In short
Thinking like an international entrepreneur – that’s what our English-taught International Business bachelor is all about. Throughout the course, you’ll learn to think both creatively and critically. International business is about spotting opportunities, working together smartly, and building global connections. And you’ll learn by doing: from day one, you’ll work on real-life assignments for actual companies.
The programme is entirely in English – and rightly so since half of your fellow students come from abroad and you’ll be preparing for a career in the international business world. You’ll speak English all day, giving you immediate insight into how people from different cultures think and work.
Study support
You're not alone in this
Alumni story
Looking back on student life
Explore from home?
Join an online session
Internships as part of your studies
Learn outside the classroom
What will you become?
Explore possible careers
Join our Open Day
Ask all your questions, soak up the atmosphere and experience what it’s like to study here. Whether you already know what you want or are still deciding, discover what truly suits you during the open day.
Try an Experience Day?
Experience a programme from the inside. During a trial study session, you’ll follow a schedule together with other prospective students.
Download the programme brochure
Everything about the programme content, admission, internships and future opportunities, all in one clear document.
Why study International Business at Zuyd?
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Projects that make an impact
Work on real, international business cases that matter in today’s professional world.
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Learn in an international community
Work with students from all over the world and get ready for a career in international business.
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You design your own learning path
No standard courses, no fixed schedule. Just two inspiring community days a week and full control over your own planning.
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Personal and hands-on education
Everyone knows each other by name. You apply theory directly in projects and internships.
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Strong international connections
Benefit from our network and go abroad at least once for an internship or exchange.
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A solid start to your career
Our program is designed around what employers are looking for in global professionals.
Study in the student city of Maastricht
At our building on Brusselseweg 150 in Maastricht, you’ll find a welcoming, cosy atmosphere. There’s plenty of space to work together on projects, but also to relax in the community room, maybe with a game of table football. The building combines a cool mix of vintage and modern style, with lots of plants.
Students and lecturers of European Studies come from all over the world, so you’ll hear many different languages here, not just English, but also French, Bulgarian, Spanish, Portuguese, and more. Just like Maastricht itself, our building is truly an international environment.
We are Zuyd. We are close-knit, sincere and confident
Programme Structure
You start at International Business with a broad view, explore the field and have every opportunity to develop yourself. We are by your side at every stage of your studies. From your first lecture to your internship: you’re never on your own.
Your first year
From day 1 in the International Business bachelor degree, you’ll dive into real-world business cases – known as business challenges – from organisations both local and international. You’ll work either independently or in teams with students from different years. That means learning from each other, supporting one another, and pushing each other to grow, just like in real business environments.
Each challenge contributes to your personal portfolio. In this portfolio, you’ll document your research, the feedback you receive from business coaches and clients, and how you’ve applied it. It shows your development as a future professional.
In your first year of studying the BA in International Business in the Netherlands, you’ll work on multiple challenges simultaneously. That means you’ll help at least 6 companies or organisations in just 1 year. Or even more! This approach continues throughout the rest of the programme.
We don’t work in traditional classroom settings, instead, we use communities. Each community is a diverse group of students from all study years. Senior students contribute experience and insights, while junior students bring fresh perspectives. You’ll be challenged to look at a problem from all perpectives: not just from a marketing, business, or economics angle, but from all relevant viewpoints. You choose your own team members. Together, you present an integrated solution to the client. At the same time, you work independently on your own contribution and build your individual portfolio. This is what you’ll be assessed on during your International Business bachelor.
Advanced study and practical experience
Even after your first year in the bachelor degree of International Business you’ll continue working on real assignments for real clients. The difference? Now, you get to choose your area of specialisation. Are you curious about marketing, finance, or supply chain management? Or are you more interested in sustainability within international companies? You decide the direction you want to take in your BA International Business.
