Master in International Finance (MIF) 12 months full-time | 24 months part-time | modular September 2016 intake
The Amsterdam Business School: A history of excellence 3
Master in International Finance (MIF) 4
Programme overview 5
Curriculum 2016-2017 6
Class of 2016 profi le 7
Mapping your career path 8
Admissions Requirements 9
Fees and Funding 10
Contact details 10
Table of contents
2 www.abs.uva.nl/mif
www.abs.uva.nl/mif3
The University of Amsterdam (UvA) is a modern
university with a rich history stretching back almost 400
years. Founded in 1632, the UvA has since grown into a
world-class research and teaching university with strong
international connections. With seven major faculties, a
wide range of courses and a staff of renowned academics
and researchers, UvA is ranked 58th in the world and first
in the Netherlands according to the QS World University
Ranking and ranked among the top 60-80 universities
worldwide according to the Times Higher Education
Ranking. The university is also a member of LERU,
a network of leading European research universities
including Oxford, Cambridge, University College London,
Zurich, Leuven, Leiden and Edinburgh. Through its
reputation and location, the UvA draws thousands of
international students every year. The Amsterdam Business
School (ABS) is part of the University of Amsterdam, and
its ethos reflects the university’s traditions as an
international, entrepreneurial, intellectual and socially
responsible community. Building on this heritage, ABS’s
educational philosophy is characterised by exceptional
lecturers, an international student base, small-scale
interactive seminars, workshops and case-based
programmes. The Amsterdam Business School offers many
benefits thanks to its central location in the heart of
Amsterdam, a major financial and business centre and a
gateway to Europe as well as the rest of the world. These
are just some of the factors that attract the most talented
students from all over the world to join ABS for its two
flagship programmes: The specialised Master in
International Finance (MIF) and the Amsterdam MBA.
To find out more, why not arrange a visit? Contact us at
[email protected] if you’d like to attend an
information evening or a trial class, or if you’d like us to
arrange a meeting or contact with a current student, an
alumnus, or the MIF Admissions Office.
The Amsterdam Business School: A history of excellence
MEET MIF
FULL-TIME
STUDENT JAEMI
SAMONTE
(PHILIPINES)
Why the MIF programme?
‘After obtaining my bachelor’s
degree, accounting license and CFA
charter, I have decided to take a
Masters in International Finance
programme as this would be a good
way to complete my list of academic
credentials. I chose MIF based on my
own research and feedback from
alumni, and it has turned out to be a
very good decision. With the MIF, I
was able to sharpen my existing
knowledge in finance by exchanging
ideas with professors and guest
speakers who are experts in their
field, as well as with classmates
coming from diverse backgrounds.
They all gave a fresh perspective on
the topics that I’ve already seen and
heard, but was not able to
appreciate to the fullest until I took
the MIF programme. Also, unlike
other masters programmes, the MIF
really holds up to its promise of
combining theory and practice, as
the courses are academically rigorous
but with a constant emphasis on
professional application. For instance,
I knew how to do business
combination accounting before, but
with the MIF I was able to realise its
key implications for valuation and
equity research. I had a working
knowledge of investment
instruments, but the MIF enabled me
to internalise the opportunities and
challenges based on broad academic
research and empirical observations.
I’ve heard about private equity, but
never really appreciated how it is in
practice until I listened to the MIF
professors and guest speakers. I
believe that the MIF’s professional
focus will be greatly appreciated by
experienced professionals like myself,
as well as career-switchers and those
early in their careers’
What are the career perspectives?
‘Lastly, as I aim to stay in Europe, I
believe that the MIF enhances my
employability given that it is an
excellent finance master’s
programme from a very reputable
university in the E.U., with a strong
alumni network which extends even
outside the Netherlands. In fact, even
as early as the first block of classes
and all throughout the programme, I
felt that there were so many
opportunities presented to us to
enhance our career prospects, such
as through company visits and
presentations, professional
gatherings, job postings, alumni
mentoring and meeting with
alumni.’
