DEGREE PROGRAMME

Vlerick Full-time MBA 2012

Leuven Town Centre

Contents
Greeting from the Dean History 4 6

DREAM

What is an MBA? Why take an MBA? Why the Vlerick MBA? Who takes the Vlerick MBA?

8 9 10 11

DARE

Approach Curriculum International Business in Context - China Projects In-Company Project Sponsors Giving Something Back Project Admission & Application Requirements Fees, Scholarships & Funding

14 16 18 19 20 22 24 26

DO

MBA Career Services The Mentorship Programme The Wider Environment Corporate Partnerships Contact us

30 32 34 36 39

Greeting from the Dean

A word of welcome
I invite you to discover the Vlerick MBA. It will be a lifechanging experience, whether you are seeking to boost your career, change your career path or simply invest in your leadership skills. You will be working hard with an amazing group of classmates from all over the globe we normally have more than 30 nationalities, with a balanced composition from Western and Eastern Europe, Asia, the Americas and Africa. The programme is designed around interactive and personalised teaching matched with small group work to promote learning and shared experience. We want this to be a very personal MBA, so we help you understand yourself and coach you on your career objectives. In this multicultural setting, and through a two-week study trip to China and an encounter with Vlericks BIMBA (Beijing International MBA) students at Peking University, you will be increasing your understanding and acceptance of other cultures and business approaches. Other unique features of the programme include an incompany project which for many is the road to a job offer and the Vlerick giving something back project, in which students help an NGO solve one of its challenges. At Vlerick, we take ethics and CSR seriously, whilst recognising that there is no single truth. Vlerick Leuven Gent Management School also has a strong entrepreneurial tradition (not limited to the entrepreneurship course), and we expect all students to develop and defend a business plan. Our School is both academic rooted in two of Europes older renowned universities (Leuven and Ghent), with a world-class faculty and at the same time highly pragmatic and close to business, thanks to our partnerships with many leading companies. These firms fund our research,

Prof Dr Philippe Haspeslagh

Dean of Vlerick Leuven Gent Management School (2008 - ) MBA (1977) and DBA (1983) from Harvard Business School Former Faculty member and Director of the International Directors Forum and the Strategic Issues in M&A programme at INSEAD Business School (1979 - 2008) Entrepreneur and Chairman & Board Member of several listed and unlisted companies

host our projects, send their executives to our courses, and hire our graduates. So, your programme will be both academically rigorous and eminently practical. Through the Vlerick MBA, you will form lifelong friendships and join an active lifelong network of over 14,500 alumni. The programme is hosted on our purpose-built campus in Leuven: a beautiful student town since the Middle Ages, only 30 kilometres from Brussels, the heart of Europe. Services and activities are geared to a student population, and the quality of life is excellent for both participants and their dependents. Your degree will carry weight. Our School was one of the first to be awarded all three top accreditations AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA and only 1% of all business schools have this triple accreditation. The Financial Times 2011 global ranking lists the Vlerick MBA as the third fastest climbing MBA in the world (and the first in Europe), and also the worlds third best in Value for Money. Indeed, our School is committed to delivering value in all its activities. Do not hesitate to get in touch with us, or to stop by for a visit, or to attend one of our information days. We would love to let you get a feel for the vitality and openness of the Vlerick experience. I look forward to welcoming you to our campus!

Prof Dr Philippe Haspeslagh Dean, Vlerick Leuven Gent Management School

History
Prof Dr Baron Andr Vlerick
The Schools rather unusual name is the result of a partnership between the former De Vlerick School voor Management, the K.U.Leuven, and Ghent University. Professor Andr Vlerick (1919-1990) was a successful banker, politician and academic, who laid the foundations of the School in 1953. He was Minister of the Economy, and is widely credited with managing the development of the Belgian economy to its current position as one of the most dynamic in the world.
The late Baron Vlerick and King Baudouin, 1967

The merger
Established MBA Programme MBA programmes merged to become the MBA Programme of

1425 1817
Established

1968 1999 1953 1959

Masters in General Management originated as a department

K.U. Leuven Situated in the heart of Western Europe, K.U.Leuven has been a centre of learning for almost six centuries. Founded in 1425 by Pope Martin V, K.U.Leuven bears the double honour of being the oldest existant Catholic university in the world and the oldest university in the Low Countries.

Ghent University Ghent University was founded in 1817 by William I, King of the Netherlands. When Belgium won its independence in 1830, the new country took charge of the universitys administration.

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Universiteit Gent, foto Hilde Christiaens Universiteit Gent, foto Hilde Christiaens

What is an MBA?
The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is an internationally recognised degree that focuses on preparing future managers to discover and further develop their skills with the view to pursuing an advanced career in business and management. The Vlerick MBA is a general 1-year postgraduate qualification which provides education in a wide range of business subjects. The emphasis remains on how to develop these skills and apply these in an international business environment. The value of this degree is, however, not limited to the traditional business world, but is equally beneficial for those choosing careers in the public sector or non-governmental organisations (NGOs) or those moving from technical disciplines to general management or commercial roles.

