Advanced Master in Development Studies at IOB -University of Antwerp.

🌍 Are you passionate about making a difference in the world? 

• The Institute of Development Policy (IOB) offers high-level education in topics such as migration, human rights, conflict, poverty, inequality, globalisation, and climate change at an affordable tuition fee. 
• With students from over 30 different nationalities, IOB creates a unique and diverse learning environment. 
• The opportunity to do research stays or fieldwork in countries such as Nicaragua, Tanzania, and the Philippines is also available. 

Why study at IOB?

• Tackle global challenges: gain expertise in addressing migration, human rights, poverty, inequality, and climate change.
• Become a change agent: learn to drive local and global development.
• Join a diverse international community: students from over 30 countries with varied academic and professional backgrounds.
• Gain hands-on experience: research stays and fieldwork in Nicaragua, Tanzania, and the Philippines.
• Connect with alumni: influential professionals working in NGOs, government, and international organisations.

• Antwerp is located in Belgium, the ❤️ of Europe and home to the world's best beer, fries, chocolates and diamonds.

• Big cities like Amsterdam, London, Paris or Berlin are only a train ride away

Choose your specialisation:

• ​Governance and Development
  Explore how power, institutions, and policy shape development outcomes in the Global South. This advanced master equips you with analytical tools to understand and improve governance for more inclusive and effective development.
  Example topics: Conflict resolution, governance reforms, decentralization
  Example careers: Policy advisor, NGO manager, researcher
• Globalisation and Development
  Looking to shape a fairer world? In just one year, the Advanced Master of Globalisation and Development delivers the toolkit—data, theory, and policy—to drive progress on global inequalities, migration, and climate change.
  Example topics: Trade policies, migration, climate change, inequality
  Example careers: Development economist, sustainability consultant, migration expert
  
• Development Evaluation and Management
  Become a catalyst for accountability and progress: UAntwerp’s Advanced Master in Development Evaluation and Management prepares you to assess effectiveness in areas like gender, climate, migration, and aid—using real-world case studies and mixed-methods.
  Example topics: Aid effectiveness, programme evaluation, impact assessment
  Example careers: M&E specialist, development consultant, impact analyst
  

You’ll benefit from:

• 📚 An interdisciplinary, research-led curriculum
• ✈️ Fieldwork opportunities in the Global South (e.g. Tanzania, Philippines, Uganda...)
• 🧠 Small, discussion-based classes
• 💼 Career coaching and alumni mentorship
• 💬 All courses taught in English

"My year at IOB? A blend of aha moments, great friendships, and a mindset makeover that’s here to stay." - Sri Milawati Asshagab (Indonesia) Master of Globalisation and Development

"The greatest myth of the 21st century is that the world decolonized with the fall of formal colonial powers. The impact runs deeper than we realize, embedded in even the most progressive notions of development." - Janka Steppe (Belgium) Master of Development Evaluation and Management

"IOB taught me resilience and transformed my perspective on issues; now, complex problems feel like opportunities for impactful solutions." - Paul Otieno Onyalo (Kenya) Master of Development Evaluation and Management

"The most significant change IOB triggered in my life is igniting a sense of relentless curiosity and critical questioning. IOB inspires you to keep exploring." - Michael Kisaka (Kenya) Master of Governance and Development 

• Duration: 1 year full-time (60 ECTS)
• Location: University of Antwerp, Belgium
• Start date: Mid-September
• Tuition fees:
  • EU students: approx. €980
  • Non-EU students: approx. €5,800
• Scholarships available for eligible students via VLIR-UOS and others
• Application deadlines
  • 1 March (for scholarship applicants)
  • 1 June (self-financing students)