Business Economics

The Business Economics program at the University of Antwerp offers students a comprehensive and challenging education designed to prepare them for a successful career in the dynamic world of business and economics. This program combines rigorous academic coursework with practical insights, equipping students with a solid foundation in economic theory, business practices, and analytical skills. Throughout their studies, students will explore a wide range of topics including microeconomics, macroeconomics, financial management, marketing, strategic management, and organizational behavior. The curriculum emphasizes the development of critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and decision-making skills essential for navigating complex economic environments.

Students enrolled in the Business Economics program will benefit from a multidisciplinary approach, integrating economic analysis with managerial and financial considerations. The program is structured to foster an understanding of how economic principles influence business operations and policy decisions, enabling graduates to analyze market trends, develop strategic plans, and advise organizations on economic issues. The program also offers opportunities for specialization in areas such as international business, sustainable management, and digital economics, allowing students to tailor their education according to their career interests.

The University of Antwerp prides itself on its interactive learning environment, combining lectures, case studies, group projects, and internships to enhance practical experience. Students are encouraged to engage actively with faculty, industry professionals, and their peers, fostering a vibrant academic community. Additionally, the program emphasizes international perspectives, preparing students to operate effectively in a globalized economy. Upon completion, graduates will possess the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue careers in consulting, finance, marketing, public policy, or further academic studies.

The Business Economics program at the University of Antwerp is accredited and recognized for its quality, ensuring that students receive an education that is both academically rigorous and practically relevant. With a strong focus on employability and lifelong learning, the program aims to develop well-rounded professionals capable of making meaningful contributions to the business world. Whether students aspire to work in multinational corporations, governmental agencies, or start their own ventures, this program provides a solid platform to achieve those goals and succeed in today’s competitive economic climate.

As the Master of Applied Economic Sciences: Business Economics is an academic Master’s programme, the acquisition of scientific competencies is one of the core objectives. Students will receive a sound scientific training in chosen specialist areas in the field of business economics.

Playing a prominent part in international research, the Faculty of Applied Economics works together with universities and research institutions all over the world. The programme is research based. The Faculty of Applied Economics was awarded AACSB-accreditation, which is the hallmark for excellence in business education. The Master of Applied Economic Sciences: Business Economics has also gained EPAS accreditation. 

The Faculty of Applied Economics provides high-quality, student-centred teaching with an emphasis on projectbased activities and autonomous problem-solving. There is ample room for project work and interactive forms of teaching, such as seminars, tutorials and teamwork.

The model path of the Master of Applied Economic Sciences: Business Economics consists of two compulsory courses (Strategic Management and Business Ethics), a major (18 ECTS) and the master’s thesis. We offer five different majors to choose from: Accounting, European and International Management, Finance, Marketing and Strategy and Organisation. In addition to this major, students can also choose a minor by selecting 12 ECTScredits from a second major domain.

Requirements

• Applicants should hold an academic Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Business Economics or equivalent. When starting the Master’s programme, students should have thorough knowledge of intermediate micro- and macro-economics, econometrics, mathematics, statistics, financial and management accounting, finance, marketing and management. Students who are still completing their Bachelor’s degree are also encouraged to apply. They should submit an official letter in English from their university confirming that the student is expected to finalise her/his Bachelor’s studies at the end of the current academic year, and submit up-to-date authenticated transcripts with the results of the previous years. 
• Applicants are also required to submit a GMAT or GRE test score. Both the verbal and quantitative score will be taken into consideration.
• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): paper-based TOEFL level of minimum 550, a computer-based TOEFL level of minimum 213 or an internet-based TOEFL level of minimum 80. You can find more information about TOEFL at www.toefl.org
• IELTS (International English Language Testing System): a minimum score of at least 6.5, and on each part minimum 6.0. You can find more information about IELTS at www.ielts.org;
• A copy of your valid passport or identity card/a curriculum vitae
• A motivation letter
• A legalised copy of your degree certificate (please read more information on legalisation)
• Applicants that are enrolled in the final year should submit an original and signed letter from their college or university confirming that they are expected to finalise the program at the end of the current academic year
• A copy of your academic transcripts, provided with a stamp of the university

Scholarships

• VLIR-UOS: scholarships for students from developing countries: Scholarships are available for students from 54 scholarship countries in Africa, Asia and Latin-America to follow a training or master programme at the University of Antwerp.
• ASEM-DUO: Scholarships are available for students from China, India, South-Korea and Vietnam.
• Transition Fellowship Programme: Scholarships are available for students from 4 countries in transition (Brazil, Morocco, South Africa and Turkey).
• Mastermind: Scholarships are available for international students who want to take up a master degree programme.
• Global Study Awards: An individual global study award with a maximum value of £10000

The Business Economics programme at the University of Antwerp provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the economic principles and business practices essential for today's dynamic global market. The curriculum is designed to combine theoretical knowledge with practical skills, preparing graduates for diverse careers in the business sector. Students engage with core subjects such as microeconomics, macroeconomics, financial accounting, management, marketing, and quantitative methods, which form the foundation of the programme. Advanced courses explore topics like strategic management, corporate finance, international economics, and business ethics, enabling students to develop a well-rounded perspective on business operations and economic analysis.

The programme emphasizes the importance of analytical and critical thinking, fostering a problem-solving mindset that is invaluable in the business world. Students are encouraged to participate in case studies, internships, and project work, providing real-world experience and opportunities to apply learned concepts. The University of Antwerp offers a modern learning environment with state-of-the-art facilities, including dedicated business labs, libraries, and online resources to support student learning. The programme also benefits from a diverse student body, offering a multicultural environment that enhances international perspective and networking opportunities.

Graduates of Business Economics are well-equipped to pursue careers in consultancy, financial services, marketing, management, or further academic research. Some may choose to continue their studies at the postgraduate level, such as a Master’s in Business Administration or Economics. The university maintains strong links with the business community and offers career support services, including recruitment events, internships, and professional development workshops. Overall, the Business Economics programme at the University of Antwerp aims to develop highly skilled, adaptable, and innovative professionals ready to meet the challenges of the evolving business landscape.