What is the Vlerick MBA?

The Vlerick MBA is a 1-year postgraduate qualification open to persons who have at least 3 years of recognised work experience and hold a recognised degree. The programme comprises a series of wellintegrated courses that are grounded in reputable research aimed to prepare the participant for an ever changing business environment. The programme consequently not only focuses on academic excellence, but also seeks to ensure that students experience their Vlerick years as a life changing experience.

Why is a university degree required to enrol in the Vlerick MBA?

Holding a recognised degree ensures you have the learning skills and academic capability that are essential to progress to the higher level of learning an MBA demands.

Why is a minimum of 3 years of work experience required?

Having had at least 3 years of business experience, you are able to relate new knowledge, insights and classroom experiences to your previous business experiences. Without this level of experience in the world of business, participants would not fully benefit from the programme.

Why take an MBA?

All students have their own reasons for considering an MBA. At Vlerick, we are happy to discuss your future with you in complete confidence and to assist you in determining whether an MBA is the best choice for you.
5 reasons why: To achieve a specific career objective, e.g. to move from a specialist management to a general management role or to accelerate your career progression With over 40 nationalities represented and regional mix ranging from Asia, Africa, Eastern and Western Europe and the Americas - this enriches the entire educational experience To improve your CV in preparation for an international career To enhance your skill set or to reassess the way forward in your career To be part of an exciting and demanding intellectual and personal challenge that will lead to greater personal satisfaction To gain the range of business skills required to develop as a successful entrepreneur

Develop your management skills

Why the Vlerick MBA?

The Financial Times 2011 Global Ranking states that the Full-time Vlerick MBA: Is the fastest climbing Full-time MBA in Europe, and the third fastest climbing Full-time MBA in the world Is No. 3 in the world for Best value for money Is No. 7 in the world for International mobility Is No. 10 in the world for International experience Raises a participants average salary increase from 65% to 87% The Vlerick MBA is a truly international MBA representing over 40 nationalities, 90% of the participants come from countries outside Belgium. The mix of nationalities is monitored to ensure a rich diversity of cultures. The Vlerick MBA has an academic-based entrepreneurship focus. Backed by its two parent universities, the University of Leuven and Ghent University, Vlerick ensures the academic credibility of its programme. In order to ensure that you are able to apply their knowledge in the real world, the programme is presented in an applied context. Given the importance of conducting business across cultures, an important part of the programme involves courses delivered during the compulsory study trip to China. This reinforces the international nature of the programme. Vlerick has an increasingly large global network of alumni numbering 14,500 members in over 100 countries. Vlerick graduates are eligible to become members of the Vlerick Alumni Organisation, which introduces them to a wide network of past graduated and employees.

Group assignments stimulate interaction

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Who takes the Vlerick MBA?

Vlerick Leuven Gent Management School attracts a wide variety of participants and therefore has student workgroups that benefit from the contrasting business and social cultures. Over 30 nationalities from Asia, Africa, Eastern and Western Europe and the Americas provide a synergistic mix of business and social cultures, enriching the entire educational experience.

Academic background of 2011 graduates

Business - 20% Economics - 10% Engineering - 40% - 2% Finance & Accounting Humanities - 2% Law - 3%- 20% Science3% Other Work experience of 2011 graduates
Finance - 20% Banking &Goods - 10% Consumer - 6% ConstructionResearch - 2% Education && Gas - 10% Energy, Oil & Media - 4% EntertainmentNon-profit - 5% Government & Food & Healthcare/Pharma- 3% Beverage industry High Tech, IT & -Telecom - 25% Manufacturing 5% - 4% Professional Services Other - 6%

Student profiles:
2011
Average age Average work experience Average GMAT Male Female 30 7 640 60% 40%

Geographical origin of 2011 graduates

Europe 30% WesternEurope --12% Eastern- 5% AfricaAsia - 5% East Asia - 3% Western Asia - 10% South East - 9% Asia South America - 5% North & South America - 19% Central - 2% Oceania

A rich variety of nationalities from around the world

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Pursuing my MBA at Vlerick has given me with the opportunity to interact on a daily basis with some of the most brilliant minds in the world. This year we had 41 nationalities and I am proud to say that Ive had the opportunity to interact with almost everyone in the programme. One of the reasons I chose Vlerick was to build my international experience and I believe that taking the year off to attend this MBA programme, and receive an education in the heart of Europe was the right move for me. This programme is intensive one year packed with theory and practical learning opportunities. The professors at Vlerick, especially those teaching the quantitative courses are some of the most talented educators in the world.

