Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about BMI Executive Institute programmes, admissions, study formats, tuition, international learning opportunities and participant support.
Browse questions by topicInternational Executive MBA
What is an Executive MBA (EMBA)?
An Executive MBA, or EMBA, is a programme designed for experienced professionals, managers, executives, and entrepreneurs who want to strengthen their leadership, strategic thinking, and business decision-making while continuing to work. The BMI International Executive MBA is a 15-month programme built around practical learning, international faculty, peer exchange, and real business application. At BMI Executive Institute, it is one programme with two tracks, delivered in Vilnius and Brussels.
What is the difference between an MBA and an Executive MBA?
A traditional MBA is often designed for professionals earlier in their career, while an Executive MBA is created for experienced managers, senior leaders, entrepreneurs, and C-level executives who want to continue working while studying. The BMI International Executive MBA goes beyond general management theory by focusing on strategic decision-making, international perspective, and real business application. Participants work with practical cases, strengthen existing businesses, and develop new business ideas together with a senior peer network.
Who is the BMI International Executive MBA designed for?
The programme is designed for ambitious leaders, senior managers, entrepreneurs, business owners, board members, C-level executives, and high-potential professionals who want to grow beyond their current role. People often choose an EMBA when they are preparing for a career change, taking on broader leadership responsibilities, planning to start or scale a business, or looking for a fresh strategic perspective. BMI admits participants based on their professional experience, leadership potential, motivation, and ability to contribute to a diverse executive cohort.
What is the average age of Executive MBA participants?
BMI Executive MBA participants are typically experienced professionals in their late 30s or early 40s. In recent cohorts, the average age was 39 in Vilnius and 42 in Brussels. However, there is no formal age limit. Each candidate is evaluated individually, with the main focus on their professional experience, leadership potential, motivation, and ability to contribute to the cohort.
What industries do Executive MBA participants come from?
BMI Executive MBA participants come from a wide range of industries and leadership roles. Recent cohort profiles include participants from around 10 sectors, such as IT and ICT, manufacturing, finance, banking and insurance, energy, legal services, the public sector, and other industries. This diversity enriches classroom discussions, broadens perspectives, and allows participants to learn from business challenges beyond their own field.
What is the admission process for the Executive MBA?
Admissions for the BMI International Executive MBA are organised on a rolling basis and follow a clear four-step process. It begins with a first conversation with our team, online or in person, to understand your background, goals, and programme fit. You then submit the application form, provide the required supporting documents, and attend an admissions interview focused on your professional journey, motivation, and expectations. Candidates are evaluated individually based on their experience, leadership potential, motivation, and contribution to the cohort.
How much management experience do I need?
BMI Executive MBA participants usually have substantial professional and management experience. On average, participants have 10+ years of management experience. The programme is best suited for people who already manage teams, projects, business units, companies, or strategic responsibilities and want to broaden their leadership impact.
When is the right time to do an Executive MBA?
The right time to do an Executive MBA is often when you are ready for a meaningful professional or personal step forward. For some participants, this means taking on larger leadership responsibilities, preparing for board-level work, scaling a company, changing direction, or building a stronger international perspective. There is rarely a “perfect” moment – the EMBA journey is intensive – but it starts with a clear decision to invest in yourself and upgrade how you think, lead, and create impact.
How long does the programme take?
The BMI International Executive MBA takes 15 months to complete.
Is the EMBA programme delivered online, in person, or in a hybrid format?
The BMI International Executive MBA is delivered in person, as live classroom interaction, peer learning, networking, and direct access to international faculty are essential to the quality of the EMBA experience. This format ensures deeper discussions, stronger cohort relationships, and a high level of engagement throughout the programme.
Can I do an Executive MBA while working full-time?
Yes. The BMI International Executive MBA is specifically designed for leaders and entrepreneurs who want to upgrade their knowledge and skills without interrupting their careers. The part-time structure allows participants to apply new insights directly in their organisations while progressing through the programme. In Vilnius, classes take place around 5 days per month, while in Brussels they are held 2 days every 2 weeks, making the journey manageable for busy professionals.
Can I attend individual EMBA modules without enrolling in the full programme?
The full BMI International Executive MBA is not divisible, meaning participants who enrol in the EMBA complete the full programme. However, as part of BMI Executive Education, selected EMBA modules are offered as short-term courses for professionals who want targeted development without joining the full EMBA. This allows participants to attend specific modules, experience BMI’s faculty and learning approach, and develop particular skills before considering the full Executive MBA journey.
What does the curriculum include?
