International Business Law - Finance and Behavior Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
| Award | Attendance | Study | Duration | Start | Domestic fees | International fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master Degree | On-Campus | Full-time | 1 years | September | €2694 per year | €24830 per year |
Course overview
Understand the implications of law in the international arena
International Business Law is a full-time, one-year graduate programme in law (LLM). It is taught in English and consists of several compulsory courses and optional courses that explore different fields of international business law.
The courses are taught by both legal practitioners and academics. Many lecturers at the Law School of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam also work in practice as lawyers or as business counsels. The curriculum is structured to form a comprehensive programme. The initial mandatory courses provide you with a general legal foundation, and the following courses develop your knowledge in more specific areas of law.
You will complete the IBL Master's programme by writing and defending a Master's thesis. You will select the topic of the Master's thesis in cooperation with a supervisor who is a lecturer at the Law School. The topic of the Master's thesis must relate to one of the subjects taught during the academic year. A Master's thesis requires between eight and ten weeks of research and writing.
Some students opt for a student internship at an international company or law firm located in the Netherlands. Normally, such internship is extracurricular (i.e. no ECTS credits are awarded).
International classroom
The IBL Master's programme is designed as an international and dynamic graduate programme. The relatively small number of international students in the class guarantees a highly interactive character of the courses. Students as well as lecturers coming from different countries and different legal cultures strongly contribute to a special and a truly global character of the IBL Master's programme. It all offers a unique intellectual atmosphere for group discussions, presentation of views on legal matters and exchange of ideas that are enriched by diverse national perspectives.
Although the IBL Master's programme is an internationally oriented programme which attracts students from all over the world, this programme is also very attractive to Dutch students. First of all, together with a Dutch bachelor in law degree the IBL Master's degree provides for the so called civiel effect. Moreover, seen the far-reaching internationalization of businesses nowadays, it is crucial for a lawyer or an in-house legal counsel to draft various legal documents in English, as well as to understand the legal systems of other countries and other international developments in (European) law.
Entry requirements
You can apply with an academic Bachelor's degree in Law (LLB) or equivalent.
If you do not have such a degree, but you have a sound academic background and considerable experience in the field of law, and you can substantiate this, then you can also apply.
If you have a degree from a University of Applied Sciences, you need a completed relevant premaster to apply. The faculty does not offer a pre-master for this master.
We use the UK Naric comparison system and the Nuffic comparison and validation programmes to assess your application.
Proof of sufficient proficiency in English
VU Amsterdam requires all international applicants to take an English test and to submit their score as part of the application. Exceptions are made for students who have completed their secondary or academic education in the Netherlands, UK, Ireland, Canada, USA, New Zealand or Australia or who have obtained an international Baccalaureate or European Baccalaureate diploma or have earned a Bachelor's or Master's degree in an accredited English-taught programme in the EU.
You must have passed the test no longer than two years before you start the IBL programme, the following minimum scores apply for this master:
- IELTS: minimum total score ≥ 7.0, minimum score per test section: 6.5
- TOEFL iBT: minimum total score ≥ 100, minimum score per test section: 22
- TOEFL Paper-delivered Test: minimum total score 68, minimum score per test section: 22
- C1 Advanced (CAE): minimum score B
- C2 Proficiency (CPE): minimum score C
The proof of English proficiency can be submitted after the application deadline, but must have been received by the faculty before the start of the programme. Without an English proficiency test score which meets the specifications mentioned above, or a waiver, you cannot start the programme.
Why study at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Studying with a green Conscience
VU Amsterdam champions sustainability and environmental responsibility with green buildings and parks on campus. Committed to climate change research and eco-friendly practices, we are at the forefront of promoting a greener future through innovative education and initiatives.
Be part of a diverse student community.
VU Amsterdam is known for its diverse and welcoming community, with students from over 120 countries. We create a supportive environment that fosters personal connections and collaborative learning, making it an ideal choice for international students seeking an inclusive academic experience.
An excellent history in education
Experience an affordable university in Amsterdam with nearly 150 years of excellence in science education and research. Join a vibrant community of international students and earn a prestigious degree in a rich academic environment. Choose us for a transformative educational journey!
Your gateway to Europe
VU Amsterdam is located in Amsterdam's thriving Zuidas business district, providing excellent access to Europe's cultural and professional opportunities. Studying here offers valuable internships and networking connections, placing you at the centre of a dynamic European landscape. Open doors to your future career with an education that connects you to the continent!