3 www.abs.uva.nl/mif
www.abs.uva.nl/mif4
Master in International Finance (MIF)
The Master in International Finance (MIF) at the
Amsterdam Business School (ABS), part of the University
of Amsterdam (UvA) is the first steps towards a career of
financial leadership and excellence.
Our uniquely tailored MIF will help you achieve your
professional goals through world-class teaching and
personalised learning. From an overseas study trip, to
lifelong membership into the MIF alumni network, this
Advanced Masters of Science provides all the tools you
need to achieve your ambitions. What are you waiting for?
Why the MIF?
A Master’s degree in finance will help your career take off.
But as a major investment of time and money it is crucial
you select the perfect one. So… why the MIF?
With a global reputation for excellence, the MIF is one of
the top programmes of its kind internationally. Teaching is
conducted primarily by ABS’s Finance Group faculty, one
of Europe’s leading finance departments, and has strong
international focus, with researchers from 14 countries.
Most MIF professors and lecturers have published
extensively in academic journals, and specialist areas include
corporate finance, asset pricing, derivatives, capital market
integration, corporate governance and financial regulation.
Credibility
Our MIF is internationally renowned, playing to ABS’s
core strengths in corporate finance, banking and asset
management; 90% of our students are hired by top 100
firms before graduation.
Quality
The MIF juggles business relevance with academic
excellence, inviting guest input from leading finance
academics, policy makers and global figures. Our approach
is uniquely personal, from small classes and hands-on
workshops, to an international study trip, mentor
programmes and lifetime membership of the MIF alumni
network.
Diversity
We welcome applicants from all over the world; more than
15 countries are represented in our current intake.
Combined with a mix of full-time students and working
part-timers, and an international faculty, this makes for an
exciting melting pot of cultures, professional backgrounds
and academic skills. What will you bring to the table?
Small classes
To help develop your skills as a finance specialist, we keep
class sizes deliberately small. Professors can focus keenly on
individual students, personally guiding them towards their
specific goals, while learners bounce off one another during
interactive seminars and lectures. Learning is a dialogue, not a
monologue.
Career Services
The Career Service Manager will guide you through your
MIF and beyond, helping you shape your ideal career path.
Through one-on-one coaching sessions throughout the year
(and even post-graduation) you will formulate a Personal &
Professional Development Plan, identifying your strengths
and weaknesses and preparing you for the job market.
Dutch job market
Networking opportunities, speaker events, the ABS Careers
Fair, in-house visits and the Careers Office will acquaint you
with professional opportunities in the Netherlands. Our
Career Service Manager will actively assist, sourcing internship
and job opportunities and carrying out mock interviews.
Locality
Amsterdam is one of Europe’s commercial hubs and a
financial gateway to the world; most companies have bases
here. It is also a remarkable city in which to live: inspiring,
vibrant, welcoming and beautiful - and virtually everyone
speaks English!
5
Programme structure
The Master in International Finance (MIF) programme is
offered as a full-time, one-year programme and a part-time,
two-year programme. Both commence annually in
September, and both comprise 70 ECs. Upon successful
completion of the programme, students are awarded the
degree of Master of Science in International Finance.
Programme components
All core courses and electives are delivered through six
weeks of lectures, one study week and one exam week, over
a total of eight weeks.
Electives
Students can take 2 electives of the Amsterdam MBA
programme or the Executive Programme in Management
Studies (EPMS) only in addition to the required number of
3 MIF electives.
Full-time course load
The full-time Master in International Finance (MIF)
programme starts in the last week of August and ends
around mid-June. It is followed by a Master thesis research
project and potentially an internship.
Full-time students typically attend 3 classes a week in the
evening. Classes take approximately 9 hours per week.
Class preparation, casework and assignments demand a
further 18-27 hours per week.
Part-time course load
Part-time students study under the same regulations as full-
time students, except that the course programme is spread
over a period of 18-24 months.
