Head to head
Vlerick Business School vs IESE Business School
The Vlerick Business School and IESE Business School Master in Management programs, compared side by side on the numbers that decide it — ranking, fees, salary, selectivity and class profile.
| Metric | Vlerick Business School | IESE Business School |
|---|---|---|
| FT ranking 2025 | #14 | #16 |
| QS ranking 2025 | #38 | #11 |
| Tuition | €22,950 | €52,000 |
| Median salary | $98k | $114k |
| Employment rate | 97% | 97% |
| GMAT range | — | — |
| Duration | 10 months | 11 months |
| Class size | 40 | — |
| Average age | 23 | 23 |
| International | — | — |
| Female | 50% | — |
| Location | Brussels, Belgium | Madrid, Spain |
The short version
- On the Financial Times 2025 ranking, Vlerick Business School (#14) sits ahead of IESE Business School (#16).
- On graduate salary, IESE Business School leads at $114k.
- On tuition, Vlerick Business School is the more affordable option at €22,950.
- Geographically they are a different bet entirely: Vlerick Business School in Belgium, IESE Business School in Spain.
Rankings and salary are only part of the decision — fit with your target career, location, language, and cost of living usually matter more. Read each program in full before deciding.
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Frequently asked
Is Vlerick Business School or IESE Business School ranked higher?
- On the Financial Times 2025 Masters in Management ranking, Vlerick Business School places #14 and IESE Business School #16, so Vlerick Business School ranks higher. A few places on one table rarely settle the decision, though — programme fit, location and cost usually matter more than the gap.
Which is more affordable, Vlerick Business School or IESE Business School?
- Tuition is €22,950 at Vlerick Business School and €52,000 at IESE Business School. Compare like for like before concluding — headline tuition can mix EU/EEA and non-EU rates — and add living costs in Brussels versus Madrid, since the lower tuition is not always the cheaper city overall.
Which has higher graduate salaries, Vlerick Business School or IESE Business School?
- IESE Business School reports the higher graduate salary ($114k) against $98k at Vlerick Business School. Treat headline salary figures as indicative: they reflect each cohort's industry mix and how the school surveys alumni as much as raw earning power.
Do you need the GMAT for Vlerick Business School or IESE Business School?
- Vlerick Business School has an admission route that does not require a GMAT or GRE; IESE Business School generally expects a GMAT or GRE. Test policies change each cycle, so confirm the current requirement on each school's own admissions page before assuming you can skip it.
Should I choose Vlerick Business School or IESE Business School?
- There is no universal winner. The right pick depends on your target career, where you want to live and work (Brussels, Belgium versus Madrid, Spain), the language of instruction, and your budget. Read both full profiles, weigh fit over a handful of ranking places, and if you are still torn, our admissions guide walks through building a shortlist you can defend.