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Leading Belgian Business School
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Who?
Who is the programme aimed at?
Profile
Ready to experience the transformation that is an Executive MBA? Need help taking an innovative idea and turning it into the next disruptor? Want to gain new skills so you can lead the change at your company?
If this sounds like you, then it’s time to see yourself at Solvay Brussels School.
Key admissions criteria
- Higher Education Diploma (Bachelor/Master/Other)
- Minimum 3 years of professional experience
- English proficiency
- Scores from GMAT, GRE or Solvay Lifelong Learning Admission Test (SllAT)
About
Why the Solvay Executive MBA?
From our practice-oriented academic signature to our outstanding alumni network, discover the points that make our programme exceptional.
Transformation
Quality
Faculty
Flexibility
Community
Network
Sustainability
Experience a transformative learning journey at Solvay Brussels School, characterised by a progressive structure. Begin with essential management concepts, advance to leadership essentials, and culminate in leading transformation. Progression through the programme will enable you to embody the change you seek, establishing a robust leadership foundation. In the final phase, apply theory to actual business scenarios, engaging in case studies, simulations, and real-world projects that bridge theoretical concepts with practical business applications.
We are accredited by the two leading international quality assurance bodies: EQUIS and AMBA. This ensures that we strive for the highest quality of research and education, and guarantees the value of your certification. Under the EQUIS accreditation scheme, every 3 or 5 years, we are subjected to the most demanding independent evaluation. Research, faculty, quality of programmes and infrastructures, commitments to innovation, school's vision, partnerships and inclusion of the business world in the school management, EQUIS inspects every aspect of what makes a top business school.
Complementing EQUIS, our accreditation by the Association of MBAs (AMBA) stands as a testament to our excellence in post-graduate business education. AMBA, recognised as the premier authority on global business education, ensures that our programmes meet the highest international standards.
We are also Qfor accredited. The Qfor audit determines the quality and professionalism of training institutes and consultancy firms. At the national level, the Qfor accreditation is recognised by the Flemish and Walloon Regions.
Last but not least, we are members of AACSB Business Education Alliance. This global nonprofit association connects educators, students, and businesses to achieve a common goal: to create the next generation of great leaders.
Solvay Brussels School is globally recognised for its excellence in business education and research. Joining the EMBA programme means becoming part of a reputable institution with a long-standing tradition of academic rigour and top-level faculty.
Our course instructors at Solvay Brussels School and ULB are not only accomplished professors but also experts in the latest research within their respective fields. Concurrently, our top-level practitioners contribute valuable insights derived from their practical experience and on-the-field expertise, offering a dynamic blend of academic knowledge and real-world perspectives on the latest market and business developments.
Top-of-the-line guests are also invited for additional workshops and sessions such as the Business Lunch Series.
Earning an Executive MBA at Solvay acknowledges the scarcity of time, a valuable commodity often in short supply. The programme addresses this by allowing you to seamlessly integrate your advanced studies with your professional commitments. The 18-month duration, running from November to June, facilitates this balance. Classes are strategically scheduled once every 3-4 weeks, incorporating a blended learning approach.
This approach encompasses on-campus sessions, organised from Thursday evening to Saturday evening, complemented by asynchronous 4-hour online learning for each course. The design recognises the unique needs of professionals, offering a flexible learning experience that combines the benefits of physical classroom engagement with the accessibility of online resources. Through our partnership with Coursera, a wealth of quality online content further enhances and supports this.
To optimise the learning environment, class sizes are deliberately limited to manageable and cohesive cohorts. This ensures maximum participation and easy access to faculty and the Executive MBA academic or administration team. The result is a programme that values your time, allowing you to pursue an executive training without compromising your effectiveness at work.
At Solvay, recognising the integral role of your peers in your learning experience is paramount. Here, alongside a diverse and talented faculty, you'll engage with business leaders representing various functions, industries, and geographies. This collaborative environment provides a unique opportunity to gain a broader perspective on everyday business challenges and build a global network of executives.
The connections formed on campus extend far beyond the academic setting. As you navigate the diverse landscape of your class, characterised by differences in gender, academic backgrounds, and cultural perspectives, your student experience is enriched. The international focus of our faculty, coupled with engaging case studies and study tours to different cities, adds layers to your learning within the multicultural heart of Europe.
