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Work without borders, think beyond boundaries

International Business Administration

Navigating global waters

Technology has made our world smaller than ever before. Businesses across the globe connect with a simple click. Cultural differences and values play a crucial role in a business’s success.

When you study International Business Administration (IBA) at VU Amsterdam, you’ll not only explore the principles and standards of good business, but also the cultural nuances and behaviours that can have a major impact. 

Much more than just a ‘standard’ business degree, your IBA bachelor’s degree will offer you the opportunity to work with some of the most respected international businesses. You’ll be asked to solve current, real-world problems in international business environments, and learn why operating in a European environment is so different from an Asian or South American one. From global supply chain management to cross-cultural marketing, from global economics to international strategy, a Bachelor of  IBA from VU Amsterdam covers all the bases. 

You will also be part of one of the most culturally diverse college communities in the Netherlands. And you will be expected to explore other cultures outside the classroom by participating in this fun, diverse, and complex world. In addition to a highly diverse faculty and student body, your entire experience at VU Amsterdam will be geared to helping you navigate the global waters and putting your business skills to the test in a variety of environments.

The start date of this programme is September 1st.

Facts and Figures

First year

In the first year, you will focus on the broad skill set you need to thrive in any international business environment. From economics to organisation theory, and from global supply chain management to cross-cultural marketing, you will learn how to operate in a global business setting, and get hands-on experience working with international companies. You will explore the processes and behaviours that you need to pursue your ambitions. You will seek the answers to challenging business questions, and discover what it takes to survive in a complex business environment. 

Subjects

  • SAM Programme IBA
  • Academic Skills
  • English Language Test
  • People in Business and Society
  • Research Participation I
  • Business Mathematics
  • Organization Theory
  • Global Sustainability
  • Business Statistics
  • Global Supply Chain Management
  • Accounting
  • Cross Cultural Marketing
  • Business Processes

Please consult the Study Guide for more information

Second year

During the second year, you’ll explore the deeper issues of an international business environment. You’ll study strategy, analytics and law from an international perspective, learn how multiple cultures impact HR and research decisions, and will hone your academic skills through research training. You’ll practice Virtual Teamwork in cooperation with IBA students abroad. In a hands-on project, you’ll learn by doing – using collaboration tools that allow you to cross boundaries and collaborate overseas. And you can explore a specialty with electives.

Subjects

  • Business Information Systems
  • Economic Principles in a Global Era
  • Finance
  • Managing People: Psychological Foundations
  • Research Participation II
  • International Strategy
  • Business Research Methods - Qualitative
  • Business Research Methods - Quantitative
  • Integrative Research Project

Please consult the Study Guide for more information

Third year

Perhaps one of the most exciting and challenging parts of the programme, you’ll spend the first half of your third year abroad. Choose from 126 universities on six continents to broaden your international experience in this mandatory international exchange. When you return, you’ll choose your business discipline specialty and write your Bachelor’s thesis. This is when all of your experiences will help you shape and pursue your vision for your future – and the kind of person and professional you want to be. What’s more, facts will substantiate your choices. 

Subjects

  • Exchange
  • Electives
  • Thesis
  • Ethics

Please consult the Study Guide for more information

  • 1st year

    First year

    In the first year, you will focus on the broad skill set you need to thrive in any international business environment. From economics to organisation theory, and from global supply chain management to cross-cultural marketing, you will learn how to operate in a global business setting, and get hands-on experience working with international companies. You will explore the processes and behaviours that you need to pursue your ambitions. You will seek the answers to challenging business questions, and discover what it takes to survive in a complex business environment. 

    Subjects

    • SAM Programme IBA
    • Academic Skills
    • English Language Test
    • People in Business and Society
    • Research Participation I
    • Business Mathematics
    • Organization Theory
    • Global Sustainability
    • Business Statistics
    • Global Supply Chain Management
    • Accounting
    • Cross Cultural Marketing
    • Business Processes

    Please consult the Study Guide for more information

  • 2nd year

    Second year

    During the second year, you’ll explore the deeper issues of an international business environment. You’ll study strategy, analytics and law from an international perspective, learn how multiple cultures impact HR and research decisions, and will hone your academic skills through research training. You’ll practice Virtual Teamwork in cooperation with IBA students abroad. In a hands-on project, you’ll learn by doing – using collaboration tools that allow you to cross boundaries and collaborate overseas. And you can explore a specialty with electives.

    Subjects

    • Business Information Systems
    • Economic Principles in a Global Era
    • Finance
    • Managing People: Psychological Foundations
    • Research Participation II
    • International Strategy
    • Business Research Methods - Qualitative
    • Business Research Methods - Quantitative
    • Integrative Research Project

    Please consult the Study Guide for more information

  • 3rd year

    Third year

    Perhaps one of the most exciting and challenging parts of the programme, you’ll spend the first half of your third year abroad. Choose from 126 universities on six continents to broaden your international experience in this mandatory international exchange. When you return, you’ll choose your business discipline specialty and write your Bachelor’s thesis. This is when all of your experiences will help you shape and pursue your vision for your future – and the kind of person and professional you want to be. What’s more, facts will substantiate your choices. 

    Subjects

    • Exchange
    • Electives
    • Thesis
    • Ethics

    Please consult the Study Guide for more information

Change your future with the International Business Administration programme

Change your future with the International Business Administration programme

After the bachelor’s programme, you can specialise by following a master’s programme. 

Discover your future prospects
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