Why Belgium?

Belgium, a small nation with a global impact, is a hub of progressive business thinking. Here, you'll find major international companies alongside the central European political institutions. Belgium is known for its welcoming atmosphere and has a long history of tolerance and innovation.  Brussels, the capital, boasts a highly international population (almost 70%!), and fluency in English is common throughout the country. This rich blend of cultures fosters a vibrant environment for learning, networking, and entrepreneurship – making Belgium a special place for all.

Why an MBA in Belgium?

#1 International business hub: 

Because Belgium is an international business hub where you will definitely find infinite inspiration – and you may discover your future employer. Belgium is the beating heart of Europe. Our capital city of Brussels is where you’ll find the European headquarters of all major international businesses. In addition, as the capital of the European Union, it’s home to the European Parliament and European institutions. Belgium also has a vibrant start-up culture, with innovation and entrepreneurship hubs in many of our cities.  It means you’ll feel right at home here – and you’ll have fantastic opportunities to build a professional network.

#2 Modern European living: 

Belgium is a modern, progressive European country where you can experience the best of the arts, fine dining, great shopping – and a lot of opportunities for leisure and relaxation. There’s a great, affordable, public transport system – and we love getting around by bike. Our country is a place where old and new come together powerfully and harmoniously. You can walk through medieval streets, enjoy great beer and company… and then find yourself in the heart of a modern business district. Belgium is a small, international and friendly country that embraces people from all over the world. What’s more, the cost of living is pretty reasonable here too.

#3 Language proficiency: 

You may know that Belgium is a trilingual country. Our three official languages are French, Dutch, and German. But you don’t need to speak either of them. Why? Because we’re a truly international country. It’s exceptionally rare to find anyone in Belgium who doesn’t speak fluent English. So when you walk into shops, cafes, restaurants – anywhere, in fact – it’s common for the people there to greet you in English first.

#4 High-quality education system: 

Education is a priority in Belgium. It’s a part of our national spirit of openness to new ideas and learning. In any one year, 10% of all the students in Belgium have travelled to our universities and business schools from other countries. They’re attracted by the very high quality of teaching in the country – and by the excellent career paths that studying in Belgium can open up. And of course, a high percentage of our own population studies here each year – and enjoys all the same benefits.

Discover Cristian Gonzalez's Transformative Journey

In this video, Cristian Gonzalez from Los Angeles shares his enriching experience as an MBA student at Vlerick Business School in Belgium. With 12 years in marketing, Cristian highlights how Vlerick’s MBA programme offers a unique opportunity to reflect on professional, personal, and cultural goals. He appreciates the inclusive, international environment of Brussels. The programme supports career advancement, sector exploration, and geographic transitions. Vlerick’s comprehensive approach, combining cultural, real-life, and academic experiences, provides a strategic business perspective. The MBA has reminded Cristian of his potential and inspired him to pursue success globally. Watch the video to discover more.

CHOOSING VLERICK FOR YOUR MBA IN BELGIUM

Vlerick Business School has ties with two of the country’s leading universities – KU Leuven and Ghent University. KU Leuven has been a leading centre of innovation and novel thinking for more than six centuries. From Renaissance philosophy through to nanotechnology, the university brings important new thinking and ground-breaking research to the world. It was ranked 45^th overall in the Times Higher Education rankings – and 61^st  in the QS World University Rankings 2023. Ghent University also ranks amongst the top 100 universities in Europe.

If you want to do your MBA in Belgium, Vlerick has a programme to suit your needs. Whichever MBA format works best for you, you’ll gain an entrepreneurial mindset, vast skillset and a diverse and powerful network.

Study at Belgium’s leading business school

There are so many reasons to do your MBA in Belgium at Vlerick. There’s our international outlook, and the fact that you’ll meet people from all over the world who’ll become your network throughout your career. There’s how connected we are to the rest of Europe and the world. And there’s the fact that Belgium is a European leader in business thinking and teaching – we’re consistently ranked by the FT as the top provider of executive education in Belgium. And when you choose to do your MBA in Belgium, remember that amongst all of the business schools in Belgium, Vlerick consistently ranks as the country’s number one. We also rank amongst the top business schools in Europe – and the world.

Experience Vlerick’s fantastic Brussels and Ghent campuses

If you choose to study for a Full-time MBA in Belgium, there’s no better place than Vlerick’s Brussels campus. You’ll find yourself immersed in an international business and political decision-making hub. Getting your MBA in Brussels means studying at the very heart of Europe and its international businesses and institutions. This is why Brussels is also an excellent location for our European Executive MBA.

If you decide to do our Executive MBA in Belgium, you’ll spend time on our historical Ghent campus. Ghent is just a short train journey from Brussels – and the city is a medieval gem. It’s also a thriving start-up hub and home to some of the most progressive business thinking in the world.