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Admission & Application

Admission requirements

Applications for the September 2025–2026 academic year are now closed. Applications for entry in September 2026 will open on 1 October 2025.


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.

  • Current high school students: We use grades from your second-to-last year of high school (i.e. penultimate year)
  • Graduates: We use grades from your final year and any exam results, along with any college or university grades.

 

Mathematics

Strong math skills are essential for business subjects like finance, economics, and statistics. 

Review the math requirements for your diploma.

  • If required math grades are not met, your ranking will drop.
  • Depending on your diploma, a mathematics exam may be necessary. Results must be submitted by 15 March. You may also take this test to compensate for a low grade. 

 

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.

  • If required English grades are not met, your ranking will drop.
  • Depending on your diploma, an English proficiency test may be necessary. Results must be submitted by 15 March. You may also take a test to compensate for a low grade. 

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.
Application deadlines

Complete your application in time.

Studielink: 15 January
OLAF: 31 January

Requirements per high school diploma

Filter by diploma type or country

Admissions information for the 2026 entry year will be updated by 1 October 2025. As requirements may change each academic year, we recommend checking our website again by 1 October if you plan to apply for September 2026.

Middle East

Diploma name 

  • General Certificate of Education (GCE) A-levels(A2)/International Advanced A-levels (IAL)

General requirements

  • 3 General Certificate of Education (GCE) A-level/A2 level in academic subjects* including Mathematics with grades AAB; and 

  • 3 General Certificate of Secondary Education ((I)GCSE) with final grades: A*-B (9-5). 

  • Six different subjects in total 
  • *Accepted subjects: Accounting, Ancient History, Biology, Business (Studies), Chemistry, Classical Civilisation, Classical Studies, Computer Science,  Economics, English Language, English Literature, English Language and Literature, Environmental Science / Technology, Further Mathematics, Geography, Government and Politics, History, History of Art, Information Technology, Islamic Studies, Languages (maximum one), Law, Life and Health Sciences, Marine Sciences, Mathematics, Philosophy, Physics, Politics, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sociology, Statistics. 
  • A maximum of one GCE A-level language is allowed. A second language is only accepted if taken as an additional (4th) GCE A-level
  • GCE A-levels in English Language, English Literature and English Language & Literature cannot be combined with each other or with another A-level language, unless taken as a 4th A-level.
  • Further Mathematics and Statistics are only accepted as an additional (4th) GCE A-level
  • Information Technology and Computer Science are considered as 1 GCE A-level

Mathematics requirement

  • If you are in your final year of high school, you must have obtained a minimum score of B for AS-level and you must take mathematics as GCE A level. 
  • If you have not taken the AS Mathematics exam, you must have obtained a minimum grade of B based on your interim/progress report obtained in your penultimate year (year before the last year). 
  • If you do not intend to take GCE A-level mathematics, you must take a mathematics exam. 
  • If you have graduated, you must have obtained a minimum grade of B for GCE A-level Mathematics. If you do not meet this requirement, you must take a mathematics exam.

English language requirement

  • At the time of application, you have followed your secondary school education fully in English, or can prove that at least the past 2.5 years you were taught fully in English. This only applies to students who follow education in a native English-speaking country (USA, UK, Canada (with the exception of Quebec), Ireland, Australia, New Zealand or South Africa). 

  • If you have completed your education in a non-English speaking country, you must have completed (I)GCSE First Language English with a minimum grade of B (5). 

  • If you do not meet any of these above requirements, you must take an English language test. 

Selection points

  • You will be granted selection points if you have a Grade Average of AAB or higher. If your grades are below this, you will not earn selection points for your final ranking. 

For applicants in the final year of high school: 

  • Your Grade Average will be calculated based on your AS grades (if applicable) or the grades of the penultimate year (year before your final year) 

For graduated applicants: 

  • Your Grade Average will be calculated based on the final GCE A-level /A2 level exam grades 

Additional requirements

  • Predicted grades will not be considered for the evaluation.

  • For students who haven't graduated yet:
    • Provide official (I)GCSE certificates and AS certificates (if applicable). If you have not taken GCSEs, you must provide your secondary education grades prior to your A-levels.
    • Certificates must be issued by the relevant official examination boards.
    • If AS grades/certificates are not available, submit an interim or progress report from your penultimate year. 
  • For graduates:
    • Always submit the official (I)GCSE certificates, AS certificates (if applicable), and GCE A-level certificates. If you have not taken (I)GCSEs, you must provide your secondary education diploma/grades prior to your A-levels.
    • All certificates must be issued by the relevant official examination boards.
  • You must include the RSM diploma statement in your application. This statement must be filled in by your school counselor or school representative. If you have already graduated at the time of applying, the statement is not required.
  • In the application, you must submit official grade lists signed by your mentor or school representative. Screenshots or self-made Word/Excel documents with your grades will not be accepted. Ensure that RSM can clearly understand how the grades were determined if your school uses a different grading system or calculations. 