These interactions, both within and outside the classroom, pave the way for friendships and professional relationships that endure and continue to enrich your personal and professional journey in unforeseen and meaningful ways.
The connections formed on campus extend far beyond the academic setting. As you navigate the diverse landscape of your class, characterised by differences in gender, academic backgrounds, and cultural perspectives, your student experience is enriched. The international focus of our faculty, coupled with engaging case studies and study tours to different cities, adds layers to your learning within the multicultural heart of Europe.
These interactions, both within and outside the classroom, pave the way for friendships and professional relationships that endure and continue to enrich your personal and professional journey in unforeseen and meaningful ways.
An international network. A partner for your career.
Solvay Schools Alumni brings together all graduates and certified from the Solvay Brussels School of Economics and Management ULB and the Solvay Business School VUB. The association has more than 30,000 alumni, coming from more than 100 countries around the world and represents all sectors of economic activity.
Solvay Schools Alumni brings together all graduates and certified from the Solvay Brussels School of Economics and Management ULB and the Solvay Business School VUB. The association has more than 30,000 alumni, coming from more than 100 countries around the world and represents all sectors of economic activity.
Each year, Solvay Schools Alumni organises nearly 50 activities and conferences. Objective: to offer you continuing education opportunities, support for your career development, and numerous networking opportunities. As a Solvay Schools Alumni Association member, you also have access to the directory of graduates.
With Solvay Schools Alumni, you develop your network and contact alumni whenever you want to feed your thinking and professional career. Events and fun activities also allow you to meet alumni outside the professional framework.
At Solvay, we believe in learning for a better world. Through our Sustainability Lab, you will contribute to your corporate or socio-economic environment using a problem-based learning approach. In addition, as part of our sustainability policy, our United Nations' SDG Scholarships reward change makers whose actions contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. By joining our EMBA, you join us in making a meaningful impact and shaping a sustainable future.
Ready. Set. Go.
Curriculum: a 3-level approach
The transformative journey starts with a set of six core courses covering management essentials, followed by optional and elective courses on impact investment, corporate finance, ethics and corporate responsibility, and many more. These classes ensure you have a solid foundation in leadership from which to build. The courses are articulated over a 3-level approach that progressively brings participants to a higher level of business acumen and leadership sharpness.
Want to know the curriculum in depth? Scroll down to download our brochure!
Level 1
Management Essentials
Begin your transformational journey by building key knowledge and skills in six management areas.
Level 2
Leadership Essentials
Continue your transformation by expanding your knowledge and skills with mandatory leadership and elective courses.
Level 3
Leading the transformation
Bridge theory and practice by learning how to lead innovation and change.
More tools under (y)our belt.
Labs, Coaching & Study Tours
The Solvay Executive MBA provides you with the essential tools, skills and mindset needed to deal with the challenges of organisations in fast-evolving environments. It brings you up to speed with managerial and leadership principles to be able to lead innovation and change.
Advisory - Venture - Sustainability
The Labs where our participants 'get their hands dirty'.
Using the skills developed in the courses, the Labs challenge participants to experiment with innovation, sustainability and strategy. This is an opportunity to test, explore and develop a concept, turning what was once just an idea into a practical business solution.
- Advisory Lab
- Corporate and Venture Strategy Lab
- Sustainability Lab
Career Advancement Programme
Where it all comes together.
During the CAP, a team of executive coaches personally guide you through your transformational journey by offering their unique, experience-based insights and connecting you to their curated professional network.
By learning to leverage their knowledge and skills and discovering their leadership style, participants emerge well-positioned to have a transformational impact on the people, places and projects they influence.
International Study Tours
Discover our international study tours (optional):
- Our study tour in Munich is a one-week immersive and interactive journey through the Entrepreneurship eco-system of Munich - one of
the major powerhouses in the European entrepreneurship ecosystem. - With our partner IPADE, participants head South to Mexico. During this one-week-long study tour, participants explore "How to do business in Mexico" through a mix of keynotes and visits.
- Organised in partnership with Insper in Brazil, the MBA International Week is an opportunity for MBA learners from all over the world to enrol in Insper’s MBA courses during the summer.
“What sets our EMBA programme apart is our learner-centred curriculum and active learning approach. We empower professionals to take significant strides in their careers by providing them with the tools, strategies, and insights they need to excel in a rapidly evolving business landscape.”
