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

International Business

Are you interested in understanding the challenges international companies face, and how they deal with such challenges? Then this programme might just be what you are looking for.

The Bachelor's degree programme in International Business prepares you for a management position in an international environment. You will combine courses in Business Management with courses in Sociology, Psychology, Economics and Law.

The programme has an international focus and is about linking theories of management to the reality of international organizations that operate in various countries and cultures. In your third year, you will study abroad for a semester at one of over 200 exchange partners in 50 different countries. International Business in Groningen is challenging and fast-paced. You need to be hard-working, have a good command of English and be able to understand mathematical expressions, quantitative research methods and economics. Most importantly, however, you need to be deeply interested in the very broad range of issues that make doing business different from country to country. Learning from lecturers and fellow students of diverse nationalities is therefore essential.

Important to know: The BSc International Business is a fixed quota programme (numerus fixus) accepting only 550 students. The application deadline for September 2023 was 15 January 2023. If you have applied on time, 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
Why study this programme in Groningen?
  • The programme has been internationally accredited by the AACSB and EQUIS, ensuring a high-quality education, which only 1% of universities reach worldwide.
  • The programme in Groningen is about linking theories of management to the reality of international business. It is the intellectual understanding and their sensitivity to differences in perceptions and approaches that equips international business students to correctly analyse situations and to determine effective responses. You will be challenged to approach various business cases from different economic, cultural, legal and political perspectives.
  • There are more than 50 different nationalities represented in the programme and 37% of the student body is international.
  • In your 3rd year, you will study abroad for one semester at one of over 200 exchange partners in 50 different countries.
Programme

The first year starts off with an intensive introductory programme, in which you attend your first classes and obtain important study information. The course units cover the fundamental disciplines of International Business, such as International Business environment, Economics, Financial Accounting, as well as International Marketing and Organizational Structure. You will also be provided with a solid foundation in statistics.

The first year also features training in reading and writing academic English.

CoursesCourse Catalog >
Academic English (5 EC)
Economics (5 EC)
Financial Accounting (5 EC)
Global Supply Chain Management (5 EC)
International Business Environment (5 EC)
International Marketing (5 EC)
Introduction to International Business (5 EC)
Management Accounting (5 EC)
Organizational Behaviour (5 EC)
Organizational Structure (5 EC)
Research Methodology (5 EC)
Statistics I (5 EC)

In the second year of the programme, you will take additional course units in Cross-Cultural Management, Comparative Country Studies, as well as Research Methods and Statistics. You will do a lot of reading and independent study. You will attend classes and lectures by guest speakers, participate in small discussion groups, work on team projects, attend workshops and seminars.

CoursesCourse Catalog >
Comparative Country Studies (5 EC)
Cross Cultural Management (5 EC)
Ethics and International Business (5 EC)
Finance & Risk Management (5 EC)
Foreign Direct Investment, Trade & Geography (5 EC)
Global Business History (5 EC)
Global Political Economy (5 EC)
Innovation Management in Multinationals (5 EC)
International Business Law (5 EC)
Qualitative Research Methods (5 EC)
Statistics II (5 EC)

Once you have met the requirements of the first part of the programme, you will spend a semester abroad at one of our many partner universities in Europe, Latin America, Australia, North America, or Asia. This is a major opportunity to further develop your cross-cultural and language skills and you will be able to take courses in which your host institution has particular expertise. The final stage of the Bachelor's programme is the writing of a thesis.

From the academic year 2023-2024 onwards, you can do the International Business Internship minor for 30 credits as an alternative for the study abroad in your third year. Watch the video below to see how IB students put the knowledge they got during lectures into practice when doing an internship.

CoursesCourse Catalog >
Bachelor's Thesis (10 EC)
Empirical Research Project (5 EC)
International Financial Management (5 EC)
International Strategic Management (5 EC)
Managing International Business Organizations Game (5 EC)
Study abroad (= foreign minor) (30 EC)

Study abroad

  • Study abroad is required

You will spend one semester (30EC) in the third year studying abroad at one of our exchange partners. For an overview of university partners, please visit https://www.rug.nl/feb/education/exchange/partners/.

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)); the University Language Centre test score B2 (all parts). (The Language Centre English Test will not be offered until at least 1 September 2021).

  • 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 2023 was 15 January 2023.

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 202401 September 2024
EU/EEA students15 January 202401 September 2024
non-EU/EEA students15 January 202401 September 2024

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 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 2023 was 15 January 2023.

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 202401 September 2024
EU/EEA students15 January 202401 September 2024
non-EU/EEA students15 January 202401 September 2024
Tuition fees
NationalityYearFeeProgramme form
EU/EEA2023-2024€ 2314full-time
non-EU/EEA2023-2024€ 11200full-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 might choose to specialize in Marketing or Operations, for example. Or 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 organisations. You can work in export, marketing or sales 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 organisations 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 move into academia, perhaps decide to go further and earn a PhD.

Top 5 sectors IB graduates work

  • Consumer Staples
  • Financial
  • Consulting
  • Utilities
  • Government

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

As a graduate, your degree will be highly valued in the labour market. The Faculty of Economics and Business is internationally accredited and belongs to the 1% of business schools around the world accredited by both EQUIS and AACSB.

FEB Career Services
When you become a student at the faculty, we want to support you in developing your career and strengthening your employability skills. You can count on a dedicated on-campus Career Services team offering you a wide range of courses, workshops, events and career-related support during your studies. Everything you need to enter the labour market.

Job examples

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

Linking education to research and career preparation

Our education is strongly rooted in business practice and society. Also right from the start of your degree programme attention is paid to academic research and pre-professional development. Since an analytical and critical mind and problem-solving capabilities are important qualities in any career our students aspire to.

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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Contact

Students come together to study, work and connect

The International Business study in Groningen is multidisciplinary, I am learning about the fundamentals of business including finance operations, marketing and management. Working on project groups has helped me with my leadership skills, and how to think critically and communicate effectively. What I like the most is how diverse the programme is, with students from many different countries. Students come together to study, work and connect in the youngest and most vibrant student city in the Netherlands. (BSc International Business - Charlene Jaeger)

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Interacting with people from all around the world

The International Business programme allows me to broaden my professional connections whilst interacting with people from all around the world. What I like most about the programme is how effectively students are being prepared for the corporate world. For example, we work in small-group tutorials and teams on designing new business products for companies. My advice for new students is to stay on top of their studies, as the first year is the most eventful.

(BSc International Business - student Bruno Alecchi)

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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/
Read more
(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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