OBS Business School Review - This is How it Went

Welcome to this review. When I started looking for an online business school, I wanted something flexible, recognized, and affordable.

That’s how I came across OBS Business School. It stood out because it was one of the first 100% online business schools in Spain, and it had a reputation for attracting international students.

At first, I wasn’t sure how it would compare to bigger names like IE or Warwick, but I decided to dig deeper and eventually enroll.

My overall impression is that OBS is designed for working professionals like me who need balance.

I didn’t want to put my career on pause or relocate for a full-time MBA. With OBS, everything is online, so I could manage my job and studies at the same time.

The programs run for about a year, which is manageable but still intensive enough to feel like you’re getting a serious education.

Throughout this review, I’ll share not only what I learned about the school in terms of its history, accreditations, and structure but also what my experience was like as a student.

I’ll also point out the strengths and weaknesses I noticed, so anyone considering OBS can make a more informed decision.

What is OBS Business School?

From my experience, OBS is a school that caters specifically to professionals who want graduate-level training without having to physically attend classes.

The entire setup is built around online delivery. When I logged into the platform for the first time, it felt intuitive and easy to use.

The courses are structured like master’s programs or MBAs you’d find at a traditional school, but everything happens digitally.

The program I joined was structured over 12 months, and I appreciated how practical it was.

Instead of endless theory, we worked through case studies and real business examples. It didn’t feel abstract — I could connect what I learned directly to situations in my job.

Another thing I noticed was the international mix. In my classes, there were students from Europe, Latin America, Asia, and Africa.

That variety made group projects especially interesting. When we discussed business cases, people brought perspectives from different industries and countries, which gave me insights I would never have thought of on my own.

In short, OBS isn’t just an “online course” platform. It’s structured like a traditional business school but delivered in a way that professionals can realistically manage.

That balance was what attracted me in the first place, and it delivered on that promise.

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History and Background

Before enrolling, I wanted to know the history behind the school. OBS was founded in 2006 in Barcelona, and from the start, it branded itself as the first fully online business school in Spain.

That gave me confidence, because it meant they weren’t just experimenting with online delivery after the pandemic like some other schools — this was their foundation from day one.

Another detail I found reassuring was that OBS is part of the Planeta Formación y Universidades group.

Planeta is a large education network, and being backed by such a group gave the school extra credibility in my eyes. I didn’t feel like I was signing up with a small, untested program.

When I joined, I also noticed how international the student body was. The school says it has trained more than 40,000 students from over 80 countries, and based on my class, that seemed true. The diversity was real, and it made discussions richer.

For me, knowing the background of OBS helped me feel comfortable investing my time and money.

It didn’t have the same prestige as some of the elite names, but it had a clear history, a strong parent organization, and years of experience running online programs. That combination gave me the reassurance I needed to move forward.

Accreditations and Rankings

One of the first things I checked was accreditation. I didn’t want to spend money on a degree that wouldn’t be recognized. OBS has some solid credentials, and that was part of why I enrolled.

The program I took was covered by the EOCCS accreditation from EFMD, which is a respected European body. That made me feel like the program had gone through proper evaluation.

OBS also received five QS Stars, which was another point in its favor. I had seen QS rankings before when looking at global universities, so having that connection gave me more confidence.

The stars cover areas like Online Learning, Employability, and Teaching, which lined up with what I was looking for.

That said, I also noticed what OBS doesn’t have. It doesn’t hold the “triple crown” accreditations (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA) that the world’s top schools like LBS or HEC Paris boast. I knew this going in, and for me, it wasn’t a dealbreaker.

My goal was practical skills and career progress, not necessarily elite credentials.

In terms of rankings, I also saw OBS listed by outlets like Forbes, Financial Times, and El Mundo.

It’s not ranked as highly as the biggest schools, but seeing it mentioned gave me a sense of legitimacy.

For me, the accreditations and visibility were enough to make me feel the program had value.

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Programs and Specializations Offered

When I was researching, I was impressed by the variety of programs OBS offered.

They don’t just have one MBA; there are multiple tracks depending on your focus. For example, I considered the Global MBA and the Executive MBA before finally choosing a master’s program that aligned with my career.

The Global MBA gives a broad overview of business functions with an international focus.

The Executive MBA, on the other hand, is geared toward people with more experience who want to step into higher leadership roles.

There are also specialized master’s programs in areas like Project Management, Finance, Innovation, and Marketing.

What stood out to me was that these programs are structured like traditional master’s programs, but you can complete them online in about a year.

The school also gives you the option to study in Spanish or English, which makes it accessible for a wide range of students.

In my program, we had weekly assignments, group projects, and a final capstone project.

It wasn’t easy, but it was structured in a way that worked for someone with a full-time job.

I appreciated that OBS focused on practical application, because I didn’t want to just learn theory — I wanted skills I could use.

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Learning Methodology and Online Platform

The way OBS structures its online learning is one of the things I liked most. When I logged into the platform, it was clean and straightforward.

All the modules, assignments, and discussions were easy to find, and I never felt lost navigating it.

The teaching method revolves a lot around case studies. We weren’t just reading textbooks; we were applying concepts to real-world examples. For me, that made the material stick.

Group projects were also a big part of the program. At first, I thought it might be tough to coordinate with classmates across different time zones, but it actually worked out well. The diversity of perspectives made our projects stronger.

Another thing I appreciated was the balance between flexibility and accountability.

Most materials were available on demand, so I could study at my own pace. But there were also deadlines and live discussions that kept me from falling behind. That structure helped me stay consistent, even during busy workweeks.

Communication with professors and classmates was also smooth. The platform allowed for forums and direct interaction, and the professors were accessible.

They weren’t just academics; many had real-world business experience, which added to the quality of discussions.