Bruno van Pottelsberghe
Dean & EMBA Academic Director
United Nations' SDGs Scholarship
The Solvay Executive MBA proudly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These 17 goals address the global challenges we face, including poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace and justice - they are the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.
Women Change-Agent Scholarship
IThe Women Change Agent Scholarship supports women in breaking the glass ceiling in business. Our ambition is that by 2026, we achieve gender equality in our recruitment and that women, through high-quality lifelong learning training, close the gap in leadership positions.
Vanessa Callaert
Managing Director
I began to assess my career path and realised I was feeling stuck, unsure of how to explore new options or connect with professionals outside my industry. I lacked knowledge in areas like entrepreneurship and struggled to expand my network. Enrolling in the Executive MBA at Solvay was driven by my desire for a significant challenge and growth.
The programme's Advisory Lab, where you work on real-life business problems instead of a traditional thesis, was particularly appealing to me. It provided an opportunity to tackle complex, real-world issues and contribute meaningfully to solving them.
The Executive MBA programme was instrumental in my transition from a background in finance, administration, and HR to a managing director role. It helped me develop essential skills like leadership and working under pressure. The experience made me more confident and resourceful, significantly changing my approach to business challenges. I’m no longer easily impressed or intimidated by complex issues, and I’ve become more aware of the resources at my disposal.
Borja Bosch
Senior Manager of Financial Services
EY
The Executive MBA programme was a transformative experience for me, fundamentally changing who I am and helping me become a better version of myself. With my technical background, I initially had a narrow perspective; the programme equipped me with the tools and insights to broaden my view and understand the intricacies of business and strategic decision-making.
One of the most valuable lessons I learned was the importance of leading by example. If you want to drive change, it must start with yourself. The Executive MBA emphasises critical thinking and a pragmatic approach to learning, which are crucial for effective leadership.
The international scope of the programme, combined with the real-world experience of the faculty, provided a comprehensive understanding of global markets and strategic considerations. This has been instrumental in helping me identify new market opportunities and stay ahead in my career.
Overall, the Executive MBA has not only enhanced my ability to manage and lead effectively but has also reinforced my commitment to lifelong learning and adapting to new challenges. It’s a powerful journey that nurtures your potential and prepares you for a broader leadership role.
Yeliz Kartal Brackman
Co-Founder
Kolonya Carré
The Solvay Executive MBA gave me a profound understanding of what real sustainability means. The entrepreneurial classes greatly expanded my horizons, especially with their focus on sustainability and environmentalism.
I used to think that finance and environmental friendliness couldn’t coexist, but the programme showed me otherwise. It provided a solid foundation for achieving financial success while remaining environmentally responsible.
This new perspective inspired me to integrate sustainability into my company and develop a new line that aligns with both economic and environmental goals.
Izabel Medeiros
New Services Programme Director
Volvo Financial Services
"Before the MBA, I had a much more narrow perception of my abilities and myself. This has totally changed... I apply the Solvay approach to solving business cases every day in strategic programme management at Volvo Financial Services. My coursework on stakeholder management and process improvement is fundamental to my job as well."
Dietrich Moens
CEO & Co-Founder
SPACEHUNTR
"Apart from providing real practical tools and insights, Solvay Executive MBA professors and coaches offered in a way some consulting advice as their feedback on the assignments, as well as during class discussions and the coaching sessions, translated into directly actionable new concepts that I could apply to my startup...A lesson that I wish I had known earlier: 'Start before you are ready', enrol in the Solvay EMBA, trust yourself and others and you will be amazed by the results.'"
Anke Sieg
Global Payer Value Strategy - Asset Lead
UCB
"It is an eye-opener and provides the toolkit to become a great leader. The key is to apply them every day, going beyond your comfort zone...It was a very enriching experience to go back to school, to take some quality time for personal development and to deeply immerse myself in a new environment, new context and new personal network."
Srilakshmi Amarnath
Transformation Leader
Telenet
"The Solvay Executive MBA excels at providing a holistic view of today’s business challenges and equipping us with practical solutions for addressing real-world issues."