One of the highlights of the Full-time MBA programme for me was the 2-week study trip. We met with several companies and heard lectures from people who worked there (both expats and natives of the country), and we networked with some of our colleagues in the BiMBA programme. The value for money is one of the big reasons I chose the programme and in the end the programme did meet my expectations. There are very few programmes like this one at Vlerick. The brand is strong in Belgium and it is certainly the right choice if youre considering a career in Belgium. Vlerick gives those who want to live and work in Belgium the opportunity of a lifetime.

Gleana Albritton (American) - Full-time MBA Professional Background: Marketing

More testimonials: www.vlerick.com/mba/testimonials

I chose Vlerick because my main ambition is to build a strong international profile as an entrepreneur in Europe and Russia. The idea to create my own business had always been in the back of my mind, but my experience was mostly focused on my sales and marketing position at Johnson&Johnson.

After following the MBA Programme, I feel totally transformed. Not only have I gained the management and analytical skills I wanted, but I also have some concrete opportunities for creating a business, thanks to the great international variety of the class and our large alumni network.

Tatiana Sultanova (Russian) - Full-time MBA Professional Background: Sales & Marketing

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Approach
Entrepreneurship at the heart of the Vlerick MBA
Throughout the Vlerick MBA you will be immersed in the entrepreneurship process from both an academic and a practitioners point of view. You will learn how to develop an opportunity into a viable business model and then how to successfully grow the venture. The most obvious form of entrepreneurship is that of starting a new business. However, the term entrepreneurship has broadened in recent years to include activities such as corporate venturing, launching a spin-off organisation, or extending a brand. The entrepreneurial theme runs throughout the programme and, in addition to the modules dedicated to entrepreneurship, it is also interwoven into courses such as: Corporate Finance Innovation Management Strategic Management And it can also be an integral part of the in-company project. Our experience shows that the Vlerick MBA makes people seriously consider running their own business or a venture for a larger organisation at some time in their future career.

Teaching methods a very personal MBA

The Vlerick MBA is a very personal experience the programme is designed specifically to develop individuals and prepare them for an ever more demanding business environment. During the programme you will learn new skills that will change how you approach both business challenges, but importantly how to adapt and work with a new and demanding audience. It is this personal change driven by the innovative teaching, intense group and project work that makes Vlerick MBA graduates rise out from the crowd. The Vlerick Leuven Gent Management School MBA Programme is a development plan characterised by the following range of teaching and learning techniques: Practice-based learning Interactive lectures Small group work Case studies Personal Development Coaching Business games and simulations: In-house or in competition with other programmes and other AACSB/ EQUIS/ AMBA accredited schools. Guest speakers: Entrepreneurs and senior executives from global and local firms representing a wide range of expertise such as Proctor & Gamble, AT Kearney, McKinsey, Boston Consulting Group, KBC Banking & Insurance and Este Lauder.

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Integration
Considerable attention is given to the links between the different subject areas. The Programme highlights the cross-disciplinary nature of business problems in the real world and the benefit of integrated strategies and solutions. This approach stimulates cross-functional competencies and contributes to the development of strong analytical abilities and team-working skills.

Experience-based learning
From the orientation courses in the summer prior to the start of the MBA Programme, through the core courses, the international study trip and the in-company and giving something back projects, the Vlerick MBA combines self- study, lectures, group work, case studies, seminars and input from the participants to deliver a unique blend of practical, experience-based learning.

One cohort of the Full-time MBA

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Curriculum
Full-time MBA Programme
August - September 2012 PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSES September 2012 - April 2013

ORIEnTATIOn COuRSES
Prior to the start of the MBA Programme in the first week of September, you will receive a preparation reading list. In addition, optional orientation courses are provided in August for students who want to do some pre-programme work in areas that they have not studied before or that they need to review. These courses are for those students who want to do some pre-course work in areas that they have not studied before or feel that they need a refresher course. Typical subjects for orientation are: Statistical Techniques Economics Financial Accounting Optional language classes are available as well: Advanced English Introductory French Introductory Dutch You can also study other languages at the K.U.Leuven during the MBA Programme itself. This gives you an opportunity to begin preparing for your future international business career. All of the orientation courses and Pre-MBA Programme language classes are optional and the costs for these are included in the programme fees.

CORE COuRSES
The core courses run from the start of the programme in the first week of September through to the Simulation Integration Exercise in early May. CORE COuRSES Entrepreneurship Innovation Management Financial Accounting Corporate Finance Managerial Accounting & Control International Management Marketing Management Strategic Management Operations Management Management & Organisation PERSOnAL DEVELOPMEnT COuRSES Leadership Managing Across Cultures Negotiation Skills Career Development & Coaching Decision Sciences Business Ethics & CSR (Corporate and Social Responsibility) Human Resources Management Business Law Value Added Enterprise IT Integrated (E-)Supply Management Mangerial Aspects of European Integration The courses include both academic subjects and a range of courses for personal development. These courses prepare you to be adaptable and innovative as a leader in your chosen career.

