Business Administration

The Master of Business Administration at KU Leuven is a comprehensive and rigorous program designed to prepare students for leadership roles in the dynamic global business environment. This innovative curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with practical application, enabling graduates to develop strategic thinking, financial expertise, marketing acumen, and effective management skills. The program emphasizes critical analysis, problem-solving, and decision-making, equipping students with the tools necessary to innovate and excel in various industries.

Throughout the program, students engage with a diverse range of subjects including organizational behavior, corporate finance, international business, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development. The curriculum integrates case studies, group projects, internships, and research assignments, fostering a practical understanding of complex business challenges. KU Leuven’s strong ties with the business community give students unique networking opportunities, access to guest lectures from industry leaders, and connections that can accelerate their professional careers.

The program is designed for ambitious individuals seeking to enhance their managerial competencies and expand their global perspective. It welcomes applicants from diverse academic backgrounds who demonstrate leadership potential, analytical skills, and a keen interest in business innovation. The Master of Business Administration at KU Leuven encourages a collaborative learning environment, promoting teamwork, ethical conduct, and social responsibility.

Graduates of this program are well-equipped to pursue senior management positions, start their own enterprises, or engage in consultancy roles across various sectors. They leave with a solid foundation in business principles, an understanding of contemporary global issues, and the agility to adapt to rapid technological and economic changes. Whether you aim to advance your current career or pivot into new opportunities, KU Leuven’s MBA program offers the knowledge, skills, and network necessary to succeed in today’s competitive business landscape.

Compulsory courses

• Philosophy
• Psychology
• English I
• Management
• Research Methods 1
• Statistics for Business Economists 1
• Financial Institutions and Markets
• Introduction to Law
• Financial Accounting
• Management Project 1
• Mathematics for Business Economists 1
• Managerial Economics
• Statistics for Business Economists 2
• English 2
• Financial Statement Analysis
• Strategic Management
• Research Methods 2
• Economic History
• Economic Sociology
• Corporate Law and Accounting
• Mathematics for Business Economists 2
• Macro-economics and Economic Policy
• Management Project 2
• Management Accounting
• Corporate Finance
• Operational Management
• Entrepreneurship and Business Planning
• Multinationals and European Institutions
• Principles of Taxation
• ICT Management
• Innovation Management
• Bachelor Thesis
• International Economics
• Economics and Ethics
• Research Methods 3

Elective: language choice

• French
• Dutch
• Spanish
• German

Elective: KU Leuven Campus Brussels or Université Saint-Louis

Elective: KU Leuven Campus Brussels

• Personnel and Organization
• Marketing

Elective: Université Saint-Louis (provisional programme)

• Marketing (USL)
• Théorie des organisations (USL)
• Gestion des ressources humaines (USL)

Requirements

• A Belgian degree of secondary education;
• A Belgian degree of short-course higher education;
• A Belgian degree of higher education for social advancement, with the exception of the certificate of pedagogic aptitude;
• A degree or certificate, awarded in the context of the Flemish HBO;
• A degree or certificate which, pursuant to a law, Decree or European guideline or another international agreement, is deemed equivalent to the certificates mentioned in the categories above.
• KU Leuven may admit candidates who have obtained a degree or certificate in a country outside of the European Union, which is not deemed equivalent as mentioned in 5°. This is only possible on the condition that this document gives admission to a Bachelor's programme in the country where it has been awarded, comparable to a Flemish Bachelor's degree, and on the condition that the degree or certificate in question is authenticated. Candidate students who fall into this category file their application with the International Admissions and Mobility Unit
• Applicants are required to prove their proficiency in mathematics by submitting a SAT test result with a minimum score of 500 on the mathematics section. Note that the test required is the general SAT test, not the mathematics subject test. Alternatively, ACT test results may be submitted with a minimum score of 21 for the mathematics test. Applicants who obtain a score between 500 and 550 for SAT or between 21 and 23 for ACT are obliged to register for the slow track of the courses Mathematics for Business Economists 1 and Statistics for Business Economists 1. Applicants are responsible to timely make an appointment for one of both tests themselves. Test results are valid for maximum 5 years. An exemption from this requirement is granted to applicants with a high school or university degree awarded by a recognized educational institution from a country that has ratified the Lisbon Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education in the European Union. A list of the countries that ratified the Lisbon Recognition Convention can you find here.
• Applicants must prove their English language proficiency by means of a IELTS or TOEFL test. The minimum score for IELTS is 6.5 (with a minimum subscore of 5.5 for each of the four skills Listening, Writing, Speaking and Reading). The minimum score for TOEFL internet based test is 90 (with a minimum subscore of 20 for each of the four skills Listening, Writing, Speaking and Reading). An exemption from TOEFL or IELTS is possible for applicants wiht a university degree or high school degree earned in Australia, English speaking Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom or the USA: the certified degree and transcripts suffice, provided they confirm that the entire study was completed in English.
• Applicants who have been awarded the General Certificate of Education (GCE) can be eligible for admission if they can prove to have passed at least 3 A Level subjects. Of these A Level subjects, at least 1 has to be relevant (f.ex. mathematics of business studies). If the GCE A Level certificates have been obtained in a country that has not ratified the Lisbon Recognition Convention, candidates are required to submit an additional proof of proficiency in mathematics (SAT/ACT, cf. supra).
• Applicants who did not obtain their GCE A Level certificates in Australia, English speaking Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom or the USA have to submit a proof of proficiency in English (IELTS/TOEFL, cf. supra) as well.

