European Executive MBA
Blended format, international focus, sustainable business
WINNER
FT Award Winner for Responsible Business Education
TRIPLE
accredited Business School (AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS)
#1
Executive Education in Benelux
Our blended Executive MBA with online and classroom learning, international experiences, and an additional focus on sustainable business strategy.
For leaders who value the combination of flexible, online courses and highly interactive classroom learning. This Executive MBA also provides unique international learning experiences and prepares leaders for the transition towards sustainable business practices.
Get inspired by our current participants - Watch the video.
Detailed programme
During 15 intensive, hands-on months, you’ll explore the full Executive MBA management spectrum and build additional expertise in how leading companies are driving the transition towards sustainable business practices.
Element 1A: Core Curriculum (Online Courses)
"With the knowledge from the MBA that I have now, I think a lot more critically. Every course we had until now was a revelation: wow, that's how you do it!“ - Olga Mirkina, European Executive MBA participant (Watch the full video)
This part of the core curriculum is delivered through live, online learning sessions. The sessions take place once a month over one weekend, from 9 am-5 pm (Saturday and Sunday).
In these sessions, you’ll work with your peers and our faculty and take part in exercises, discussions, and case studies. This is complemented by self-paced, online learning that you complete on your own schedule, where you prepare for lessons, work on projects and study for exams.
Lay the foundations
- Data-based Decision-Making
- Financial Management
- Financial Accounting
Develop key management capabilities
- Operations and Supply Chain Management
- Marketing Management
Transform your business
- Digital Transformation
- Strategy
- Strategic Management Accounting
Element 1B: Core Curriculum - International Study Courses (Classroom)
“The international immersive courses add a lot of value to the programme experience. Because we visit leading companies based there and learn about the intersection of business and sustainability.” - Dominique Damman, European Executive MBA participant.
This part of the core curriculum is delivered in the classroom where you have the opportunity to meet with peers and faculty face-to-face, visit different cities across Europe, and participate in company visits, simulations, workshops, and valuable networking opportunities.
These insightful trips are designed to experience world-leading companies based in some of the most important business hubs in Europe. Each trip is five days (from Wednesday morning to Sunday noon time) and takes place every third month throughout the programme. All trips focus on different aspects of sustainable business strategy.
- Brussels: Doing Business in Europe. Learn more >
- Paris: Sustainable Finance. Learn more >
- Dublin: Sustainable Technologies and Innovation.
- Copenhagen: Sustainable Organisations. Learn more >
- Zaragoza: Sustainable Supply Chains.
Element 2: Electives & Specialisations (Online & Classroom)
Our electives provide you with the choices to personalise your MBA experience. Depending on the elective courses you choose, you can participate online or in the classroom. You can also specialise in the following fields:
- Sustainable Business*
- Strategy & New Business Models**
- Digital Business Transformation**
- Entrepreneurship & Innovation**
*This specialisation is only available for participants in the European Executive MBA, given its additional focus on Sustainable Business during the programme
**These specialisations are available for participants in any of our three Executive MBA programmes (European Executive MBA, Executive MBA, Online Executive MBA)
Element 3: Develop your leadership potential (Online & Classroom)
“What has been the biggest transformational element for myself is to understand what it means to be a leader.” - Patricia Engels, European Executive MBA participant.
As part of your international leadership development, you'll complete online modules, 360-degree assessments, and participate in dedicated sessions and coaching’s throughout the programme that will encourage you to reflect on your strengths and weaknesses, build your confidence, and help you become a better leader. Topics covered in the leadership track include:
- Strategic Decision Making
- Impactful Communications
- Building Resilient Teams
Element 4: Your entrepreneurial mindset track (Online & Classroom)
Because of the entrepreneurial courses we had, I could use the tools, data, insights from those directly in our scale-up.” - David Van der Meeren, European Executive MBA participant.
