Foundation Program in Madrid
A one-year business foundation program in Madrid for students preparing for undergraduate business studies.Start your pathway to undergraduate business education in Spain’s capital, a city shaped by international business, culture, institutions, and professional opportunity. A Foundation Program in Madrid that builds Academic English, business fundamentals, and gives you a clear route to a Bachelor’s degree.
Built to prepare you for undergraduate study
A balanced combination of English preparation, business fundamentals, and international learning experience, so you develop the skills and mindset for an English-taught Bachelor’s degree.
Academic English for business studies
Strengthen reading, writing, listening, speaking, grammar, and business English in an academic, business-focused context.
Business fundamentals from the start
Get introduced to essential topics: business communication, economics, digital tools, and the role of business in society.
A structured transition year
A full transition year that helps you adapt to academic expectations, multicultural classrooms, business terminology, and modern learning methods.
A clear pathway to a Bachelor’s degree
Graduates are better prepared to continue their academic journey and pursue undergraduate business studies with confidence.
International learning environment
Join a globally minded academic community and begin developing the international perspective modern business expects.
Recognised 60 ECTS qualification
Complete the full program and earn the Pre-Tertiary Certificate in Foundation Program in Business with Academic English, at MQF/EQF Level 4.
A flexible pre-undergraduate pathway, term by term
Complete the full 60 ECTS program or, where available, a 30 ECTS route, depending on your academic background, English level, and progression goals.
Program structure
Our Foundation Program has an innovative modular structure to give you exactly what you need. Nothing less, nothing more. It’s a program that can be tailored to your personal situation like a haute-couture dress. Let us show you how this is possible!
Barcelona
Online
Download the Course Outline for full program details, including modules, assessments, and grading.
Modules
| Reading, Writing and Grammar | 6 ECTS |
| English for Academic Business Studies | 8 ECTS |
| Business English | 6 ECTS |
| Total | 20 ECTS |
Barcelona
Online (optional)
Blended mode
Our Foundation Program in Business with Academic English is made up of 3 terms of 20 credits (ECTS) each.
Modules
| Business Communication Skills | 10 ETCS |
| Introduction to Economics | 10 ECTS |
| Total | 20 ECTS |
Barcelona
Online (optional)
Blended mode
Our Foundation Program in Business with Academic English is made up of 3 terms of 20 credits (ECTS) each.
Modules
| Introduction to Business | 8 ETCS |
| Using IT for Business Studies | 6 ECTS |
| Business and Society | 6 ECTS |
| Total | 20 ECTS |
Qualification
Higher Education Program: Pre-Tertiary Certificate in Foundation Program in Business with Academic English
Accreditation Status: An officially recognized qualification awarded by GBSB Global Business School, licensed as a Higher Education Institution by the Malta Further & Higher Education Authority (License number: 2020-012) and accredited by the Department of Education, Science, and Universities of the Madrid Regional Government as a Foreign Educational Center in Spain (with the code 28082198).
MQF/EQF Level: MFHEA deems this qualification to be at Level 4 of the Malta Qualifications Framework and the European Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning.
Number of ECTS Credits: 60 ECTS
Why Study the Foundation Program in Madrid?
Madrid is a strategic setting for students beginning their path into business education. As Spain’s capital, it brings together international companies, cultural institutions, public organizations, entrepreneurs, and a fast-moving professional ecosystem.
For foundation students, Madrid offers more than location. It creates an early connection between business education and the professional world, helping students understand the relevance of business, communication, economics, and digital tools in a real international capital.
- Study business in English in Spain’s capital.
- Prepare for undergraduate studies at GBSB Global’s Madrid campus near Retiro Park.
- Build confidence in Academic English, business communication, economics, and digital tools.
- Learn in a contemporary campus environment designed for international business education.
- Benefit from Madrid’s culture, innovation, global connectivity, and professional opportunities.
Madrid Campus Photos
We are delighted to introduce our brand new campus in the vibrant heart of Madrid, just minutes from the iconic Retiro Park. Spread over two floors of modern, thoughtfully designed space, the campus combines cutting-edge digital technology with comfortable, inspiring learning environments. Inside, you’ll find state-of-the-art classrooms, flexible co-working areas, a well-equipped library, conference and meeting rooms, and a welcoming cafeteria – all designed to foster creativity and collaboration. Step outside to our tranquil garden, the perfect spot for relaxation or informal conversation. With its fresh, contemporary aesthetic and focus on innovation, this campus will be a hub for forward-thinking education. GBSB Global Business School’s new Madrid campus was open in October 2025.