Part-time students typically attend 1-2 evening classes per
week. The weekdays at which evening classes are scheduled
will vary from course to course, but there will be no classes
on Fridays.
Classes for part-time students take approximately 3-6 hours
per week. Class preparation, casework, and assignments
demand a further 6-9 hours per week and course.
Programme overview
Component Credits
8 core courses 32 EC, 4 EC per course
3 MIF electives 12 EC, 4 EC per course
Leadership programme
International Study Trip - South Africa 2 EC
Ethics in Finance Workshop 1 EC
Finance Research Workshop 3 EC
Master thesis 15 EC
MIF Pre-Course Training 5 EC, if required
Personal Development Portfolio applicable to full-timers, no EC granted
CASPER HEEREMANS (NETHERLANDS),
MIF ALUMNUS 2005, DUTCH CENTRAL
BANK, SENIOR RESOLUTION OFFICER
Why did you decide to pursue your Master in International
Finance degree at the Amsterdam Business School?
‘I made my decision based on a number of factors, such as the
faculty, the programme content, the university’s reputation and
accreditations, employment statistics and so on. I knew that the
University of Amsterdam had a strong finance department.
Another important factor was that I was working with an MIF
alumnus who was very enthusiastic about the programme. His
positive experiences also helped to get support from my
employer.’
You currently hold the role of MIF Ambassador. Can you tell
us more about it?
‘I find it important to give something back to the school. The
MIF programme at Amsterdam Business School has a very good
reputation and I would like to make prospective students aware
about opportunities that this programme offers based on my
positive experience. As a MIF Ambassador I am actively involved
in promoting the MIF programme, while working together with
the programme management to improve it, giving workshops
on topics related to project finance, providing information and
sharing my experience with new and prospective students, and
many other interesting activities.’
www.abs.uva.nl/mif
Block 3January
Block 4 February - March
Block 5April - May
Block 6June - August
Block 2November - December
Block 1September -October
Pre-Course (June – Aug)
Core courses
Full-time programme Part-time programme
Core courses year 1 Core courses year 2 Electives
Fundamentals of Finance
Financial Accounting
Quantitative Methods & Research Skills
Advanced Corporate Finance & Valuation
Investments
Financial Econometrics
M&A and Restructuring
Financial Derivatives
International Financial Management
International study trip to Cape Town
Risk Management & Fin. Institutions
Financial Modelling
Ethics in Finance & Finance Research workshop
Leadership programme
Master thesis
Fundamentals of Finance
Financial Accounting
Quantitative Methods & Research Skills
Advanced Corporate Finance & Valuation
Investments
M&A and Restructuring
Financial Derivatives
International study trip: Cape Town
Financial Econometrics
International Financial Management
Financial Modelling
Ethics in Finance & Finance Research workshop
Master thesis
Financial Analysis & Valuation
Real Estate Finance
Advanced Financial Econometrics
Advanced Asset Management
Computational Finance in MATLAB
Behavioural Finance
OPTIONAL: COMPULSORY:
6
Curriculum 2016-2017
www.abs.uva.nl/mif
www.abs.uva.nl/mif7
64,7
28 years
660 points
35,3
MIF Class Full-time 2015-2016 MIF Class Part-time 2015-2017
%Male
%Female
Average Age
Average GMAT
56,5 43,5%Male
%Female
Average Age30 years
Female/Male
Average age + GMAT
Cross-cultural collaboration
Imagine working on a challenging group
assignment with a Indian Investment Analyst, a
Turkish Treasury Specialist, and a Iranian Oil
Market Analyst and then discussing your project
with a Dutch Tax Manager, a Chinese
Consultant and a Brazilian Financial Analyst.
Welcome to the Master in International Finance
(MIF) programme. Boost your career and meet
the MIF 2016 class!
