The financial aid packages are for different kinds of people – from new and established entrepreneurs, people working for RSM’s strategic businesses partners, people working in specific industries, or from industries where women are underrepresented at senior levels. For people that have never considered this level of education before, there’s a taste of the subjects they cover in podcasts and recorded webinars on the programmes’ websites.
Eligibility criteria for each of the scholarships is outlined on the scholarship webpages: RSM’s Executive MBA (EMBA) scholarships and the Global Executive MBA (GEMBA) scholarships. Some call for academic qualifications, others require proof of industry recognition, community engagement, business achievements, a minimum amount of professional experience, or simply a demonstrated potential for leadership.
Applying for a scholarship is simple – it’s done alongside the main application process. Candidates can apply for more than one scholarship, but can only receive one of them. The applications are reviewed by the admissions committee and candidates will be notified that they have been awarded a scholarship in the same offer letter that confirms their place on the programme. Scholarships will be applied to the third and final instalment of tuition fees.
EMBA scholarships
“People who apply to join the EMBA programme at RSM are often motivated by a desire to accelerate or change their careers, expand their network, develop their leadership skills, or gain the skills to act on their ambition to be an entrepreneur. The opportunity to apply for scholarships means that the programme is within the reach of a wider range of applicants who might not otherwise consider doing any sort of MBA,” said Academic Director of the EMBA programme Prof. Erik Roelofsen.
The EMBA is an 18-month part-time programme that starts every January and is for people with some experience at mid-management level – but not necessarily seasoned executives. It delivers personal and professional development, and teaches attitudes, skills, and frameworks for becoming a successful business leader. It was recently ranked as the best executive MBA in the Benelux countries and 25th in Europe in the 2025 QS ranking produced from data collected from international surveys of employers and academics, and stands 58th globally according to The Financial Times. Around 60 per cent of students on the EMBA come from international backgrounds.
GEMBA scholarships
The GEMBA is an intensive 21-month programme that seeks to develop senior managers into strategic leaders at C-suite level of professional competence. “It’s unique because of its focus on generating strategic senior leaders in global business, says GEMBA programme Academic Director Prof. Hans van Oosterhout. “Our purpose is to give participants thrust forward in their careers by developing and honing their strategic leadership competencies,” he said. “It connects a global network of thought leaders and change agents with international study residencies that include senior-level guest speakers and company visits, and a customised learning experience with core curriculum and a very extensive range of electives.”
Applicants for the GEMBA are more senior managers or seasoned entrepreneurs who graduated at least 12–15 years ago and who have a minimum of five years of managerial experience. The programme is aimed at people that have a global outlook on business and who are keen to develop their leadership potential to a strategic level and hone their cross-cultural competences.
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