There’s no standard curriculum. There are no traditional classroom lessons or fixed timetables. Instead, you’ll have 2 community days per week, where you meet with your teams, get feedback from business coaches, and attend student presentations. The rest of the week is up to you: you plan your own schedule, work on projects, brainstorm with your team, visit companies, or join workshops. This flexible structure requires a proactive attitude. Need support? Our subject specialists are always available to help with topics like marketing, business economics, or management.
There are no written exams in our international business and management bachelor. Instead, you’ll be assessed on your portfolio – a comprehensive record of the projects you’ve worked on, the feedback you received, what you learned from it, and how you’ve grown both personally and professionally. At the end of each semester, when you’ve successfully completed your projects and received passing grades, there’s a moment of shine: a reflective conversation about what you’ve learned and your ambitions for the next semester.
Within the BA international management, there is also an event calendar. It announces the weekly workshops, guest lectures, company visits, and more, that you can take part in. These are not mandatory, but if a topic interests you, you’re encouraged to join. These experiences can provide inspiration for your next challenge or help you develop skills needed for current projects.
During the main phase of the bachelor of business international programme, you’ll go abroad for at least 1 semester to complete an international internship. This is your chance to expand your network, immerse yourself in a different culture, and experience international business in a real-world setting.
In your fourth and final year at the university of applied sciences in Holland, everything comes together. You’ll carry out a graduation internship for an internationally oriented company – either in your home country or abroad. It’s the moment to apply everything you’ve learned: your knowledge, your skills, your experience. You’ll work independently, but still receive guidance from your coaches.
Thanks to the freedom within the International Business study every student follows their unique path. This requires initiative and a sense of responsibility – but you’re never on your own. Within your community, you work together, learn from others, and most importantly, discover more about yourself. It’s how you’ll grow into a confident, capable professional ready to take on the world of international business.
Internships
During your studies, you will complete 2 internships. Your first internship lasts 20 weeks and takes place abroad. Spending 6 months living and working in another culture is a mandatory part of the International Business programme. Where you go is entirely up to you – New York, Cape Town, Berlin, Bangkok! As long as the company aligns with your learning goals, the world is your playground. You are responsible for finding and applying for your own internship.
And you decide when to go abroad during your International Business bachelor in the Netherlands. Once you’ve earned your propaedeutic certificate, you’re free to hit the road. Some students choose to go as early as the second year, while others prefer to wait a bit longer.
Your second internship is your graduation internship, taking place in the final semester of the BA International Business programme. This internship also lasts a minimum of 18 weeks, and again, you choose the company – either in the Netherlands or abroad. This time, you’ll work independently on a major, complex business challenge – without a project group or teammates. You’ll be guided by a coach from our programme, a company supervisor, and 2 external assessors. At the end of the internship, you’ll deliver a graduation product – usually an advisory report for the company.
In the 20-week 'free study' semester of the Bachelor of Business International Business, you can choose 1 of the following options:
- a study exchange at one of our 105 international partner universities
- a minor at Zuyd University of Applied Sciences or another Dutch university of applied sciences
- a pre-master’s programme in preparation for a university master’s degree, in collaboration with Maastricht University
Guidance and support
From day one, you’ll be part of a community, a close-knit group of around 60 to 70 students from different study years, guided by a team of business coaches. 1 of these coaches will be your personal mentor, your go-to person throughout the programme. Together, you’ll discuss your progress, doubts, successes, and learning goals. The other coaches in your community are also there to support you – helping you carry out projects and develop your professional skills.
But guidance doesn’t only come from within the programme. It’s the collaboration with fellow students and the companies you work with that truly drives your growth. You’ll work on real assignments in multidisciplinary teams, just like in a real company with junior and senior colleagues. You give and receive feedback, challenge one another, and work towards the best possible result together.
In the International Business bachelor, you decide what you want to learn, and how and where you want to learn it. This requires an independent and proactive attitude. And yes, sometimes you’ll make mistakes. That’s not only allowed, but it’s also encouraged. Because at our BBA International Business, we believe that’s where the real learning happens.
