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24 September 2025

5 minutes read

What are the Barcelona ESADE MBA GMAT Requirements and Admission Process for Indian Students?

Dirghayu Kaushik
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Dirghayu Kaushik

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Founder & CEO

Dirghayu Kaushik is the co-founder and CEO of Ambitio. He started this platform because he’s been in your shoes—navigating confusing websites, second-guessing college choices, and trying to make sense of what actually matters in an application. A graduate of IIT BHU, Dirghayu combines personal experience with data-backed guidance to help students apply smarter. Whether it’s choosing the right course, building a standout profile, or writing essays that don’t feel forced, his mission is simple: to make getting into your dream university less overwhelming, and a little more honest.

1 September 2024

5 minutes read

Key Takeaways

  • Cracking the ESADE MBA GMAT needs an average score of around 660 with valid test results making it the single most influential part of admissions.
  • Building a strong profile with at least two years of professional experience and clear documents like SOP, resume, and transcripts boosts chances massively.
  • Applying early and targeting scholarships at ESADE can flip your perspective on costs and open doors to global career opportunities.

You know what cracks me up? People spend more time choosing a Netflix show than preparing for the GMAT test that literally decides whether they will sit inside ESADE’s Barcelona campus or not. Let me break it instantly for you.

The average GMAT score for ESADE MBA students is around 660 and yes, the admissions committee loves to see strong GMAT scores. You may also submit GRE test scores, but let’s be brutally honest, a mediocre score is the fastest way to get the admissions team to slide your application aside.

I talk to so many Indian students who tell me they feel trapped between GPA, transcripts, IELTS or TOEFL, and the monster called GMAT Focus-Edition. The truth is simple: if you are aiming for ESADE Business School MBA program, you must take the GMAT/GRE.

ESADE admissions committee checks every detail of your profile from professional experience to required documentation like scanned copies of transcripts, personal statement, resume, letter of recommendation, and even your diploma supplement.

And guess what? The ESADE admission test is an option, but trust me, if you want to stand out, take the GMAT and prove you can flip your perspective like the ESADE MBAs love to say.

Why Study at ESADE Business School in 2026?

The joke goes that ESADE MBAs learn to rethink success while sipping sangria and arguing about global business. It is not wrong.

esade mba gmat 1

The full-time MBA at ESADE is taught entirely in English and attracts MBA students who want perspectives from different business cultures.

  • “Picture abhi baaki hai mere dost”:  ESADE is not just an MBA, it is a stage for your career story
  • The program allows you to decide to complete the MBA in 12, 15, or 18 months
  • ESADE is a global academic hub tied to Ramon Llull University
  • Students interested in the ESADE MBA program come from 50+ nationalities
  • You literally learn to flip your perspective every single week

What Are the Barcelona ESADE MBA GMAT and GRE Requirements?

A strange fact is that the admissions office will never admit this openly, but valid GMAT scores have historically played the biggest role in admission to ESADE’s MBA program. The average GMAT score hovers around 660, and you need to be academically sharp to stand out.

The admissions committee accepts GMAT Focus-Edition, GMAT exam, or GRE-test scores. You must take the GMAT unless you choose the ESADE admission-test, but that is rare.

GMAT and GRE Requirements at ESADE:

RequirementDetails
Average GMAT-Score660
Average GRE-ScoreEquivalent to 660-marks GMAT as per percentile tables
Accepted TestsGMAT test, GMAT focus edition, GRE-test, ESADE admission-test
ValidityScores must be valid at time of submission
SimulatorGMAT simulator is recommended before you sit the test

The school considers both GMAT scores and average GRE-test scores equally but prefers that MBA students take the GMAT. GMAC has designed the Focus Edition to test new focus areas like data literacy, so brush up before you take the GMAT Focus Edition.

If you are a native English speaker, the English test is waived, but otherwise you must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores.

What are the Admission Requirements to ESADE MBA Program?

ESADE acceptance is like an IPL auction. You need every credential to justify your spot. The admissions committee requires scanned copies of your official university transcripts, GPA, bachelor degree, diploma supplement, resume, letter of recommendation, statement of purpose, and personal statement.

The admissions team evaluates not just scores but also professional experience of a minimum of two years.

Admission Requirements Table:

RequirementDetails
Bachelor DegreeFrom official university with transcripts
Professional ExperienceMinimum of two years
English TestIELTS, TOEFL, or proof if native English speaker
DocumentsResume, letter of recommendation, personal statement, statement of purpose, diploma-supplement
OtherOnline application form with scanned copies

What Does the Class Profile of ESADE for 2026 Look Like?

