Program Overview

Part-time Executive MBA: Leading with Purpose

The world doesn’t just need leaders. It needs leaders with purpose. In today’s complex and fast-changing world, strong leadership is needed everywhere, in business, government, non-profits, and entrepreneurship. But what defines great leadership?

At VU Amsterdam, our Executive MBA: Leading with Purpose challenges you to move beyond the conventional. This part-time Executive MBA combines global business expertise with advanced leadership development, helping you refine your leadership identity and cultivate the strategic vision that defines today’s most effective executives.

Executive MBA: Leading with Purpose at a Glance

• Programme Type: Executive MBA
• Degree / Credits: MSc, 60 ECTS
• Duration: 18 months, part-time (courses once a month, Thursday–Saturday)
• Start Date: September 2026
• Tuition Fee: €43,500 – scholarships, 10% alumni & early-bird discount available
• Language: English
• Location: VU Amsterdam Campus
• Required Prior Education: Bachelor’s degree, 5+ years professional experience
• Application Deadline: August 2026, 1 March 2026 for early registration

Who this Executive MBA is for

• Experienced & Transformational Leaders
  With 5–15 years of managerial or executive experience, you are ready to step into senior leadership roles, drive organisational transformation, scale innovations sustainably, and influence stakeholders to create meaningful change.
• Purpose-Driven Professionals
  Align your career growth with personal values, societal impact, and organisational purpose.
• Global Collaborators
  Thrive in diverse, cross-functional teams and engage with other executives as you expand your professional network across cultures and industries.

Why Choose VU's Executive MBA: Leading with Purpose?

• A Transformative Journey
  The Executive MBA: Leading with Purpose is not just about what you learn, but who you become. It is a journey of uncovering your inner purpose, breaking free from convention, and co-creating knowledge with other experienced professionals. Together, you will ask bold questions, tackle today’s most pressing business challenges, and prepare for tomorrow’s uncertainties. This experience will accelerate your development into a forward-thinking, purpose-driven leader ready to shape organisations and society.
• Lead with Purpose
  • Integrate strategic insight with purpose-driven leadership.
  • Strengthen your personal leadership identity and confidence.
  • Make ethically grounded decisions in complex, high-stakes environments.
  • Benefit from personalised coaching, mentorship, and reflective practice.
• Drive Societal Impact
  • Lead initiatives that balance business performance with sustainability and social responsibility.
  • Shape organisational change with influence, courage, and vision.
• Designed for Busy Executives
  • One focused module per month allows you to continue your full-time role.
  • Apply leadership skills and learnings immediately to create real-world impact.
• Global Credibility & Accreditation
  Study at VU Amsterdam’s School of Business and Economics, a top business school accredited by AACSB, EQUIS, and NVAO. Our MBA is NVAO-accredited, granting the officially recognized MSc. degree under Dutch law, and meets the highest international standards in business education.

Accreditations

VU Amsterdam’s School of Business & Economics has a strong tradition in executive education, combining academic excellence with real-world impact. With globally recognised faculty and a practical, purpose-driven approach, the programme equips leaders to tackle complex challenges and create meaningful change.

Be part of a community of change-makers

We’re all about connection and co-creation.

Discover what students say

• Ersin Yildiz, Business Director (P&L)
  “Doing this MBA is not just for the sake of the title. You really benefit from this programme."
• Beata Wandachowicz-Krason, Director Third-Party Risk at Organon
  It’s inspiring, expands my horizons, and strengthens my confidence to make a real impact.”
• Yannick Heirbaut, operations manager at Zonsimpel
  "I like the diversity between people. I myself come from the technical sector, others work in embassies, consultancy or non-profit organisations.

Related study programmes

• Part-time MBA in International Business
  Discover how the MBA in International Business at VU Amsterdam will help you get a holistic perspective of how a business works.