Jarlath Lally
Global Marketing Director
Global Invacom Group
"I was looking for an emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship. One of the things that struck me about Solvay Brussels School was that emphasis in the EMBA programme... A sustaining gift from the programme is that I have a strong network that has grown exponentially on the back of the contacts I made within the programme"
EMBA Statistics
The programme in numbers
1
#
in FT EMBA Rankings 2023: Federation Wallonie-BXL
1
#
in Federation Wallonie-BXL in QS Executive MBA Rankings 2024: Europe
1
#
in Belgium Corporate Knights Better World Rankings 2024
56
%
Courses include ESG content
1500
+ Alumni
Solvay EMBA Network
10
+ years
Average work experience
54
%
International participants
58
%
Overall promotion rate
Any Questions?
What are the admission criteria?
The key admission criteria include:
- Higher Education Diploma (Bachelor/Master/Other)
- Minimum 3 years of professional experience
- English proficiency
- Scores from GMAT, GRE or Solvay Lifelong Learning Admission Test (SllAT)
What is the certificate awarded?
Upon completion of your curriculum, you will be awarded the “Executive Master in Business Administration” university certificate delivered by Solvay Brussels School of Economics & Management – Université libre de Bruxelles.
Alumni requests
Did you complete your MBA or EMBA with Solvay Executive Education/Brussels School and require administrative assistance? Please complete this form and our team will get back to you shortly.
How can I finance my EMBA?
DISCOUNTS
- Early bird: Early bird applicants who submit their applications before the end of the early bird date will receive a discount on the tuition fees.
- Alumni of the Solvay Brussels School, Solvay Lifelong Learning, Université libre de Bruxelles and Vrije Universiteit Brussel benefit from a 10% discount on tuition fees.
- Ruling: Your tuition fees may be recognised by the Belgian authorities as professional expenses and could therefore be eligible for a deduction under personal income tax (IPP) and corporate tax (ISOC). This potential tax saving could cover up to 25% of your tuition fees. For more information, please contact us or visit the SPF website.
SCHOLARSHIPS
- We offer numerous scholarships each year to promote diversity in the classroom, academic excellence and equal access to learning. You can find more information about our United Nations' SDG Scholarships here and our Women Change Agent Scholarship here.
SUBSIDIES & FINANCIAL AIDS
Subject to renewal of the regional agreements
- Brussels Region - Paid Training Leave: Paid educational leave allows workers (private sector) to train during the day or in staggered hours while retaining their salary. Employers receive reimbursement from Brussels Economy and Employment, based on certain criteria. The employee must submit the certificate of enrolment (specific certificate for educational leave issued by the school) to his employer within 20 days of the start of the course. This certificate must be delivered to the employer either by registered mail or with an acknowledgement of receipt. In case of a late registration after the launch of the programme at the latest within 8 days of the registration. (for more information: Economie-Emploi)
- Flanders Region - SME Wallet: The SME e-wallet is oriented towards practitioners of ‘liberal professions’ and SMEs whose operational headquarters are located in the Flemish Region. You have to submit the subsidy application within 14 days of the start of the programme/module/course. (for more information: VLAIO)
- Flanders Region - Paid Training Leave: Under certain conditions, employees in the private sector are entitled to Flemish training leave. They are allowed to be absent from work to attend training or to prepare for evaluations, while their wages continue to be fully paid. The employer can be reimbursed a lump sum as compensation for the wage costs. You have to submit the subsidy application within 14 days of the start of the start of the programme/module/course. (for more information: Vlaanderen)
- Flanders Region - Training Vouchers: You are an employee or you work as a temporary worker and you live or you work in Flanders/Brussels. You can request your training voucher via the WSE counter and you should preferably request the cheque before your registration, so that you can use it to pay your registration fee. (for more information: Vlaanderen)
- Wallonia Region - Training Vouchers: Full or part-time employees from SME which has a maximum of 250 workers as well as self-employed. You have to submit the subsidy application within 14 days of the start of the programme/module/course. (for more information: Forem).
Newsroom
Read in our blog
Zübeyir Atmaca, Bahadir Ceyhan and Aymen Khalfaoui
| Author
Executive MBA participants, class of 2022-24.
26/07/24
Marianna Rousaki
| Author
Marianna is the Content & Social Media Coordinator at Solvay Brussels School - Lifelong Learning.
24/06/24
Tena Krmpotić
| Author
Tena is the Programme Manager of the Executive MBA at Solvay Brussels School.
12/01/24