Masters in International Management and Strategy

Our Masters in International Management & Strategy programme runs full-time from early September until the end of June, entailing 60 ECTS credits. Classes take place from 9am to 5.30pm and are a dynamic mix of working on real-life business cases, class interaction, company visits and group exercises.  

Our active learning approach involves many assignments in small teams and thus requires mandatory attendance, 100% motivation, and the willingness to work hard.  

This programme expands your global mindset, giving you in-depth insights into every aspect of management in an international context and allowing you to develop truly sustainable business practices and approaches. You get the skills to stay ahead of global challenges at societal, business and technological levels. And you gain hands-on experience that will push your strategic capabilities to new heights. 

Next to the Global Immersion and European Strategy Tour, students can complete an international exchange during the programme at one of our partner business schools. Furthermore, after obtaining your Vlerick degree in Belgium, you also get the opportunity to obtain a Masters degree of International Business from the Darla Moore School of Business – University of South Carolina in the United States. Find out more about our double degree programme here. 

By following our optional Career Acceleration Track you can add an internship of up to 6 months allowing you to gain relevant industry experience and stand out from competition.

Get a full overview of the different courses here

At Vlerick, our unique approach blends action learning and personal development.   

 Action learning 

From theory to practice:  

• Interactive classes 
• Pragmatic, multidisciplinary approach 
• Insightful business simulations 
• Real-life cases and challenges 

Highlights of the programme include: 

• Global Immersion : Spend four weeks getting to know new countries through a mix of lectures, company visits, challenges and cultural trips. Explore thriving start-ups, large companies and new cultures – and learn how they are connected to the global setting and political systems. 
• European Strategy Tour: Visit companies, meet strategy professionals, solve real-life case studies and immerse yourself in new cultures and business environments as you explore Belgium’s neighbouring countries – and experience a real mix of industries and different types of business model.  
• Global company project: Over two months, you’ll apply everything you’ve learned in a real strategic consultancy project or global social project of your choice. You’ll work outside of Belgium with clients from a different country and culture, navigate the nature of working in (virtual) teams across borders and boundaries – and gain hands-on experience of managing a global business.  

Personal development 

Leap from student to professional with: 

• Continuous feedback and coaching 
• Targeted skill development 
• Comprehensive career services 
• Multiple networking opportunities 
• Personal development portfolio 

Highlights of the programme include: 

• Becoming a Global Citizen: Become a true international leader by delving into the challenges of a globalised world, gaining exposure to international leaders and companies -  and immersing yourself in different cultures. Choose which language you want to learn or improve so you can set yourself apart in a multilingual world.
• My Vlerick Development Portfolio: Gain insight into your own strengths and weaknesses, and be challenged to reflect and take actions to improve.
• Management Skills Seminar: During three days you will focus on leadership development and the management skills you need for the digital age.
• Diversity and inclusion: Understand your own assumptions, biases and preconceived ideas about how the world works – or should work. Discover which behaviours are acceptable, open your mind – and begin to develop a broader world view.
• Career Coaching: Stay aligned to the current global job market as you gain the skills, insights and instincts to make a difference and explore your true potential

Exchange opportunities

At the beginning of the academic year, students can apply for an international exchange that typically takes place between January and March. Our exchange partner business schools with opportunities for students taking this programme include Frankfurt School of Finance and Management (Frankfurt, Germany), Nova School of Business and Economics (Lisbon, Portugal), Polimi Graduate School of Management (Milan, Italy), Stockholm School of Economics (Stockholm, Sweden) and ESMT Berlin (Berlin, Germany). Vlerick offers a partial refund of the accommodation cost to allow as many students as possible to apply.

Additionally, students can apply to complete their global company project in the context of the European Human Resource Management programme (EHRM). Through EHRM, you gain international consultancy experience specifically in the field of European HRM while following classes on the topic at several locations across Europe.

