Phd programs
On-Campus
Master of Research in Management Degree; PhD Degree
Full Time
OPEN
A doctoral program in Barcelona that is 100% funded and prepares you for a world-class career in academia.
PhD Positions at IESE Business School
IESE Business School invites applications for full-time PhD positions for the upcoming intake (September 2026). IESE’s PhD is a five-year, full-time, research-oriented program that prepares students for an academic career at top business schools worldwide. PhD specializations include: Finance; Accounting; Operations, Information & Technology; Organizational Behavior; Strategy, Entrepreneurship; Marketing; and Business Ethics.
Specializations: https://www.iese.edu/master-research-management/specializations/ & https://www.iese.edu/phd-in-management/specializations/
IESE’s PhD program is a structured doctoral program based on the traditional U.S model, beginning with rigorous coursework (2 years, awarded with a Master’s Degree) and then transitioning into the PhD phase (2-3 years).
During the Master of Research in Management (coursework phase) - Years 1 & 2, students acquire methodological, analytical, and theoretical skills essential for high-quality research, while receiving close guidance from a faculty advisor. Students start specializing in their field of interest through elective coursework.
Upon completion, students progress to the PhD phase - Years 3 to 5, which includes:
- Developing and defending the dissertation proposal
- Conducting independent research under faculty supervision
- Presenting research in internal seminars and international conferences
- Optional funded research stays abroad
- Participation in funded summer schools and external doctoral courses
- Language training (e.g., Spanish) is also available.
Key Details
- Funding: Full tuition coverage and competitive stipend (1.500€/month net, 22,680€/year gross) for the entire duration of the program (5 years). Additional funding is also available for international research stays, conferences and workshops.
- Supervision: You will have a faculty member expert in your area of interest assigned as mentor.
- Research Areas (8): Strategy, Organizational Behavior, Marketing, Business Ethics, Entrepreneurship, Operations, Finance and Accounting.
- Program Duration: 4–5 years structured in coursework (2y), research and dissertation (2-3y).
- Other benefits:
- Access to extensive data, resources, and research support
- Professional development workshops, MBA teaching training, and networking opportunities
- Comprehensive health insurance, cafeteria discount + dedicated working space in our doctoral room at our Barcelona Campus.
Candidate Profile
We are seeking candidates who:
- Demonstrate strong analytical, quantitative, and communication skills.
- Are highly motivated for a research-oriented academic career.
- Can thrive in an international and collaborative academic environment.
How to Apply:
Candidates should submit their application through our webpage by January 20, 2026. APPLY HERE.
Applicants must present:
- Academic transcripts from completed Bachelor's degree
- Official GMAT or GRE scores (mandatory for all candidates)
- Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL 100 / IELTS 7) unless studies were completed in English
- 3 letters of recommendation
- Motivation letter
- Statement of research interests
IESE seeks candidates with strong academic potential, typically ranking in the top 10% of their undergraduate class, and with a clear interest in pursuing an academic research career.
Application's process:
- Deadline Round 1: January 20, strongly recommended.
- Deadline Round 2: April 20, this round follows a rolling admissions process, meaning applications will be reviewed continuously and candidates admitted as decisions are made.
- Interview: Conducted online with a faculty member. Interviews are only granted to short-listed candidates. After reviewing all applications faculty will contact you if they are interested in conducting an interview
- Decisions Announced: By mid-March
Upcoming Event: Join the Live Online PhD Open Day with the Academic Director of the Program on December 9, 2025 at 14:00 (Barcelona time). Register: https://apply.iese.edu/phd-open-day-online-9dec/
Career Outcomes
IESE PhD graduates have a strong placement record, with more than 90% obtaining academic positions in international universities and business schools. The program provides extensive support for research development and job-market preparation.
Academic Placements: Our PhD graduates have started academic careers in leading universities and business schools such as: Emory University, London Business School, Copenhagen Business School, Georgia TECH, KU Leuven, IE University, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Universidad Católica de Chile, Macquarie University Sidney, Utrecht University, Zhejiang University, Católica Lisbon School of Business & Economics, UCLA Anderson School of Management, Frankfurt School of Finance & Management, HEC Montreal, INSEAD, Saïd Business School, among others.
Why Join IESE
IESE Business School is the graduate business school of the University of Navarra. one of the world’s leading business schools. IESE’s MBA and Executive Education programs are regularly ranked among the top 10 in the world.
More information:
IESE PhD Faculty: https://www.iese.edu/master-research-management/faculty/ & https://www.iese.edu/phd-in-management/faculty/
Specializations: https://www.iese.edu/master-research-management/specializations/ & https://www.iese.edu/phd-in-management/specializations/
Contact:
Email: doctoral@iese.edu
Phone: +34 93 253 42 00
Website: www.iese.edu/phd-in-management and https://www.iese.edu/master-research-management/
