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Education Bachelor's degree programmes International Business
Header image International Business

International Business

Study international business in Groningen to learn about international markets, cross-cultural management, and innovative business strategies, all essential in today's interconnected world.

What strategies do multinational corporations use to balance profitability and (environmental) sustainability in their international operations? How do cultural perceptions vary, and how can companies address these differences in their international operations? In the BSc International Business, you will learn to understand these challenges, and how to deal with them.

In Groningen, the programme is all about bridging management theories with real-life situations faced by international organizations worldwide. We take a holistic teaching approach. We incorporate multiple perspectives from sociology, ethics and sustainable management, marketing, technology innovation, psychology, economics, politics, and finance into the core subjects. But that is not all – theory comes to life as you put your learning into practice. That is why you work on real-life assignments and case studies and you get the opportunity to choose for an internship or a study exchange in your third year.

Is this programme for you? You like to learn about cultures and countries and how they shape our global business landscape. You are looking for a truly international, diverse and challenging study where you can develop yourself and gain the competencies to prosper in your career. You aspire to work in an international setting, working for a multinational firm, governmental institution or international organization. But above all, you are interested in the very broad range of issues that make doing business different from country to country.

Important to know: The BSc International Business is a fixed quota programme (numerus fixus) accepting only 550 students. The application deadline for September 2025 is 15 January 2025. Please check the information about the selection procedure .

Facts & Figures
Degree
BSc in International Business
Course type
Bachelor
Duration
36 months (180 ECTS)
Croho code
50019
Language of instruction
English
Start
September
Faculty
Economics and Business
AACSB AccreditedStudie in Cijfers

Unique opportunity to connect with different cultures (Valeria Botnari)

The Bachelor of International Business at the University of Groningen was an amazing opportunity for me to build a multicultural network while benefiting from a steep and exciting learning curve. This program enhanced my critical and analytical skills, making me equally competent to tackle individual tasks and be a responsible team player. In my experience, this bachelor's program gets better with each passing year, and excitement peaks at the stage where you have to either study abroad or do an internship. This academic experience is beautifully complemented by the vibrant city of Groningen, where learning seamlessly intertwines with having fun.

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Why study this programme in Groningen?
  • The programme in Groningen is interdisciplinary and links theories of management to the reality of international business. From finance to ethics, sustainability to sociology, psychology to innovation and marketing, economics to business history – our approach ensures you grasp the nuances of managing international businesses from every angle.
  • You will study with students from across the world and be taught by international teachers. Did you know that there are more than 50 different nationalities represented in the programme and about 35% of the student body is international?
  • In your 3rd year, it is time for either a study abroad for one semester at one of over 200 exchange partners in 50 different countries, or take the opportunity to do an internship at an international organization.
  • We believe in a soft landing in your 1st year. That is why we place all 1st year students in a mentor group of max 16 students, and pair you from the start with a student and a faculty mentor who are there to support you with both study-related matters and insights about student life.
  • The programme has been internationally accredited by the AACSB and EQUIS, ensuring a high-quality education, which only 1% of universities reach worldwide.
Programme

The first year starts with an intensive introductory programme to get you started on the right foot. You learn about the main theories and how they are applied in real-world international business situations. Also, you get introduced to topics such as international production, innovation, marketing, supply chain, finance, sustainable management accounting and corporate social responsibility. In courses like statistics and research methodology, you learn how to describe and interpret data.

Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
Global Supply Chain Management (5 EC)
Introduction to International Business (5 EC)
Organizational Structure (5 EC)
Academic and Professional Development (5 EC)
Financial Accounting (5 EC)
Organizational Behaviour (5 EC)
Economics (5 EC)
International Marketing (5 EC)
Statistics I (5 EC)
International Trade and Competition (5 EC)
Research Methodology (5 EC)
Sustainable Management Accounting (5 EC)

In the second year, core courses build upon and enrich concepts introduced in the first year. You study today's technology trends and how they can influence the business world. You analyze business cases to learn about the role and meaning of values and differences in values between countries. Also, you delve deeper into the role of financial management within the corporation. To get a full picture of what it is to work in the international business field, you take courses in ethics, innovation management, investment theory, international business law and political economy. You will attend classes and lectures by guest speakers, participate in small discussion groups, work on team projects, and attend workshops and seminars.

Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
Digital Transformation in IB (5 EC)
Firm Location and FDI (5 EC)
Fundamentals of Finance for IB (5 EC)
Ethics and International Business (5 EC)
Global Business History (5 EC)
Statistics II (5 EC)
Comparative Country Studies (5 EC)
Innovation Management in Multinationals (5 EC)
Qualitative Research Methods (5 EC)
Cross-cultural Management (5 EC)
Global Political Economy (5 EC)
International Business Law (5 EC)

Ready to take the next step? In the first semester, you can choose to spend a semester abroad at one of our many partner universities in Europe, Latin America, Australia, North America, or Asia, where you choose electives that together encompass your minor. You also have the option to do an International Business Internship minor and gain practical experience. After that, you return to campus, where you finish the last courses, write your thesis and work on delivering a business plan where you integrate the knowledge of managing international business organizations.

Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
Study abroad (= exchange minor) or International Business Internship (30 EC)
Empirical Research Project (5 EC)
International Strategic Management (5 EC)
Bachelor's Thesis (10 EC)
International Financial Management (5 EC)
Managing International Business Organizations (5 EC)

Study abroad

  • Study abroad is optional

In the 3rd year, the vast majority of the IB students spend one semester (30EC) abroad at one of our exchange partners in the third year. For an overview of university partners, please visit https://www.rug.nl/feb/education/exchange/ During this exchange, students can elect courses and build their own minor.

In the 3rd year, the vast majority of the IB students spend one semester (30EC) abroad at one of our exchange partners in the third year. During this exchange, students can elect courses and build their own minor.
Entry requirements

Admissible Dutch diploma profiles

  • VWO Natuur & Techniek
  • VWO Natuur & Gezondheid
  • VWO Economie & Maatschappij
  • VWO Cultuur & Maatschappij

    wiskunde A of wiskunde B;The profile Culture & Society must be complemented with mathematics A or B.

  • HBO propedeuse

    It is also possible to enter the programme with an HBO propaedeutic certificate, on condition that you meet the required level of mathematics and the English language skills. For mathematics, you must at least have completed A or B (previously mathematics A12 or B1) at Dutch VWO level. For English, you must also have completed this at VWO level or obtained one of the English certificates: IELTS Academic overall score 6 (Speaking 6, Writing 5.5); TOEFL internet-based overall score 90 (Speaking 20, Writing 20); C1 Advanced (with minimum score 169).

  • academic propedeuse

    You can enroll, as long as you have a finished VWO-degree with mathematics A or B.

Registration procedure

Students with a Dutch diploma can start their application in Studielink. More information on the steps to apply.


Numerus Fixus

This programme has a numerus fixus with a maximum of 550 attendees a year.

The BSc International Business is a fixed quota programme (numerus fixus) accepting only 550 students. The application deadline for September 2025 is 15 January 2025. If you have applied on time, please check the information about the selection procedure.

Selection procedure

Please check the information about the selection procedure: https://www.rug.nl/feb/education/study-programmes/numerus-fixus-bsc-ib/

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students15 January 202501 September 2025
EU/EEA students15 January 202501 September 2025
non-EU/EEA students15 January 202501 September 2025

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

To meet the general entry-level requirements, you will need an educational background equivalent to the Dutch pre-university education (VWO). For an overview of VWO-equivalent qualifications, please check https://www.rug.nl/vwo-equivalent-qualifications. If you have any questions concerning admission to the programme, please contact our Admissions Office: https://www.rug.nl/admissions.

additional subject

Mathematics should have been passed as a standard/methods level subject in your secondary school education. Please note that the level of mathematics will need to be assessed by the Admissions Board.

language test

IELTS Academic overall score 6 (Speaking 6, Writing 5.5); TOEFL internet-based overall score 80 (Speaking 20, Writing 20); Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency (overall score 169, Speaking 169, Writing 162).

Registration procedure

Students have to apply online via Studielink and the Progress Portal (replacing the previous system, Online Application System OAS) of the University of Groningen. After you apply for the programme of your choice, the Admissions Office will evaluate your educational background and assess your eligibility. Your application will be assessed on an individual basis. More information on how to apply .