International Quality Label
The International Business programme at Zuyd University of Applied Sciences has been awarded the prestigious EFMD Programme Accreditation label – the international recognition for top-quality business education.
Your first year
Your first year
From day 1 in the International Business bachelor degree, you’ll dive into real-world business cases – known as business challenges – from organisations both local and international. You’ll work either independently or in teams with students from different years. That means learning from each other, supporting one another, and pushing each other to grow, just like in real business environments.
Each challenge contributes to your personal portfolio. In this portfolio, you’ll document your research, the feedback you receive from business coaches and clients, and how you’ve applied it. It shows your development as a future professional.
In your first year of studying the BA in International Business in the Netherlands, you’ll work on multiple challenges simultaneously. That means you’ll help at least 6 companies or organisations in just 1 year. Or even more! This approach continues throughout the rest of the programme.
We don’t work in traditional classroom settings, instead, we use communities. Each community is a diverse group of students from all study years. Senior students contribute experience and insights, while junior students bring fresh perspectives. You’ll be challenged to look at a problem from all perpectives: not just from a marketing, business, or economics angle, but from all relevant viewpoints. You choose your own team members. Together, you present an integrated solution to the client. At the same time, you work independently on your own contribution and build your individual portfolio. This is what you’ll be assessed on during your International Business bachelor.
Advanced study and practical experience
Advanced study and practical experience
Even after your first year in the bachelor degree of International Business you’ll continue working on real assignments for real clients. The difference? Now, you get to choose your area of specialisation. Are you curious about marketing, finance, or supply chain management? Or are you more interested in sustainability within international companies? You decide the direction you want to take in your BA International Business.
There’s no standard curriculum. There are no traditional classroom lessons or fixed timetables. Instead, you’ll have 2 community days per week, where you meet with your teams, get feedback from business coaches, and attend student presentations. The rest of the week is up to you: you plan your own schedule, work on projects, brainstorm with your team, visit companies, or join workshops. This flexible structure requires a proactive attitude. Need support? Our subject specialists are always available to help with topics like marketing, business economics, or management.
There are no written exams in our international business and management bachelor. Instead, you’ll be assessed on your portfolio – a comprehensive record of the projects you’ve worked on, the feedback you received, what you learned from it, and how you’ve grown both personally and professionally. At the end of each semester, when you’ve successfully completed your projects and received passing grades, there’s a moment of shine: a reflective conversation about what you’ve learned and your ambitions for the next semester.
Within the BA international management, there is also an event calendar. It announces the weekly workshops, guest lectures, company visits, and more, that you can take part in. These are not mandatory, but if a topic interests you, you’re encouraged to join. These experiences can provide inspiration for your next challenge or help you develop skills needed for current projects.
During the main phase of the bachelor of business international programme, you’ll go abroad for at least 1 semester to complete an international internship. This is your chance to expand your network, immerse yourself in a different culture, and experience international business in a real-world setting.
In your fourth and final year at the university of applied sciences in Holland, everything comes together. You’ll carry out a graduation internship for an internationally oriented company – either in your home country or abroad. It’s the moment to apply everything you’ve learned: your knowledge, your skills, your experience. You’ll work independently, but still receive guidance from your coaches.
Thanks to the freedom within the International Business study every student follows their unique path. This requires initiative and a sense of responsibility – but you’re never on your own. Within your community, you work together, learn from others, and most importantly, discover more about yourself. It’s how you’ll grow into a confident, capable professional ready to take on the world of international business.
Internships
Internships
During your studies, you will complete 2 internships. Your first internship lasts 20 weeks and takes place abroad. Spending 6 months living and working in another culture is a mandatory part of the International Business programme. Where you go is entirely up to you – New York, Cape Town, Berlin, Bangkok! As long as the company aligns with your learning goals, the world is your playground. You are responsible for finding and applying for your own internship.