As part of your entrepreneurial mindset track, you'll complete online modules and have dedicated sessions throughout the programme. You’ll study the approach entrepreneurs use to identify opportunities and develop the mindset and skills to innovate within a business or to start and grow a new venture. Topics covered in the track include:
- Idea Development
- Value Proposition
- Business Model
- Investor Pitch
- Creating Impact
Element 5: Your Knowledge-in-Action Project (KIAP)
Create an immediate return on your investment in your MBA. The KIAP is your opportunity to take everything you’ve learned and apply it to a real business situation. Choose to tackle a strategic challenge your company is facing – or create a business plan for a new venture.
Your Career Advancement
“So not only did this MBA give me amazing experiences, amazing new relationships, amazing new knowledge, it gave me purpose.” Maartje Meijer. (Watch the full video)
Every element of the European Executive MBA is designed to get you closer to achieving your professional goals – from expanding your knowledge in classes and gaining international experience on trips to honing your skills in projects. You also have regular opportunities to take part in events to help accelerate your career, including:
- Career Events
- Coaching
- Dedicated Careers Team
Why this programme
Achieve your international ambitions
Whether you want to expand into Europe – or deepen your understanding of the global business landscape – the European Executive MBA will give you unparalleled insight, connections and confidence.
You’ll learn from leading international faculty – and you’ll explore European businesses in cities across the continent. It’s a unique opportunity to understand international business and build an outstanding network of contacts.
Dive deep into European business ecosystems
Break out of the classroom and dive into big-name businesses in prominent European centres. You’ll experience approaches and models coming to life in live cases and simulations – and you’ll absorb business life, culture and practices.
Blended online and in-person learning gives you flexibility – and prepares you to get the most from your immersive experiences in businesses in Brussels, Copenhagen, Zaragoza, Dublin, Paris and Ghent.
Consult on high-impact projects – with expert support
Apply everything you’ve learned in the Knowledge-in-Action project for your own company – or for a new business case. As part of the programme, you can also create positive, sustainable impact in a separate project, for a not-for-profit organisation.
You’ll receive expert, personalised support and coaching. This is designed to develop you as a leader, help you understand everything you’d like to achieve – and know the steps you need to take. You also get career coaching and curated networking opportunities and introductions.
Blended learning for ultimate flexibility
Modern working lives demand flexibility and you also want to meet your peers, faculty and businesses face-to-face. The European Executive MBA blends the best of online working with opportunities to meet in hands-on immersion modules in cities across Europe. This unique approach combines powerful experiences in cities and businesses across Europe, with flexible online learning and business simulations.
All of this means you have the flexibility of an online programme, combined with face-to-face experiences and opportunities. Networking, career coaching, support, live cases, introductions and deep interaction all come together on this programme – where you learn online, on campus, and in Brussels, Copenhagen, Zaragoza, Dublin, Paris and Ghent.
Career benefits
Whatever your ambitions, our careers team is here to help you achieve them. They’ll be by your side throughout the programme – giving you advice and support and helping you identify opportunities to go further. They’ll encourage you to take part in:
- Career coaching and using our career self-management tool
- Company presentations
- International networking opportunities
- Mentorship programmes
Watch this video to learn more about our career services.
Who should attend
We welcome participants from diverse professional, social and cultural backgrounds. It’s an approach that contributes a rich blend of specialisms, experiences, and perspectives to our class groups.
When you join the European Executive MBA at Vlerick, you’ll join a select group of peers. With them, you’ll expand your network, gain fresh insights from a wide range of industries and develop a truly international mindset and business perspective.
Average class profile
Practical info
Start date: 22 January 2025
Locations: Brussels, Paris, Dublin, Copenhagen, and Zaragoza – as well as remote, online learning
Format: A blend of immersive learning experiences in European business hubs, and highly interactive online learning
Duration: 15 months
Time investment for the European Executive MBA
Taking an MBA involves a considerable time investment. You can expect to spend an average of 10-12 hours a week taking part in classes, immersive experiences, team assignments, projects and self-paced study.
Applying for our Executive MBA programme
Our European Executive MBA has one intake per year, in March. The programme takes place over a 15-month period, finishing in June of the following year. We limit place numbers to make sure you have a quality experience, with high levels of personal attention.
