About SBE
Source: https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/about-um/faculties/school-business-and-economics/about-sbe Parent: https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/
SBE is an international School of Business and Economics with a broad scope. Our areas of expertise reside in economics, international business, management, public policy, governance and sustainability. We offer high-quality research and research-based education for adult and lifelong learners. Our approach is challenge-driven, innovative, collaborative, inclusive and based on European values.
As an open and connected community, we are an outward-looking member of the international knowledge society. We believe in collaboration and co-creation for a sustainable future. We inspire and are inspired by engaged professionals who appreciate transdisciplinary collaboration. We contribute to society by welcoming different perspectives. We regard integrative problem solving as an indelible element of an integral approach to societal relevant research and learning. Our graduates contribute to society by applying problem-solving skills and state of the art knowledge.
Our mission
SBE combines a strong commitment to excellent research and research-based education with a focus on our impact on society. Our aim is to generate ideas that advance scientific knowledge and practice and to educate and train undergraduates, graduates and professionals to function effectively and responsibly in their careers. Through these objectives, we aim to add value to the society to which we belong.
Triple Crown Accreditation
The Maastricht University School of Business and Economics has been awarded three prestigious accreditations, the American AACSB, the British AMBA and the European-wide EQUIS, resulting in what is known as the Triple Crown accreditation. Only 1% of business schools worldwide can boast this honour, many of which are SBE partner institutes. Only 1% of business schools worldwide have been honoured with the ‘Triple Crown’ of accreditations.
Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders
All SBE bachelor’s and master’s programmes are accredited by the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO). NVAO is an independent accreditation organisation established by the Dutch and Flemish governments that provides expert and objective assessment of the quality of higher education in Flanders and the Netherlands. Maastricht University has also received NVAO’s ‘Distinctive Quality Feature for Internationalisation’, which acknowledges the special focus on internationalisation.
National and international rankings
Times Higher Education (THE) World University Ranking
Maastricht University ranks 121st in the latest edition of the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings. In 2021, SBE's Business and Economics subjects were ranked 62nd worldwide.
Financial Times Masters in Management 2025
The School of Business and Economics ranked #1 in the Netherlands and #65 worldwide in the prestigious FT Master in Management Ranking 2025.
This solidifies SBE's position among the world's leading business schools.
Positive Impact Rating 2025
Our students rated the Maastricht University School of Business and Economics as a Level 4 Transforming School in thePositive Impact Rating 2025. A Level 4business school is acknowledged as having a positive impact culture, embedded in governance and systems, with visible results progress in many impact dimensions.
Keuzegids Universiteiten 2025
SBE's bachelor programmes in International Business (IB) and Economics and Business Economics (EBE) have been ranked first among large, publicly funded programmes in their respective categories. SBE bachelor programme Econometrics and Operations Research also achieved a top ranking in its field.
Keuzegids Masters 2025
SBE's master's programme Economics and Strategy in Emerging Markets has been awarded the prestigious “Excellent WO Master” label in the Keuzegids Masters 2025. SBE's master programmes Global Supply Chain Management and Changeand Learning and Development in Organisations also performed remarkably well.
According to the Keuzegids, SBE is highly rated in the categories "preparation for the labour market" and "atmosphere".
We have partners across the globe
At SBE, we highly value international partnerships and collaborations. They bring together different perspectives, expertise, and insights, adding value to our education and research. The School of Business and Economics has different partnerships across the world. These partnerships can be divided into three main categories: international university partnerships, business partnerships and global networks.
Download the list of SBE international university partnerships