Find out how to apply

Disclaimer: These requirements are subject to change without prior notice. No rights may be derived from this publication. Please note that the RSM Admissions Office ultimately decides if the level and content of your education is sufficient and comparable to the Dutch secondary school system.

 

Last update:
Thursday, 4 September 2025

Related questions

Diploma name

  • American High School Diploma (from an accredited high school

  • American High School Diploma (from outside the US) from an accredited high school

General requirements

  • Applicants are required to show proof of at least four Advanced Placement (AP) exams in general academic subjects* before the start of their studies.
  • Only AP exams administered by the College Board are accepted. 
  • At the time of applying applicants must have successfully passed at least one AP exam with a minimum score of 3. 
  • Out of the four AP exams, at least two must have a score of 4 or higher. The remaining two may have a score of 3. 
  • For AP Calculus AB or BC, a minimum score of 4 is required
     
  • *Accepted subjects: Art History, English Language and Composition, English Literature and Composition, Comparative Government and Politics, European History, Human Geography, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, Psychology, United States Government and Politics, United States History, World History: Modern, Calculus AB or BC, Computer Science: A, Computer Science Principles, Statistics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Pre-Calculus, Physics, and World Languages and Cultures
  • Not accepted: AP Capstone, AP Research, AP Seminar, AP Art and Design Program

Important note: 

  • A maximum of one AP language is accepted
  • Overlapping subjects count as one AP exam, for example:
    • AP Pre-Calculus + AP Calculus AB/BC
    • AP US History + AP European History + AP World History
    • AP Microeconomics + AP Macroeconomics
    • AP Computer Science A + AP Computer Science Principles
    • English Language and Composition + English Literature and Composition

Mathematics requirement

  • Applicants must have taken the AP Calculus AB or BC exam with a minimum score of 4. Applicants who have not met this requirement at the time of application, or who have taken only AP Pre-Calculus, must take a mathematics exam.
    SAT and ACT are not accepted

English requirement

  • At the time of application, you have followed your secondary education fully in English or can prove that at least the past 2.5 years you were taught fully in English. This only applies to students who follow education in a native English-speaking country (USA, UK, Canada (with the exception of Quebec), Ireland, Australia, New Zealand or South Africa). 

  • If you have completed your education in a non-English speaking country, you must have obtained a minimum grade of B+ for AP English during the penultimate year. If this requirement is not met, an English language test is required. 

Selection points

  • Granted for an unweighted Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.3 / B+ and 1 or more AP College Board exams completed at the time of application with a sufficient grade. Applicants who do not meet these requirements will be placed in the lower tiers of the ranking.

For applicants in the final year of high school: 

  • The grades of your penultimate year (the year before your final year) including your AP College Board result(s) will be used to calculate your GPA. 

For graduated applicants: 

  • The results of your final year and the AP College Board results will be used to calculate your GPA. 

Additional requirements

  • At the time of application, you must have already completed at least one College Board AP exam with a sufficient score 

  • Applicants must list their College Board AP exams already obtained and/or the planned College Board AP exams. Always include a print-out from the College Board AP exams, signed and stamped by your school representative. 

  • Applicants who follow more than one education system and next to the American High School Diploma also obtain another diploma will be assessed according to the requirements of one diploma type and must meet the requirements for one of these diplomas. A revaluation of the American High School Diploma to another diploma type is not accepted.  
  • You must include the RSM diploma statement in your application. This statement must be filled in by your school counselor or school representative. If you have already graduated at the time of applying, the statement is not required.
  • In the application, you must submit official grade lists signed by your mentor or school representative. Screenshots or self-made Word/Excel documents with your grades will not be accepted. Ensure that RSM can clearly understand how the grades were determined if your school uses a different grading system or calculations. 

Find out how to apply

Disclaimer: These requirements are subject to change without prior notice. No rights may be derived from this publication. Please note that the RSM Admissions Office ultimately decides if the level and content of your education are sufficient and comparable to the Dutch secondary school system.
Last update:
Thursday, 4 September 2025

Application process

IBA application process explained

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 IBA 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

  1. Register on Studielink by 15 January.
  2. 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:

If you encounter issues:

  • Didn’t receive your ERNA login? Contact the Erasmus Student Service Centre (ESSC).
  • 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.

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