InTERnATIOnAL BuSInESS In CHInA (April)

In April, you visit our partner institution at Peking University, which is Chinas leading university. This trip is a challenging combination of academic teaching and an introduction to Chinese business and culture. As China is now the second largest economy in the world, this trip offers you an essential overview of how business is conducted there. The study trip consists of: Academic lectures at Peking University Corporate studies of organisations that have entered the Chinese market Cultural and social events Networking with other students and Vlerick Alumni
The costs of the China study trip are included in the programme fees.

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May 2013

June - July 2013

August - September 2013

SIMuLATIOn InTEGRATIOn ExERCISE

This exercise is designed to develop the theoretical concepts you have acquired and how to use them for a specific business project. It is a controlled simulation of a real business environment where you learn to deal with and convince all the stakeholders involved. In competitive teams, you are tasked to understand the crossdisciplinary nature of business and the links between business areas. You spend time learning how to address a real-world business challenge and provide an integrated strategy or solution. The exercise combines practical group work along with seminars in subjects such as: Project Management Social & Group Skills The challenge though is to work as a team, to bring together all the theory and skills on the programme and compete with your fellow classmates to provide a practical and fully integrated solution.

In-COMPAny COnSuLTAnCy PROJECT

You enter the real business world and spend 2 months tackling a real business challenge or strategic question faced by a real organisation. Working as a consultant for a company you will analyse the current situation, develop a plan of action and then design a series of options and recommendations for a demanding client. You fully test your newly developed skills by having to convince a real client that you have the skills and aptitude to succeed in the real business world. The projects are varied and cover a wide range of sectors, subjects and international locations.

VLERICkS GIVInG SOMETHInG BACk PROJECT

Business ethics, CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) and sustainability are now integral parts of the business world. This unique project offers the opportunity to assist on a project for an NGO (nongovernmental organisation) using MBA skills to truly give something back. This gives a unique insight into how to retain balanced perspective between the individual and the wider environment we live in.

PROJECT DEFEnCES & GRADuATIOn

Students need to make themselves available for any questions regarding their submitted projects. Followed by the graduation ceremony and a career as an MBA graduate.

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International Business in Context - China

International Business is best studied in context.
The Vlerick MBA brings a rich international character to the classroom through the diversity of the student body, the mix of local and international faculty, and the content of the courses and cases taught. You prepare for multicultural business from the outset of the MBA Programme. During a trip to our partner institution at Peking University, Chinas leading university, you study Chinese business on the ground. Studying business in the Chinese context prepares you for the inevitable business roles of the future, in which the Chinese economy will have increasing significance.
Peking University

Prior to travelling to China, you are immersed in Chinese history and economy. The seminars offered during the study trip are a combination of academic lectures and corporate studies, supplemented by cultural and social immersion.
Costs associated with visas, travel, and food and accommodation during the seminar are included in the programme fee.

Three of the Full-time MBA students during their inspiring China trip. From left to right: Reginald Hubbard (US), Luuk Reijnders (the Netherlands) and Tomasz Sroczynski (Poland)

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Projects
The in-company consultancy project
The in-company consultancy project is, for most participants, the most exhilarating part of the programme. It is a unique opportunity for you to re-integrate in a real business environment and apply the knowledge, skills and experience you have acquired during the programme. Faced with an actual business problem or strategic question, you must analyse the situation, develop a series of options, prepare a plan of action and evaluate these to produce recommendations that will positively impact the business.

Organisations that have recently commissioned projects:

Agfa Gevaert Arcelor Mittal Belgacom Bridgestone Cisco Continental Deloitte DHL Eurocontrol Euronext GE GlaxoSmithKline HP Johnson & Johnson Mastercard Europe Pepsico Pfizer Philips Lighting Shell Siemens Staples Suez 3M UCB

Recent in-company consultancy projects:

Strategic and competitor review of the Private Equity market. Market entry strategy for an IT provider to enter the Chinese Market. Innovation process improvement at a bio-tech company. Brand extension recommendations for a European Womens Magazine. Talent segmentation in a global banking and insurance company. Alignment of supply chain strategy with business strategy for a European logistics firm. Organisation and strategy of a global consultancy firm. Repositioning the brand: a strategic marketing plan for growth in a declining market.

Marketing strategy for an organic foods company to enter the US market. Communicating compliance directives in an international conglomerate. Pricing strategy for a competitive medical devices sector. A new paradigm for professional accountants in South Africa. Drivers for consolidation in the European financial services sector. Requirements for new first-line HIV treatment in Sub-Saharan Africa. Implantable medical devices: market entry strategy for a semiconductor company. Strategic pricing project for an international security products firm. Design of a communication strategy for the launch of an online community.

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In-Company Project Sponsors

For the past 3 years, Abbott Vascular has hired students from Vlerick to help them develop projects all over the world in the areas of marketing, finance and corporate strategy. Last year, students explored the Central and Eastern European markets for growth opportunities. Two years ago, students travelled to Asia Pacific for 2 months on a strategic financial project. As a growing company, we use the internships and projects to identify talent for our recruitment pipeline. In Europe, Abbott Vascular works with Insead, IMD and Vlerick and in the US, with Kellogg, Stanford, and Harvard.