MIF class of 2016 profi le
Class of 2016 profi le
South America9,52%
Africa4,76%
North America2,38%
South EuropeSouth EuropeSouth Europe2,38% 2,38% 2,38% 2,38% 2,38% 2,38% 2,38% 2,38%
AsiaAsia35,70%
West Europe33,33% 33,33% 33,33% 33,33% 33,33% 33,33% 33,33%
East EuropeEast EuropeEast EuropeEast EuropeEast EuropeEast EuropeEast EuropeEast Europe7,14%
American/British, Bulgarian, Brazilian, Canadian, Chinese, Dutch, German, Indian, Indone-sian, Italian, Iranian, Portuguese, Russian, South-African,Turkish, Vietnamese, Peruvian
international47,5%
nationalities17
Nationalities
Years of work experience
MIF Class 2015-2016 Full-time
4,5 yearsMIF Class 2015-2017 Part-time
5 years4,5 years
Automotive
Banking
Consulting
Construction
Energy market
Investment Management
IT
Logistics
Real Estate
Risk Management
Telecom
Retail
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 %
Industries
www.abs.uva.nl/mif8
Defi ne and plan for your career goals
During the one- or two-year MIF programme, you will be
guided by the Career Services Manager to defi ne and plan
your career path. The Career Service Manager will work
with you very closely and will support you in achieving
your Career goals.
From enrolment to completion of the programme the
Career Services Manager will be involved on a regular basis,
and will be as well available after you become an alumnus.
You will start with an comprehensive intake and then
continue with one-on-one coaching sessions throughout the
year. The coaching sessions will be based on your needs and
the area of improvement. Together with the Career
Service Manager you will develop a Personal&Professional
Development Plan and work on various careers-related
aspects such as your skills, identifying your strengths and
weaknesses, CV and/or cover letter writing, Job interviews
preparations and many others.
Stepping stones to success
Amsterdam Business School MIF graduates are highly
sought after, as even a quick glance at the job placement
stats proves. Your MIF experience will provide many
opportunities to enhance your career skills as well as
connect with potential employers and fi rst-rate recruiters.
To help you nail the key position you’re after upon
completion of your MIF, our Careers Offi ce offers one-on-
one coaching sessions, a personal development plan, career
Sample of our MBA recruiters:
PWC
ABN AMRO
Rabobank
ING
Avenade
Profundo
Nuon
Commerzbank
IBM
Philips
Mapping your career path
Careers
MIF Class 2013 – 2014
of the students placed within 3 months after graduation
7%of the students placed before graduation
93%
DAN ZHOU (CHINA) MIF 2015 –
RISK TRAINEE AT NN GROUP
‘The career services at Amsterdam
Business School-MIF offi ce provided
me enormous help during the year of
my study. The Career Service Manager
arranged many activities, connecting
us with different companies, helping us improve our
resumes and interview skills.
She also organized all different types of workshops to
offer us the best preparation before starting or switching
a career. Besides, we all have the chance to receive a
personal coaching regarding to our career goals, personal
strengths and weakness. It was the Career Service
Manager who introduced me to the diverse job
opportunities, assisted me preparing interviews and
supported me with landing a position in the fi nancial
sector before my graduation.’
workshops, meet & greet events with potential employers,
career fairs and networking events.
Our career workshops tackle a range of topics including:
n Working in the Netherlands
n Personal branding
n Professional networking skills
n Speed interview training
n Employment contracts & negotiations
n Effective networking with social media
n CV & cover letter writing
n Job interviewing
n How to make a Career Switch
n How to increase Self-Effectiveness
n Public Speaking
n Careers in consultancy
www.abs.uva.nl/mif9
Don’t miss out
We accept 40-50 students at the MIF each year. The
programme begins in September, but admissions are made
throughout the previous academic year. Deadlines for
external funding and internal concessions are earlier than 30
June. As the number of places is limited, we would like to
encourage you to apply early.
