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Business law for a better world

International Business Law

How can companies and governments make legal decisions that keep pace with a rapidly changing world? What role does international law play in trade, investment and sustainability? These are the questions at the heart of the International Business Law (IBL) master’s programme.

You will, for example, work on real cases in international business, trade and investment law, explore the legal aspects of climate transition and sustainability, or study how companies and investors navigate risks and opportunities in a complex global economy. While the exact focus differs by specialisation, each pathway prepares you to become a legal professional with a broad perspective and strong international skills.

VU is proud to be the first university in Europe to offer a dedicated International Business Law degree that combines an all-round Master’s in Business Law with a focus on some of the most complex legal challenges of our time: climate change and the societal and environmental effects of economic globalisation.

You can choose from two English-taught specialisations within IBL. Each specialisation has a clear identity and offers a pathway to a wide range of career opportunities. Both follow a current, practice-oriented approach to business law and focus on what is happening in the world today.

The start date of this programme is 1 September.

VU Master's Event

Saturday 7 March 2026

International Master's webinar

Create a My Study Choice account or log in to watch the recording

Law in Action

Law in Action

A key feature of IBL is the connection between theory and practice. You work on current international cases and are guided by lecturers who combine top-level academic research with practical experience. This allows you to see how international law works in practice, for example through:

  • Moot Courts
  • Law Clinics
  • Internships at companies or international organisations
  • Research projects at the Amsterdam Sustainability Institute or StartHub

This combination of theory and practice helps you develop skills that are essential for an international legal career: critical analysis, advising, negotiation and strategic thinking within complex legal frameworks.

Civiel effect

If you combine the master’s programme International Business Law with a Dutch bachelor’s degree in law, you also obtain the civil effect (effectus civilis). This allows you to work at a Dutch law firm and register with the Dutch Bar Association. 

Change your world, study International Business Law

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