Student Story
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A strategic route into international higher education
For students who want stronger academic preparation, greater confidence, and a clear pathway toward a Bachelor’s degree in business.
Recent secondary school graduates who want to study business in an international learning environment.
International students preparing for English-taught undergraduate studies in Europe.
Students who want to strengthen Academic English and business communication before a Bachelor’s degree.
Students who want a first structured introduction to business, economics, digital tools, and business in society.
Students seeking a smoother, smarter transition from secondary education into higher education.
Our Accreditations, Rankings & Global Recognitions
Discover the certifications and achievements that set our GBSB Global Business School apart, ensuring the highest standards in business education.
What you need to apply
Four easy steps to apply for Foundation Program in Madrid
1
Contact Admissions: complete the online application or speak with a representative.
2
Contact Admissions: complete the online application or speak with a representative.
3
Contact Admissions: complete the online application or speak with a representative.
4
Contact Admissions: complete the online application or speak with a representative.
Admissions Information
If you need to improve your English because you’ve never studied abroad, if you’ve never studied business topics and are afraid they might be too hard for you, or if you think you don’t have the standard qualifications to enroll in a Bachelor’s degree in Business, Foundation in Business is your program. This is your chance to make your dreams come true!
In this section, you will find the necessary qualifications and steps for admission.
Meet academic qualifications requirement
To be eligible for admission to our “Pre-Tertiary Certificate in Foundation Program in Business with Academic English” you must have one of the following requirements:
- Secondary school leaving certificate or diploma.
- BTEC: MPP.
- GCSE/IGSCE “O” Levels: three subject exams with grades of A, B, C or D; A Levels: 1 or 2 subject exams with grades of A, B, C or D.
- IB first year or IB Certificate.
- A combination of A-Level, BTEC, and other accepted qualifications that total 48 UCAS Tariff points (UK).
Provide Proof of Proficiency in the English Language
In terms of English proficiency, you must meet one of these requirements to be admitted to our program:
- TOEFL – Minimum score: 97 (computer-based), 32 (internet-based), or 450 (paper-based).
- IELTS – Minimum score: 4.5.
- Cambridge ESOL, Certificate in Advanced English (PET) – Minimum score: C;
- English as the language of instruction during previous studies in the formal educational system.
- Internal English level testing at GBSB Global.
Submit all required admissions forms and documents
- Contact the Admissions Office by filling out an online application or by speaking with a representative.
- An admissions officer will schedule an interview with you.
- Submit the materials required by the program of your choice.
- Enroll and confirm your place.
Madrid tuition, by study option.
EUR 12,900
Complete Foundation Program route, Madrid.
These fees include application fee (non-refundable) of €100, registration fee* of €200, and administrative fee* of €950
* Paid annually for Every Academic Year of the program
Early applicants and scholarship-competition winners are eligible for exclusive offers and awards. For further details, please contact the Admissions team.
Amendments and Review
All fees are subject to periodic review and may be adjusted in accordance with institutional policy and applicable regulatory standards. Any changes to the fee structure will be communicated in advance of the applicable academic period.
The questions we hear most.
What is the Foundation Program?
A pre-undergraduate business foundation program designed to help you strengthen Academic English, business knowledge, and study skills before progressing into English-taught Bachelor’s studies.
Is the program taught in English?
Yes. It is taught in English and designed to prepare you for the expectations of English-taught higher education.
What can I study afterwards?
The natural next step is undergraduate business studies, including GBSB Global Bachelor’s programs in business, management, and digital innovation.
How long does it take?
You may complete the full 60 ECTS program or, where appropriate, a 30 ECTS route.
When are the intakes?
The Barcelona Foundation Program has intakes in October and January each year.
Does the Foundation Program fee differ by location?
Yes, as the program also runs in Madrid, Malta, and online, each with its own fees. Contact the Admissions Team for a full comparison.
What’s not included in the program fee?
Housing, flights, health insurance, visa-related expenses, textbooks, learning materials, and personal living costs. Optional academic activities are available for an additional fee.
Resources
Explore detailed resources that cover the program structure, learning outcomes, and more. Download our brochure and other materials to learn more about this program.
Program Brochure
Learning Outcomes
Program Outline
Academic Calendar
The program has already had a great impact on me. My study habits are much better, my confidence has grown, and I’ve developed a stronger understanding of different cultures.
Make an enquiry
Our team is here to help you find the right direction and make the most of your opportunities.