Monaco Business School at the International University of Monaco

Age: 25

History: The University was founded in 1986 by a Belgian entrepreneur. The MBA began in 1989.

Address: In Fontvieille, the commercial business centre of Monaco. The university is on four floors of a complex in the AS Monaco football stadium.

Ambience: The main classroom in the prestigious Gildo Pastor Conference Centre has marble floors, soundproofed walls and translation booths.

Vital statistics: For postgraduates, the school offers three MBA programs: international management, luxury management and applied finance. They are 10-month courses with personal assessments and workshops, speakers from relevant industries, and a mentorship programme. There is also an applied research project where students can do market analysis or set up their own business. The university also offers an executive MBA; a Master’s in Finance, an MSc in Luxury Goods and Services and a Master’s in International Management and Global Affairs. There is also a Bachelors degree in Business Administration.

Added value: While the MBAs are general management degrees, they go a step further than the classic MBA curriculum by testing the knowledge learned in real-life business situations, and focusing strongly on global leadership. All courses are taught in English.

Easy to get into? The university selects students on the basis of their academic record and work experience. As well as being motivated and unique, you'll need at least three years of work experience and a GMAT for the MBAs. The university prides itself on admitting only the best; with one in three applicants being successful.

Glittering alumni: Arletta Huntley, director of operations, Bank of St Lucia; Jean Christophe Lega, vice president, Société Générale, Singapore; Johan Brolin, entrepreneur, Sweden.

Gurus: Dr Ingo Böbel, economics; Dr Dino Sola, financial mathematics; Dr Corine Cohen, luxury goods marketing; Barend Von der Vorm, a private investor and entrepreneur; Dr Marie Cecile Cervellon, consumer behaviour.

International connections: The student body is extremely diverse, with more than 60 nationalities represented in the 350 students. The university has exchange links with a variety of international universities all over the world.

Student profile: Male to female ratios tend to be about even. On the MBA, the average age is 29 with six years' experience. On the executive MBA, the average age is 42, with 15 years experience, and many tend to be entrepreneurs.

Cost: For the MBA it's €24,800; for the executive MBA it's €24,000; for the Masters it's €16,800.

Return on investment: A significant salary boost, high placement rate after graduation and an exciting career path.

Who's the boss? Dr. Sandrine Ricard.

Prospectus: +377 97 986 986; www.monaco.edu/