International Business — 3 year

International Business is a dynamic, three-year bachelor’s degree program offered by Hanze University of Applied Sciences. Designed for students who aspire to thrive in the global marketplace, this program provides comprehensive training in all aspects of international trade, marketing, and management. Throughout the course, students develop a deep understanding of the global economic environment, cross-cultural communication, and strategic decision-making necessary for successful international business operations. The curriculum combines theoretical foundations with practical skills, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for careers in multinational corporations, export companies, and international organizations.

Students will engage in challenging coursework covering areas such as international marketing, supply chain management, business law, finance, and entrepreneurship. The program emphasizes the importance of intercultural competence, enabling students to navigate diverse cultural contexts effectively. Additionally, the program offers opportunities for internships and real-world projects, providing valuable industry experience and fostering professional network development. The teaching approach is interactive, combining lectures, case studies, group work, and simulations to promote active learning and teamwork skills.

Hanze University’s strong links with international companies and organizations offer students unique chances for work placements and international exchanges, broadening their global perspective. The campus environment supports collaborative learning and personal growth, with modern facilities and dedicated faculty members who are experts in their fields. Graduates of the International Business program acquire the knowledge, skills, and mindset to succeed in a variety of roles such as international sales manager, business development specialist, or export coordinator.

The program is delivered in English, attracting students from around the world, fostering a diverse and multicultural learning community. This international orientation equips graduates to operate confidently in multicultural teams and worldwide markets. Graduates will be ready to meet the challenges of today’s interconnected world, making a positive impact in international business environments. Pursuing this bachelor’s degree at Hanze University enables students to build a competitive edge and embark on a successful career in international trade and business management.

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.