The International Business Administration (IBA) program at Rotterdam School of Management (RSM), Erasmus University Rotterdam, stands as a pinnacle of global business education, drawing ambitious students from around the world. With the faculty ranked in Business and Management 22nd by Times Higher Education and 18th by the QS World University Rankings, RSM’s prestige is undeniable. However, gaining admission into its highly competitive IBA program requires more than just ambition; it demands a strategic approach and a broad understanding of the admission process.
Understanding the Admission Process
The IBA program is known for its strong curriculum and diverse student group. It’s a sign of the high-quality education and the global outlook it provides. The program accepts about 14% of applicants, showing how selective it is. The competition has been getting fiercer, with applicant numbers jumping from 2,700 in 2023 to around 4,160 in 2024. This shows how popular the program is and how hard it is to get in. Consequently, the program is currently the most applied program in the Netherlands.
Academic Requirements
The academic prerequisites for IBA admission are two main ones. Firstly, applicants must showcase outstanding grades from their secondary education. The program demands a high level of academic excellence, with specific minimum grade requirements varying by country (e.g., an average grade of 8 in Spain and 14 in France). However, meeting these minimum requirements is just the starting point. The selection process heavily emphasizes a student’s GPA, particularly in their penultimate year of high school and up to December of their final year. This academic scrutiny accounts for 75% of the admission decision, highlighting the importance of maintaining a strong GPA , especially in mathematics. In some cases, a mathematics exam may be required to meet the program’s stringent standards.
The Motivation Letter: Making Your Application Stand Out
The motivation letter is crucial and makes up 25% of the admission criteria. It should answer three key questions to show why you’re a good fit for the program and your potential as a future business leader:
Tips For a Strong Application
A good application isn’t just about academic scores; it’s about telling your story in a way that matches the IBA program’s goals and values. Here are some tips:
- Your Personal Story: Dive deep into your personal journey towards business administration. Whether you’ve been coding in STEM fields or found your business spark in a completely different area, your distinct path is what sets you apart. Embrace your story and let it shine, showing the admissions team why you’re not just another candidate.
- Every Experience Count: Don’t overlook any experience, no matter how small it might seem. From leading a team project to volunteering in your community or kicking off your own venture, each experience contributes to your narrative. It’s all about how you frame these moments to highlight your potential as a future business leader.
- Have a Global Mindset: Showcasing your global mindset is key, even if you haven’t traveled the world. Discuss your eagerness to engage with diverse cultures and your understanding of global business dynamics. It’s your curiosity and openness to learning from different perspectives that count.
- Showcase Your Initiative: Take the extra step by engaging in online courses, side projects, or community initiatives. This proactive approach not only enriches your skillset but also demonstrates your dedication to growing both personally and professionally. Let your actions speak to your commitment to making a difference.
The College Gate can help you prepare your application. We offer a free platforms for students to craft blogs and a Research Analyst program for the most ambitious ones. These can help you stand out by engaging with international topics and peers. For more information click here
Writing a Winning Motivation Letter
When writing a killer motivation letter, the secret sauce is to be super clear about why you’re into business, what you’ve done so far, and where you see yourself going. Checking out how others nailed their applications can give you some cool ideas on how to share your own story and wins in a way that grabs the admissions team’s attention. Make sure to keep it real and personal, ditching the one-size-fits-all answers for stuff that really shows off what makes you a great fit for the IBA program. This way, you’re not just another application; you’re someone with a clear vision and experiences that stand out.
Conclusion
Getting into the IBA program at Rotterdam School of Management is tough but rewarding. You need a mix of good grades, self-reflection, and careful planning. By understanding what the admission team is looking for, writing a thoughtful motivational letter, and using your unique experiences, you can improve your chances of being accepted. The application process lets you show not just your academic skills but also your potential as a future global business leader. With the right approach and dedication, you can make it through the competitive admissions process and start an amazing educational journey at RSM.
Disclaimer: The College Gate is not affiliated with RSM nor any other Educational Institution. All the content is generated by current students based on general basis and own experiences. Regardless what you may found across the web we encourage to visit the official university website.
