How to get into IE University: an application guide for UK students
IE has its own application, separate from UCAS, and its rounds start in September, in the thick of Year 13. The process changes often, so your counsellor walks your family through each step. This guide covers undergraduate degrees only. IE Business School's MBA and master's programmes are separate.
Key takeaways
- IE sits outside UCAS and admits in rounds from September to March, then may consider applications from May while places last.
- Your student can sit IE's Admissions Test or send an SAT, ACT or LNAT score that meets the minimum.
- Every candidate completes an online assessment of short written and video answers.
- Most UK-school applicants need no English certificate.
- Direct Awards are merit-based and need no application. Other aid opens only after an offer.
IE University Madrid admission at a glance
Why UK students choose IE University in Madrid and Segovia
Applying to IE uses none of your student's UCAS choices, and an SAT taken for US applications can serve IE too.
Every bachelor's degree is taught in English, from Laws (LL.B.) to Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence. Business Administration (the BBA) is the best known, and most of our students want it. Dual degrees pair two subjects and lead to two accredited bachelor's degrees in five years.
Weighing IE against other options in Spain? Our guides to Spanish universities and universities in Madrid can help.
IE University application deadlines from Year 12 to Year 13
IE admits in rounds, and we start by choosing your student's round. Dates are for autumn 2027 entry, and year groups follow England and Wales.
Everything, tests included, has to be in by the closing date. Schools find September deadlines tough, and we help you ask early for the transcript and recommendation.
How to apply to IE University, step by step
Step 1: Choose the degree and campus
We start with the degree, because it can decide the campus. On ten degrees your student can choose all four years in Madrid, or two in Segovia then two in Madrid. Architectural Studies (five years) and Environmental Sciences for Sustainability are Segovia only. Design is two years in each, starting in Segovia. Fashion Design, Humanities and Political Science also use both campuses.
Step 2: Decide the test route
IE's own Admissions Test is in English, and an SAT, ACT or LNAT score can replace it. The verbal, logical and numerical reasoning sections need no revision. Maths is another matter. The Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence test has a strong maths component, the BBA test now includes some maths, and some degrees have none.
Most of our students go with the SAT, which many are sitting for US applications anyway. They choose which score IE sees, but IE's own test never shows them the result. We point them to IE's sample questions, but there is little else to practise with.
Step 3: Prepare the school record
IE asks for at least three A-levels, and its applicants range from AAB to A*A*A*. For the IB, typical admissions fall between 34 and 45 points.
Offers made before results can be conditional. If final grades fall short, the committee looks again and may withdraw the offer. IE won't consider an application without the GCSE certificates, so dig them out early.
Step 4: Apply in the right round
Applications go straight to IE online, or start on the Common App and finish on IE's portal. IE takes strong students in any round, but applying early gives the best chance of a place on the degree they want. Wait until May and even a strong student may be offered a different degree or a waiting-list place. IE can sometimes move an application to a later round, but a no is final for that year. We aim for Round 1 only when the file is ready.
Step 5: The online assessment and any interview
Next, every candidate takes an online assessment, answering short questions in writing and on video. IE assesses your student's English too. If IE invites them to an interview, online or in person at an IE campus or regional office, we prepare them for it.
Step 6: Check the English requirement
IE asks for no English certificate if your student's last two years of secondary school were taught in English. The same goes if they have lived in an English-speaking country for more than two years. Otherwise, a student whose first language is not English needs IELTS, TOEFL or another accepted English certificate at IE's minimum. We'll tell you which applies.
Step 7: Decision and funding
The Admissions Committee replies within five to seven weeks of the round closing. The answer can be an unconditional offer, a conditional offer, a move to a later round or a no. We then go through any offer with you, along with IE's financial aid.
IE University acceptance rate, scores and grades
An SAT, ACT or LNAT score below the minimum means sitting IE's own test instead. In our experience, an SAT at the minimum can be enough, because IE reads it alongside the GCSEs and predicted A-levels. IE's students have an average final IB score of 36 out of 45.
IE University fees and scholarships
IE sets tuition in euros for each degree and year, and we can give you the figures for your shortlist.
IE's undergraduate financial aid comes in three forms. Direct Awards are merit-based and automatic on admission. IE Awards cover part of tuition. IE Foundation Scholarships can cover more, in some cases all of tuition and living costs. You apply for the last two after an offer arrives, and IE weighs both need and merit.
Holding a place takes a substantial deposit, and we talk you through it early.
Mistakes to avoid in your IE University application
- Applying in Round 1 before the file is ready. A no from IE is final for that year.
- Assuming four years in Madrid. Two degrees are Segovia only, and Design starts there.
- Overlooking the SAT Maths minimum. For science and technology degrees IE expects at least 700 in SAT Maths.
- Taking the English exemption for granted. It depends on schooling and residence, whatever your student's nationality.
How Guidewell Global supports your IE University application
Students we have worked with have received offers from IE University. When a question comes up, we can usually get a quick answer from IE's admissions team.
- Discover and define goals. We begin with a complimentary, candid conversation about your student's plans.
- Build a balanced shortlist. We pick the IE degree and campus with you, alongside options such as CUNEF, the University of Navarra, Esade or EHL.
- One master timeline. Every IE round, test date and deadline goes on one plan the whole family can see.
- Every application, done properly. We advise on the test route and the online assessment, and prepare your student for any interview.
- Decisions and next steps. We stay with you from the offer to the final choice.
IE Madrid application questions, answered
Any IE University acceptance rate you come across is an estimate, as IE doesn't publish one. Its A-level applicants range from AAB to A*A*A*, and we'll tell you honestly where your student's file sits.
The SAT is what most of our students send IE, often a score from their US applications, once it reaches IE's minimum of 1300. If only IE needs a test, its own Admissions Test is usually simpler, though the BBA version now includes some maths and students never see their result.
IE University admits in rounds. For autumn 2027 entry, Round 1 closes on 6 November 2026, Round 2 on 15 January 2027 and Round 3 on 5 March 2027. IE may then consider applications from May while places last.
No. An IE application is separate from UCAS, and your student keeps every UCAS choice. We fit IE's rounds around UCAS and any US applications.
Yes. An IE dual degree goes through the same rounds and process as a single degree. Pairings include Business Administration with Laws, Business Administration with Data and Business Analytics, and Laws with International Relations.
The right IE campus depends on your student. Madrid is very urban, and the campus is in a tower. Segovia's beautiful old building has more of a campus feel, which some students find makes it easier to make friends.
Plan your IE University application with us
Applying to IE means some big choices early on, starting with the degree and campus. Your counsellor helps with each one, in London and online. Book a complimentary consultation and we'll work out which round suits your student.