We accept applications for the programme on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to apply sooner rather than later. Applying earlier also means you can take full advantage of any scholarships that may be available to you.
Fees and financing
The tuition fee for the European Executive MBA is €50,750 (for the 22 January 2025 start)
This includes:
- Tuition (15 months)
- Textbooks and course materials
- Access to live, online courses
- Use of campus facilities
- Group and individual coaching for career and leadership
- Programme during the European immersion trips
- Alumni membership during the programme
- Food and drinks during the programme
- Online subscription to the Financial Times
It does not include: - Transport, accommodation and meals during immersion trips – you must book and pay for these yourself
Financing your European Executive MBA
Your company may be willing to finance part or all of your European Executive MBA – particularly if they need help making their sustainability ambitions become reality.
Find out how to make a case for funding to your employer >
You may also be able to source finance in your home country or region from organisations or government. For example, the KMO Portefeuille can be helpful for professionals in Flanders.
In addition, we offer a number of MBA scholarships and grants.
Admissions
There are four steps to applying for your European Executive MBA programme at Vlerick:
1. Check your eligibility
What you need:
- A degree from a recognised university
- At least four years’ full-time, relevant work experience
Check your eligibility >
2. Submit your application
Use our application tool to create your profile and start completing your application. Remember, we review applications on a rolling basis.
3. Go through the admissions process
We’ll get in touch a few days after you submit your application.
If you meet our criteria and we feel the European Executive MBA programme is a good fit for you, we’ll invite you to an admissions test and online interview.
4. Get your results
Within two days of your test, we’ll let you know our decision. If you’re successful, we’ll offer you a place on the programme. If not, we’ll give you individual feedback – and you can retake your admissions test once more in the same academic year.
Success stories
Dominique Damman
Head of Grid Operations at Fluvius
I believe that anybody who has the ambition to do things in a better way and to grow in their career should do a programme like this once in their lifetime. We have a lot of deadlines, but we motivate and help each other, and the vibes in the group are great! I particularly enjoy the immersion trips, as they add a lot of value to the programme experience. Because all these hot spots across Europe provide us with the opportunity to visit and learn from companies based there and learn about the intersection of business and sustainability. Such as when we went to Paris to apply the learnings from our Financial Management course to the current reality of Sustainable Finance.
Bart Vercauteren
Head of ESG, Ackermans & van Haaren
This programme has a unique combination of benefits. It has a very international dimension, with a specific European focus on sustainability. But it is still a full Executive MBA programme and curriculum where I can acquire all key business and leadership skills. The combination of online learning, coupled with the various immersion trips and modules across different cities makes it possible for me to combine the MBA with my family and my work. It’s a very thrilling experience, and I am very enthusiastic about it. I already look forward to the next immersion trip in the programme.
Cis Vercouteren
Owner of 48Ounces
I like this programme for its specific focus on Europe, where we get to visit and learn about new business trends, practices, and solutions in those different countries. I also chose the programme, because I can complete the online modules at my own pace, but I still encounter and work together with interesting people during the immersion trips and projects. The aspect of meeting people was something I was not willing to sacrifice. This programme is very intense. Particularly during the immersion trips, you have a very packed schedule. But I learn a lot of new things, and I encounter very interesting people. It’s quite an amazing experience so far, and I am very motivated to continue this journey.
Geert Menu
Vice President Overseas Operations at Waterleau
I chose this programme because I want to become a better professional. Since Sustainability has become such a hot topic, I want to learn about these new dynamics. In this programme, we visit cities that are real incubators when it comes to sustainability and social responsibility. During our visit to Paris, we had the opportunity to visit some of the start-ups that are really inspiring, because they develop new tools and means for companies to implement sustainability and social responsibility in their daily business.
Faculty
Bjorn Cumps
Professor of Financial Services Innovation
Bjorn Cumps is passionate about FinTech, platforms and business ecosystems.
Katleen De Stobbeleir
Professor of Leadership
Katleen De Stobbeleir is inspired by leaders who stand up and speak – and she is passionate about those who have the courage to sit and listen.