Admission requirements
n Bachelor’s or Master’s degree
A degree from a research university in a related field
(e.g. business administration, economics, engineering,
natural sciences, mathematics, law).
n Pre-course training
This may be required, depending on your academic
background. The pre-course training is mandatory for all
part-time students. Covers fundamentals in finance,
financial accounting, and quantitative methods &
research skills. Done via our online learning platform.
Check admission requirements to see if you need training.
n Work experience
Minimum 1-2 years of relevant work experience in the
financial field (internships included).
n GMAT or GRE
GMAT or GRE scores are compulsory for all full-time
applicants. Minimum: GMAT 630; GRE 650
n Intellectual Capacity Test
Part-time applicants take the Intellectual Capacity Test in
place of GMAT/GRE scores.
n English language proficiency
TOEFL minimum: 100; IELTS minimum: 7.0.
Step 1
Apply
Apply online using Embark: https://apply.embark.com/
MBAEdge/Amsterdam/FEB/86/
Deadline: 30 June
Step 2
Documentation
We require copies of these original documents:
n Passport
n CV
n Diplomas and Transcripts (grade list)
n Cover letter outlining why you wish to take the MIF
n English test score
n Full-time applicants:
GMAT/GRE score report (Minimum 630/650)
n Part-time applicants:
Intellectual Capacity Test
n Two recommendation letters (academic or professional)
Step 3
Interview
We evaluate all applications within 48 hours and invite
successful candidates for interview. Interviewed candidates
receive the Admissions Committee’s final decision within
two weeks.
Step 4
Contract and enrolment deposit
Once accepted you must sign a contract and pay a E2,000
enrolment deposit within four weeks of the admission date
to secure your place. When we have received the enrolment
fee and the required documentation (see above), the UVA
will arrange your visa and housing (full-time international
students only).
Admissions Requirements
www.abs.uva.nl/mif10
Fees
Tuition for full-time and part-time students starting
September 2016: E26,900.
This covers everything, from courses and the international
study trip, to MIF facilities, university.
Funding
MIF GMAT scholarship
Full-time students are eligible for scholarships based on
GMAT/GRE scores above 640. Scholarships range from
E1,000 to E11,000. Please indicate on your application that
you wish to apply for it.
Amsterdam Finance Excellence Scholarship (AFES) - non EU
This prestigious new scholarship programme has recently
been launched targeting exceptionally talented Bachelor/
Master’s students with work experience in the financial field
from outside Europe. The Amsterdam Finance Excellence
Scholarship (AFES) is a waiver of E7,500 for one academic
year. The deadline for applications is 1 February.
Amsterdam Finance Talent Scholarship (AFTS) - EU
The Amsterdam Finance Talent Scholarship (AFTS) offered
by the Master in International Finance programme is aimed
at talented students from the Netherlands and the European
Union / European Economic Area who choose to do the
MIF programme. This scholarship is a waiver of E10,000
for one academic year.
Early bird Discount
E4,000 for applications received before 1 December;
E2,000 for those received before 1 March.
Dutch Government scholarships
Contact the Dutch embassy or consulate in your country:
www.grantfinder.nl
Neso Scholarships
Contact the Neso office in your country:
www.nuffic.nl/neso
UvA alumni
10% discount. Total: E24,210.
Early payment in full
Applicants who pay full tuition fee before 30 April receive
5% discount.
Tax-deductible
For part-time applicants working in the Netherlands tuition
fees are tax-deductible.
CV Quick Scan
To check you meet admission requirements use our
CV Quick Scan now:
www.abs.uva.nl/mif > Application and Admission
Get in touch
For questions or more information on the MIF, visit
www.abs.uva.nl/mif
or contact:
MIF Admissions Office
Marjolein ‘t Jong:
T +31 20 525 4056 | E [email protected]
MIF Programme Management
Sherien Ibrahim
T +31 (0)20 525 4388 | E [email protected]
MIF Career Services Office
Kristina Rasikh-Stipovic
T +31 (0)20 525 5480 | E [email protected]
Fees and Funding