Pick your desired degree programme below to find out more about our admission criteria and the application process per programme.

To learn about scholarship options, visit IBA Scholarship Information or MSc Scholarship Information

Bachelor Programmes

Find out more about our admission criteria     

Grades

Your grades are a big deal! They'll count for 75% of the points that decide your spot in final ranking of all the applicants.

If your grades aren't that great, you'll end up with fewer points. And if your grades are lower than what is required for your specific diploma, you won't get any points at all. This makes it pretty tough to get accepted.

Here's how they figure out your average grade:

If you're almost done with high school, we'll focus on the grades from the year before your final year (that's the penultimate year).

If you've already finished high school, we'll use the grades from your last year, and also results of any final exams you might have taken. We also take into account how you did in any other school after high school, like a college or university.

 

Mathematics

Mathematics plays a crucial role in a business bachelor's program. You'll need a good grasp of math to successfully tackle subjects like finance, accounting, economics, and statistics.

Before applying, it's important to review the math requirements your specific diploma. For some diplomas a certain grade for Math is sufficient but for some diplomas the IBA mathematics exam is required.

Keep in mind that if a certain grade is required for your diploma but your grade is lower, you will place lower in the final ranking.

If your math grades aren't up to par, you can opt to take the IBA mathematics exam to meet the qualification criteria. If you plan to take this exam, make sure to schedule it in a timely manner. The exam results must be submitted by March 15th.

 

English

This bachelor is completely taught in English. In order to pass your courses and communicate fluently with fellow students from around the world, a sufficient level of English is required.

Check out the English requirements for your specific diploma before you apply.

  • Applicants with an insufficient level or grade can take a English language proficiency test in order to qualify.
  • If you are required to take an English test, schedule the test on time. The results must be handed in by 15 March.
  • An insufficient grade for English will put you in the lower tiers of the ranking.

Fulfilling all the requirements does not guarantee a spot as this also depends on the quality of the applicant pool. A strong applicant pool may limit your chances of selection. 

Your motivation will make up 25% of the selection points you can earn for the final ranking.

During the application process in the Online Application Form (OLAF), you will illustrate your drive and suitability for the programme by answering 3 short motivation questions in English. 

Check out our tips for writing a good motivation.

IBA is classified as a Numerus Fixus programme. You can only apply for two Numerus Fixus programmes in the Netherlands.

Numerus fixus means:

  • fixed number of spots in the programme: a maximum of 750 students can start the study in September
  • early deadlines: The Dutch government has determined that all applicants must register in the Dutch national student registration system Studielink by 15 January.
  • ranking: Applicants who submit a complete application by the application deadline will be ranked, based on their grades and motivation. The top 750 candidates will be offered admission to the programme. All other eligible applicants will be placed on a waiting list.
  • a fixed date admission: The results will be published on the 15th of April.

Premaster HBO

Find out more about our admission criteria

For the premaster programmes RSM accepts applicants with a bachelor obtained at an accredited University of Applied Sciences in Austria, Germany & Switzerland (Fachhochschule - FH), Belgium & The Netherlands (Hoger Beroepsonderwijs - HBO), Finland (Ammattikorkeakoulu - AMK) and Sweden (Högskola).

RSM also welcomes students to the premaster who have completed their bachelor at a research university, but are missing the required content in qualitative & quantitative research methods and statistics.

It is not necessary for you to have completed your bachelor studies at the time of application, but all requirements of the bachelor, including the final thesis (if applicable) must be completed by the 31st of August, 2024. 

The content of your bachelor degree will determine which MSc programmes you may participate in following successful completion of the premaster. During the admissions process, the RSM admissions office will determine which MSc programmes you may participate in.

  • Applicants with little or no business administration in their bachelor degree will only have access to the following MSc programmes:
  • Applicants who have a degree with a broad business related curriculum will be eligible for admission to most of the MSc programmes following the premaster.
  • Applicants with a more specialized business degree (examples are human resource management, logistics or financial management) will be eligible for admission to many, but not all of the MSc programmes following the premaster.

Mathematics & the premaster: While there isn't a specific requirement for mathematics, we do recommend that applicants with a background in the Dutch education system, have obtained at least havo level mathematics A or B. 