And you decide when to go abroad during your International Business bachelor in the Netherlands. Once you’ve earned your propaedeutic certificate, you’re free to hit the road. Some students choose to go as early as the second year, while others prefer to wait a bit longer.
Your second internship is your graduation internship, taking place in the final semester of the BA International Business programme. This internship also lasts a minimum of 18 weeks, and again, you choose the company – either in the Netherlands or abroad. This time, you’ll work independently on a major, complex business challenge – without a project group or teammates. You’ll be guided by a coach from our programme, a company supervisor, and 2 external assessors. At the end of the internship, you’ll deliver a graduation product – usually an advisory report for the company.
In the 20-week 'free study' semester of the Bachelor of Business International Business, you can choose 1 of the following options:
- a study exchange at one of our 105 international partner universities
- a minor at Zuyd University of Applied Sciences or another Dutch university of applied sciences
- a pre-master’s programme in preparation for a university master’s degree, in collaboration with Maastricht University
Guidance and support
Guidance and support
From day one, you’ll be part of a community, a close-knit group of around 60 to 70 students from different study years, guided by a team of business coaches. 1 of these coaches will be your personal mentor, your go-to person throughout the programme. Together, you’ll discuss your progress, doubts, successes, and learning goals. The other coaches in your community are also there to support you – helping you carry out projects and develop your professional skills.
But guidance doesn’t only come from within the programme. It’s the collaboration with fellow students and the companies you work with that truly drives your growth. You’ll work on real assignments in multidisciplinary teams, just like in a real company with junior and senior colleagues. You give and receive feedback, challenge one another, and work towards the best possible result together.
In the International Business bachelor, you decide what you want to learn, and how and where you want to learn it. This requires an independent and proactive attitude. And yes, sometimes you’ll make mistakes. That’s not only allowed, but it’s also encouraged. Because at our BBA International Business, we believe that’s where the real learning happens.
International Quality Label
International Quality Label
The International Business programme at Zuyd University of Applied Sciences has been awarded the prestigious EFMD Programme Accreditation label – the international recognition for top-quality business education.
Let’s Meet
You’ll only really get to know International Business when you visit us. During open days, trial study days and online sessions you can experience the atmosphere and get a taste of student life. Meet students and lecturers, ask your questions and see if this is the right fit for you.
Explore from home?
Living abroad and can’t make it to campus? Join one of our Online Info Sessions for an introduction to studying International Business at Zuyd in the Netherlands.
In an interactive session, we will tell you all about studying our bachelor of International Business. We’ll walk you through what you’ll learn, how the programme works, and what it’s like to study in an international environment alongside students from all over the world. There will be plenty of opportunities to ask questions. We’ll also cover practical topics like life in Maastricht, the learning experience at Zuyd, and anything else you'd like to know to help you make the right choice.
Experience it with a trial study day
Want a real taste of what it’s like to study International Business? Join us for a Trial Study Day in Maastricht.
We’ll start with a short introduction to the International Business bachelor programme, followed by an interactive assignment you’ll complete together with students in one of our learning communities. You’ll experience how students collaborate, communicate in English, and receive coaching while working on real-life business challenges.
In the afternoon, you’ll take part in a pressure cooker challenge. That is a short, hands-on assignment that reflects the kind of work you'll be doing as a student here. You’ll see how much fun it is to come up with creative solutions as a team! There will also be time to enjoy a delicious lunch and to ask your questions to both students and coaches.
Visit the Open Day
Discover what it’s like to study International Business in the Netherlands during our Open Day. You’ll meet students from all over the world, they’ll be happy to answer your questions and share their experiences.
We’ll show you the kinds of projects our students work on, what a typical week looks like, and how you can shape your own personalised learning journey. You’ll also learn more about the many international opportunities available to you, and what it’s like to be part of a truly global learning community.
Can’t attend the Open Day, for example, because you live abroad? No problem! You're welcome to visit us on any weekday throughout the year. We’re happy to schedule a personal tour for you. Just get in touch – we’d love to hear from you.
