International Business — 3 year

Study a Bachelor's in International Business in the Netherlands

The International Business (IB) three-year bachelor’s programme is English-taught. Each year consists of two study semesters. The programme is designed for students with a higher secondary school education, such as the Dutch vwo level, International Baccalaureate or an international equivalent. The three-year IB bachelor’s programme consists of 180 European Credits (ECTS), whereby 60 ECTS are earned each year. In order to continue with the study, students are required to finish the first year with a minimum of 48 ECTS. 

Best of both worlds

The new IB programme begins in September 2018 and is a merger of the former programmes: International Business & Management Studies and International Business & Languages. This is an initiative of the Dutch Government to offer students a more transparent and straightforward study choice.

First year

The first year brings together students with similar academic backgrounds and abilities. The curriculum has a clear international focus and direction. Students are introduced to the principal areas of business in preparation for their second year abroad. Knowledge is acquired and assessed through classes, group work, research, business labs, assignments and written examinations. A strong commitment to self-study is also needed. Throughout the year students demonstrate their growing professional and personal competencies in a dedicated portfolio. 

Language opportunities at IBS

If you would like to learn additional world languages, you can enrol in a course at the Hanze Language Centre. We currently offer language courses in Spanish, German,
French and Italian. Acquiring new language skills will enhance your cultural awareness and give you a head start on your international career path. 

Second year

One of the greatest opportunities at IBS is the year abroad. During your second year you will spend a semester studying at an IBS partner university and another semester doing a business placement at a company abroad. 

Study semester abroad 

You will spend a full semester studying at one of our many partner universities around the world. This is a unique opportunity to expand your knowledge and experience of different cultures and develop your language skills. International students may choose the minor European Business at IBS or a minor from another Hanze UAS school.

International placement

The other semester in the second year is spent working in an internationally oriented company or organisation outside your home country, where you can apply what you have learned during the first year of your study. Students acquire the placement themselves, making use of the information available at IBS, such as regular placement offers, previous student reports and shared experiences of fellow students. Our students complete placements at top global companies, such as Lufthansa in Seoul, Microsoft in Dublin, SEAT in Barcelona, Bosch in Mexico City, Pricewaterhouse Coopers in Luxembourg and Philips in Amsterdam, as well as joining exciting SMEs and startups. 

Third year

You begin your third and final year with a semester in which you take modules relating to your minor. This enables you to gain an in-depth understanding of the specialisation you have chosen (see the semester structure table on page 2). In your final semester, you will complete a graduation project in which you are regarded as a consultant for an external company. You will be required to obtain, define, analyse and research a business-related problem, write a final report and present/defend your findings in an oral presentation.

To be admitted to this programme you will need a national or an international secondary school diploma. Your educational qualifications must be equivalent to the Dutch vwo secondary school diploma. As the programme is taught in English, you may have to prove your English language proficiency, depending on your educational background and nationality.

Tuition Fees 2018-2019

EU/EEA students: € 2,060 
Non-EU/EEA students: € 7,700

Career prospects

The International Business bachelor’s programme prepares you for a successful and rewarding international career in a wide range of directions and positions, including:

• marketing and sales manager
• finance and accounting
• business consultant
• business development
• project and account management
• entrepreneur.

LinkedIn research published in 2016 shows that our alumni are located around the world, fulfilling careers in a diversity of roles, as well as many graduates pursuing international postgraduate studies.