RSM requires a minimum level of mastery and ambition from its applicants. RSM defines two categories of students that seek admission to its programmes:

1. Admission based on an applied sciences university diploma obtained in the Netherlands (HBO): 

Students who will obtain a bachelor degree at a Dutch applied sciences university can prove their mastery and ambition with an unrounded minimum grade point average (GPA) of 7.3.

At the time of application RSM calculates a Weighted Grade Point Average based on the final 3 years of the bachelor programme also known as the main phase.

  • If the grades of the first year of study (propaedeutic phase) improve the GPA, RSM will add those grades to the calculation.
  • Additional grades obtained at a Dutch higher education institution during a second bachelor degree, master programme, or extra minor can be added to the GPA calculation for the benefit of the applicant. 
  • It is not possible to compensate for an insufficient GPA with work experience, certificates or other non-academic experiences.
  • Grades earned outside of the Dutch education system, for example during an exchange semester, will not be converted, as grades are culturally determined and not transferable. They will only be considered for the GPA if they are already translated by your home institution and added to the grade list.

If your GPA does not meet the minimum requirement at the time of application, you can still apply, but you need to obtain a sufficient GPA before the application deadline of 15 May, or before the programme has filled up (which can happen before the regular application deadline). Students who meet the minimum GPA requirement at the time of application are given priority.

2. Admission based on a non-Dutch (applied sciences) university bachelor diploma: 

Applicants who will obtain their bachelor diploma from a research university outside of the Netherlands must prove their mastery and ambition with 

  • GMAT test result with the minimum score of 600
  • and an above average Grade Point Average (GPA) in their own country / university.

Frequently Asked Questions: 

What is a GMAT test?

Can I apply first and submit my GMAT results later?

I have a GRE score; do I have to take a GMAT?

Is my GPA Sufficient for admission?

In order to guarantee the required minimum level of  English proficiency, an applicant must be able to show proof of proficiency on at least C1 level (according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Language - CEFR). You can submit your application first without the English results but they must be submitted by the application deadline, or before the programme has reached maximum capacity (whichever occurs first). English proficiency can be proven in different ways:

1. Secondary- / High School education taught entirely in English: 

Secondary education (High School):

  • The official language of instruction was English and the diploma was obtained in one of the following countries: UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa or within the EU/EEA.
  • If it is not mentioned on the diploma, or on the website of the school that the programme was taught completely in the English language, an official statement provided by the school is required.

International diplomas accepted: 

  • International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma if the official language of instruction was English
  • International Baccalaureate (IB) English certificate: English A Higher Level certificate with a minimum grade of 6 or English A Standard Level Certificate with minimum grade of 7
  • European Baccalaureate (EB) Diploma with a minimum grade of 7.0 for English (language 1 or 2)

2. Bachelor degree taught entirely in English: 

You can use your bachelor degree as proof of english proficiency if:

  • The degree programme was taught completely in English in one of the following countries: USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa or within the EU/EEA.
  • If the programme was taught in 2 languages (for example Dutch and English) you must show proof that  English was the official language of instruction for at least 120 EC. This equals 2 full study years if the bachelor is a 3 year programme. Courses taught “partially” ,“mostly” or "sometimes" in English will not be counted.

If it is not mentioned on the diploma, or on the website of the university that the programme is taught in English, an official statement provided by the university is required.

3. Master degree completed + taught entirely in English: 

You can use your master degree as proof of English proficiency if:

  • Your master degree programme was taught completely in the English language in one of the following countries: UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa or within the EU/EEA
  • and you have completed this degree at the time of applying to RSM (you need to have obtained 60 EC of your master in order to use it as proof).

If it is not mentioned on the diploma, or on the website of the university that the programme is taught completely in the English language, an official statement provided by the university is required.

4. C1 level English course or test as a part of university studies: 

RSM accepts English course/test results at C1 level (CEFR) taken at any accredited university of applied science or research university within the EU/EEA. All aspects of the language must have been included in the test (reading, writing, listening and speaking skills).

