Frequently asked questions

  • What is Online Academy?

    Online Academy, an initiative of Mediafin (publisher of De Tijd and L’Echo) and Vlerick Business School, is a programme that supports professionals in expanding their essential knowledge and skills in diverse (business) domains, thereby empowering them and enabling them to grow their careers.

  • What will happen with my data?

    If you enrol at Online Academy, we need to be able to contact you about your learning journey. Your personal data will therefore be stored in the database of Vlerick Business School which is the controller for the processing of your personal data. Your name, function, employer and e-mail address will also be shared with Mediafin NV, publisher of De Tijd and L’Echo. You can voluntary opt-in to receive future communications of each organising party. In such case you can – at any time – withdraw your consent to your personal data being used for the purpose you agreed to by sending an e-mail to [email protected]”. Learn more about your rights and the use of your personal data in our privacy policy.

  • Who can participate?

    Any professional, consultant, entrepreneur who is looking for new knowledge and skills in a particular domain, regardless of their business function and sector (HR, sales, finance, supply chain, …). The programmes are delivered in English, so a proficient level of English is needed.

  • How will I learn?

    All courses are self-paced online programmes. You can learn whenever and wherever it suits you. You get 3 months access to the online platform. A mix of different learning formats is used including videos, exercises, quizzes, case studies, real-life examples and simulations. You’ll also have background reading and questions to help you reflect on your own experience.

  • In what language are the courses?

    The programmes are entirely conducted in English. Participants are expected to have proficient level of English.

  • How much time should I invest in an essential?

    It takes around 10 to 12 hours to complete an essentials programme. You get access for 3 months to the platform, so you can arrange your own schedule over a maximum of three months.

  • How are the programmes delivered?

    The programmes are self-paced, 100% online.

  • Who is responsible for the content?

    The programme content and assignments have been carefully selected and designed by Vlerick Business School professors.

  • What is the fee?

    The registration fee for a programme is € 840 (Incl VAT). This gives you a 3 month access to the platform and all learning content.

  • What do I have to do to gain my certificate?

    After completing at least 80% of the online modules, you will receive your official certificate of completion.

  • What type of qualification will I receive?

    Online Academy programmes lead to a certificate of completion once you have completed at least 80% of your online programme within 3 months. The programmes do not link towards gaining credits for a university degree or diploma qualification.

  • How long do I have access to the course?

    You get access to the platform immediately after your payment. The platform remains accessible for 3 months after your payment.

  • Are there any due dates, and how flexible is the course at accommodating my schedule?

    You get 3 months access to the programme, then the platform closes.

  • How do I enroll in a course?

    Enrolling is simple. Click the Buy button on the webpage of the Online Academy programme of your choice. You will have to provide your email address and additional information for invoicing. The platform will ask you to provide a password, or you can choose to use your LinkedIn or Google account credentials. Once you successfully make your online payment with a credit card, you can immediately start learning online.

  • Where can I find my Login URL?

    Go to “onlineacademy.vlerick.com” and login. The page will redirect to a dashboard where you can find all your Online Academy courses. If you forget your password, you will have options to recover your password.

  • When will I receive my course material?

    Immediately after your payment you will be able to access the course material on the online platform. You will have access for three months.

  • Which payment methods can I use?

    You can pay by credit card, such as Visa and Mastercard. After payment a digital invoice will be sent to your email address.

  • Will I receive an Invoice?

    After successful enrolment, you will receive an order receipt with the details you provided. In a separate email, you will receive an email with an official invoice (with the VAT number and company name you provided). Your accounting department can process this Invoice. The VAT amount is mentioned on this Invoice.

  • Can I pay after I have received the Invoice?

    Online Academy gives you instant access to the learning platform after subscription; therefore, only online payment is accepted.

  • Do you offer scholarships or funding?

    There are no specific scholarships or funding possibilities for the essentials programmes. These online programmes are designed to upskill professionals in their current and future roles. Previous participants have approached their employers for part or full funding to assist them in upskilling within their organizations.

  • Can I use my company’s purchase order as payment?

    The payment process is an online self-service. An invoice will be sent to your email address and can be used on an expense note or processed as a regular invoice by your company's accounting department.

  • What are the policies for cancellation or refunds?

    Access to Online Academy is instantaneous after a successful subscription and online payment. A cancellation or refund is not possible.

  • I have paid my course, what is the next step and when will I receive my login details?

    The platform is immediately available to you. Just click “Start Learning”.

  • How can I contact Online Academy?

    You can reach us via email: [email protected]