Foundation Program in Madrid

A 1-Year Business Foundation Program in Madrid for Students Preparing for Undergraduate Business Studies

The Foundation Program in Business with Academic English in Madrid is a one-year pre-undergraduate pathway designed for students who want stronger Academic English, stronger study skills, and a clearer understanding of business fundamentals before entering a Bachelor’s degree.

At GBSB Global’s Madrid campus, students prepare for English-taught higher education in a modern academic environment near Retiro Park. This route is especially suitable for students and families who want a structured transition into business education in one of Europe’s most influential capitals.

Key Information

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.

GBSB Global’s Madrid campus offers a modern learning environment near Retiro Park, with classrooms, collaborative spaces, a library, conference and meeting rooms, a cafeteria, and outdoor areas designed to support student life and academic growth.

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.

Main Features of the Foundation Program in Madrid

The Foundation Program in Business with Academic English is designed to help students build the academic, linguistic, and business foundations needed to progress into undergraduate studies with confidence. Through a balanced combination of English preparation, business fundamentals, and international learning experience, students develop the skills and mindset required for success in an English-taught Bachelor’s degree.

Who Is The Foundation Program in Madrid Designed For?

This program is designed for students who want stronger academic preparation, greater confidence, and a clear pathway toward a Bachelor’s degree in business education. It should be presented as a strategic route into international higher education, not as a second-best option.

• 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 beginning 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.

What Students Study

The Foundation Program in Business with Academic English in Madrid is organized as a flexible pre-undergraduate pathway. Students may complete the full 60 ECTS program or, where available, follow a 30 ECTS route depending on their academic background, English level, and progression goals.

Term 1: Academic English and Business Communication

Students begin by strengthening their English language skills for academic and business contexts. This term focuses on reading, writing, grammar, English for academic business studies, and business English.

• Reading, Writing and Grammar – 6 ECTS
• English for Academic Business Studies – 8 ECTS
• Business English – 6 ECTS

Term 2: Business Communication and Economics

Students continue developing communication skills while gaining an introduction to economics. This term supports the transition from language preparation to business-focused academic learning.

• Business Communication Skills – 10 ECTS
• Introduction to Economics – 10 ECTS

Term 3: Core Business Foundations

Students are introduced to essential business concepts, digital tools for business studies, and the relationship between business and society. This final term helps students prepare for the expectations of undergraduate business education.

• Introduction to Business – 8 ECTS
• Using IT for Business Studies – 6 ECTS
• Business and Society – 6 ECTS

Foundation Program Exit Awards

The Foundation Program in Madrid offers up to three possible exit awards, depending on the number of ECTS credits completed and the academic route available at the selected location.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are organized by study location and format so students and families can compare the available options and choose the learning environment that best supports their academic plans.

Program fees do not include housing, flights, health insurance, visa-related expenses, textbooks, learning materials, or personal living costs. Students who wish to participate in Global Study Trips or other optional academic activities may do so for an additional fee. For detailed guidance on tuition, payment options, scholarships, or admissions, students and parents are encouraged to contact the GBSB Global Admissions Team.

Admissions Information

To apply for the Foundation Program in Business with Academic English, students must meet academic and English-language requirements and complete the GBSB Global admissions process.

Academic qualification requirements

• Secondary school leaving certificate or diploma.
• BTEC: MPP.
• GCSE/IGCSE O Levels: three subject exams with grades A, B, C, or D; A Levels: one or two subject exams with grades A, B, C, or D.
• IB first year or IB Certificate.
• A combination of A-Level, BTEC, and other accepted qualifications totaling 48 UCAS Tariff points in the UK system.

English-language requirements

• TOEFL: minimum score of 97 computer-based, 32 internet-based, or 450 paper-based.
• IELTS: minimum score of 4.5.
• Cambridge ESOL: minimum score C.
• English as the language of instruction during previous studies in the formal education system.
• Internal English level testing at GBSB Global.

Application steps

1. Contact the Admissions Office by filling out the online application or speaking with an admissions representative.
2. Complete an admissions interview with a GBSB Global admissions officer.
3. Submit the materials required for the program.
4. Enroll and confirm your place.

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Students’ Stories

What is the Foundation Program in Madrid?

It is a pre-undergraduate business foundation program designed to help students strengthen Academic English, business knowledge, and study skills before progressing into English-taught Bachelor’s studies.

How long does the Foundation Program in Madrid take?

Students can complete the pathway in six or nine months, depending on the route followed and their academic preparation needs.

Is the Madrid Foundation Program taught in English?

Yes. The program is taught in English and is designed to prepare students for the expectations of English-taught higher education.

How many ECTS credits can I earn in Madrid?

Students may complete the full 60 ECTS program or, where appropriate, a 30 ECTS route.

What can I study after completing the program?

The natural next step is progression into undergraduate business studies, including GBSB Global Bachelor’s programs in business, management, and digital innovation. Students who successfully complete the Foundation Program in Business with Academic English at GBSB Global and progress directly onto one of our undergraduate programs are eligible for a 10% discount on the first year of their Bachelor’s degree. This progression benefit is designed to support students who choose GBSB Global as the starting point for their international business education — from Foundation to Bachelor’s, with a clear academic pathway and continued institutional support.

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