The BMI International Executive MBA curriculum combines key business pillars, including leadership, strategy, finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, sustainability, digital transformation, and business performance. The programme also includes two international study modules abroad, field seminars, elective courses, and company visits, making the learning journey practical, international, and closely connected to real executive challenges. Participants work on live projects, including company valuation and new venture business planning, and complete a final Capstone Project.
Who teaches on the BMI Executive MBA programme?
The BMI Executive MBA is taught by a 100% international faculty of experienced academics, business practitioners, C-level executives, board members, consultants, entrepreneurs, and industry experts. Faculty members come from leading business schools and organisations worldwide, including HEC Paris, ESADE Business School, Copenhagen Business School, the National University of Singapore, and other internationally recognised institutions.
They are not only academics. Many have held senior leadership and board-level positions, advised major international companies, built businesses, and led complex organisational transformations. BMI selects faculty for their subject expertise, practical business experience, international perspective, and ability to translate knowledge into insights and tools that senior professionals can apply directly to today’s business challenges.
What are the international study modules?
As part of the BMI International Executive MBA curriculum, participants complete two international study modules: a study visit to Asia focused on fast-growing markets, innovation ecosystems, and regional leadership practices, and a module in France at HEC Paris, where participants complete the Strategy for Value Creation course. In addition, BMI Executive MBA participants and alumni are eligible to join mobility modules at more than 10 venues across 4 continents through BMI’s international academic partner network.
Is the Executive MBA accredited and internationally recognised?
Yes. The BMI International Executive MBA is EFMD-accredited and has consistently met EFMD’s rigorous international quality standards since 2006. The programme has once again been reaccredited in 2025 by EFMD Global for the maximum 5-year period in both Vilnius and Brussels, reaffirming BMI’s commitment to world-class executive education. Its international recognition is further strengthened by global faculty, academic partners, and an alumni network spanning more than 30 countries.
How much does the programme cost?
The current tuition fee for the BMI International Executive MBA is 37,900 EUR for both the Vilnius and Brussels tracks. The fee applies to the full 15-month programme and is available for both full payment and instalment payment options.
Can my employer sponsor my participation?
Yes. Participation in the BMI International Executive MBA can be covered by the participant, by their company, or shared between both parties. Many participants discuss sponsorship with their employer because the programme develops leadership, strategic decision-making, and business capabilities that create direct value for both the participant and the organisation.
Is it possible to pay the tuition fee in instalments?
Yes. BMI offers flexible payment options, and the tuition fee may be paid in several instalments. The payment schedule can be adapted to individual or company needs and is agreed with the BMI team.
Are grants, scholarships, or financing options available?
Yes. Applicants may be eligible for grants covering part of the tuition fee after successfully completing the admissions process. Grants are limited and may cover up to 30% of tuition, based on financial need and the candidate’s potential contribution to the cohort. In Belgium, eligible Flemish SMEs may also be able to use the KMO-portefeuille subsidy to cover part of their tuition fee.
When does the Executive MBA programme begin?
The Vilnius track starts in October 2026, and the Brussels track starts in January 2027. Admissions open in advance and are organised on a rolling basis, so candidates are encouraged to contact BMI early to discuss eligibility, available places, grants, and next steps.
What level of English is required for the Executive MBA programme?
The entire Executive MBA programme is delivered in English, so participants should be able to follow lectures and discussions, contribute actively in class, and complete assignments in English. If you are unsure whether your current level is sufficient, BMI can offer an English language assessment to help evaluate your readiness and determine whether you will feel comfortable and benefit fully from the programme.
What benefits do i receive after graduating from the Executive MBA?
After graduating, you become part of BMI’s international EMBA alumni network of more than 1,500 alumni representing diverse companies, industries, and countries around the world. This dynamic business community continues well beyond the programme, with alumni staying active at BMI as speakers, coaches, project advisors, and jury members.
As part of the Executive MBA, participants also complete the Strategy for Value Creation course at the HEC Paris campus and receive an official HEC Paris certificate upon successful completion of the course.
Graduates also gain access to lifelong learning opportunities, including international mobility modules at BMI’s executive education venues worldwide, helping them continue developing, expanding their networks, and staying at the forefront of business and leadership trends.
Why choose BMI over another Executive MBA?
BMI combines a 15-month flexible format, EFMD accreditation, 100% international faculty, practical executive learning, two international study trips, personal attention, and a strong alumni community. The programme is designed specifically for experienced leaders and entrepreneurs who want immediate business impact, international perspective, and a high-calibre peer network.
Interested in exploring your next step?
Connect with us, attend an upcoming event or schedule a one-to-one conversation with our recruitment team.
BMI Vilnius
Greta Šidlauskienė
Business Development Director
+370 616 93 637
greta.sidlauskiene@bmiinstitute.com
Book a meetingBMI Brussels
Executive Education
What is Executive Education?
