Introduction
TIAS School for Business and Society, founded in 1982, is a premier business school affiliated with Tilburg University and Eindhoven University of Technology, with campuses in Tilburg and Utrecht, Netherlands. Renowned for its focus on post-experience management education, TIAS attracts approximately 3,000 participants annually from over 30 countries, emphasizing transformative leadership and societal impact. Ranked among Europe’s top business schools, TIAS’s mission is to “develop leaders who serve society by transforming business.” This presentation explores its history, academic programs, and key highlights that define its global influence.
Historical Background
TIAS was established in 1982 as the Tilburgs Instituut voor Academische Studies by Professor Harry Peeters, initially focusing on advanced academic studies. In 1986, it became the Tilburg Institute for Advanced Studies, shifting its core focus to management education. The 2006 merger with Utrecht-based NIMBAS formed TIAS School for Business and Society, renamed in 2014 to reflect its commitment to societal impact. With a legacy spanning over four decades, TIAS has grown into a global hub for executive education, maintaining strong ties with industry and academia.
Notable milestones include launching its first master’s programs in 1986 (Banking and Finance, Managerial Information Science) and introducing an average of one new master’s program annually from 1986 to 1995. TIAS alumni, over 18,000 strong across 100+ countries, include leaders in business, government, and NGOs, reflecting its impact on global leadership.
Academic Programs
TIAS offers a diverse portfolio of MBA, Executive PhD, Master’s (MSc), Executive Master’s, Masterclasses, and custom in-company programs, primarily in English, catering to professionals and executives. Programs are delivered in Tilburg, Utrecht, and online, blending academic rigor with practical relevance. The curriculum emphasizes leadership, sustainability, and innovation, supported by a global faculty with business experience.
Bachelor’s Programs
TIAS focuses exclusively on post-experience education and does not offer bachelor’s programs, aligning with its mission to serve professionals with work experience seeking advanced qualifications.
Master’s and PhD Programs
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Full-Time MBA: This one-year, English-taught program is ranked #100 globally (QS 2024) and #2 in the Benelux (Financial Times), excelling in value-for-money (#10) and international mobility (#7). It focuses on leadership, sustainability, and digitalization, with a global immersion module, preparing students for senior management roles. Tuition is approximately €41,500, with scholarships up to 30% available.
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Executive MBA: Part-time and global formats, including specializations in Food and Agribusiness, cater to senior managers. Ranked #2 in the Netherlands and #92 globally (QS Executive MBA Rankings 2025), it emphasizes strategic leadership and transformation.
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Master of Science in Business Administration (MScBA): Available full-time (10 months) or part-time, ranked #50 globally (Financial Times) and #1 in the Netherlands, this program covers strategy, finance, and innovation. Tuition ranges from €19,900 to €24,500, with scholarships up to €5,000.
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Executive Master’s Programs: Specialized programs include Finance (MIF), Information Management (MIM), Business Valuation (MBV), Finance and Control (EMFC), Health Administration (MHA), IT-Auditing (EMITA), Management and Organization (MMO), Marketing (MM), Operations and Supply Chain Management (MOS), Public and Non-Profit Management (MPM), and Real Estate (MRE). These part-time programs, lasting 12-24 months, are designed for professionals, blending online and on-campus learning.
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Executive PhD: Aimed at senior professionals, this program focuses on applied research in governance, entrepreneurship, and digital economy, supported by the Nyenrode Research Group for collaborative projects.
Faculty and Research
TIAS’s faculty combines academic expertise with industry experience, fostering a dynamic learning environment. Research centers, such as the Center for Corporate Reporting, Finance & Accounting and the Center for Innovation & Transformation, focus on governance, sustainability, and digital transformation. Faculty contribute to fields like learning analytics and sustainable business, with projects like cost-effective telemonitoring influencing industry practices.
Highlights
Global Rankings and Research Impact
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TIAS ranks #85 in World University Rankings – Masters in Management (QS 2025), #92 in Executive MBA Rankings – Global (QS 2025), and #29 among European business schools (Financial Times). Its MBA and MScBA programs are highly rated for ROI and diversity.
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TIAS holds prestigious accreditations (AACSB, AMBA, NVAO) and is pursuing Triple Crown status. It produces impactful research in business transformation, with contributions to journals and industry practices.
Internationalization
With participants from over 30 countries and an alumni network of 18,000+ across 100+ countries, TIAS fosters a global community. Partnerships with universities like Kellogg and Stellenbosch enhance mobility. The Orientation Year scheme allows international graduates to work in the Netherlands post-study, supported by a job market open to English speakers.
Student Life and Facilities
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Study Associations: Groups like TIAS Student Consultancy (TSC), TIAS Business Trips (TBT), and TIAS for Social Development (TSD) organize volunteer consulting, company visits, and sustainability initiatives, fostering networking and leadership.
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Campus and Resources: Campuses in Tilburg (integrated with Tilburg University) and Utrecht (focused on executive education) offer modern facilities, including libraries, breakout rooms, and digital learning platforms like Eduframe and Canvas for flexible education.
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Housing and Support: TIAS provides off-campus housing options near its campuses, with rooms averaging €470/month. Scholarships include tuition discounts for MBA (€5,000-30%) and MScBA programs. The career platform offers job postings, internships, and networking events like Meet & Greet and Company Day.
Innovation and Industry Ties
TIAS collaborates with companies like Philips, PwC, and Alliander, offering internships, guest lectures, and company-specific programs. Its focus on transformative leadership and sustainability drives innovation, with initiatives like the Eduframe student information system enhancing lifelong learning.
Historical and Cultural Heritage
TIAS’s history, rooted in the 1982 founding and 2006 merger with NIMBAS, is preserved through its affiliation with Tilburg University’s academic legacy. The Tilburg campus integrates with the university’s resources, while Utrecht’s central location enhances accessibility.
Practical Learning
TIAS emphasizes collaborative learning through real-world projects, internships, and case studies. Programs like the MBA include company-based projects, while executive master’s integrate practical applications with firms. The career services team offers coaching, workshops, and networking, contributing to high employment rates.
Conclusion
TIAS School for Business and Society, established in 1982, is a global leader in post-experience management education, shaping leaders who transform business for societal good. Its programs, from the top-ranked MBA to specialized Executive Master’s, blend academic rigor with practical impact. With prestigious rankings, a diverse international community, and modern campuses in Tilburg and Utrecht, TIAS offers an unparalleled educational experience. Whether drawn to its focus on sustainability, strong industry ties, or flexible learning, TIAS empowers professionals to drive meaningful change.