See a full overview of all the course here

• Gain advanced knowledge of strategy and international business by developing the broad-ranging analytical skills you need to master the complex constraints of strategic decision-making.
• Develop truly sustainable business practices and approaches
• Access Vlerick’s global network of strategic decision makers and experts in all areas of international strategy management.
• Broaden your network in Brussels, a top European business hub and home to the European headquarters of some of the world’s most influential companies. 
• Put your knowledge and skills to the test in a two-month consultancy project abroad – the perfect opportunity to connect with the people and organisations who will form your worldwide network.
• Enhance your learning journey by going on a short-term exchange abroad during your programme to one of our partner business schools (Frankfurt School of Finance and Management, Nova School of Business and Economics, Polimi Graduate School of Management and Stockholm School of Economics) or by taking the European HRM programme across Europe.
• Stand out and kick-start your global career by taking a double degree in two countries (Belgium & the United States) at our renowned partner school Darla Moore School of Business.
• Give your career an extra boost by choosing to complete a Vlerick Certificate in Strategy Consulting.

Curious to find out what it means to study at Vlerick? Discover what it’s like to study in Belgium – as well as practical information on how to organise your stay.  

Here’s a snapshot of our MIMS alumni success in the job market:

Take a look at the career prospects for our Masters in International Management & Strategy graduates:

• Strategy consulting in firms such as BCG, Bain & Company, Roland Berger and McKinsey
• Strategic departments of large manufacturing and services companies
• Management positions in multinational companies on a global level

Take a look at where our Masters in International Management & Strategy graduates are working:

Define your career goals and align them with the jobs market with the help of: 

• Case interview and assessment centre training 
• Career clubs and competitions 
• One-to-one coaching 
• Career and networking events 

Take a look at our full career services offer 

Are you

• A recent university graduate with limited or no work experience?
• Ready to tackle global issues with an open mind?
• Keen to develop an international career in management and/or play a key role in strategic consultancy?
• Convinced by the need for a sustainable approach to global business?

If so, then a Masters in International Management & Strategy from Vlerick is exactly what you need. Discover the global business world from the heart of Europe and beyond with a diverse group of students who share your global mindset. Become confident in managing international projects and making the right strategic decisions – while considering financial, operational and sustainable perspectives.  

Our recent cohort for the Masters in International Management & Strategy looked like this:  

Educational background

Start date: 1 September 2025 
Duration: 10 months (from September until June) 
Location: Brussels 
Application deadline non-EU citizens: 30 April 2025

The tuition fee for this Masters programme is €22,500. 

This includes:  

• Global Immersion trip of 4 weeks abroad (including accommodation, company visits, local flights and/or trains)
• European Strategy Tour (including travel and accommodation)
• Company visits
• Travel between different campuses for mandatory programme events
• One year of full online access to the Financial Times and The New York Times
• Textbooks 

This fee does not include the cost of travel for the four-week global immersion trip or travel to and from the destination country where you do your company project. You will need to organise this travel yourself. On top of the tuition fee, please budget approximately €800 for return flights and visa costs. Costs for travel for your company project will depend on the location. 

Financing your Masters 

Joining a Vlerick programme can be a significant financial investment. But there are many financing options available to help towards your tuition fees – and we’re here to help you explore what types of support you might be eligible for. We process applications for our Masters programmes on a rolling basis as of October, for the September intake. If you want to be considered for one of our full scholarships, make sure to submit your scholarship application together with your programme application before February.

Academic Excellence Scholarships

Academic Merit Scholarship

• Purpose: Reward students with an excellent academic track record
• Requirements:
  • Belgian degrees: Study results equal to great or greatest distinction at Bachelor’s level.
  • Non-Belgian degrees: Study results within the top 20% of the class at Bachelor’s level.
  • Outstanding GMAT/GMAT Focus (> 700/> 655) or GRE (> 164 quantitative and > 163 verbal) scores (for specialized programs only).
• Scholarship: Up to 50% of the tuition fee.
  

Diversity & Equality Scholarships

Science Talent Scholarship (Exact sciences, Technology, Engineering):

• Purpose: Promote diversity in educational backgrounds, especially in STEM fields.
• Requirements: Outstanding academic record in STEM, leadership potential.
• Scholarship: Up to 50% of the tuition fee, with a chance to be awarded one of the two full scholarships sponsored by the Martine & Philippe Van den Poel-Haspeslagh Fund and the Marion Debruyne Fund.

