Why do your MBA abroad?

Thinking of studying for your MBA abroad? International MBA programmes are a great way to gain a global mindset – and open up new career opportunities

Thinking of studying for your MBA abroad? International MBA programmes are a great way to gain a global mindset – and open up new career opportunities.

In this article we’ll explore how you can take your next leap with an MBA abroad – and why you should choose Belgium. Get ready to be inspired…

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Are you thinking of moving to another country to do your MBA?

Studying an MBA abroad can give you fresh perspectives, and experience of working internationally – and give you a distinct edge. But how do you decide which programme is right for you?

Doing your research is key. The business school and programme you choose should transform you into a business leader who’s capable of making an impact. So here are a few things to look out for in your search for the perfect business school…

Use MBA rankings to power your search

The Financial Times and QS World University Rankings rank business schools – and their programmes – each year, using robust criteria. They take into account factors including employability, the diversity of participants, faculty and board members – and the school’s commitment to ESG and sustainability teaching.

A business school’s rankings should be the first thing you look at. A high-ranking school is more likely to deliver a quality, inspiring and valuable programme. A higher-ranking business school is also likely to influence how a future employer views the quality of your education – and your value to their organisation. So it’s best to choose a school that has a great reputation.

Vlerick ranks very highly on both the Financial Times and QS World University Rankings. We offer different MBA programmes to suit different needs and ambitions. Check them out here:

Check the accreditations of international MBA programmes

Accreditations are the best way to make sure your international MBA programme offers a great educational experience. Business schools are accredited by three schemes: AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA.

Each board award their accreditation based on strict criteria, including the quality of faculty, diversity – and alumni employability.

And out of more than 16,000 business schools around the world, Vlerick is one of only 127 that are triple-accredited.

How will an international MBA expand your horizons?

You’re considering an MBA abroad to open up new career opportunities, build a lifelong network – and have an exciting, inspiring and transformative experience.

And to make the most of your international MBA programme, you’ll need to choose a great school. A school that excites and inspires you – and empowers you to transform your career. So here are a few tips to help you choose the perfect business school for you…

Consider location when researching global MBA opportunities

The business school you choose will become your home-from-home. It’s where you’ll spend most of your time throughout the programme. It’s where you’ll create a strong professional network. And it’s where you’ll develop as a person – and as a business leader.

That’s why it’s so important to research the location of your school. Is it in a thriving city packed with things to do and places to explore? Are there opportunities for professional development? 

Vlerick’s main campus is based in the vibrant city of Brussels, right at the beating heart of Europe. It’s home to the headquarters of all the internationals – and to Europe’s key institutions. It’s a hub of business and politics – and it’s a place where professionals from across the world come to transform their careers.

Brussels also has incredible travel links, with trains to London and Paris taking less than two hours. Which means you’ll be surrounded by opportunities to network outside of the school. 

All our campuses are filled with warm and welcoming energy. And you’ll be surrounded by inspiration – and opportunities to develop.

Here’s what our alumni have to say about studying in Brussels…

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“Studying in Brussels was amazing. Everyone speaks English and is extremely welcoming and friendly. The city has incredible history and architecture – and is easy to get around. It’s a very safe place to live.”

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“Brussels quickly became one of my favourite cities in Europe. It’s welcoming, inspiring and engaging – and has a perfect balance of everything you need to build a successful career.”

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“Studying in Brussels meant it was easy to travel back to Germany – and it was less than two hours from Paris and London. Living and studying in a city so well connected was inspiring because it means you’re surrounded by people from all over the world.”

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“Brussels is a great place for business. The headquarters of all the internationals are here – as well as the European institutions. There’s also plenty to do in your spare time. There are fantastic parks to catch up with friends, great restaurants to visit for a nice meal – and plenty of bars to relax in the evenings. Brussels really is the full package.”

Does an international MBA programme give you a global outlook?

Studying an MBA abroad can be an excellent stepping stone to a successful career in international business. So it’s important to check your business school’s global outlook.

Will you be collaborating with professionals from across the world? Does the programme offer international trips? Will you gain a global mindset?

Vlerick offers all of this – and more. You’ll be immersed in a diverse, inspiring and welcoming school. You’ll transform into a rich learning environment – and our international trips will expose you to business practices from around the world.

You’ll leave Vlerick with an international mindset – and ready to tackle the business challenges of tomorrow.

Networking in overseas MBA programmes

An MBA abroad can help you transform professionally and personally. But to find the best opportunities, you need the best connections.

Your school will need to help you build a strong, far-reaching professional network. So before choosing a business school, you’ll need to ask some important questions. Does the school have great connections to business? Will it introduce me to organisations – and will it offer fantastic chances to network?

You’ll also want to find out about the alumni network – and the diversity of your future cohort. These groups will form a major part of your professional network after your international MBA programme. So remember to research what the alumni network is like. Are they active – and ready to help? Do they come from a variety of professional – and cultural backgrounds?

