Bachelor of Science in Business Economics
Ixelles, Belgium
BSc
DURATION
3 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
EUR 5,720 / per year **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* for EEA nationals | non EEA nationals : 31 March 2026
** for non EEA nationals| EEA nationals: EUR 1182 per year
Key Summary
About: The Bachelor of Science in Business Economics at Vrije Universiteit Brussel covers economics from basics to advanced over 3 years. Year one introduces core concepts and models; years two and three cover intermediate and advanced macroeconomics, microeconomics, public finance and international monetary economics. Applied courses include marketing, management, corporate finance, business law and strategic brand management in Brussels.
Career Outcomes: The degree offers career opportunities in banking, insurance, consulting and public administration. Graduates work in research, operational roles, marketing and human resources. You can pursue finance, risk management, policy analysis, analytics or entrepreneurship in firms and public bodies.
A guaranteed return on investment
During the duration of the program (3 years), you will study economics starting from basic principles. In year one you are introduced to economic concepts, theories, and models. In years two and three depth is added, with intermediate-level and advanced courses on macroeconomics, microeconomics, public finance, and international monetary economics. Other courses put the concepts to the test. Marketing, management, corporate finance, business law, and strategic brand management are just some of the applied courses that will help you manage a firm, or (why not?) set up your own company.
Dutch-Flemish Accreditation Organisation (NVAO)
Accredited
The bachelor exists out of three modules: BA1, BA2, and BA3. Ideally, you finalize the three modules after three academic years. It is in the 3rd module that you will have to select your specialization: International Business or Business and Technology. The choice has an impact on your master options.
In total, this academic plan comprises 180 ECTS credits.
A graduate of the BSc in Business Economics:
- has basic insight into, and academic knowledge of, the different disciplines of business economics;
- has a good overview of the basic methods, principles, and paradigms of the different disciplines within business economics, and is able to apply them to a problem in a learning environment;
- can communicate with laypeople about a substantiated approach and solution of a management issue in a learning environment;
- has a problem-solving attitude with respect to business economics;
- has insight into the operation of markets and institutions, into the behavior of consumers and companies, and the functioning of public policy in an open economy and globalized world;
- can apply micro-and macro-economic concepts and theories on practical cases, is able to autonomously identify, seek, edit and interpret relevant data, and based on this, is able to critically analyze an economic problem;
- is aware of the merits of rival schools of thought within economics and other human sciences and is aware of theoretical models having limitations;
- can explain the basic principles of corporate law and fiscal law;
- can analyze political and social developments, and can relate them to business economic activity;
- can communicate professionally, in writing and orally, in English and French, and possibly also in German and/or Spanish;
- can autonomously consult, analyze and critically interpret scientific literature;
- can apply, in the group and under limited supervision, conventional scientific methods (up to and including the level of econometrics) to answer a research question, and is able to report on this, in writing and orally, incorrect methodological terminology;
- shows enthusiasm for and involvement in conducting scientific research with a critical and value-free research attitude;
- has knowledge of and insight into the most common methods of scientific research in the domain of business economics;
- is aware of, understands, and uses up-to-date ICT applications in the execution of assignments and the reporting of results;
- has a basic knowledge of, and insight into, the structure, functioning, and role of information systems and informatics in a management context;
- has basic programming skills.
After having completed this bachelor program, you have the option to continue in one of the following master programs at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (based on your 3rd bachelor specialization):
- MSc in International Business
- MSc in Business and Technology
Professional Orientation Year
As of 15 August 2021, non-EU/EEA students are eligible for a stay of 12 months to search for a job in Belgium or to carry out an independent activity. Find more information on the university website.
The Bachelor of Business Economics program is taught on the main campus of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. That’s right, in Brussels, the capital of Europe, home of many leading international organizations. What better place to start your quest for an international career?
A degree in Business Economics is versatile. Graduates can get jobs in a broad range of sectors like banking, insurance, audit, or consulting, but also in public administration. They work in research departments or other staff functions in firms and organizations, and in operational functions as well. Some graduates become sales managers or human resources managers, others work in marketing. In short, the degree offers a broad range of opportunities.
Are you interested in one of our English-taught programmes and want to know more about studying in Brussels at VUB? VUB organises general and programme specific online info sessions. Book your timeslot today!