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Education Bachelor's degree programmes International Business
Header image International Business
Bachelor - full-time

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 big global companies use to stay profitable while being eco-friendly? How do cultural perceptions vary, and how can companies address these differences?
In the BSc International Business, you will learn how to tackle these challenges. In Groningen, we bridge the gap between classroom theories and real-world business scenarios. We teach you how to see the big picture. You will:
  • explore diverse perspectives from sociology, ethics, marketing, innovation, psychology, economics, politics, and finance.
  • dive into real-life projects and case studies from companies.
  • develop yourself personally and professionally: in your 3rd year, you can study abroad or choose to do an internship.
Is this programme for you? If you are curious about how cultures and countries shape global business, and you are eager for an international, diverse, and challenging education, then yes!

Important to know: The BSc International Business is a fixed quota programme (numerus fixus) accepting only 550 students. The application deadline for September 2026 is 15 January 2026. Please check the information about the selection procedure .

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

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.

Why study this programme in Groningen?

  • Our programme is interdisciplinary and links theories of management to the reality of international business.
  • You explore a wide range of subjects—from finance and ethics to sustainability, sociology, psychology, innovation, marketing, economics, and business history—giving you a complete understanding of global business management.
  • Join students from over 50 countries and learn from international teachers. With 40% of our students coming from abroad, you'll experience a truly international classroom.
  • In your 3rd year, it is time to either 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. You will be paired with a student mentor to guide you through your studies and 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 for IB (5 EC)
Organizational Behaviour for IB (5 EC)
Economics for IB (5 EC)
International Marketing for IB (5 EC)
Statistics I for IB (5 EC)
International Trade and Competition (5 EC)
Research Methodology for IB (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 for IB (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? 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. As part of the internship you work on a business plan where you integrate the knowledge of managing international business organizations.

It is also possible to do the minor (study abroad or internship) in semester 2, and follow the compulsory 3rd year courses and write your thesis in semester 1.
Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
International Business Internship (30 EC)
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, students can spend one semester (30EC) abroad with one of our exchange partners. 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 minor.

It is also possible to do the minor (study abroad or internship) in semester 2, and follow the compulsory 3rd year courses and write your thesis in semester 1.

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 was 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 202601 September 2026
EU/EEA students15 January 202601 September 2026
non-EU/EEA students15 January 202601 September 2026

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 was 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 202601 September 2026
EU/EEA students15 January 202601 September 2026
non-EU/EEA students15 January 202601 September 2026

Tuition fees

NationalityYearFeeProgramme form
EU/EEA2025-2026€ 2601full-time
non-EU/EEA2025-2026€ 13500full-time
EU/EEA2026-2027€ 2695full-time
non-EU/EEA2026-2027€ 14000full-time

Practical information for:

Dutch studentsInternational students

After your studies

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

Job prospects

Plenty of multinationals will be interested in students with an academic degree in international business. Your position 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 for your Master’s degree. If academia calls to you, consider pursuing a two-year Research Master's, which could even lead to a PhD.

Examples of organizations where our graduates often start their careers include ING, PwC, EY, Toyota, Philips, Unilever, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate.

Job examples

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

Research

In Groningen, research is deeply connected to business practice, economics and society . Some of the key areas of research you might explore as a student are:

* Demarketing Strategies for addictive products: a cross-country comparison
* Cross-country differences (in emerging and developed markets) and their effect on internationalization
* High-skilled migrants in the workplace and firms’ integration policies
* The effect of exchange rate fluctuations on multinational companies
* The role of culture in green consumption

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 aging 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/
(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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