Executive Education refers to short, focused learning programmes designed for experienced professionals, managers, executives, investors, and entrepreneurs who want to strengthen specific competencies without committing to a full degree programme. At BMI, Executive Education provides a flexible way to gain practical business knowledge, learn from international faculty and practitioners, expand professional networks, and address the leadership and strategic challenges of today’s changing business environment.
How is Executive Education different from an Executive MBA?
Executive Education is shorter and more focused on a specific topic, such as leadership, finance, negotiation, governance, or AI. An Executive MBA is a broader 15-month transformational programme covering multiple areas of business and leadership. Executive Education is ideal when you need targeted development; an EMBA is better for deeper, long-term leadership growth.
Who are Executive Education programmes designed for?
BMI Executive Education programmes are designed for high-level executives, managers, business owners, investors, entrepreneurs, board members, and professionals who want to strengthen specific capabilities. They are especially useful for people who need practical, immediately applicable learning but may not currently need a full Executive MBA. They can also be a valuable way to experience BMI’s faculty, learning approach, and quality of executive education before deciding whether to pursue the full EMBA programme.
What programmes and topics do you offer?
BMI offers short-term programmes and individual modules covering areas such as board leadership and governance, executive presence, finance for decision-making, negotiation skills, crisis management, AI, and others. The Executive Education portfolio is continuously updated to reflect current business challenges, market trends, and leadership priorities.
How long do the programmes and modules last?
Executive Education modules usually last two days, while short-term programmes may consist of several modules and run across multiple days. For example, BMI’s Board Leadership and Governance programme is a comprehensive 4-day programme delivered across Copenhagen and Vilnius.
Are the programmes and modules delivered online, in person, or in a hybrid format?
All BMI Executive Education programmes and modules are delivered in person, as live classroom interaction, peer learning, networking, and direct access to international faculty are essential to the quality of the learning experience. This format ensures deeper discussions, stronger cohort relationships, and a high level of engagement throughout each programme or module.
Is there an admission process for Executive Education programmes?
No. Executive Education programmes and individual modules do not have the same admissions process as the Executive MBA. The usual next step is a short conversation with BMI’s team – either in person or online – to discuss your goals, expectations, programme requirements, and whether the selected programme or module is the right fit for you.
Can my employer sponsor my participation?
Yes. Participation in the BMI International Executive MBA can be covered by the participant, by their company, or shared between both parties.
How do I choose between an Executive MBA and Executive Education?
Start with your personal and professional goal. You may need a short Executive Education module if you want to strengthen knowledge in a specific area, such as negotiation, finance, governance, leadership presence, or AI. A focused programme may also be the right choice if you have a concrete objective, for example preparing to join a board. The Executive MBA is more suitable if you are looking for broader leadership transformation, long-term impact, an international peer network, and a complete business education journey. You can always discuss your goals with BMI’s team, who will ask the right questions and help identify the most suitable learning path for you.
What are the benefits of short executive programmes?
Short executive programmes provide a concentrated learning boost for professionals who want to strengthen specific skills quickly. Participants learn from international faculty and practitioners, exchange experience with peers, and apply new tools immediately at work. They are especially useful when you need practical development in a specific area but cannot commit to a full degree programme.
Not sure which option is right for you?
Speak with our team, join an upcoming event, or schedule a one-to-one consultation with our recruitment team.
BMI Vilnius
Greta Šidlauskienė
Business Development Director
+370 616 93 637
greta.sidlauskiene@bmiinstitute.com
Book a meetingIn-company Trainings
What are in-company training programmes?
In-company training programmes are customised learning solutions designed for a specific organisation and their team. BMI creates practical training around a company’s goals, challenges, people, and business context. The aim is to create tangible value by addressing real organisational needs rather than delivering a standard off-the-shelf course.
Which topics can be covered?
BMI can customise training in different areas, such as strategy, innovation, digital transformation, leadership, change management, executive presence, HR, team culture, project management, crisis management, operations, sales, finance, marketing, negotiation, communication, business ethics, CSR, sustainability, and other industry-specific challenges.
How long does a typical programme last?
The duration depends on the organisation’s goals, topic, audience, and desired impact. BMI offers formats ranging from focused sessions and small-group workshops to long-term programmes spread over several months or even years. The final duration is defined after understanding the company’s needs.
Where can the training be delivered?
Training can be delivered at BMI’s office in Vilnius, at the client’s premises or in another agreed location, depending on the programme format and client needs. BMI operates from Vilnius and Brussels and works through an international network of faculty and partners, making it possible to design learning experiences for organisations in different locations around the world.