Imagine a Bollywood movie cast where every character comes from a different part of the world. That is exactly what ESADE MBA class looks like. The admissions FAQs reveal the diversity clearly.

esade mba gmat 2

Class Profile 2026:

MetricDetails
Average GMAT-Score660
Nationalities50+
Average GPACompetitive above 3.0
Work Experience5–7 years average
Gender Balance40% women

How Difficult Is the MBA Admissions Process at ESADE?

Let me tell you, it is not a cakewalk. ESADE acceptance committee is ruthless when it comes to selecting MBA students. You need to stand out academically and professionally.

Admission Difficulty Table:

FactorWeight
GMAT/GREHigh
Professional ExperienceHigh
English ProficiencyMedium
Essays and SOPHigh

Does ESADE Accept Online Applications?

Of course, yes. If ESADE still used paper forms, I would be shocked. The online application form is the official way to submit your application. You upload scanned copies of transcripts and required documentation.

Online Application Process:

StepDetail
Submit your applicationThrough online application form
UploadScanned copies of transcripts, resume
ContactAdmissions office for queries

Are GRE Scores an Important Entry Requirement at ESADE?

GRE scores are like the sidekick in a movie. Useful but not the hero.

The admissions office considers GRE scores, but the GMAT-test and GMAT Focus-Edition remain the gold standard.

  • School considers GRE-test scores if you do not take the GMAT-test
  • Average GRE score equivalent to 660-score GMAT
  • GRE is accepted but GMAT is preferred

MBA Application Deadlines for 2026 at ESADE

ESADE deadlines are not flexible. Miss one and you are out of the race like a bowled batsman.

Students interested in the ESADE program are required to follow the schedule strictly.

  • Applications run in rounds from October to June
  • Early applications have better scholarship chances
  • Final deadline is usually in June 2026

Deadlines Table:

RoundMonth
Round 1October 2025
Round 2January 2026
Round 3March 2026
Round 4May 2026
Round 5June 2026

What are the Key Differences Between ESADE Full Time MBA and Executive MBA?

Think of the full time MBA as a Test match and the Executive MBA as a T20.

Both are cricket, but the rhythm is completely different.

  • Full time MBA is for students who want to undertake postgraduate studies and rethink success in 12–18 months
  • Executive MBA is for professionals with more than 10 years of professional experience
  • Executive MBA classes are part-time and allow you to work simultaneously

Program Comparison:

ProgramDurationProfile
Full time MBA12, 15, or 18 monthsMid-level professionals
Executive MBA18 monthsSenior managers

How to Avail Scholarships to Study MBA at ESADE?

Here is the funny truth. Scholarships are like those extra fries at McDonald’s, everyone wants them but only a few get them.

ESADE’s admissions team offers scholarships to outstanding applicants.

  • Merit-based scholarships for high GMAT scores and GPA
  • Diversity scholarships for unique backgrounds
  • Scholarships for women in leadership

Scholarships Table:

ScholarshipCriteria
MeritHigh GMAT/GRE, GPA
DiversityNationality, professional experience
Women in LeadershipFemale candidates

Top alternative universities for scholarships include INSEAD, IESE, and HEC Paris.

Conclusion

Here is my honest takeaway. If you want admission to ESADE’s MBA program, you must take the GMAT or GRE-test seriously because that is where most MBA students fail.

The admissions committee wants valid GMAT-scores backed by professional experience, strong essays, and scanned copies of every required documentation. My one-line advice? Flip your perspective and prepare early.

If you want me to simplify the process and walk you through ESADE acceptance step by step, contact Ambitio today, and please send us your questions directly. We make sure you never get lost in the admissions maze.

FAQs

What is the average GMAT score required for ESADE MBA admission?

The average GMAT score for ESADE MBA admitted students is around 660 for the classic GMAT and about 615 for the new GMAT Focus edition.

Is the GMAT mandatory for the ESADE MBA application?

Yes, ESADE requires all applicants to take the GMAT or GRE. No GMAT waivers are available regardless of work experience or qualifications.

Can Indian students use GRE instead of GMAT for ESADE MBA admission?

Yes, ESADE accepts GRE scores as an alternative to GMAT. The average GRE score for admitted candidates is around 160-162.

What are the other admission requirements besides GMAT for Indian applicants?

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree, minimum two years of full-time work experience, English proficiency demonstrated through TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent English tests, essays, recommendation letters, transcripts, and an interview.

How is the ESADE MBA interview conducted for international applicants including Indians?

ESADE conducts interviews in person at Barcelona or off-campus admissions events and also via Skype for international applicants who cannot visit.

What is the ESADE MBA application process for Indian students?

The process includes completing the online application, submitting required documents (CV, essays, letters, transcripts), taking GMAT/GRE, and attending an interview before the admissions committee decision.

When are the application deadlines for the ESADE MBA September intake?

The key deadlines range from October 2024 through June 2025 across multiple rounds, with early rounds recommended for better chances and scholarships.

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