What Comes Next
A International Business degree opens doors. Whether you start working or continue studying, you’ll be stronger with practical experience and knowledge in your pocket. Read which careers you can pursue, what your opportunities are and how others have approached life after graduation.
Your future
Professions
Job prospects and salary
Today’s rapidly changing world – shaped by digitalisation, geopolitical developments, sustainability, and globalisation – demands professionals who are flexible, creative, analytically strong, and culturally aware. That’s exactly the kind of profile you’ll develop as a graduate of Zuyd’s International Business bachelor programme.
Thanks to our Student in the Lead approach, you’ll gain more than academic knowledge: you’ll learn who you are, what your strengths are, and how to apply them in an international context. With this combination, you will be fully prepared for the job market!
Continue studying
During your bachelor international management, you’ll build a solid foundation and discover where your ambitions lie. Around 40% of our graduates choose to pursue further studies. Of those, three-quarters continue with a master’s degree at a Dutch university, while the rest head abroad for an international academic adventure. Popular master’s programmes include Marketing, Sustainable Finance, Strategic Management, Entrepreneurship & Business Development.
Want a head start? You can follow a pre-master programme during your International Business bachelor degree. In just one semester, you'll be fully prepared for a smooth transition to a master’s programme at Maastricht University’s School of Business and Economics — without the need for an additional pre-master after graduation. The pre-master focuses on sharpening your research skills, developing academic writing, and gaining a solid foundation in statistics.
Practical Information
Want to start International Business? We’ll guide you step by step through the application process, admission requirements and the structure of the programme. You’ll also find out what to expect in terms of workload, costs and support.
Study load and study advice
International Business is a full-time programme. It’s a serious commitment – but one that offers plenty of flexibility to suit your personal learning style. Your week is built around two regular community days. Beyond that, you’re free to organise your own time with meetings, workshops, coaching sessions, and self-study. You’ll learn how to plan, make choices, and take responsibility.
Feeling unsure about how to manage that? Our business coaches are here to help you find the right balance and make informed decisions. Not sure if this International Management BA programme is the right fit for you? Join a trial study day to get a feel for the atmosphere and talk to current students. Prefer a more personal conversation? Schedule a study interview with one of our student advisers. We’ll be happy to help you explore your options.
Learning routes
The International Business program takes 4 years to complete. Want to finish your degree faster? You can! You set your own pace: 3 years, 4 years, or something in between. With smart planning and extra effort, you can graduate sooner. You won’t skip any courses or content, you’ll just complete everything in a higher gear.
Application
Want to start International Business? Great!
Please note
Students from outside the EU have to register before 1 June.
You can also start your studies in February. In that case you have to register before 1 December.
Tuition fees
As a degree-seeking student you will have to pay annual tuition fees. Students from the EU pay the statutory tuition fees, and non-EU students pay the institutional tuition fees. Normally speaking, these fees are waived for exchange students from partner universities
Education and examination regulations
The education and examination regulations (EER) provide all the information you will need about the content of the study programme, the academic support provided, and the way in which examinations are organized.
Study in the Netherlands
Curious about what it’s like to study in the Netherlands? From outstanding education to a warm, international atmosphere, it’s all here. Discover what makes the Netherlands such a great study destination. We tell you all about it on the Study in the Netherlands page.
EPAS accredited
The International Business programme at Zuyd University of Applied Sciences has been awarded the prestigious EPAS accreditation by EFMD, Europe’s leading accreditation body for business education. Get to know more about the EPAS accreditation.
Study load and study advice
Study load and study advice
International Business is a full-time programme. It’s a serious commitment – but one that offers plenty of flexibility to suit your personal learning style. Your week is built around two regular community days. Beyond that, you’re free to organise your own time with meetings, workshops, coaching sessions, and self-study. You’ll learn how to plan, make choices, and take responsibility.
