The Faculty of Information Technology at CTU in Prague (FIT CTU), in cooperation with the University of Antwerp (UAntwerp), offers a unique Master’s specialization in Digital Business Engineering. This specialization enables students to study at two prestigious universities simultaneously and graduate with a double degree. Graduates thus acquire interdisciplinary knowledge at the intersection of economics and information technology.
Ing. Salma Ahansal, MSc. successfully completed this demanding path and in 2025 became a graduate of the double degree program at FIT CTU and UAntwerp. By combining her background in business engineering with advanced IT studies, she broadened both her academic horizons and career opportunities in an international environment.
What motivated you to join the double degree program between FIT CTU and UAntwerp?
What attracted me most was the unique opportunity to connect two worlds: the technical foundation of computer science at FIT CTU and the creative, innovative approach of Digital Business Engineering at UAntwerp. I believed that combining technical and managerial knowledge would prepare me for a career in a field that connects artificial intelligence, IT, and business analytics while also delivering value to society. Another major attraction was the international experience and the chance to get to know two different academic cultures – it was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
What was the most challenging part of your studies?
The hardest part was adapting to two different academic systems and managing the demanding workload, since each university has its own structures and expectations. Another challenge was the frequent moving between two countries – not only the travel itself, but also the difficulty of building lasting relationships in two places at once. In the end, though, it proved to be a huge enrichment. Living in both Antwerp and Prague was a magical experience full of unexpected moments.
How would you compare the study environment and teaching style at UAntwerp and FIT CTU?
At FIT CTU, I appreciated the rigorous approach, where discipline and organization are emphasized through continuous assignments and high demands before exams. UAntwerp, on the other hand, fosters an innovative and open environment, where independent thinking, teamwork, and original ideas are valued. Together, these approaches complement each other perfectly – FIT CTU strengthened my technical skills and perseverance, while UAntwerp encouraged me to innovate and seek solutions with real societal impact.
Which experiences or skills from the program do you consider most valuable?
I value most the ability to adapt to two different cultures and to work under pressure – for instance, when I had to travel to another country just for one exam. Another very valuable experience was collaborating with the Czech company Recombee, which specializes in AI recommendation systems. As part of my thesis, I designed and implemented a platform for qualifying potential customers. Throughout the program, I also met inspiring people, from program coordinators to friends from all over the world, and I fell in love with Prague, which will always remain an unforgettable place for me.
How would you recommend the program to other students?
I would recommend it to anyone who wants not only to advance academically but also to grow personally – to discover new cultures, engage in real-world projects, and develop both technical and managerial skills. It can be demanding at times, but it is absolutely worth it.
What does earning two diplomas and two academic titles at the same time mean to you personally?
It brings me immense satisfaction and a feeling that I am capable of achieving far more than I ever imagined.
Graduates of the program find opportunities across industries – from consulting and data analytics to IT and software development. The combination of managerial, economic, and technological knowledge gives them a significant competitive advantage in the global job market.
