06/02/2025
Looking to explore new career possibilities, boost your profile and build your international network? IE University’s Summer Program can help you achieve that. Read on to see how our innovative two-week program offers a taste of academic excellence, practical business exposure and the chance to discover Madrid’s thriving culture—all while studying at one of Europe’s top universities.
More than just a summer course
What sets IE University’s Summer Program apart is its flexible approach to learning. With nine distinct programs to choose from, you can customize your summer experience to align with your interests and career goals. Whether you’re inspired by breakthrough tech, passionate about fashion styling or driven to make a difference through sustainability, there’s a program for you.
Each program runs for two weeks in July—with the exception of the Entrepreneurship track, which extends to four weeks for a deeper dive into business creation—and focuses on three pillars that will change your understanding of business and innovation.
Management: You’ll explore the main tools used in business and management, gaining insights into everything from strategy and finance to marketing and tech. More than just theoretical concepts, you’ll learn practical applications that today’s business leaders use to navigate our rapidly changing world. Some sessions focus on areas such as social impact, strategy and sustainability. These are essential for modern leadership.
Entrepreneurship: You’ll discover what it means to be an entrepreneur through hands-on workshops, learning how to turn innovative ideas into viable business ventures. You’ll experience firsthand the power of creativity in the entrepreneurial process. This moves from initial brainstorming to opportunity development.
Challenges: You’ll tackle real-world business challenges. Whether that’s building a startup from scratch or finding innovation within existing companies, you’ll put your newfound knowledge to the test in practical, hands-on projects. These challenges serve as the backbone of the entire program and allow you to apply concepts in real time.
Program flexibility
Our summer program offers nine diverse tracks: Upskilling for Professional Development, Breakthrough Tech & AI, Customer Experience & Innovation, Rethinking Sustainability, Entrepreneurship, Fashion Styling & Media, Law & Innovation, NextGen Public Changemakers, Humanities in Action. You can mix and match up to three programs to tailor your learning journey, giving you the freedom to explore several areas of interest during the program.
The Madrid experience
Your summer at IE University is about more than what happens in the classroom—the city of Madrid will become your home. Imagine discussing business ideas over tapas in the lively neighborhood of La Latina, or networking with peers on a rooftop terrace overlooking the city.
Madrid has it all—from world-class museums brimming with Spanish culture to world-class soccer matches, not to mention local markets and countless restaurants and bars. There’s something for everyone, and the program includes a diverse agenda of social and cultural extracurricular activities to help you discover this vibrant city and its surroundings.
Experiences that speak for themselves
Previous participants have described the IE University Summer Program as a transformative experience, both professionally and personally. One shares, “I met a lot of new people, I learned a lot of new skills, and most of all, I learned a lot about myself and what I want in the future.”
Another highlights the unique blend of personal growth and career inspiration: “IE University has impacted my mindset, illuminating my potential future career paths. Moreover, the program has afforded me the opportunity to build a valuable network and connect with great individuals from around the globe.”
And the connections made during the program leave a lasting impact.
“It’s an amazing program where you learn and you develop yourself… The opportunities you get through the connections you make are amazing,” shares one participant. The experience has been so impactful that for some, it has shaped their academic decisions: “After completing this program and enjoying a great time in Madrid, I am convinced that I want to pursue my master’s here in the future!”
Ready to take the next step with our best summer programs?
The application process for the IE University Summer Program is thorough but straightforward. You’ll need to:
1. Complete an online application. You’ll need to include your academic transcripts and CV, and complete a video assessment answering general knowledge questions.
2. Wait for the final decision from the IE University Summer School team. If your application is successful, they’ll take you through the next steps.
It’s a good idea to start your application early so you have time to prepare the required documents and secure your spot in your preferred program.
Make your summer count
Whether you’re testing the waters for a full master’s degree, want to enhance your CV, or are looking for a meaningful way to spend your summer, IE University’s Summer Program is a unique opportunity. You’ll gain valuable business insights, build an international network of peers and experience one of Europe’s most thriving cities—all while laying the groundwork for your future studies and career.
