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When I think back to the moment I decided to apply to IE University, I remember it was a major turning point in my life, and it was sometimes very confusing. I felt like a kid before the step up to high school. But now that I’ve been here a few years and I know about all the support that the university provides, it all seems so easy in retrospect. Here’s everything I wish I’d known back then. 

Making the big decision  

I’ll give you a bit of background first on what made me apply to IE University in the first place. I knew a little about the institution because it has a very strong reputation for innovation and diversity. That has certainly proved to be true; it turns out there are over 140 nationalities in the student body and faculty. 
I’d also heard about their very practical approach to education. I liked the idea that the focus wasn’t only on exams but on building skills I’d actually use later. So that’s something to be ready for; get ready to get involved rather than just sit in lectures. Alongside the hands-on focus, the programs maintain a high academic standard. Seeing IE University appear consistently in top international rankings gave me confidence that I was applying to the right place.  

Choosing your program 

Knowing that IE University is so highly rated wouldn’t have made much difference if they hadn’t offered the sort of program I was looking for. But with so many options, including single or dual degrees and 3+1 or 4+1 pathways leading to specialized master’s later, I actually had a tough time choosing which one I wanted to enroll in. 
In the end, I found the perfect fit for me in the Bachelor in International Relations. Your choice might be very different; just make sure you are applying for something that you have a passion for. You can check them all out here. 

Applying to IE University: the process 

My personal experience with the application process is specific to the bachelor’s, but it shares some aspects with the master’s programs. My advice would always be to get your application in as early as possible. It will help you plan for things like visa processing, finding accommodation, applying for financial aid or scholarships and so on. 

Applying for a bachelor’s program  

When applying to an IE University bachelor’s degree, there are four separate admissions rounds with different deadlines. After Round 3, whether your application can still be considered is down to availability in the bachelor’s programs you’re applying to. Applying in an earlier round gives you a clear path forward sooner, with more time to plan your next steps. But if you can’t apply until later, you still have the opportunity to do so where there are spaces available.  

Applying for a master’s program 

Master’s programs applications are accepted on a rolling basis rather than in set rounds. This means you can apply at any time, though again, the sooner you start your application, the more time you have to prepare everything.  
If there’s anything specific you want to know about the process, you can talk to an admissions advisor. I did, and they’re really helpful—it’s definitely worth reaching out. IE University has offices all over the world where local teams host information sessions, one-on-one meetings and events where you can learn more about the programs and the admissions process. But if you happen to live nowhere near an office, don’t worry; you can still book a virtual meeting with an admissions advisor. 

How IE University evaluates candidates  What happens next after applying to IE University 

I had no idea how long things would take once I submitted my application. I received the good news about the decision by email after a couple of weeks, though it can take up to five weeks. You might receive a conditional offer if you still have certain requirements to meet, like finishing high school. But don’t worry if that happens; your place is reserved until then. 

Scholarships and awards

I paid my full tuition fees in installments. But I know not everybody can do that, and so does IE University. I’ve since discovered there were more funding options than I’d realized, including scholarships, grants and flexible payment plans. You can also apply for merit-based awards and special grants once admitted.  

Where to seek support  

Another great point of support is the Student Services office. They can give advice on things like accommodation, visas and settling in. I found them incredibly useful, so definitely contact them for help with all your questions, both before you arrive and in your initial weeks. 

IE University student life: what’s it really like? 

Both campuses are amazing, even though they’re very different. I chose to split my time between them because I wanted to experience the stunning 13th-century Convent of Santa Cruz la Real in historic Segovia and the contrasting, very new and extraordinary IE Tower in central Madrid. I’m glad I did because, though the academic standards are the same, I’ve experienced life in two very different Spanish cities. 

Some things are common to both campuses. Class sizes are small, with a maximum of 62 students in Madrid and just 55 in Segovia. So I’ve had plenty of personalized guidance and attention from the start.  

And the extracurricular scene is huge and diverse in both places. There are over 100 student-run clubs, so it doesn’t matter if your passion is sports, cultural activities or professional development, you’ll find like-minded people among your fellow students. Any student in any program, master’s or bachelor’s, can join in. 

IE University’s international network 

Lastly, though I knew IE University is very international, it’s only when you get here that you really grasp the scale of what that means. They partner with over 300 universities in more than 50 countries, offering study-abroad opportunities and international programs. 

And if you’re worried about not speaking Spanish, don’t be. All bachelor’s programs are taught in English, so Spanish isn’t required. By living in Spain, though, your Spanish will naturally improve! Mine has certainly come on in leaps and bounds, thanks to the course I took at IE Language Center. It’s not just Spanish, either. You can also study French, Chinese, Portuguese, German and Arabic. This truly is an international place. 

Most of all, though, what I wish I’d known before I applying to IE University was just how life-changing the experience was going to be. I would have been even more excited about the prospect. So that’s my main takeaway for you: push your boundaries and get out of your comfort zone. For me, it’s worked out better than I ever could have hoped.