Equal Opportunity Scholarship: 

• Purpose: Encourage social diversity and individual commitment.
• Requirements: Represent diversity (e.g., minority group, underprivileged community) or actively promote diversity and inclusion by engaging in long-term initiatives that have a clear social impact.
• Scholarship: Up to 50% of the tuition fee, with a chance to receive one full scholarship sponsored by alumnus Jan Toye. Applicants who fit the criteria will be automatically considered for this full scholarship.
   

Need-based Scholarship

Financial need scholarship: 

• Purpose: Support students with financial need.
• Requirements:
  • A realistic financial plan.
  • Proof of financial need (e.g. previous scholarships or grants).
  • This scholarship can be combined with any other scholarships
• Scholarship: Amount and allocation decided on a case-by-case basis. Full scholarships sponsored by MGM1973, MGM1990, MGM1999 alumni (three full scholarships), and 3d Investors (three full scholarships). Applicants who fit the criteria will be automatically considered for this full scholarship.

If you're planning to apply for a scholarship, make sure you apply early and submit your scholarship applications alongside your application file. Please check the application form for full conditions.

Loans 

You could also consider getting a loan to cover your programme fees. 

• Regular loans: A loan from your bank could cover your tuition fees – get in touch with them for more information.  
• Prodigy Finance loans: Our partner, Prodigy Finance, offers loans to international students at the world’s top business schools. These loans could cover your living expenses and 100% of your tuition fees, minus any scholarship you may be awarded. Learn more

Paying in instalments

You can choose to pay your tuition fees in three separate instalments in November, February and April.

If you want to pay by instalments, you need to sign a contract and pay an admin fee of €250. 

There are four steps to applying for a Masters programme at Vlerick: 

1. Check your eligibility 

What you need: 

• Candidates studying in Belgium need a Masters degree from a recognised institution  
• Candidates from outside Belgium can apply with a Masters degree or a 3 to 4-year Bachelor degree from a recognised institution (there may be additional requirements too)

Our Masters programmes are designed for young graduates, with an average age of 23 and little-to-no professional experience. If you have questions about your eligibility, please contact our admissions team. 

2. Submit your application 

We process applications on a rolling basis from October, for the following September intake. If you do need a visa to study in Belgium, we recommend you apply by the end of April for the September intake.   

Complete your personal details and upload all necessary documents to our application tool. If you don’t need a visa to study in Belgium, you have until June to apply. However, we advise early application as we allocate places on a first come, first served basis. 

3. Take your admissions test 

There are three elements in your admissions test:  

1. Online Test  – we accept our own in-house online test: numerical reasoning (and abstract reasoning if applicable), GMAT (minimum 555) or GRE (157 verbal and 158 quantitative). 
2. Motivational interview – Using a standard set of questions, we assess the match between you, Vlerick and our programme. This interview takes place online and lasts about 20 minutes.
3. Knowledge interview  – Vlerick faculty will ask you about your interest and insights into the field of studies you are applying for. This interview also takes place online and lasts about 20 minutes.

Want to prepare for your admissions test? – discover our tips and tricks.   

4. Register for the programme 

The Masters in International Management & Strategy programme both has capped seats and has a selective admissions process organised in rounds. We therefore strongly advise applying as early as possible:

First admission round
Applications submitted:                   11 September 2024 until 2 December 2024
Decisions issued:                             31 January 2025* at the latest

Second admission round
Applications submitted:                   3 December 2024 until 3 March 2025
Decisions issued:                             11 April 2025* at the latest

Third admission round (last round for non-EU applicants!)
Applications submitted:                   4 March 2025 until 30 April 2025
Decisions issued:                             2 June 2025* at the latest _{(to apply for visas on time)}

Fourth admission round (if seats are still available)
Applications submitted:                   1 May 2025 until 15 July 2025
Decisions issued:                             On a rolling basis (maximum 3 weeks after final interview)

_{*Admissions results are communicated on a rolling basis, but at the latest by the deadline mentioned. If you need a decision sooner, please send an email to admissions@vlerick.com with a detailed motivation.}

Once you’ve been admitted, you can go ahead and register.

Discover what it’s like to study in Belgium – as well as practical information on how to organise your stay.