Overall, the methodology worked well for me. It felt like a serious academic program, not just an online course.

The structure made it possible to balance studies with my job while still feeling challenged.

Student Reviews and Testimonials

Before I joined OBS, I read reviews online to see what other students thought.

Trustpilot had a strong average rating, around 4.7 out of 5, and most reviews were positive.

People praised the platform, the structure of the courses, and the international networking. That matched what I eventually experienced.

In my own program, I found the feedback from classmates to be similar. Most of us appreciated the practical approach and the opportunity to connect with people from all over the world.

The group projects and case studies were often mentioned as highlights.

At the same time, I also saw some of the criticisms others raised. For example, a few classmates had issues with the refund process, and I read similar complaints online.

While I didn’t personally need a refund, I can see why this could be frustrating.

Another point that came up in forums was the school’s marketing style, which some felt was too aggressive. I did notice the push to enroll quickly, but I didn’t feel pressured beyond normal marketing.

From my perspective, the positive aspects outweighed the negatives. The platform worked well, the professors were engaged, and I genuinely felt I got value from the program.

But I think it’s important for anyone considering OBS to know both sides: the strengths and the occasional administrative complaints.

My Personal Experience

Studying at OBS was a unique experience for me. I chose it because I wanted a master’s program that I could complete online without sacrificing quality, and it delivered on that goal. Balancing work and study wasn’t always easy, but the flexibility of the platform helped me stay on track.

The biggest highlight for me was the international networking. Working with classmates from so many countries gave me new perspectives, not just academically but professionally.

It was like being in a global classroom where everyone brought different insights to the table.

Another part I appreciated was the practical approach. I was able to apply what I learned directly to my job.

For example, in one project management module, I used some of the tools we studied to improve processes at work, and it made a noticeable difference.

On the downside, I did notice that the certificate didn’t carry the same weight as elite universities.

While it was recognized, it wasn’t at the level of the “triple crown” schools. That was fine for me, but it’s something to be aware of.

Overall, my personal experience with OBS was positive. I gained knowledge, built an international network, and advanced in my career. It wasn’t perfect, but for the price and flexibility, it was a solid choice.

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Employability and Career Outcomes

After completing my program, I noticed some real career benefits. Within a year, I received a promotion at work, and I credit part of that to the new skills I developed during my studies.

OBS publishes statistics about employability — like 97% of students seeing some form of improvement — and in my case, that held true.

One of the best parts of the program was the exposure to international classmates.

I built connections with people working in companies across Europe, Latin America, and Asia. That network gave me insights into different industries and even opened doors for collaborations.

While OBS doesn’t guarantee jobs, the resources were helpful. There’s a career services section with job postings and advice.

I didn’t land a job directly through OBS, but I did use their tools to improve my CV and LinkedIn profile. That made me feel more confident applying for roles.

I think the employability outcomes depend heavily on how proactive you are. OBS provides a solid foundation and tools, but you still have to put in the effort to leverage them.

For me, it worked — I advanced in my role, and I feel better positioned for future opportunities.

Pros and Cons of OBS Business School

Looking back, there were clear strengths and weaknesses to my OBS experience.

Pros:

- The flexibility of studying online was invaluable. I could balance work, life, and studies without feeling overwhelmed.

- The international environment was a huge plus. Networking with students worldwide gave me perspectives I wouldn’t get elsewhere.

- The platform was user-friendly and reliable, making online learning smooth.

- The price was reasonable compared to other MBA or master’s programs.

Cons

The certification doesn’t have the same prestige as top global business schools. For elite industries, that might be limiting.

The administration could be slow at times. I saw classmates struggle with refunds and communication.

The marketing style felt pushy at first, though once I was enrolled, it wasn’t an issue.

For me, the pros outweighed the cons, but I think the decision depends on what someone is looking for. If prestige is a must, OBS may not be the right fit. But if you want flexibility, affordability, and practical learning, it’s a strong option.

How Does OBS Compare to Other Online Business Schools?

When I compared OBS to other online schools, what stood out most was its balance of cost and recognition.

Some of the top programs, like Warwick or IE Business School, are well-known worldwide but cost tens of thousands of dollars.

That wasn’t realistic for me. OBS offered a middle ground — accredited and respected, but much more affordable.

Compared to cheaper options, like some Udemy or Coursera business programs, OBS felt more structured and serious.

The program lasted a full year, included group projects, and had real assessments. It wasn’t just a collection of videos; it was a proper degree program.

That said, OBS doesn’t have the same brand weight as top-tier schools. Employers who know about QS Stars or EFMD may recognize it, but it’s not in the same league as the “triple crown” institutions.

For me, that trade-off was worth it. I wasn’t aiming for a career in consulting or banking; I wanted to advance in my field and broaden my skills.

In the end, OBS compares well for professionals who want practical knowledge and international networking at an affordable price. It’s not the most prestigious, but it’s a credible alternative for those who need flexibility.

Final Verdict on OBS Business School

My overall verdict on OBS Business School is that it’s a solid choice for professionals who want an affordable, flexible, and practical master’s or MBA. It’s not perfect, but in my case, it delivered exactly what I needed.

The highlights for me were the flexible online learning, the international networking, and the ability to apply what I learned directly at work. I also appreciated the affordability compared to traditional programs.

On the flip side, the lack of triple crown accreditation and occasional administrative frustrations are real drawbacks, but they didn’t outweigh the positives for me.

I think OBS is best for mid-career professionals who want to advance without pausing their careers.

It’s not for someone chasing prestige at the very top of the corporate ladder, but it’s excellent for those seeking practical skills, recognition, and flexibility.

For me, enrolling in OBS was a good decision. It helped me move forward in my career, expand my network, and gain confidence in my skills.

It may not be for everyone, but if your priorities align with what OBS offers, it’s worth serious consideration.

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