IE Business School admissions:
which test to take and what scores the school publishes

Which IE programs require a test, and which one?

IE Business School is the business school of IE University in Madrid. Its master’s programs follow a common admissions policy published for 2026–2027. No French admissions test is mentioned: applicants choose between the GMAT, GRE, and the school’s test, with CFA and CAIA also accepted for the Master in Finance. The table distinguishes the general policy from individual program pages.

The policy says some programs may waive the test requirement or require a different test; IE alumni are generally exempt. Your program page therefore takes precedence. The full-time International MBA has its own admissions page: its “Admissions test” step lists the ieGAT, GMAT, GRE, or Executive Assessment. The FAQ on that same page still lists only the first three; confirm the EA option if you plan to use it. Admissions are rolling.

GMAT, GRE, or ieGAT: which should you take?

The policy uses a two-step approach: applicants may submit standardized scores such as the GMAT Focus or GRE if they have them; otherwise, they take ieGAT, the school’s admissions test. These scores are optional if applicants take the ieGAT, but may strengthen their profile. The school does not say which of the three it prefers and states that no single factor, including grades or tests, is decisive on its own. Choose based on your timeline, working language, and other target schools; the article on choosing an international test outlines these factors.

The Master in Finance is an exception: a standardized test such as the GRE, GMAT, CFA, or CAIA is required, and ieGAT is not accepted. The policy does not specify the required level; the official article “The Master in Finance: Your admission process questions answered” cites CFA I and CAIA I. This is program-specific and should be confirmed for the year you plan to enroll. If you are deciding between this program and the Master in Management, start with the article comparing their requirements.

The policy names the GMAT Focus, the current edition of the test, but says nothing about score validity. The article on what GRE score to target when no cutoff is published explains how to interpret the absence of a figure.

Which English test, and what is the minimum?

Applicants whose first language is not English, or whose bachelor’s degree was not taught entirely in English, must demonstrate proficiency. The policy sets minimums by test: TOEFL 100, with 105 recommended; IELTS 7, with 7.5 recommended; Duolingo English Test 130; and Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) or C2 Proficiency (CPE). For TOEFL tests taken after January 21, 2026, it sets a minimum of 5 and recommends 5.5 on the new 1–6 scale; 100 refers to the old 0–120 scale.

TOEIC is not listed as proof of English in the policy. If you have a TOEIC score, check whether your program accepts it; the article comparing TOEIC and TOEFL can help you choose. These minimums apply to master’s programs; do not assume they apply to an MBA unless its page says so.

The policy allows a waiver: applicants who have lived and worked for an extended period, at least two years, in a fully English-speaking environment may be exempt, subject to approval by the admissions committee.

What scores does IE publish?

The policy states that no minimum score is required, but recommends at least 605 on the GMAT Focus and 310 on the GRE. These are recommended thresholds, not averages; they do not describe the class. The GMAT Focus uses the current 205–805 scale; the school does not specify the scale for the GRE score of 310.

For the Master in Finance, the official article “The Master in Finance: Your admission process questions answered” recommends 605–755 on the GMAT Focus and 322–340 on the GRE. It does not tie these recommendations to a specific cycle, so confirm them for the year you plan to enroll. They are neither required minimums nor class averages. The materials reviewed do not confirm a current GMAT or GRE average or median for the three programs; we do not substitute a figure from an old brochure.

What happens after you submit your application?

Applications are submitted online and include a form (academic background, extracurricular activities, photo, passport copy), a Kira assessment with three questions answered on the spot, a one-page résumé, official transcripts, two references (not family members, friends, or direct reports), an essay, video or presentation, proof of English proficiency, and a nonrefundable application fee, which may be waived in exceptional cases. Applicants still completing their bachelor’s degree must submit the final diploma once received.

An interview may be offered, in person or online, using the STAR method; the committee may also waive it. Under the 2026–2027 policy, decisions generally arrive by email within one to three weeks after the application is complete, and the committee may decide before all steps are finished.

Admissions are rolling, and timelines may vary by program: applications generally close five days before the program starts, and the school encourages early applications because places are limited. Accommodations for the admissions test and online assessment are available for documented special educational needs. Check each program page for its start dates.