Sigrid Schelstraete - HR Manager, Abbott Vascular

More testimonials: www.vlerick.com/mba/testimonials

During the in-company project, Uplace really liked the practical approach of the students and the fact that they were concerned about the business implications for the company. The project report the students presented had a sound academic foundation with useable recommendations. Because the company is a small start-up students had easy access to everyone within the company. The project will have lasting implications for the company.

Lorin Parys - COO, Uplace (Real Estate)

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2008 was the first year that GE hired students from Vlerick Leuven Gent Management School for an in-company project. GE was impressed with the quality of the students and we were thrilled to have been presented with recommendations that were ready for implementation and that could be useful for the companys further development. We look forward to working together again.

Francis Van Parys - Marketing Director, EMEA - GE

Sharing expertise and connecting with new friends

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Giving Something Back Project

Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility A unique part of the Vlerick MBA
The Vlerick MBA includes a unique project wherein you carry out an essential piece of work assisting an NGO in developing an aspect of its activities. This helps Vlerick MBA graduates maintain a balanced perspective between the roles of business, the individual and the wider society and environment in which they live. In small teams you will work on a project and identify and prepare how to assist a NGO. The parameters of the project have to be determined by the group and then elaborated with the support of the programme director and the NGO. After the initial study period where possible - the programme and ideas developed by the group can be implemented to directly benefit the recipient NGO. This is a major opportunity to establish a balance of behaviour between traditional profit-centred activity (e.g. the in-company project) and sustainable social and environmental development for all the Vlerick MBA graduates. Participants must present the rationale for their projects, a project report and defend the outcomes at the end of the project period.

Worldwide Giving Something Back Projects

The giving something back projects are not confined to European organisations. Recent projects have taken place in the following countries as well as a number of European countries.

Countries for the giving something back projects

India Japan Thailand China South Africa Ghana USA Peru Honduras Lebanon

UNESCO A specialised agency of the United Nations. UNESCO contributes to the building of peace, the alleviation of poverty, sustainable development and intercultural dialogue through education. Transparency International The organisation strives to end the devastating impact of corruption on men, women and children around the world. Galapagos ICE (Immerse Connect Evolve) An international charity that is dedicated to improving education and healthcare for residents of the Galapagos Islands.

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I would like to extend my warmest thanks to you and the Giving Something Back Programme for the unprecedented generosity that you have extended to our organization. As a result of the dedication and generosity of your students, we will be able to proceed confidently into what before was a rather uncertain future. You and your programme will deserve some of, the credit in everything

Galapagos ICE accomplishes from here on out, as your students have set the conditions under which our work cannot help but flourish. They exceeded our wildest expectations at every stage their questions were intelligent and thoughtful, their models, professionally informed and conceptually elegant, and their implementation of those models, tireless and complete.

Eric T. Caldwell - Executive Director, Galapagos ICE

More testimonials: www.vlerick.com/mba/testimonials

One of the highlights of this wonderful year was the in-company project. It gave me the chance to get a glimpse of an industry and a functional area in which I had no previous experience. Working as a consultant on a market entry strategy for a semiconductor company required many of the skills

I had acquired during the MBA: strategy, marketing, finance, entrepreneurship, innovation. And naturally, the soft skills were essential in setting objectives, collaborating with project team members in a challenging environment, and delivering the results.

Corinne Moser - Switzerland

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Admission & Application Requirements

The admissions process is highly selective and strives to build a diverse and ambitious class. Applications are processed on a rolling basis through our online application system. Since the number of places available in each programme is limited, we strongly recommend applying early.
Basic requirements before applying: 1. A university degree (*) You must hold an academic degree (at least 3 years normal study duration, minimum 180 ECTS credits) from an academic institution that is recognised by the relevant authorities of the institutions home country. (*) Applicants who hold a 3- or 4-year professional degree are also eligible, provided they have good GMAT scores (min 550) in addition to the other requirements. 2. At least 3 years of full-time working experience after graduation You should have an excellent professional history,with at least 3 years of business-related experience. 3. Pass the admissions process You can apply for admission in one of two equivalent ways: via an on-campus assessment or via a distance assessment.

Application Procedures On-Campus

The on-campus admissions test is administered on several fixed dates during the year. It consists of 4 parts: 1. Analytical test The analytical test assesses your ability to recognise, understand and apply mathematical and statistical reasoning. The test is designed to assess higher level numerical skills involving deduction, interpretation and evaluation. You do not need to prepare for this test. 2. Written test The written test assesses your comprehension and writing skills in English. You are requested to write a structured summary of, and comment on, a business article that is read aloud. 3. knowledge/Management Potential interview In this interview the jury will assess your oral English language skills as well as your knowledge of current events and the socio-economic environment (e.g. Financial Times, The Economist, CNN, Business Week). 4. Motivation interview The motivation interview probes your motivation to attend the programme, your background, your interest in management sciences, and your insight into your own personal strengths and weaknesses. The jury also assesses your social skills: i.e., the way you express yourself during the interview.

