Admission requirements
You can find the requirements for your specific diploma further down this page.
Meeting all the requirements doesn’t guarantee a spot, as your chances also depend on the strength of other applicants. A highly competitive applicant pool may lower your chances of selection.
Grades | Grades count for 75% of your final ranking. Lower grades mean fewer points. If your grades don’t meet the required level for your diploma, you won’t get any points, which makes it harder to be accepted.
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Mathematics | Strong math skills are essential for business subjects like finance, economics, and statistics. Review the math requirements for your diploma.
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English | This bachelor's programme is entirely in English. To succeed in your courses and communicate with classmates from around the world, you need to have a good command of the English language. Review the English requirements for your specific diploma.
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Your motivation accounts for 25% of the selection points for the final ranking.
- In the Online Application Form (OLAF), you’ll answer 3 short motivation questions in English.
- These questions let you explain your interest and fit for the programme.
Be sure to review our tips for writing a good motivation.
IBA is a Numerus Fixus programme, meaning limited spots are available. You can apply to a maximum of two Numerus Fixus programmes in the Netherlands.
- Limited spots: Only 750 students are admitted for the September intake.
- Early deadlines: You must register via Studielink by 15 January.
- Ranking process: Applicants are ranked based on grades and motivation. The top 750 will receive admission offers, while others will be placed on a waiting list.
- Admission date: Results are released on 15 April.
Complete your application in time.
Studielink: 15 January
OLAF: 31 January
Requirements per high school diploma
Filter by diploma type or country
Application process
1. Preparation and application
Application Timeline: 2026–2027
- Application opens: 1 October 2025
- All admissions information for the 2026–2027 academic year will be updated before this date. Some requirements may change.
Before Applying
Ensure you have the RSM Diploma Statement ready:
- If you haven’t received your high school diploma yet, your school counsellor or representative must complete a diploma statement, explaining your school's grading system.
- Upload the statement in the Online Application Form (OLAF).
- If you already have your diploma, this statement is not required.
Application Process
- Register on Studielink by 15 January.
- Complete the Online Application Form (OLAF) by 31 January.
Step 1: Register in Studielink
- Studielink opens: 1 October 2025
- Deadline: 15 January 2026, 23:59 CET (Central European Time)
In Studielink, look for Bachelor International Business Administration (English) (Numerus Fixus). Always select ‘start as ‘first-year’’.
Note: This is not the full application! After registering in Studielink, you will need to complete the RSM Online Application Form (OLAF).
If you are not registered in Studielink by 15 January, you will not be able to apply for the upcoming September intake. No exceptions can or will be made!
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?
After Studielink Registration:
- Within 24 hours of registering in Studielink, you’ll receive your ERNA login details and a link to the RSM Online Application Form (OLAF).
- Submit OLAF by 31 January 2026, 23:59 CET.
If you encounter issues:
- Didn’t receive your ERNA login? Contact the Erasmus Student Service Centre (ESSC).
- If you have applied to Erasmus University in the past, you will not receive new ERNA details. You will need to use the ERNA you already have.
- Didn’t get the OLAF link within two days? Check your spam folder and contact the RSM Admissions Office.
- If OLAF shows a mismatch with Studielink, ensure you selected Bachelor International Business Administration (English) (Numerus Fixus) in Studielink.
Check the OLAF message centre regularly for updates on your application.
For more details, visit our FAQ:
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?
2. Evaluation and selection
All applications submitted by 31 January will be reviewed for eligibility. You will receive updates on your status in the OLAF message centre. Check it regularly.
Pre-screening
The evaluation starts with a review of the documents you submitted, known as pre-screening.
- Early applicants: You’ll receive an update within 3-4 weeks of submission.
- Closer to the deadline: As more applications come in, updates may take longer after 31 January.
If documents are missing, your evaluation will pause until they are provided. All documents must be submitted by 31 January, while Math and English test results are due by 15 March.
After all applications have been evaluated, each applicant is given a rank number determined by three factors:
- general eligibility (diploma level, English & math)
- grade average at the time of application (75%)
- answers to the motivation questions (25%)
The final rank number will be sent to you on the 15th of April.
Meeting all the requirements doesn’t guarantee a spot, as your chances also depend on the strength of other applicants. A highly competitive applicant pool may lower your chances of selection.
3. Results and enrolment
Applicants offered a spot in the IBA programme, either initially or from the waiting list, have 14 days to accept or decline the offer in Studielink.
- Failure to respond within 14 days will result in your place being given to the next person on the waiting list.
- This process is managed by Studielink, not RSM, and no exceptions can be made.
- Once an offer is declined, it cannot be reversed.
Your application can be evaluated using unofficial digital documents. However, RSM must verify the authenticity of your diploma and final transcript. This requirement will be stated in your offer.
- You must submit your diploma and final grade list to the RSM IBA Admissions Office by 1 August.
More questions?
Check the FAQs and have all your questions answers.
Do you have any questions regarding your application?