Numerus Fixus

This programme has a numerus fixus with a maximum of 550 attendees a year.

The BSc International Business is a fixed quota programme (numerus fixus) accepting only 550 students. The application deadline for September 2025 is 15 January 2025. If you have applied on time, please check the information about the selection procedure.

Selection procedure

Please check the information about the selection procedure: https://www.rug.nl/feb/education/study-programmes/numerus-fixus-bsc-ib/

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students15 January 202501 September 2025
EU/EEA students15 January 202501 September 2025
non-EU/EEA students15 January 202501 September 2025
Tuition fees
NationalityYearFeeProgramme form
EU/EEA2024-2025€ 2530full-time
non-EU/EEA2024-2025€ 13100full-time
EU/EEA2025-2026€ 2601full-time
non-EU/EEA2025-2026€ 13500full-time

Practical information for:

After your studies

International Business is a broad programme that forms a solid foundation to pursue a broad range of Master's degrees. You could build on your Bachelor's with a Master's degree in International Business and Management, which will give you the credentials to work for a multinational firm, governmental institutions and international organizations. Or you might choose to specialize in Economic Development and Growth, Marketing, Financial Management, or HRM, for example.

Job prospects

Plenty of multinationals will be interested in students with an academic degree in business. Your position within this kind of organization can vary from export manager or international marketer to international sales manager, product manager, or human resource manager. But numerous other career opportunities await. This, of course, depends on the choices you make during and after the International Business programme.

Many organizations also offer traineeships and junior positions which will introduce you to different types of activities. If you were to choose a two-year Research Master's you could also move into academia, perhaps decide to go further and earn a PhD.

Top 5 sectors IB graduates work

  • Consumer goods
  • Financial
  • Consulting
  • Utilities
  • Government

Examples of organizations: ING, PwC, EY, Toyota, Philips, Unilever, Ministery of Economic Affairs and Climate. Source: FEB Graduates report edition 2021 (nr. of respondents 117)

Job examples

  • Export manager
  • CSR manager
  • International marketer
  • International sales manager
  • International product manager
  • Human resources manager
  • Business / Data Analyst
Research

Linking education to research and career preparation

Our research-driven education is strongly rooted in business practice and society. At the heart of our teaching approach is (interdisciplinary) research and, in collaboration with external partners, students and professors conduct projects on societally relevant topics such as healthy society and the economics of healthcare systems, digitalization and how AI is shaping business and societies, leadership and governance, future prosperity and sustainability, climate change and how to tackle the shift to renewable energy. From day one of your degree, we are about making a real impact.

In collaboration with external partners, the faculty conducts research projects on e.g. banking, local government, customer insights, leadership, energy, healthy ageing and lean operations. Read more about the research conducted at the Faculty of Economics and Business.

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Study associations

EBF

The Economics and Business Faculty association (EBF) is the faculty association for all students studying at the faculty of Economics and Business of the University of Groningen.
The EBF is your partner during your time in Groningen by organising events that support you with your studies and help you prepare for your future career.
https://www.ebfgroningen.nl/

Marug

The Marketing Association of the University of Groningen (MARUG) is the inter-departmental study association for students who are interested in marketing.
The MARUG acts as an intermediary between marketing theory and marketing practice and organises several career events and social activities during the year, such as a monthly social. At this moment, the MARUG has more than 1500 members from different fields of knowledge.
https://www.marug.nl/
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(Binding) study advice
  • A minimum of 45 EC in the first 12 months (binding)

You will be offered study advice after the first year of study. You can expect a positive result if you have earned more than 45 ECTS credit points (out of a total of 60 ECTS). If you have earned fewer than 45 ECTS and are issued a negative result, you will not be allowed to continue with your degree programme.

You will receive preliminary study advice in December to make sure that you know where you stand. Please contact your study advisor as soon as possible if you have any questions about the BSA system. N.B. Some degree programmes use a tutoring system; please check with your study advisor.

Study support

Studying means working independently and planning your studies yourself, but of course, the faculty will help you do so. Together with other first-years, you will participate in a mentor group. The mentor, a senior student, will help you quickly learn the ins and outs of the faculty. In addition, you will discuss your study progress with your tutor (a lecturer-supervisor) at regular intervals. The study advisors are available to help you with specific study problems.

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