SCHOOL OF
BUSINESS AND
ECONOMICS
Executive Education
MBA in
International
Business
Join our community of global, and responsible
leaders and learn how to transform people,
businesses, and society.
The VU MBA
Experience
In today’s uncertain world, businesses and society are seeking answers.
At VU Amsterdam, we have the solutions. Our pioneering MBA programme
is designed to empower entrepreneurial leaders like you and enhance your
business acumen and global impact.
globe HANDS-HEART HEAD-SIDE-HEART
Our international curriculum We challenge you to make a We believe that to make the
is carefully crafted to address sustained impact that meets world better, you must first
key business, societal, and present needs while creating improve yourself. That’s why
global issues, enabling space for tomorrow’s needs. we provide research-based
you to tackle complex Our curriculum is theoretically experiential and interactive
challenges with confidence. rich and practically relevant, courses to help you explore
You will also enhance your ensuring that you develop into your heart and mind. We’re
communication skills across a contemporary change agent here to support you on your
diverse functions, fostering who can guide companies and journey towards creating the
a well-rounded and versatile society. Join us in creating change you want to see in
professional aptitude. a sustainable change for a yourself and the world.
better future.
The VU MBA
Difference
Earn your MBA in International Business on a manageable
schedule without taking a break from work or life. Our VU MBA
in International Business is a part-time, 18-month programme
with classes once a month from Thursday through Saturday.
Join us for a flexible and convenient way to advance your career.
Proven International Expertise
Our faculty combines extensive research, real-world
experience, and groundbreaking theories to disrupt
your way of thinking. Our programme is designed for
knowledge co-creation to tackle big and important
questions of today and tomorrow. Join us to benefit
from our proven expertise and be part of the innovative
solutions for a better future.
Actionable Learning
Get ready for hands-on learning! Our curriculum is
tailored to tackle real-world challenges, equipping
you with the skills, mindset, and confidence to apply
what you learn and create value for your company
and society.
Career Advancement
Transform your career and unlock new opportunities
with our MBA in International Business Programme. Our
programme is designed to equip you with the knowl-
edge, skills, and mindset to achieve meaningful career
advancement. By completing the programme, you will
demonstrate your commitment to continued learning and
professional excellence, positioning yourself for success
in today’s rapidly changing business landscape. Take the
next step towards higher personal and career fulfillment
with our programme.
Why choose the MBA in
International Business
at Vrije Universiteit
Amsterdam?
Here is what our participants and faculty say about
our MBA in International Business Programme.
“This MBA has enriched my
opportunities in business
and allowed me to broaden
Anne Griffioen | Class of 2024
my knowledge.”
MBA in International Business
KLM - Chief of Staff to Executive Vice President
“The content of the
programme is highly
relevant and the schedule
Thies van Wesemael | Class of 2024
MBA in International Business fits in well with my work.”
Albert Heijn - Sales & Service Manager
“We invite you to embark on a
transformative journey that will
broaden your horizon, foster your
personal growth, and empower
you to make a meaningful impact
Dr. Lalin Anik in the world.”
VU Amsterdam - Associate Professor
of Marketing and Director of the MBA in
International Business Programme
“During your MBA at VU
Amsterdam, we bring the
university’s values to life:
Helping you to look further to
tackle societal transformations
and contribute to a sustainable
Prof. Dr. Christopher Wickert and equitable future.”
VU Amsterdam - Full Professor, School of
Business and Economics, Management and
Organisation
Curriculum
Overview
At the VU MBA in International Business
Programme, we help you become a
global and responsible leader through a
theoretically informed, practically impactful,
and personally reflective programme.
Our curriculum focuses on developing your
business acumen and equipping you with the
knowledge, skills, and confidence to manage
contemporary organizations effectively
and sustainably. Coursework includes
individual and group projects using case
studies and skill-building exercises, as well
as engagement with the private, public, and
social sectors. Our cutting-edge theories,
frameworks, and paradigms go beyond your
prior knowledge, fueling innovation and
driving sound practices.