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How to apply

From a distance
To apply through the distance procedure, you must: 1. Take the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) The GMAT is a standardised test that is generally used by business schools worldwide to assess the qualifications of applicants for advanced business studies. It measures your verbal, mathematical and analytical writing skills. We require a balanced GMAT score. General information on GMAT fees and test procedures can be found at: www.mba.com 2. Take an English language test You are requested to take an English language test, except if you are a native English speaker or have completed your entire undergraduate education in English. We require a good TOEFL score. General information on TOEFL, IELTS or PTE Academic fees and test procedures can be found at: www.toefl.org www.ielts.org www.pearsonpte.com

The on-campus procedure:

Start your application online at: apply.vlerick.com Admissions tests are held regularly at our Leuven Campus our Ghent Campus International locations (by appointment only) Check www.vlerick.com/infosessions for the most recent admissions test dates.

The distance procedure:

Start your application online at apply.vlerick.com Complete the application form and upload all required documents. Distance applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year.

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Fees, Scholarships & Funding

Programme Cost
The fee for the entire programme is 31,500. Included in the fee: Textbooks distributed during the programme Residential seminars Travel within Belgium on company and intercampus visits Travel and lodging for the China module

Vlerick Scholarships
Vlerick has negotiated with its corporate sponsors to provide a limited number of scholarships to students. The scholarships are partial and normally cover 25% or 50% of the tuition fees. The scholarships are awarded by the Vlerick Scholarships Committee once a student has been admitted to the programme on both a need and merit basis.

For Central & Eastern European students: Central & Latin American students: UK & Ireland students: EU students:

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The Dirk kuijper Endowment Fund

This fund, created with a generous donation from the late Dirk Kuijper, is used to promote internationalisation of the Vlerick MBA. You must submit a specific request to the Dirk Kuijper Fund addressing, in less than 500 words: If I had a 30 minute private meeting with the Secretary General of the United Nations, I would persuade him to make this his absolute priority and why.
Applicant may apply for both Corporate and Dirk Kuijper Fund Scholarships.

How to apply
To be considered for one of the scholarships you must complete the Scholarship single essay which is included in the MBA Online Application. Only this essay is required for consideration for all the scholarships that are available. Once you have been admitted, the Admissions Committee will then look at your overall application including the essay and interview and make their decision. The decisions are made on the following merit and need criteria: Academic achievement - both education attainments and GMAT score or admissions test results Career accomplishment and progression Professional and cultural diversity Demonstration of leadership skills The quality of application question answers and interview performance Proven aptitude for creativity and innovation We also consider your potential to contribute to the practical learning experience and professional and cultural diversity of the programme.

Funding and the Vlerick Student Loan Programme

The Vlerick MBA Student Loan Fund Programme lends admitted MBA candidates up to 75% (subject to credit status) of the tuition fee less any Vlerick scholarships. We also recommend that you investigate the loan and scholarship opportunities currently available in your own country. It may be advantageous to apply to your existing banking organisation as they have your credit history and can best assess your creditworthiness. You will also have access to guarantors in your current location. Knowledge of your credit history and the availability of a guarantee should reduce the rate of interest you will be expected to pay on loan funding. Many other MBA loan schemes are available; please do not hesitate to ask for further information. More information is available at: www.vlerick.com/mba/funding

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Prior to attending Vlerick I worked in Investment Banking in Toronto, Canada. Receiving an MBA was an important personal career goal for me. I felt it was an opportunity to build on my skills and better position myself for the future. I have always aspired to a senior leadership role at a large company - and nowadays, I think an MBA is a prerequisite for admission. Stakeholders want business professionals running companies. Gaining a European business perspective was the main reason I came to Vlerick. It was an opportunity to transition my career to Europe, by building an international network and leveraging a strong academic brand.

Vlerick has a very strong programme, combining intensive study and a great personal experience with a diverse international student base. The programme attracts accomplished and intelligent people from around the globe, making a great impact on the overall MBA experience. On a value for money basis, Vlerick is tough to beat. An MBA is a huge personal investment, in both money and time, and it was important to me that I could maximise my return on investment. Vlerick has an incredibly strong reputation in Europe. For the past 56 years, the school has been developing business leaders. A high calibre international alumni base has spread the Schools reputation far and wide. Its a strong academic brand in Benelux, Western Europe and around the world.

Andrew Mason - Canada Professional Background - Investment Banking

More testimonials: www.vlerick.com/mba/testimonials

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MBA Career Services

Organisations recruit Vlerick MBA graduates based on their passion, commitment and ability to create economic and social value across all business disciplines, their knowledge of business and their leadership skills.

