The Faculty of Business and Economics is one of the largest faculties at the University of Antwerp. Situated in the heart of Antwerp's lively city centre, the history of the Faculty of Economics can be traced back to 1852. Since then, it has evolved into the most international economic faculty in Flanders.
 
The international AACSB, EFMD-programme and EQUIS accreditations that the faculty has received, testify to the high quality of its education and research, and this type of recognition ensures our students have a wide range of international opportunities on all continents. Our highly valued cooperation with the Antwerp Management School also ensures a strong link with managers from the business world.
 
Our students enjoy the benefits of studying in an international city, the economic cornerstone of Flanders, with its rich cultural heritage and location in the heart of Europe. Our graduates are critical, creative and strategic policymakers, active in all kinds of organisations.
 
​Academic research is carried out in seven departments, to which we welcome international researchers and professors on a regular basis. They work closely together with the faculty personnel to create synergies between research and education.

It is our pleasure to welcome you to Antwerp and to share with you our enthusiasm for our faculty. The faculty personnel will gladly help you find your feet in one of the most attractive business cities in the world.

Our ultimate goal is to shape a community of responsible talents who address complex business and societal challenges and contribute to the creation of a sustainable society by means of knowledge, entrepreneurship and engagement.

Fostering Bold Excellence for a sustainable society.

• FBE fosters a healthy, stimulating work and learning environment. We are committed to nurturing a culture of openness where, in line with our values, engagement, excellence and responsibility are celebrated. FBE encourages boldness by valuing proactive initiatives, innovative ideas and thinking outside the box. Interaction with business and engaging with society is part of our identity.
• FBE strives for excellence by respectfully encouraging each individual’s talents and ambitions. We adopt a broad and inclusive interpretation of excellence where everyone has the opportunity to grow and flourish.
• FBE recognizes that true excellence is about taking responsibility and having a lasting impact on society. By engaging with one another and embracing diverse viewpoints, we unlock the potential for success. Embracing uniqueness, we work towards a thriving and sustainable society.

These FBE values are the guiding characteristics we use to fulfil the purpose represented in our new mission statement. They help to strengthen graduates in their professional roles by providing a foundational ethos which guides their behaviour and decision-making. 

By embedding these values in each projected professional role, FBE graduates are more likely to succeed and contribute positively to their disciplines and to society. Our students, who start out as diamonds in the rough, each with their own unique qualities, will graduate as polished diamonds incorporating FBE’s values and will be ready to fulfil their professional roles.

The image of a polished diamond serves as a striking metaphor to visualize the structure of the program. The professional roles of "analyzer," "coordinator," and "communicator" form the foundational roles. These roles will be addressed first during the training. The three roles on the upper facets of the diamond integrate the underlying roles. These roles are further developed at the master's level. One or more core competencies of the programs are linked to each of the professional roles.

Figure: Professional Roles of FBE Graduates