At Vlerick, you’ll find everything you need to build a fantastic, far-reaching – and knowledgeable – professional network. Our cohorts are carefully crafted and selected to maximise your learning experience, surrounding you with professionals from across the world – and from different sectors. Your peers will become your family – and build the foundations for your professional network.

Throughout your international MBA programme, you’ll have opportunities to meet businesses from around the world. Our dedicated careers and coaching team hosts regular careers and networking events – and are always on hand to empower your success.

Alongside access to our 25,000-strong global alumni community, our MBA programmes offer opportunities to work with organisations. You’ll take part in consultancy projects, visit businesses – and build a network that helps shape your professional career.

International experiences in MBA programmes

If you’re exploring the possibility of doing an MBA abroad, you’re likely to enjoy travel and diving deep into business practices around the world. So it’s worth checking out whether any MBA you’re considering offers international trips as part of the syllabus.

At Vlerick, we offer all our MBA participants the opportunity to travel internationally. Depending on your programme, you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in business hubs across the world, including Silicon Valley, China, South Africa – and more. You may also have options to take part in projects with international not-for-profit organisations and corporations, helping to find creative solutions to pressing business challenges.

Whichever Vlerick MBA programme you choose, you’ll gain a global mindset. You’ll learn first-hand how businesses operate in different countries. And you’ll develop a lifelong international network that can help you to succeed throughout your career.

Find more here >

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Vlerick Full-time MBA through Christian's eyes - a current participant

He thinks Vlerick provides a great opportunity if you want to move to Europe. There aren't many schools that offer the same cultural, real-life, and academic experiences that Vlerick does.

Check your eligibility

Once you’ve narrowed down your list of schools, it’s time to check your eligibility. Find out what MBA programmes each school offers – and the criteria for admission.

Here’s a few things to look out for…  

MBA admission requirements for international students

So you’ve done your research – and you’ve found the perfect school for you. Now, it’s really important to check the criteria – and whether you meet the MBA admission requirements.

The criteria can vary across different business schools and programmes, so you’ll need to do one final bit of digging.

To study an MBA abroad at Vlerick, you’ll need to have:

  • A degree from a recognised university
  • At least three years’ of professional experience

You can use our quick and easy eligibility checker to explore your options.

Cost of an MBA abroad

Studying for an MBA is a massive investment in your future. And across the world, the cost of an MBA can vary. If you decide to study a Full-time MBA at Wharton or Harvard Business School, you could pay more than $245,000.

At Vlerick, we offer four competitively priced MBA programmes. Find out more here. 

Alongside our scholarships and financial support, there are various financing options available to MBA participants. Set up a call to find out more.

Global MBA opportunities at Vlerick

At Vlerick, our MBA programmes are designed for busy working professionals. You can choose from a number of different formats to suit your lifestyle, from full-time to part-time and campus-based to online.

Want to find out more about doing an MBA abroad?

Eager to learn more? Set up a call and we’ll answer all your burning questions. We’d love to hear about your ambitions!

Frequently asked questions

What are the career benefits of an international MBA?

Studying an MBA abroad is an excellent way to gain a global mindset. At Vlerick, you’re immersed in a new country – and surrounded by diverse faculty and peers.


Our MBA programmes[MOU1]  are designed to broaden your horizons. You’ll have the opportunity to build a strong, international network and work with organisations from across the world. And you’ll be immersed on international trips, exploring the culture, business environment – and visiting organisations and universities.


An MBA abroad at Vlerick is an exciting, inspiring and transformative experience.

 [MOU1]Link to en/programmes/mba-programmes/

Can someone at Vlerick help me choose the right international MBA programme for me?

Of course! An MBA abroad is a huge investment – and we’re always on hand to help you find your perfect programme. In fact, our team and faculty are with you from start of your programme to the day you graduate – and beyond.


So reach out [MOU1] – we’d love to hear about your goals and ambitions.

 [MOU1]Link to Calendly

What global MBA opportunities does Vlerick offer?

At Vlerick, we offer four different MBA programmes to suit your lifestyle. Our Full-time MBA is a ten-month, intensive programme perfect for professionals who want to take a break from their career and focus on expanding their knowledge. 

We also have three part-time MBAs. Our Executive MBA and European Executive MBA are 15–18-month long programmes designed for working professionals. You’ll meet regularly and take part in immersive international trips. 

Our Online Executive MBA is a self-paced, engaging programme designed to be taken from anywhere in the world. You’ll choose from two different time zone-based classes to meet with – and can take up to five years to complete the programme.


Get in touch!

Aurelie Van de Meulebroucke

Aurelie Van de Meulebroucke

Customer Relationship Manager – Full-Time, European, Executive and Online MBA