17/04/2024
Prepare for the application process with all the important information, and take the next step toward your future.
If you are from Ecuador and considering a master’s degree at IE University, you are at the beginning of an important and exciting stage in your educational journey!
Our wide variety of master’s programs range from business and law to technology and architecture, so take your time to explore and find the program that perfectly meets your needs.
Next, you will need to complete our application process. Alexandra Perez, office director for Ecuador, sat down with us to explain the stages of the admissions process for students applying from Ecuador. Read on to find out exactly what’s involved and how to prepare for your application.
What are the steps in the admissions process for graduate students?
Once you’ve picked the right degree for you, the IE University admissions process involves the following stages:
1. Online application: Your journey begins with our online application form. You will need to create an account and fill out the form on our website. Upload supporting documents that highlight your academic achievements—this includes a one-page resume, a motivation letter, two recommendation letters and evidence of your English language proficiency.
2. Admissions test: Students may be asked to take our IE Global Admissions Test (ieGAT), an online test assessing logical, verbal and numerical reasoning, which takes about an hour and a half. Alternatively, you may be asked to submit scores from the GMAT, GRE, CFA or CAIA exams. An English proficiency test may be required as well. You can find out the specific requirements by visiting the page of the program you are applying for.
3. Online assessment: The next step will be an online assessment designed to evaluate your critical-thinking skills and real-time responses. You’ll answer three questions live (two oral questions and one written) via a virtual platform. It takes about twenty minutes to complete.
4. Personal interview: After reviewing your application and if we decide you are a good fit, we will invite you to a personal interview with an admissions officer. This is your opportunity to tell us about your goals, passions and motivations. You can prepare for this interview by thinking about what drives you and how your interests align with IE University’s values.
5. Final committee decision: The Admissions Committee will carefully consider all aspects of your application and make their final decision. Expect to receive an email notification within two weeks.
What are the requirements for an Ecuadorian citizen to study in Spain?
Navigating the visa application process can be daunting, but our teams in Madrid and Ecuador are equipped to support you throughout. Remember that before initiating the visa application, you must be accepted and enrolled in a full-time program.
You will need to meet all the criteria set by the Spanish Consulate in your area. This includes completing an application form and providing notarized proof of financial means, or a notarized sponsorship letter if someone else is funding your studies. Additionally, you must obtain health insurance valid for your study period in Spain. IE University can facilitate insurance options through providers we work with.
Further requirements include a criminal record certificate and a medical certificate. The criminal record certificate should include all countries where you have resided in the last five years and must be legalized. In Ecuador, this can be obtained from the Ministry of the Interior. You will need two original copies, with an apostille from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility. Medical certificates can be acquired from your local public health center—you will also need two legalized copies with an apostille.
For those with dual nationality, including one from an EU country, you might be exempt from some student visa requirements. If you possess dual non-EU nationalities, you may choose which nationality to use for the application based on your personal situation.
How can I find accommodation when studying in Spain?
To assist you in finding suitable housing, we recommend working with Beyond Campus, our preferred provider. They specialize in securing IE University-approved flats and residences in Madrid and Segovia. Additionally, our office in Ecuador can facilitate connections with other students, helping you find shared accommodation.
After your admission, you will also gain access to our Slack channel for newly enrolled students. This platform is an excellent resource for finding accommodation as it allows you to connect with other students looking for housing. Learn more about what to expect when living in Madrid on our Student Services website.
What financial assistance is available for students from Ecuador?
Approximately a quarter of our students receive scholarships, which vary by program and applicant pool. You need to be accepted into a program before applying for these. We also have several other options for financial aid, including awards that are granted automatically based on certain criteria. Additionally, it’s worth noting that various banks in Ecuador provide student loans.
Supporting you through every stage of the process
We aim to make your transition to studying at IE University as smooth as possible.
As IE University accepts applications on a rolling basis, there are no deadlines but we advise applying as soon as you can. Applying early improves your chances of being accepted into the program of your choice and may even lead to scholarship opportunities.For further details, please visit our Admissions page or contact us at ecuador@ie.edu if you have any questions. You can also view our upcoming events to learn more about what we have to offer. We are here to support you every step of the way.
