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Executive MBA Scholarships at RSM Erasmus University

Discover scholarship opportunities for the Executive MBA at RSM. Financial support for managers, innovators, and change-makers.

 

At Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (RSM), we are committed to supporting high-potential professionals in their Executive MBA journey. 


Whether you are an experienced leader, an entrepreneur, or a rising talent in your field, our scholarships provide financial assistance to help you pursue your Executive MBA in the Netherlands.


Explore the available scholarships below and find out how you can take the next step in your career with financial support from RSM.

 

 

Why choose the RSM Executive MBA?
  • #1 Executive MBA in the Netherlands (Financial Times, 2024): Top-ranked. World-class faculty. Cutting-edge insights.
  • Flexible part-time format: Earn your MBA while continuing your career. Designed for busy professionals who value balance and flexibility.
  • Personal leadership development: Access coaching, development modules, and a leadership track to accelerate your personal growth.
  • International and diverse learning environment:  Study in the heart of Europe with classmates from around the world.
  • Lifelong network and career support:  Join a powerful alumni community that opens doors worldwide, during and after your EMBA.

How to apply for an EMBA scholarship

Applying for a scholarship is easy. Once you have started your application for the Executive MBA programme, you can submit a scholarship essay and supporting documents via the online portal Embark.

Deadlines and specific instructions are listed under each scholarship below.

You may apply for more than one scholarship, but you can only be awarded one.

Scholarship Overview

1. Academic Excellence Scholarship (€18,000)

Availability: four out of four scholarships

 

Awarded to applicants demonstrating outstanding academic ability through their GMAT score or academic record.

 

Eligibility:
  • Outstanding Academic Performance: strong academic record with a minimum of a master’s degree (or equivalent) with distinction/high honors from a recognized institution.
  • Or: GMAT score of 680 or higher. GMAT Executive Assessments and the GRE scores will be accepted and will be converted using the official GRE-to-GMAT conversion tool by GMAC. Note that a GMAT can be provided to be eligible for this scholarship but is not a general requirement to be admitted to the programme.
Application: 
  • Applicants must submit either the official copy of their GMAT/GRE results; OR a copy of their distinction/honors results accompanied by a brief cover letter about their academic achievements.
2. Industry Leadership Scholarship (€15,000)

Availability: three out of three scholarships

 

For applicants recognised as leaders in financial services, consulting, healthcare, pharma, law, or tech.

 

Eligibility:
  • Proven industry recognition through awards, media features, or leadership engagements.
Application: 
  • Applicants must submit relevant supporting documentation and a brief cover letter. 
3. Entrepreneurial Impact Scholarship (€10,000)

Availability: three out of three scholarships

 

For applicants who have successfully founded or scaled a business with a significant market impact.

 

Eligibility:
  • Must have founded or scaled a business generating annual revenues exceeding €2 million.
Application: 
  • Applicants must submit relevant supporting documentation and a brief cover letter. 
4. Rising Star Scholarship (€18,000)

Availability: five out of five scholarships

 

This scholarship recognises exceptional leadership potential and a proven record of professional achievement among emerging senior leaders.

 

Eligibility:
  • Aged under 35 at the time of application
  • Typically possess 7–8 years of professional experience, including 3–4 years in a managerial capacity
  • Demonstrated trajectory toward senior leadership
Preferred Professional Background:

Applicants are expected to currently hold a Senior Manager position or higher at one of the following top-tier organisations:
A&O Shearman, ABN AMRO, Adyen, Ahold Delhaize, Bain & Company, BCG, De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek, Goldman Sachs, Heineken, ING, JPMorgan, McKinsey, PVH, Rabobank, Robeco, Shell, Siemens AG, Siemens Healthineers, Strategy&, TNO, Unilever, Waterland Private Equity, or Wolters Kluwer.

Candidates from other companies will be considered on a case-by-case basis, particularly those who:

  • Hold comparable leadership roles, and/or
  • Are recognised as high-potential talent through their organisation’s corporate talent or leadership development programmes.
Application: 

Applicants must submit a brief cover letter. 

5. Strategic Corporate Partner Scholarship (€15,000)

Availability: five out of five scholarships

 

For employees of selected corporate partners demonstrating leadership potential. 

 

RSM Founding Companies and Strategic Partners:

  • ABN AMRO
  • AkzoNobel
  • TATA
  • Philips
  • Unilever
  • Shell
  • Rabobank
  • ING
Application: 
  • Applicants must submit a brief cover letter and a recommendation letter from the candidate’s company. 
6. Headhunters’ List Scholarship (€15,000)

Availability: five out of five scholarships

 

Awarded to professionals recognized as top talent and actively sought for senior leadership roles.

