Master of International Business Economics and Management

The Master of Science in International Business Economics and Management instills an international mindset in talented individuals educated in diverse backgrounds and fosters an attitude of autonomous, critical, and informed reflection. It prepares you for a career in international business through the acquisition of economic insights, knowledge, and management skills, to bring solutions to concrete problems.

The Master of Science in International Business Economics and Management (MIBEM) is tailor-made for students with a bachelor’s degree in a field other than business economics and management. MIBEM offers you a broad perspective on the business domain. You will gain insight into all major disciplines related to international business economics and management, including business economics, strategy, human resources management, marketing, corporate finance, and accounting.

MIBEM targets students with a strong motivation to work as a manager in an international environment and are ready to develop the leadership skills needed by intercultural businesses. The focus is on critical thinking and problem-based learning in a cross-cultural and interdisciplinary environment.

MIBEM is strongly business-oriented, so you will have the chance to study in the center of Europe and to interface with the business world in many ways. For instance, you will be able to attend guest lectures (with guest lecturers from for example the European Commission, AG Insurance, KBC, Mondelez International, Hilti, etc.)*, follow training sessions, or visit companies and EU institutions. You can even write your master's thesis as part of a company project. Moreover, you can include an internship in your study program or you can voluntarily extend your master's program with an internship of one semester.

KU Leuven has joined forces with the University of Toulouse Capitole (Toulouse School of Management) to develop a double degree program. After the application procedure that takes place at the beginning of the academic year, the selected students will study two semesters in Brussels and two semesters in Toulouse. Graduates of the double degree program will be awarded both a Master in International Business Economics and Management from KU Leuven and a Master in International Management from the University of Toulouse Capitole, which gives these students an edge in the increasingly integrated European labor market.

*Guest lectures might differ from year to year.

Core Courses

• International Economics
• Corporate Social Responsibility
• International Business Strategy
• Managerial Accounting: a Multinational Perspective
• International Corporate Finance
• Leading Multinational Enterprises
• International Strategic Marketing

Student Profile

To be eligible for the Master of Science in International Business, you must have obtained an accredited academic bachelor’s or master’s degree in a field other than business economics or management (i.e., engineering technology, political science, history, etc.). You must also provide evidence of your proficiency in English, as well as a satisfactory GMAT/GRE result. Students who do not have direct access may be eligible for the program through a preparatory program.

Your Master of Science in International Business Economics and Managementdegree will open the door for a series of career opportunities. There is a huge demand for individuals with an in-depth knowledge and understanding of global markets. You will be able to choose from a wide range of opportunities at international companies and organisations across different sectors. While your personal goals and prior education play a key part in determining your career path.

Our graduates can be find in a broad range of international management jobs including foreign trade, international marketing, human resources, finance or business development. Some graduates start their own businesses, others are hired by a broad range of international employers, such as multinational companies, governments and public institutions

The courses are fully taught in English and Dutch.

• Credits: 60 ECTS
• Degree Type: Master
• Specifications: Master of Science

What sets us apart as a university?

A highly-ranked university

KU Leuven is among the best 100 universities in the world according to both Times Higher Education World Rankings and QS World University Rankings. All of KU Leuven’s disciplines proudly belong to the top 100 of their field. Furthermore, KU Leuven was ranked by Reuters as the most innovative university in Europe in 2016.

Research-based education

Education at KU Leuven is research-based, which means students will learn from the same professors who are performing the ground-breaking research you read about in the press. New insights are instantly integrated into classes and students are encouraged to perform their research. In our FabLab, students can use several high-tech machines to create whatever they want – all free of charge.

Affordable tuition fees

Higher education is highly valued in Belgium and therefore subsidised by the government. This allows KU Leuven to keep tuition fees relatively low, which gives you a price/quality ratio very few top-100 universities can match. We take pride in keeping our programs as accessible as possible to allow the brightest students from around the globe to join our courses.

International student life with respect for diversity

According to Times Higher Education, KU Leuven is in the top 50 of most international universities worldwide with staff and students from over 150 different nationalities. For all our international students, the Pangaea student center is their home away from home. Our university also strives for diversity and inclusion and wants to work together on a pact for more respect.

Learn more about why you should choose KU Leuven.

KU Leuven combines the best of both worlds by hosting both online and live info sessions. You choose how, where and when to get your information in your search for the right program

KU Leuven is among the best 100 universities in the world according to both Times Higher Education World Rankings and QS World University Rankings. All of KU Leuven’s disciplines proudly belong to the top 100 of their field. Furthermore, KU Leuven was ranked by Reuters as the most innovative university in Europe in 2016.