You must be able to provide proof of this in your application. Accepted forms of proof are:

  • a course certificate clearly indicating the the obtained level
  • an official statement, filled in and signed by your university (you can also have your university fill in the RSM provided English Proficiency form)

NOTE: Online tests, such as the OLS (Online Linguistics Support for Erasmus+) or Oxford Online Placement test are not accepted.

The Language & Training Centre (LTC) of Erasmus University, Rotterdam offers English assessments throughout the year, which will determine your current level of proficiency, as well as English courses from September onwards. 

5. Standardized tests: TOEFL, IELTS, or Cambridge: 

Standardized tests accepted by RSM:

IELTSAcademic test minimum overall score of 7.0 and minimum sub scores 6.5. 

TOEFL (iBT) & TOEFL iBT® Special Home Edition: minimum overall score 94 with minimum sub scores of 22 for reading, listening, 23 for speaking and for writing 24. 

Please note that the ITP TOEFL test offered by the Erasmus University Language and Training Center (or other providers) is not accepted as it does not test the speaking abilities of the candidate.

Cambridge English test with a minimum overall level of C1 and subscores of 180 for all parts of the test (reading, writing, listening & speaking). Accepted forms of test are:

  • Cambridge English: First
  • Cambridge English: Advanced
  • Cambridge English: Proficiency
  • Cambridge English: Business Vantage
  • Cambridge English: Business Higher
Test typeReadingWritingListeningSpeakingOverall
Cambridge180180180180180
IELTS6.56.56.56.57.0
TOEFL iBT2224222395

General guidelines:

  • Both overall and sub score requirements listed above must be met.
  • Take into account that test dates at the test centres can fill up quickly, particularly during peak testing periods. Therefore we urge you to register to take the test as early as possible to avoid disappointment. Keep in mind that it can take several weeks to receive the results of your test. This means that you should plan to take the test 4-6 weeks before the application deadline. 
  • Other tests such as the Michigan English are not accepted. 

Verification & Validity:

Always upload a copy of your score report in your application.

  • TOEFL scores can be verified online. Therefore you should request the tests center to send your score report to RSM. The institutional code of RSM is 0798 and for Erasmus University 7199 (you can use either). Scores are verifiable for 2 years. If your scores are older than 2 years, please contact the RSM Admissions Office for further advise.
  • IELTS scores are verified online using the TRF code marked on the score report. Scores are verifiable for 5 years.
  • RSM can only verify Cambridge results taken after 2005.

6. Erasmus University Language & Training Centre (LTC) - assessment/course: 

Assessments and courses are offered by The Erasmus University Language & Training Centre (LTC) throughout the year. You can always participate in a Language assessment at the EUR LTC on their regularly scheduled dates at your own cost. You can check for the next possible date on their website. Please note that the ITP TOEFL test offered by the EUR LTC is not accepted as it does not test the speaking abilities of the candidate.

RSM together with the LTC also offers an English assessment free of charge. For detailed information on the free test, visit our FAQ.

Master Programmes

See the admission requirements for our master programs

PhD in Management

To be considered for a position in the PhD in Management programme applicants are expected to have:

  • At least an MSc, MA or MPhil degree in business or economics, or from related fields such as psychology, sociology, engineering, mathematics, etc. (depending on the PhD project)
     
  • Excellent results in their first degree/graduate study.
     
  • Explicit interest in and motivation for scientific research.
     
  • A GMAT-test (Graduate Management Admission Test) or GRE-test (Graduate Record Examinations) is required for all entering students. The test results should not be older than five years and an indication of the required score is above the 85th percentile.
     
  • ERIM requires that applicants whose native language is not English have to submit scores of the TOEFL/IELTS test. If the language of instruction of your entire university education (bachelor and master programme) was English, you may submit a TOEFL/IELTS waiver request. The final decision on the waiver request will be made by ERIM. For internet-based TOEFL test, ERIM requires a total score of at least 100 and all section scores (writing, speaking, reading, and listening) should be at least 23. A minimum score of 600 is required on paper-based TOEFL test. For IELTS, the minimum overall band score is 7.5 and all section scores (writing, speaking, reading, and listening) should be at least 6.5. The language test results should not be older than two years.
  •  
  • In addition to these formal requirements, applicants for the Programme are selected on the basis of their CVs, academic references, and interview(s) with the potential supervisor(s).