The Business Administration program at KU Leuven primarily funds its operations through a combination of tuition fees, government funding, research grants, and private partnerships. Tuition fees vary depending on the student's residence status, with EU students paying approximately €932 per year and non-EU students paying around €4,175 per year. These fees contribute to the overall financial stability of the faculty, supporting infrastructure, faculty salaries, and student services. The Belgian government provides substantial funding to KU Leuven through subsidies aimed at promoting higher education and research excellence, which in turn subsidizes various aspects of the Business Administration program. Research grants from national and European sources, such as Horizon Europe, are also pivotal in financing innovative projects, faculty research, and specialized training modules within the program. KU Leuven actively collaborates with industry partners and the private sector, which often sponsor research activities, internships, and guest lectures, creating additional revenue streams that enhance the quality and relevance of the program. The university also benefits from alumni donations and philanthropic contributions targeted at developing new facilities and funding student scholarships. Financial aid options are available for eligible students, including scholarships, grants, and student loans, which facilitate wider access to the program. Moreover, KU Leuven's strategic initiatives aim to expand international cooperation and attract foreign students through targeted funding programs, increasing the program's international profile and financial sustainability. The combination of public funding, tuition revenue, research income, industry partnerships, and endowment contributions ensures the Business Administration program at KU Leuven remains financially robust and capable of delivering high-quality education and research opportunities to its students.

The Business Administration program at KU Leuven is a comprehensive undergraduate degree designed to equip students with the fundamental knowledge and skills necessary for a successful career in the dynamic world of business. This programme offers a solid foundation in core business disciplines such as management, marketing, finance, accounting, economics, and organizational behavior. Through a combination of theoretical coursework and practical experiences, students are prepared to understand and address complex business challenges in a global context.

The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, encouraging students to apply their knowledge to real-world situations. Courses are delivered by experienced faculty members who are experts in their fields, ensuring that students gain insights based on the latest research and industry practices. The programme also promotes international awareness by incorporating elements of global business environment studies and offering opportunities for exchanges or internships abroad, thus preparing students to operate effectively in multicultural settings.

Students benefit from KU Leuven’s strong links with the business community, which provide access to internships, guest lectures, case studies, and networking events. These interactions help students build professional contacts and gain practical work experience alongside their academic studies. The Business Administration program at KU Leuven values diversity and inclusivity, welcoming students from various backgrounds, and fostering an active learning environment where collaboration and innovative thinking are encouraged.

Additionally, the program offers specializations or electives that allow students to tailor their education according to their interests, whether in entrepreneurship, digital business, international management, or other emerging fields. Upon graduation, students are well-prepared to pursue careers in business management, consulting, finance, marketing, or to continue their studies at the postgraduate level. With its emphasis on academic excellence, practical relevance, and international orientation, the Business Administration program at KU Leuven provides a rigorous and enriching educational experience.