PhD.
Requirements

Your application needs to be completed online.

Applications for the September 2025 intake will be accepted from September 2024 on. The first-round deadline will be then January 20, 2025, the second-round deadline will be April 20, 2025. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

To be eligible for admission, an applicant should hold at least the equivalent of a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) degree. You must submit your diplomas and transcripts from each college and graduate institution attended for at least 6 months. Scanned copies can be uploaded on the on-line application.

Important note: If you are admitted to the program and you accept the offer, an original copy of your transcripts must be sent to PhD Office within one month of your admission date. Failure to provide evidence would preclude the enrollment in the program. Therefore, we recommend that you request this document as soon as possible.

GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) or GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) are compulsory for all the applicants. Tests taken more than five years prior to date of entry will not be accepted.

Results should be sent directly from the test agency, using IESE’s code: S21-BK-53 for GMAT for GMAT and 3607 for GRE.

For further information please check the official website of either GMAT or GRE.

Adequate command of spoken and written English is required for admission. If English is not your native language and you have not obtained a degree in the English language, you must take a recognized English test:

TOEFL minimum score 95

Results should be sent directly from the test agency, using IESE’s code:

0755.7099

IELTS minimum score 7

Please note that both tests expire two years after the test date.

These should be written by professors familiar with the applicant’s academic record.

Recommendation letters must reach IESE before deadline, and can either be uploaded online, sent by the proposers to the PhD Department by e-mail: doctoral@iese.edu or sent by ordinary mail in sealed envelopes.

Tell us why you want to do the IESE PhD. What journey did you take that led you to believe that you wanted to pursue a doctorate? What is it about academic life that inspires you?

Write a short essay describing your research interests and goals. Tell us about what interests you and why; literature in your field; and what research you have done previously.

You can upload your picture directly onto the application form in the required field.

Please note that your photo should have a white background and will also be used for your student card.

Copy of your passport

In accordance with the laws of your country of origin, all military or civil service obligations must be fulfilled.

In the PhD phase candidates are required to pass written comprehensive exams to prove their academic excellence in their field and their competence in organizing research projects.

You can download the fellowship application form here.