MBA in International Business
Module 1 Module 2 Module 3 Module 4 Graduation
Introduction to Fundamentals Becoming a Entrepreneurial
Project
International of International Global Leader Thinking and
Business Business Action
Administration
• International • Organisational • International • Data Science (4
Business Change & Strategy (4 ECTS) ECTS)
Incubator International • Managing • International
(4 ECTS) HRM (3 ECTS) Sustainability Project
• International and Diversity in Management (4
Financial Global Markets (4 ECTS)
Management (3 ECTS) • Business
ECTS) • Leadership Lab (6 Modelling for
• International ECTS) Innovation (4
Marketing (3 ECTS)
ECTS) • Writing & Applied
• Supply Chain Research
Management (3 Bootcamp (6
ECTS) ECTS)
Global, Entrepreneurial
and Experiential
Programme
In our international programme, you will grow your global and intercultural
competencies in a challenging yet nurturing environment. If you want to
broaden and deepen your spectrum of business knowledge, explore your
purpose to solve unconventional problems and create positive change in the
world with an entrepreneurial mindset, we are looking for you.
We value real-world experiences as much as formal qualifications.
Experiential projects provide a safe space for you to learn and practice
skills, so that you feel confident and comfortable applying them to your
organisation as well as in your post-MBA career. Our MBA programme
offers a wide variety of projects and experiences, including a workshop at
the Royal Dutch Army Barracks, a hands-on business simulation, and a five-
day international leadership trip.
One vital component of your MBA journey is the Graduation Project (GP)
that offers every student an opportunity to tackle a business challenge that
is relevant to their current organization or even work on an idea for their
own start-up. The GP provides an invaluable opportunity to demonstrate
your mastery of business concepts, research methodologies, and critical
thinking skills. It allows you to make tangible impact by proposing innovative
solutions and strategies to address real-world business challenges.
We are committed to helping you create value for both yourself, your
organization and the society.
Your
Leadership
Development
During your MBA journey, you will
receive unparalleled personalized
support from our team of experienced
faculty, executive coaches, advisors,
and mentors. Through workshops
with communication specialists and
leadership experts, you will expand
your skills as an effective, inclusive, and
resilient leader. We also offer individual
coaching to help you identify your
strengths and areas for improvement so
that you can reach your full potential.
Key
characteristics
Duration
WATCH 18 months
(one weekend per month,
Thursday - Saturday)
FT/PT
WALKINGPart-time
Start
Rocket September
Tuition fee
€ €35,000
Admissions deadline
calendar-check August
Degree
🎓 Master of Science (MSc.)
Language
globe-americas English
How to
apply
If you want to explore your inner purpose Ready to apply? Here’s what you’ll need:
to solve unconventional problems and • a CV and motivation letter;
create positive change in the world, we are • two professional references;
looking for you. We seek experienced and • academic transcripts (e.g., diplomas);
passionate individuals who meet our practical • copy of passport or identity card.
requirements for enrolment. Join us to unlock
your potential as an international leader. We have multiple application deadlines, so
don’t wait! We recommend submitting your
We seek experience and passionate individuals application as soon as you have all the required
who meet these practical requirements for documents ready to ensure your best chance
enrolment: of acceptance. Join us on the journey towards
• A Bachelor’s degree from a recognised purpose-driven leadership.
research university
• A minimum of three years of post-graduate
work experience
• English language proficiency
Scholarship
Opportunities
At the VU, we understand that financing your
MBA can be a challenge. That’s why we offer
various scholarships based on diversity,
merit, leadership potential, and financial
status. These scholarships are designed
to help you achieve your educational and
professional goals. To learn more about the
possibilities, please find our scholarship
brochure on our website or contact us via
[email protected]
Transform
the World in
a Diverse and
Global MBA
Experience
At VU Amsterdam, you will collaborate with ambitious
professionals with diverse backgrounds, experiences,
thoughts and dreams toward positively impacting the world.
For us, diversity is a state of mind and a source of our
strength. We are here to create and lead a better tomorrow
with you.
Class profile
PERSON-DRESS 🎂 globe-europe business-time
58% 32 9 3
Women Average age Nationalities Minimum years
of work experience
location-dot Location Zuidas
Amsterdam
Map-Marked
In the
Vrije Universiteit
Amsterdam heart of the
Zuidas
Tram 5 and 25 community
Located in the heart of
Zuidas Amsterdam’s thriving Zuidas
business district, we are a
vibrant hub with a forward-
looking focus on diversity,
sustainability, and impact.
Come and be part of our
Station Zuid progressive community
Schiphol airport in
of people and businesses
15 minutes dedicated to doing things in
a different, better way.
HEAD-SIDE-HEADPHONES
Shall we
have a chat?
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
SBE Executive Education
MBA in International
Business
De Boelelaan 1105
1081 HV Amsterdam
MBA Admission Team
Envelope
[email protected] Desktop vu.nl/en/education/
more-about/mba