What is the ideal group size?
There is no single ideal group size. BMI can work with small executive teams as well as larger employee groups. For highly interactive leadership, strategy, or team development work, smaller groups are usually better because they allow deeper discussion, feedback, and practical exercises. For larger groups, the training can be planned accordingly, for example, by dividing participants into several groups or delivering the programme in several sessions to ensure the best learning quality and participant experience.
Who delivers the training?
BMI training is delivered by international faculty, experienced practitioners, executive educators, and business experts. Our faculty pool includes professionals who have worked with leading companies around the world, built practical know-how, and now share it through executive education. For each client, BMI selects the most relevant experts from this international network to match the organisation’s goals, industry context, and specific training needs, ensuring a strong connection between management theory and practical business application.
Which organisations have you worked with?
BMI has experience working with organisations across different industries and business contexts. We have worked with clients including Scandagra, Intrum, Danske Bank, Tamro Baltics, SEB, Telia, Lietuvos draudimas, SBA, and many others. This experience allows us to understand diverse organisational challenges and design training programmes that are relevant, practical, and business-focused.
How much do in-company training programmes cost?
The cost depends on the programme scope, duration, topic, number of participants, delivery format, faculty, location, and level of customisation. Because in-company training is designed around each client’s needs, BMI prepares a tailored proposal after the initial consultation and needs analysis.
Still have questions?
Speak with us, join an upcoming event, or schedule a one-to-one consultation with our recruitment team.
Book a meetingTalk to Aurėja
About BMI Executive Institute
What is BMI Executive Institute?
BMI Executive Institute is an international business school with more than 26 years of experience in executive education. BMI offers the International Executive MBA for top-level managers and experienced leaders, as well as short-term Executive Education programmes and customised in-company training for organisations.
How long has BMI been operating?
BMI was established in 1999, which means it has more than 26 years of experience in executive education. Over this period, BMI has developed its International Executive MBA programme, short Executive Education programmes, customised in-company training solutions, international partnerships, and a strong alumni community.
Where is BMI located?
BMI has offices in Vilnius, Lithuania, and Brussels, Belgium. At the same time, BMI works with a fully international faculty network, which means in-company training programmes can be designed and delivered for clients in different locations around the world.
Who are your faculty members?
BMI faculty includes international academics, business practitioners, executives, board members, consultants, and experts from leading business schools and organisations. They are not only academics – many have worked with major international companies, advised corporations, built businesses themselves, or held senior leadership roles. BMI selects faculty for their topic expertise, practical business experience, and ability to share real know-how that is relevant for senior professionals and today’s business challenges.
Who are your international academic partners?
BMI’s founding partner schools include HEC Paris, UCLouvain / Louvain School of Management, NHH Norwegian School of Economics, and Vytautas Magnus University. BMI also works with a wider network of academic partners and mobility venues across Europe, Asia, and North America, like National University of Singapore, Tulane University in USA, Aalto university in Finland and others.
What makes BMI different from other business schools?
BMI stands out through a combination of international quality, practical relevance, and executive focus. First, BMI is an international business school with more than 26 years of experience in executive education and a strong alumni network across different industries and countries. Second, the BMI International Executive MBA is EFMD-accredited and internationally oriented, with global faculty and two international study modules that expose participants to different markets, business cultures, and leadership perspectives. Third, BMI’s faculty is carefully selected for each topic and includes top-level academics, practitioners, executives, and business experts who combine strong academic knowledge with real business experience. Finally, the programme is highly practical. Participants work with real business challenges throughout the programme and complete a final Capstone Project, allowing them to apply their learning directly to strategic issues, existing organisations, or new business ideas.
Do you have an alumni network?
Yes. BMI has a strong international alumni community. The Executive MBA alumni network alone includes more than 1,500 alumni, while more than 10,000 leaders have completed BMI’s short-term Executive Education programmes or in-company training programmes. Alumni remain connected through events, initiatives, networking, lifelong learning opportunities, and continued involvement in the BMI community.
Can I visit the campus or attend an information session?
Yes. Everyone interested in BMI programmes is welcome to contact our team and agree on a convenient time to meet at our offices in Vilnius or Brussels, or to schedule an online conversation. We also organise live events where prospective participants can meet BMI’s team, faculty, and alumni, learn more about the programmes, and experience the kind of thought leadership we share with our community.
Have more questions or need more information?
Speak with us, join an upcoming event, or schedule a 1-on-1 consultation with our recruitment team
BMI Vilnius
Greta Šidlauskienė
Business Development Director
+370 616 93 637
greta.sidlauskiene@bmiinstitute.com
Book a meeting