Spotlight on Rotterdam School of Management
Getting an MBA from Rotterdam: how to apply, what to expect, and how to fund your Rotterdam MBA.
Ready to learn everything you need to know about business masters degrees at Rotterdam School of Management at Erasmus University? You're in the right place!
Erasmus University began as the Dutch School of Higher Commercial Education in 1913 and the Rotterdam School of Management quickly established itself as an amazing centre for business education when it joined the university less than 50 years ago.
RSM, like the city of Rotterdam, has a unique approach to life and makes the most of its international status. As the second largest city in the Netherlands, Rotterdam is never short on opportunities. And, with the majority of its MBA grads remaining in Europe, it’s easy to see it as the place to begin a new future.
Erasmus University fast facts
Public university
University enrollment: 29,790
RSM alumni: 36,000+
Graduate students: 10,878
International students: 5813
Where is Erasmus University?
City: Rotterdam, the Netherlands
City population: 635,389 with a metropolitan population of 1,181,284
Climate: temperate oceanic climate type: winters are cool to cold (Jan mean: 3.6°C/38.5°F) with a few snowy days per month; summers are mild to warm with occasional hot days (Jul mean: 17.8°C/64°F)
Nearest airport: Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM), Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
Time zone: From October-March (02:00 CEST); from March to October (03:00 CEST)
A quick look at the latest Rotterdam MBA class
What can you study at Rotterdam School of Management at Erasmus University?
The Financial Times puts the Rotterdam School of Management in 9ᵗʰ position on the latest European Business School ranking, with its MBA sitting in 11ᵗʰ spot. Its MSc in International Management is rank 11ᵗʰ worldwide.
And, that’s just the beginning of the varied and respected degrees at this school.
Rotterdam School of Management job placement
$127,100
highest salary accepted within the 2017 MBA class
90%
2017 MBAs accepted offers in 3 months of grad
85%
2017 MBAs remained in Europe post grad
$80,229
average post grad salary for 2017 MBAs
What's it like to live at Erasmus University’s Rotterdam School of Management?
Rotterdam is a super vibey international city and makes a great place for single students - as well as those with families. And, you’ll find plenty of housing options for every preference. The university also has some housing units available and are prepared to help international students find their home in the city.
The Erasmus Food Plaza offers students food from across the world for those that want a taste of home, and that’s just an on-campus offering; the city offers so many options from groceries to gourmets.
Students won’t need a car to get around with walking and bicycling complementing the city’s public transport system.
The Rotterdam School of Management accepts around a third of the students that apply for their International Full-Time MBA programme. While these may seem like good odds, it has to do with the connection the school attempts to make with potential applicants before they apply.
At the very least, applicants with their eye on RSM should make use of the school’s CV assessment and pre-screening options before launching into essay writing. The admissions team is always open for questions, as they want to ensure a great fit for everyone they accept.
There is no single ideal candidate for an RSM MBA degree, but the school does value those that bring varied work and life experiences to the table. They want classroom discussions and students that are prepared to share their views. RSM welcomes MBA applicants with unique backgrounds and encourages those who embrace change and flexibility.
Interviews, which can take place anywhere in the world, are offered to those who pass through the initial review of their application. While test scores and years of work experience aren’t necessarily tipping factors for RSM admissions, you may want to keep these in mind when preparing your application.
Average GMAT scores: 640
Average years of work experience: 6
Rotterdam MBA application deadlines for January 2019 entry
| Round | Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | 10 April 2018 | n/a |
| Round 2 | 12 June 2018 | n/a |
| Round 3 | 14 August 2018 | n/a |
| Round 4 | 16 October 2018 | Last round for applicants requiring a visa |
| Round 5 | 13 November | Only for applicants not requiring a visa |
Although RSM doesn’t require MBA applicants to prove their English proficiency in the initial application, they can request test scores at any point in the admissions process for those they’re not certain will cope with the English language instruction provided. If you don’t regularly communicate in English or don’t have an undergrad degree which was completed in English, you may want to investigate test centres, dates and costs - just in case.
Does RSM offer scholarships to international students?
Prodigy Finance international student loans for Erasmus University
Prodigy Finance offers loans for international masters students at Rotterdam School of Management at Erasmus University.
Students from supported countries pursuing MBAs are eligible to apply.
MBA Maximum loan amount: up to 100% of cost of tuition minus scholarships and sponsorship
Minimum loan amount: €15,000
Typical interest rates: 5.5-8.5% (fixed) over the 3-month GBP Libor base rate (variable)
All loans disbursed directly to the university according to due dates