More information

For required documents, please view the Application page.
See the FAQ page for more questions on the application procedure and the required tests.

For admission to the Part-time PhD programme at RSM, you must

  • be an in a relevant discipline with a strong interest in research, willing to combine the Part-time PhD Programme with your full-time or part-time job
  • have a strong interest in research and proven track record that includes excellent study results, or writing and publishing white papers, articles or other work
  • hold an Msc degree in a relevant discipline. If you hold an MBA and have written an MBA thesis to complete it, you may be eligible for the programme as well. In case of doubt please contact Bep Klop (ptphd@rsm.nl)
  • have proof of proficiency in English (see below)

In addition to these formal requirements, candidates will be selected according to excellence. Your CV, motivation, research ideas, and if applicable, your reference from your future supervisor or supervisors will be taken into consideration.

The Admissions Committee may also ask you to take a GMAT test as part of the evaluation process.

RSM requires that candidates whose native language is not English have to submit scores of the TOEFL/IETLS test. RSM requires a TOEFLE score of at least 100 on the internet based test and 600 on the paper based test. For IELTS there is a minimum score of 7.5. The language test results should not be older than 2 years. If you are a native English speaker, or if the language of instruction of your entire university education (bachelor and master programme) was English, you may apply for a TOEFL/IELTS waiver.

MBA Programmes

Take the first step

Our MBA students are handpicked from a broad diversity of backgrounds and nationalities, based on the academic ability, experience, motivation and capacity to contribute dynamically to the shared learning experience of the cohort. To apply to our International Full-time MBA programme, you should consider the following:

Admissions eligibility
  • An undergraduate degree
  • A GMAT/GRE report
  • At least three years of postgraduate professional experience
  • Ability to contribute in a multicultural setting
  • English language proficiency
Admissions requirements
  • Completed online application form
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • One prepared essay
  • Satisfactory GMAT/GRE score
  • Official transcript from your college or university
  • Candidates who are invited for an admissions interview must complete a video response via Kira Talent

As provider of one of Europe’s top EMBA programmes, RSM looks for exceptional candidates who demonstrate strong potential as global leaders. You can apply throughout the year, to begin your Executive MBA journey.

What we are looking for.

Here are the qualities we want to see:

Professional achievements and goals

A minimum of four years of post-graduate work experience, demonstrating your career progression.

Academic excellence

Candidates must have a university degree (bachelor, master, PhD) or equivalent*

English proficiency

A strong command of the English language.

Leadership potential

  • Experience in managing people or projects
  • A mindset that truly values diversity
  • Curiosity about other cultures, and the ability to communicate effectively with people from all backgrounds

Team-building skills

An interest in sharing career experiences with others.

Communication skills

The ability to clearly convey thoughts and ideas, demonstrated through essays and an interview.

Personal qualities

  • Flexibility 
  • A good sense of humour—it’s a great way to build strong relationships.

*The Admissions Committee reserves the right to request that applicants to the Executive MBA programme take a GMAT test as part of the evaluation process, if deemed necessary.

  • Minimum of 10 years of post-graduate work experience, including 3-5 years of managerial experience.
  • Demonstrable career progression, preferably in an international environment.
  • Proven leadership potential.
  • Candidates must have at least a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or college or equivalent (*The Admissions Committee reserves the right to request that applicants to the Global Executive MBA programme take a GMAT test as part of the evaluation process, if deemed necessary.)
  • Strong command of the English language.
  • Cross-cultural sensitivity and an international outlook.
  • Advanced communication skills and ability to contribute to the learning of others.
  • Strong MBA motivation.

Executive Masters

The master programme brings together a diverse group of accomplished, driven and open-minded professionals from Europe and beyond. Participants work in various communication positions – often in a managerial capacity – in governmental institutions, commercial companies, NGOs and consultancies. This diversity adds tremendous value to the programme and short courses through the exchange of best practices and the formation of friendships that last well beyond graduation.