 
Eligibility:
  • Identified by a leading executive search firm (e.g., Korn Ferry, Egon Zehnder, Russell Reynolds, Spencer Stuart) as a candidate for a senior leadership role.
  • Listed in an industry ranking such as “40 Under 40”, “Young Captains Award” or similar leadership watchlists.
Application: 
  • Applicants must submit relevant supporting documentation and a brief cover letter. 
7. Public Sector Leadership Scholarship (€15,000)

Availability: three out of three scholarships

 

Awarded to professionals with a demonstrated track record of leadership in the public sector, international organizations, or non-profits.

 
Eligibility:
  • Currently hold or have previously held a senior leadership role (e.g., Head of Department) in a government agency, ministry, or international organization.
  • Have led or currently lead a large-scale public initiative with a measurable impact on policy, governance, or social programs.
  • Work in a policy or leadership capacity for an international organization (e.g., EU institutions, UN, World Bank, IMF, OECD, NATO).
Application:
  • Candidates are required to submit a letter from their organization confirming their role, responsibilities, and impact.
8. RSM Women in Leadership Scholarship (€10,000)

Availability: three out of three scholarships

 

Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (RSM) is committed to fostering diversity and empowering women in leadership. The RSM Women in Leadership Scholarship recognizes exceptional female professionals who have demonstrated resilience, ambition, and impact in their careers.

 
Eligibility Criteria:

Candidates must meet at least one of the following criteria:

  1. Demonstrated success and career progression in industries where women are underrepresented, such as finance, technology, engineering, construction, energy, logistics, or manufacturing.
  2. Holding a Leadership Position – Currently serving in a mid-to-senior management or executive role, driving strategic initiatives and leading teams within their organization.
  3. Demonstrating Leadership in Advancing Opportunities– Leading by example through mentorship, advocacy, or initiatives that support the professional growth and success of women, particularly by fostering inclusive and equitable environments.
  4. Entrepreneurial Excellence – Founder or senior leader of a women-led business or startup, driving innovation and economic growth with measurable success.
Application: 
  • Applicants must submit a cover letter demonstrating how they meet the criteria. 
9. RSM Positive Impact Scholarship (€8000)

Availability: three out of three scholarships

 

This scholarship is awarded to Executive MBA candidates who have demonstrated a strong commitment to creating positive social change. We seek individuals who have contributed meaningfully to their communities—whether through nonprofit work, social entrepreneurship, public service, or impactful initiatives within corporate settings.

 
Eligibility Criteria:
  • Proven track record of community engagement or social impact initiatives
  • Clear vision for how the Executive MBA will amplify their societal contributions
  • Open to candidates from any sector, including nonprofit, public, and private
Application: 
  • Applicants must submit a short essay (max 500 words) describing their impact and future ambitions.
10. Alumni Lifelong Learning Award

The Alumni Lifelong Learning Award offers a 10% tuition discount to alumni of Erasmus University pursuing an Executive MBA at Rotterdam School of Management (RSM). This scholarship recognizes the value of lifelong learning and supports alumni in advancing their leadership and business expertise. It’s our way of investing in your continued growth while strengthening the Erasmus alumni community.

 
Eligibility Criteria:
  • Must have graduated from a NVAO accredited degree programme at RSM Erasmus University. 
Application: 
  • Applicants must submit a brief cover letter.

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Executive MBA Scholarships

 

Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (RSM) offers a wide range of Executive MBA scholarships designed to support outstanding professionals from around the world. Whether you are an experienced leader, an entrepreneur, or a rising talent in your field, our scholarships provide financial assistance to help you pursue your Executive MBA in the Netherlands.

 

RSM is a highly respected business school, particularly in the Netherlands. Earning my MBA here strengthens my credibility and demonstrates my commitment to personal and professional development. Beyond the qualification itself, the experience is equipping me with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to grow within my company and lead more effectively.

Hannah Timmer, Executive MBA Class of 2026

RSM’s EMBA has reinforced my entrepreneurial dreams, and given me the motivation to take big steps, like leaving a good job to do something bigger for myself. I’m confident that my entrepreneurial journey will work out, which is why I freed up time to take advantage of RSM’s elective ‘Entrepreneurship through acquisition’ and getting to know the processes, peers and the professors in this course. I definitely like being in the Netherlands, it’s a great place to build a family and a business.

Raza Padhani, Executive MBA Class of 2025

We learn to understand how business is run. RSM’s holistic approach to be a force for positive change means it’s not purely about business and economically sound decisions. We learn elements that work best for strategy and the environment. I want to be part of change and become the best people manager I can be in the future.

Diana Alvarez, Executive MBA Class of 2024

Diana Alvarez, Executive MBA Class of 2024

It’s a constant learning journey. Not only from the programme’s curriculum and assignments, but also from my peers’ perspectives. People don’t do the programme because they have to but because they want to. Everyone wants to improve their skills. It’s really positive to be here.

Irene Diaz Soto, Executive MBA Class of 2024

Irene Diaz Soto, Executive MBA Class of 2024