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.
Purposeful leaders understand their own values, the needs of their teams, and the broader responsibilities of their organisations and stakeholders. They inspire people, address pressing societal challenges and navigate complexity with integrity and empathy.
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 (Enrol in the EMBA this September to secure the current tuition fee. Fees for the class of ’29 are expected to increase by 8%).
- Scholarships: More info on scholarships and alumni benefits can be found here.
- Language: English
- Location: VU Amsterdam Campus
- Required Prior Education: Bachelor’s degree, 5+ years professional experience
- Application Deadline: August 2026
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.