Admission requirements for the master:

  • A minimum of three years of work experience in corporate communication, reputation management or related fields
  • A bachelor degree or higher
  • A strong command of the English language

Not sure if this Msc. Programme in corporate communication is the right programme for you? We'll happily review your CV and recommend the best programme for your development needs. Contact us today.

Four components are required for the online application to the MEL master. These components are:

  1. Filled in MEL application form MS-word format 
  2. A relevant bachelor or (exceptionally) equivalent professional experience
  3. Demonstrated proficiency in the English language
  4. Two letters of recommendation MS-word format template

All components are further clarified below.

Filled in MEL application form

Fill in the MEL application form MS-word format as accurately as possible to avoid any delays in your application process.

Relevant bachelor or (exceptionally) equivalent professional experience

The Programme is open to candidates from a wide variety of professional, educational and cultural backgrounds. To be considered for admission to the Programme, candidates need to have earned a (relevant) bachelor’s degree or (exceptionally) equivalent professional experience. Previous academic records are closely examined. Work experience is a distinctive advantage in the selection process, while the combination of the two is ideal.

You are required to send us copies of all diplomas and official transcripts in the original language (with official translations if these documents are not in English). If you have not yet obtained your bachelor’s degree, please mention your (expected) graduation date and include copies of all transcripts obtained to date. Please also include the grading scheme of your institution which is usually on the back of the transcript. 

Please note that if you are admitted to MEL, you will be required to send the certified copies of your diplomas and transcripts directly to the MEL Office. Your admission statement will specify exactly which documents are needed, as well as the certification requirements and the deadlines for submission.

Demonstrated proficiency in the English language

Demonstrated proficiency in the English language is required to enter the master MEL. All students must be able to read with ease, follow lectures and express their thoughts in fluent written and spoken English. Non-native English speaking applicants are required to submit their Test of English as a Foreign Language [TOEFL iBT] score or their International English Language Testing System [IELTS] score in support of their application.

For IELTS we require a minimum overall band score of 6.5 with minimum sub scores of 6.0. 

For TOEFL iBT we require a minimum overall score of 80 with minimum subscores of 18 for Reading & Listening, 20 for Speaking and 21 for Writing. 

We only accepts English language test results that are no more than two year old, issued by the following organisations:

  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language – iBT only (TOEFL iBT). Please note that the TOEFL paper-delivered test and the ITP TOEFL tests are not accepted as it does not test the speaking abilities of the candidate.

However, this does not apply if:

  • Completed your secondary or higher education in the USA, UK, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia or Canada (except French taught programmes in Canada)
  • Have obtained a degree in an English taught programme
  • Are a Dutch student with VWO-level English; in this case, you may also be exempted at the discretion of the Faculty Admission Committee

Letters of recommendation

Special attention is given to the required two letters of recommendation, which give an indication of your aptitudes and capabilities for postgraduate study. The Admissions Committee prefers that at least one of the reference letters is work-related. The second letter of reference may come from someone who knows you in an academic setting.

The reference letters can be sent to info@maritimeeconomics.com by the referee’s.

Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT)

If the Admissions Committee have any doubts regarding an application, they may ask the applicant to take a GMAT test. The Admissions Committee strive to minimize the risk of certain subjects hindering a student while studying at MEL and previous experience has shown that the GMAT has a good predictive value when it comes to programme performance.

The part-time Executive Master in Customs and Supply Chain Compliance is intended for people with an ambition to become customs leaders in international trade. The admissions procedure emphasises motivation, maturity and creativity, as well as a strong interest in international trade.

You should comply with the following requirements if you wish to take part in the part-time Executive Master in Customs and Supply Chain Compliance:

  • have a bachelor or master degree
  • have a minimum of three years of relevant work experience
  • have affinity with supply chain management and IT or auditing
  • have experience with customs
  • non-native English speaking candidates may be required to provide results of a TOEFL or IELTS test.

Certificate Programmes

For information about the intended participants of the different open executive programmes, please consult our Executive Programme Finder.

Scholarships

Depending on the study programme you apply for, different kinds of scholarships are available. Please click on the respective section below to find out which scholarships apply to students in the different programmes