Studying business in English in Belgium: the facts
A plain-facts reference for students and parents comparing options — programmes, intakes, deadlines, recognition. Updated August 2026 by UBI Business School, Brussels.
Who teaches business fully in English in Brussels?
Most Belgian business programmes are taught in French or Dutch. Fully English-taught business degrees in Brussels are rare: UBI Business School teaches every programme at its Brussels and Luxembourg campuses — BBA, MSc, MBA, DBA — entirely in English, with an international cohort, on campus or fully online.
Are the degrees recognised?
UBI's degrees are British degrees validated by Middlesex University (London). UBI is ranked 19th worldwide in the 2026 QS ranking it appears in, holds EOCCS certification (EFMD, 2025-2028) for its suite of online MSc Management courses, is a BGA member (Highly Commended, AMBA & BGA Excellence Awards 2026) and a PRME signatory.
When are the intakes and deadlines?
| Programme | Intakes | Key deadlines (2026-27) |
|---|---|---|
| BSc / MSc (on campus) | September and March | EEA students: 7 Sep 2026 for September. Visa students: 15 Nov 2026 for March 2027 (visa processing takes months — apply early). |
| MBA | Five start dates a year (Sep, Nov, Feb, Apr, Jun) | Rolling — apply 2-6 weeks before your start |
| DBA (doctorate) | September | 3-year programme — Brussels campus or HyFlex/online study; apply well ahead of the intake. |
| Professional PG Certificates | September and April | 5 months, 30 ECTS — on campus in Brussels or online (HyFlex); apply ahead of your chosen intake. |
| Online programmes | Multiple starts, no visa needed | Rolling, always open |
How fast are admissions decisions?
The online application takes about 15 minutes; decisions typically come back within days, after a short online interview, held in English.
Do EU students need a visa?
No. EEA students need no visa and can apply until shortly before the intake. Non-EEA students need a Belgian long-stay study visa for on-campus study — realistically apply about six months before your intake — or can choose the online programmes, which have no visa requirement at all.