Feeling unsure about how to manage that? Our business coaches are here to help you find the right balance and make informed decisions. Not sure if this International Management BA programme is the right fit for you? Join a trial study day to get a feel for the atmosphere and talk to current students. Prefer a more personal conversation? Schedule a study interview with one of our student advisers. We’ll be happy to help you explore your options.
Learning routes
Learning routes
The International Business program takes 4 years to complete. Want to finish your degree faster? You can! You set your own pace: 3 years, 4 years, or something in between. With smart planning and extra effort, you can graduate sooner. You won’t skip any courses or content, you’ll just complete everything in a higher gear.
Application
Application
Want to start International Business? Great!
Please note
Students from outside the EU have to register before 1 June.
You can also start your studies in February. In that case you have to register before 1 December.
Tuition fees
Tuition fees
As a degree-seeking student you will have to pay annual tuition fees. Students from the EU pay the statutory tuition fees, and non-EU students pay the institutional tuition fees. Normally speaking, these fees are waived for exchange students from partner universities
Education and examination regulations
Education and examination regulations
The education and examination regulations (EER) provide all the information you will need about the content of the study programme, the academic support provided, and the way in which examinations are organized.
Study in the Netherlands
Study in the Netherlands
Curious about what it’s like to study in the Netherlands? From outstanding education to a warm, international atmosphere, it’s all here. Discover what makes the Netherlands such a great study destination. We tell you all about it on the Study in the Netherlands page.
EPAS accredited
EPAS accredited
The International Business programme at Zuyd University of Applied Sciences has been awarded the prestigious EPAS accreditation by EFMD, Europe’s leading accreditation body for business education. Get to know more about the EPAS accreditation.
Admission requirements
Non-Dutch diploma
Generally speaking, a secondary school diploma will give access to our study programme, for example:
- Abitur
- Fachhochschulreife
- international baccalaureate
Extra requirements
- Advanced knowledge (secondary school graduation level) of economics or mathematics.
- Proof of a good command of the English language. A secondary school graduation level is required for EU-students. Students from outside of the EU are required to take an IELTS (score at least 6) or TOEFL test (computer-based score at least 213). Please note that TOEFL and IELTS scores expire after 2 years.
Immigration regulations
Do not forget to check the immigration regulations imposed by the Dutch authorities. Depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for a visa for The Netherlands. This can be a time-consuming and expensive process. Therefore, start your application process well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Application deadline
Applications for enrolment should be in our possession before the deadline. They differ for EU- and Non-EU students:
- EU students: 1st July
- Non-EU students: 1st June
Late applications may be considered by the management. You can ask Marjan van Diepenbeek, Student Recruitment Officer, for further information about late enrolment procedures.
Havo
You need a havo diploma with at least one of the following subjects:
- Economics
- Management & Organization
- Mathematics
Vwo
You need a vwo diploma with at least one of the following subjects:
- Economics
- Management & Organization
- Mathematics
Mbo
If you have a mbo diploma at level 4, you meet the requirements of the study programme. The chances to pass are realistic if you have studied Economics and English during the mbo level 4 study.
21+
Exemption of the pre-university requirements is only possible on the basis of a binding admission examination. You are only eligible for this examination if you are 21 years of age or older. Read more about the test for candidates aged 21 or older.
Join our Open Day
Discover what it’s like to study International Business in the Netherlands during our Open Day. You’ll meet students from all over the world – they’ll be happy to answer your questions and share their experiences.
Try an Experience Day?
Experience a programme from the inside. During an experience day, you’ll follow a schedule together with other prospective students.
Download the programme brochure
Everything about the programme content, admission, internships and future opportunities, all in one clear document.
European Studies
The English-taught bachelor’s programme European Studies teaches you to work together on solutions for societal challenges in Europe.
Circular Cities & Communities
You learn how to use energy and resources smartly in cities and neighbourhoods. You develop circular solutions and advise municipalities and businesses.