Career Development
Whether your goal is career enhancement or to move into a different career, the Vlerick Career Service team will be there to provide you with the opportunities, tools and counselling to better understand yourself, your career aspirations and that which you will excel at. This will facilitate your job search. At Vlerick, Career Services is integrated into the MBA Programme, exposing you to workshops that focus on topics such as: Self-assessment CV and writing a cover letter Career strategies Competency-based mock interviews Time management Salary negotiation Personalised coaching Networking
Networking event

Vlerick supporting your Career search

Our MBA Programme offers you many opportunities to network, gather information and prepare yourself for the important goal of finding the best possible career opportunity. The Career Services team aspires to create an environment in which recruiters and students are able to find the ideal career match. In pursuit of this goal, the following marketing initiatives are organised to give you insight into career possibilities: A class profile and CV book Career fairs and on campus recruitment events Meet the Partner events Business speakers Networking opportunities

The Vlerick Career Services team, the alumni and the faculty are a networking resource to assist you in gathering the necessary information to develop your career focus.

The Career Services team is your guide, as you embark on the road to self-discovery and the evaluation of your career opportunities and your progress towards finding the most fulfilling career.

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Recruiters of our MBA graduates during the past years include:

A Abbott, Accenture, Alcatel, American Express, Arcelor Mittal, Arthur D. Little B Bain & Company, BASF, BBH Holding, Beijaflore Consulting, Bekaert, Black & Decker, Boehringer, Boston Consulting Group, BP, Bridgestone C Capco, Cap Gemini, Cisco, Citibank, Coca-Cola, Colgate-Palmolive D Delaware Consulting, Delhaize Group, Deloitte, Detecon, DHL, Dirol-Cadbury, Dow Corning, Dredging International E Eli Lilly, Emantra, Ericsson, Ernst & Young, Euroclear, European Commission, Exxon Mobile F Fortis Bank, Fruit of the Loom G GE, General Motors, Glaverbel, GlaxoSmithKline H Heineken, Henkel, HewlettPackard, Honda, Honeywell, Hydro Alumnium North America I IBM, IKEA, InBev, Ingersoll Rand, Intellect Int ernational J Johnson & Johnson K Kelly Services, KBC Bank, KPMG, KPN, Kraft Foods L LerNetz AG, Levi Strauss, Lloyds Register M MasterCard, Materialise, McKinsey, Microsoft, Millennium Investment Banking N Nestl, N-Side, NXP Semiconductors O Opel P Palmolive Company, Philip Morris, Philips, Pioneer, Proctor & Gamble, PWC Q Quadriga Capital R Roche Corporate, Roland Berger S Samsonite, SAP, Sara Lee, Shell, Sibelco-Ramensky GOK, SIBUR, Siemens, Skanska, Sony T Tele Atlas, Total Fina, Toyota Technical Center U UCB Pharma, UPS, Unilever, URSA Eurasia V Volvo W Wimm-Bill-Dann

Regional placement of 2011 graduates

- 65% Europe26% Asia North America - 5% Latin America - 2% Africa - 2%

Sector placement of 2011 graduates

- 11% ConsultingProducts - 16% Consumer Energy - 7% Financial Services - 16% Government - 5% Logistics - 5% Media/Entertainment - 8% Non Profit - 3% Pharmaceutical/Biotech/Healthcare - 8% Professional Services - 10% Technology - 8% Other - 3%

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The Mentorship Programme

As an MBA student you benefit from several opportunities to interact with Vlerick Alumni who have chosen to serve as mentors, sharing their business expertise across a wide range of business disciplines, sectors and functions. The mentorship programme gives you the opportunity to refine their your expectations and relate your newfound knowledge, insights and skills to the real world. It furthermore provides valuable insights into living and working in Europe and networking with business professionals in a manner that improves your overall networking skills. The Alumni Association, in collaboration with Career Services, is dedicated to creating events where you relate to Alumni in a mutually beneficial manner that empowers you to develop the most advantageous approaches to your career futures.

Our alumni
The Vlerick Leuven Gent Alumni Association is a vibrant, rapidly growing community of 14,500 alumni spread across 100 countries. The Alumni Association prides itself on the strong relationships it has built between Vlerick alumni that represent a wide spectrum of cultures.

