. It has three campuses: two in Barcelona and one in Madrid. Like IESE, ESADE has triple accreditation from AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA. ESADE is also a founding member of CEMS, a prestigious business schools global network. ESADE collaborates with with more than 100 universities and business schools across five continents and is the European business school that has the most extensive exchange network with Latin America.

Website: www.esade.edu

EAE

EAE (Escuela de Administración de Empresas) has more than 50 years of experience as a business school and a strong international reputation, with students from over 70 countries choosing to study at its campuses.  Its 7 specialist areas are: MBAs, Business Management, Marketing, Communication & Sales, Human Resources, Innovation & Data, Project Management & Supply Chain and Finance & Economics. Recently EAE and the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce signed a partnership agreement in relation to the international markets residential program run as part of the School’s Global MBA.

Website:  www.eaebarcelona.com

EADA

EADA is another of the few business schools with triple accreditation and also has strong ties to the Latin American market. Founded in 1957, it went on to become a Private University Foundation in 1984. Its values are centered around equality, independence, personal development, academic excellence and global vision.  The school is committed to developing comprehensive management skills and offers a practical, “learning by doing” approach. The center has developed a large-scale CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) project for its students relating to the 10 principles of the UN Global Compact in the areas of human rights, labor, environment, anti-corruption and business negotiation strategy. Its MBA courses can be found all over the world thanks to its alliances with other business schools.

Website:  www.eada.edu

UPF – Barcelona School of Management

The Pompeu Fabra University (UPF) has consistently ranked amongst the top 100 European business education academic institutions. It maintains the Number One position in Spain for Social Sciences and in 2022 received EQUIS accreditation making it the first management school in the country linked to a public university and places it among the elite of international business schools. In 2021, it also earned an AMBA accreditation, which positions it among the world’s leading management schools.

This training center is one of the most reputable schools, since those students who are eager to learn and evolve are given great opportunities to find the best jobs in Barcelona.

Website: https://www.upf.edu/

International perspective in Barcelona’s business schools

International students and cultural diversity

Thanks to the reputation of Barcelona’s schools globally, there is strong cultural diversity among its alumni, teaching staff and researchers with almost all nationalities represented across the board. Barcelona Business Schools are renowned for fostering education focused on respect, regardless of their origin, culture, religion or sexual orientation.

Exchange and study abroad opportunities

Many of Barcelona’s business schools offer international exchanges like Erasmus as well as company placements or global exchanges with other Business Schools in different cities.

Focus on global business and entrepreneurial innovation

International companies are increasingly looking for business graduates who have a global outlook and have been trained with and can master the very latest technological tools. Barcelona Business Schools ensure that students are qualified with the most up-to-date knowledge to be able to work in an international business environment.

Connections with the Barcelona labor market

Barcelona Business Schools offer a wealth of employment opportunities both in the Catalan capital and internationally among diverse fields including entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, sales and law.

Internship and work experience opportunities

Global leaders such as Amazon, Bank of America, Deloitte, and Google are some of the companies which offer Barcelona Business School graduates internships and/or full time positions.  

Networking and networking events

Creating a solid network of contacts is essential so that business school students do not miss out on any opportunity, and users who are encouraged to attend one of these business schools, usually have a high average salary in Barcelona. Barcelona Business Schools organise recruitment events, career forums and company presentations throughout the academic year and can also provide access to online communities and directories where students are able to connect with former alumni. They also provide mentoring programs and entrepreneurship hubs where advice, contacts and potential funding is provided to help students on their road to success.

Prospects for employment in Barcelona and abroad

Most business schools offer corporate events, webinars and information sessions throughout the year. In addition, the schools receive hundreds of requests from companies in search of talent to join their teams. Recruitment fairs offer the chance to students to reach out personally to recruiters and executives, to share profiles and interests and find out about the future opportunities they offer.