Admission & Application

IBA application process explained!

Am I eligible?

Before submitting your application, check the admissions requirements for your specific diploma.

Admission requirements

 

 

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 specific mathematics 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's program is conducted entirely in English. This means that in order to succeed in your courses and effectively communicate with classmates from different parts of the world, you need to have a good command of the English language.

Before you apply, check out the English requirements for your specific diploma.

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 English proficiency or grades fall short, there's an option to take an English language proficiency test to meet the qualification standards. If this test is necessary, make sure to schedule it in a timely manner. The test results must be submitted by March 15th

Meeting all the requirements doesn't automatically ensure you a spot, as this also relies on the quality of other applicants. A highly competitive pool of applicants might reduce your chances of being selected.

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

When you fill in the Online Application Form (OLAF), you will answer 3 short motivation questions in English. The questions will allow you to explain your drive and suitability for the programme. 

Check out our tips for writing a good motivation.

IBA is categorized as a Numerus Fixus program. In the Netherlands, you are limited to applying for a maximum of two Numerus Fixus programs.

Numerus fixus entails:

  1. Limited spots available: The program accepts a maximum of 750 students to start in September.
  2. Early application deadlines: The Dutch government mandates that all applicants must register through the Dutch national student registration system, Studielink, by January 15th.
  3. Ranking process: Applicants who submit a complete application before the application deadline will be ranked based on their grades and motivation. The top 750 candidates will receive offers of admission to the program. Other eligible applicants will be placed on a waiting list.
  4. Fixed admission date: Results will be disclosed on April 15th.

Application process

The application process opens on October 1, 2023.

Before applying, ensure that you have the IBA Diploma Statement ready:

If you haven't received your high school diploma yet, you will need to provide a 'diploma statement'. This statement should be completed by your school counselor or representative. The purpose of this statement is to explain your school's grading system so that your average grade can be accurately calculated.

You will upload this statement in the Online Application Form (OLAF). 

If you have already obtained your diploma, the statement is not necessary.

The application process consists of two steps:

  1. Register on Studielink (by January 15th).
  2. Complete the Online Application Form (OLAF) (by January 31st).

The first step in the application process is to register yourself in the Dutch national student registration system Studielink. 

Studielink opens on the 1 October, 2023 and closes on 15 January, 2024 at 23:59 CET (Central European Time). In Studielink you will find the IBA programme listed as Bachelor International Business Administration (English) (numerus fixus).

This is not the actual application! After registering in Studielink, you will fill in the RSM Online Application Form (OLAF).

For detailed instructions, visit our FAQ: 

What is Studielink and how does it work?

My Passport/ID got rejected in Studielink, what should I do?

Within 24 hours of a successful registration via Studielink you will receive your log in details (also known as ERNA credentials) and a link to the RSM Online Application Form (OLAF). 

Fill in and submit the Online Application Form (OLAF) by the 31 of January 2024, 23:59 CET (Central European Time).

  • If you did not receive your ERNA login details, contact the Erasmus University IT Servicedesk: servicedesk@eur.nl.
  • If you did not receive a link to OLAF within two days after registering in Studielink, contact the RSM Admissions Office. Also check your spam/junk folder.
  • If you receive a warning in OLAF that your current registration in Studielink does not match the programme in OLAF, check if you have selected the correct programme (Bachelor International Business Administration (English) (numerus fixus)) in Studielink.

You will receive updates about your application in the OLAF message center. Log in to check it regularly.


Frequently Asked Questions:

Which documents do I need to submit for my BScIBA application?

Should I add recommendation letters to my application?

What is considered a valid translation of my diplomas and transcripts and where can I get one?

All applications submitted by 31 January will be assessed to determine the applicants eligibility for the IBA programme. You will be updated on the status of the evaluation in the OLAF message centre. Log in to check it regularly.

Pre-screening
The evaluation starts with checking the documents you have submitted in your application. This is called pre-screening.

  • If you apply early, you will receive an update regarding the documents within 3 weeks of submitting your application. As the application deadline approaches we receive an increasing number of applications. After 31 January it may take longer to be notified about the status of your application. 
  • If important information is missing from the application, the evaluation will not continue until you have submitted additional documents.
  • Any additional documents must be submitted by 31 January.
  • Test results for additional Math and English results must be submitted by 15 March.

After all submitted applications have been evaluated, each applicant will be given a rank number which is determined by three factors:

  • general eligibility (diploma level, English & math)
  • grade average at the time of application (75%)
  • your answer to the motivation questions (25%)

Your final rank number depends on the quality of the other applicants.

Meeting all the requirements doesn't automatically ensure you a spot, as this also relies on the quality of other applicants. A highly competitive pool of applicants might reduce your chances of being selected.

On 15 April all applicants receive their results in the form of a rank number via e-mail from Studielink.

Applicants with rank number 1 to 750 will also receive a second e-mail from Studielink with an offer of admission for the programme.

Applicants with rank number 751 and higher will automatically be put on a waiting list.

If an applicant who was ranked in the top 750 declines the offer of admission, it will be automatically assigned to the next person on the waiting list.

Applicants who are offered admission to the IBA programme (initially or from the waiting list) have 14 days to accept or decline the offer in Studielink. If you fail to respond to the offer within 14 days, your place will automatically be assigned to the next person on the waiting list!

This process is not handled by RSM but by the national student registration system Studielink and no exceptions can be made. Once you have declined your offer it cannot be reversed. 

While your application can be evaluated based on unofficial digital documents you have uploaded in your application form, eventually the RSM needs to check the authenticity of your diploma and your final transcript. This is also listed as a condition in your offer. You should provide the RSM IBA Admissions Office with your diploma and final grade list by 1 August. 

RSM's Online Application Form (OLAF) opens on 1 October, 2023.