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A second cohort of the Full-time MBA

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The Wider Environment

Amsterdam

Living in Leuven, Belgium, Europe

Leuven is only 30 km away from Brussels and has the advantage of being a truly student friendly location in terms of cost, convenience and learning environment. Brussels: the Capital of Europe only 15 minutes train ride or 30 minutes drive away Headquarters for international institutions such as the European Commission and NATO. Base of numerous multinational corporations, embassies and a large international community. Central location in Europe with Brussels Airport located about 14 km (9 miles) from the city centre and reachable by train, bus, taxi and car. Various high speed trains whisk you from Brussels to Paris, London and Amsterdam in just 2h, 1h51 and 2h51 respectively. 2 hours 3 hours

London

Ghent Leuven

Paris Brussels Frankfurt

EU building, Brussels

Leuven: the city of culture, learning, chocolate, beer and cycling University Leuven founded in 1425. World headquarters of ABInBev, the worlds biggest brewery. Population 90,000 including 30,000 students. Superb cultural, social, sports and entertainment facilities. MBA participants have ID cards enabling preferential access to all facilities. The new campus: a place to work, rest and have fun Creatively reconstructed home of the Vlerick MBA. Auditoria designed to encourage Vlerick MBA-style participant interaction. Purpose-built breakout rooms, library, IT facilities and rest zones. Access to campus at all times (24/7) to facilitate your schedule. Full supporting services from the K.U.Leuven: housing, medical, sports, social and cultural organisations.

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Living Costs
Living costs depend on your choices. However, recent participant feedback indicates a budget of 10,000 to 12,000 is sufficient for the duration of the programme. Average monthly costs are as follows:

Rent Electricity, heating and water Food Miscellaneous (trips, laundry etc)

400 125 250 125

Total

900
Fountain of Wisdom and Knowledge, Leuven

Leuven Campus

Town Square, Leuven

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Corporate Partnerships
Vlerick has a unique series of partnerships with businesses. In return for an annual payment (with the amount depending on the nature of the relationship), businesses are entitled to participate in our research, have access to our alumni and graduate population, and demonstrate publicly that they support the work of Vlerick Leuven Gent Management School.

Chairs
The Belgacom Chair Building Organisations that Last Joint Chair Doing Business in Europe - the Legal Context

The Eandis Chair Resilient Supply Chains

The BnP Paribas Fortis Chair Internet Banking

The Deloitte Chair Bringing ICT to board level

Bosal Chair Doing Business in Europe - Doing Business in South Africa

The Swift Chair Market-Driven Innovation

The Gimv Chair Private Equity

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Prime Foundation Partners

knowledge Partners

Campus Partners

Talent Partners

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Originally from Aberdeen Scotland, I worked for Total in upstream Oil and Gas as a drilling engineer. I held positions offshore in the North Sea and also onshore in the office, based both in Scotland and in France. I chose to do an MBA for the learning challenge and to broaden my personal knowledge: to prepare myself for whatever the future may bring in terms of life and work opportunities. The reason I chose Vlerick is because of the schools increasingly good reputation, the open welcome and encouragement that I received when visiting and especially the international class profile. I wanted to differentiate myself from other British MBA graduates and I wanted to stay abroad and international after my work experience in France prior to my MBA. I chose the full time course so that I could benefit from the intensity and focus on the experience.

Some of the courses help you to make sense of past work experiences, such as e-supply management or accounting and cost control. Many of the courses are of direct practical relevance to working life that you can put into practice immediately during group assignments. You gain an appreciation for the context of the what, why and how from the cases and the course contents that prepares you for the future. The class quickly forms its own culture and character. Group assignments and class discussions allow you to get to know everyone in the class. The international element augments this and adds to the flavour of social events. Getting to know each classmate is a highlight of the year, you connect with new friends and find fresh and common ground from which to learn. In Leuven, everything you could need is close to the School. The proximity of Leuvens university, its huge student body and the architecture of the city generates a fantastic platform for an MBA environment.

Roy Allen - Scotland - MBA Professional Background - Oil & Gas Engineering

More testimonials: www.vlerick.com/mba/testimonials

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Contact us
Would you like to find out more about the Full-time MBA Programme?
Visit our website www.vlerick.com/mba For details of upcoming admission tests see www.vlerick.com/infosessions for the latest dates and locations. You can also meet us at MBA fairs throughout the world. See www.vlerick.com/mba/fairs for details on times and locations. Visit our campus, talk to current students and attend a lecture. Please e-mail us at mba@vlerick.com to schedule your visit.

For any questions about our Full-time MBA Programme please contact:
For academic questions: Prof Nigel Roome Programme Director of the Vlerick Full-time MBA Professor of Governance, Corporate Responsibility and Sustainable Development Chair of the Academic Board of the Academy of Business in Society (formerly EABIS) For admissions and general questions:

Yolanda Habets Head of Admissions Full-time International MBA

At Vlerick we help you to know how and when to lead, how and when to follow and how to support the development of those skills in others. Prof Nigel Roome

Leen De Bock Admissions Full-time International MBA

Paul Healy Head of Marketing & Recruitment Full-time International MBA To contact any of the above: E-mail: mba@vlerick.be T: + 32 16 24 88 86 F: + 32 16 24 88 80

Jos Verhoogen

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www.vlerick.com/ftmba
Vlerick Leuven Gent Management School
Leuven Campus Vlamingenstraat 83 3000 Leuven, Belgium Ghent Campus Reep 1 9000 Ghent, Belgium St. Petersburg Campus Birzhevaya Liniya 16 St. Petersburg, 199034, Russia