David Veredas
Professor of Financial Markets
David Veredas makes sure you understand finance and sustainability – and think critically about them.
Xavier Baeten
Professor of Reward & Sustainability
Xavier Baeten is highlighting the vital role of rewarding in helping organisations deliver their strategy and gain competitive advantage.
Get in touch!
Sihame Ghaddab
Customer Relationship Manager – European, Executive and Online MBA
Frequent asked questions
What is a blended MBA and how is it different from a hybrid MBA?
Both 'Blended MBA' and 'Hybrid MBA' are terms used to describe a programme that combines online and in-person learning. A hybrid programme describes a model where both online and classroom participants join at the same time. In contrast, a blended programme offers a curriculum in which some classes are conducted entirely online, while others are exclusively classroom-based. Our European Executive MBA is a blended MBA, not a hybrid MBA.
How are blended MBAs taught?
A blended MBA programme combines in-person and remote online learning to create flexible approaches. At Vlerick, this blended MBA programme includes elements that are 100% online, such as the majority of the Core Curriculum and Electives. The classroom element consists of six immersion trips where the entire class participates face-to-face for project work, case studies, and guest speakers, as well as company visits. The programme has been created and is delivered by our highly experienced faculty, who are experts at bringing both online and in-person learning to life, creating deeply immersive experiences, regardless of your preferred learning mode.
Is an MBA worth it?
An MBA from Vlerick helps professionals across the world take the next leap in their lives and careers. It’s an investment that can give you significant returns – including access to more senior and fulfilling roles and higher salaries. In addition, the European Executive MBA gives you a unique view of the sustainable way that Europe does business.
If you’d like to find out more – or speak to our alumni – please reach out.
What level of English language ability is needed to follow the programme?
If you have a high standard GMAT or GRE score, we will certainly consider it. However at Vlerick, we have our own admissions test – the VBAT. This has been designed to take account of your experience and motivation, as well as your skillsets and capabilities.
Can you apply for a European Executive MBA without a bachelors degree?
To apply for our European Executive MBA programme, you must have a degree from a recognised university. In addition, you should have at least four years’ experience in the workplace.
Do you get a degree or diploma when you graduate from the European Executive MBA?
Yes, you do. When you graduate from the European Executive MBA programme, you get a Masters in Business Administration. This is the same qualification as if you take part in our Executive MBA programme, Online Executive MBA programme or Full-time MBA programme.
What is the grading system for European Executive MBAs?
We evaluate participant progress in a number of ways, including exams, papers, casework, group work and presentations. This happens course by course, so you’ll always know how you’re performing – and if you need to brush up in any particular areas.
How long does the European Executive MBA take?
Our European Executive MBA takes 15 months to complete. For more details, please reach out. Set up a call >
How much time will I need to spend each week on my European Executive MBA?
On average, you will need to spend 10-12 hours every week on classwork, assignments, projects and study. Remember that in months when you have immersive European trips, you will be spending five days in each country – in addition to the time you’ll need for study.
Every three months you travel to Brussels, Paris, Copenhagen, Dublin, Ghent and Zaragoza, and Ghent. You’ll need to factor in time to travel to and from these locations – and being in them from Wednesday morning through to Sunday evening.
In between these European visits, you will spend one weekend each month taking part in live, online learning activities. These take place on Saturdays and Sundays.
If you have any questions, please get in touch – we’d love to hear about your ambitions.
Set up a call >
Is it possible to do the European Executive MBA as a working professional?
Absolutely, yes. We have designed the European Executive MBA, especially for busy working professionals. It’s an intense time commitment – but one you’ll be so glad that you made. Talk to us to find out more about scheduling.
How do exams take place on the European Executive MBA?
Exams for the European Executive MBA take place via Zoom. Remember, you’ll also be evaluated via group work, individual papers, presentations and projects. Want to find out more? Please reach out, we’d love to help. Set up a call >
How many start dates are there for the European Executive MBA?
We start the European Executive MBA once each calendar year, in January.