The Erasmus University MBA Scholarship is a partially funded award offered through the Rotterdam School of Management (RSM) to international candidates joining the International Full time MBA programme. It covers up to 50 percent of the MBA tuition fee, making one of Europe’s top-ranked business schools more accessible to talented professionals from around the world. The award is not a separate scheme you apply to on its own every candidate who submits a complete MBA application is automatically screened for it by the RSM MBA Awards Committee.

The committee bases its decision on the overall strength of your MBA application rather than a single test score. Essays, your CV, GMAT/GRE or BAT results, business case work, and the admissions interview all feed into the evaluation, alongside your nationality, cultural background, gender, professional experience, and personal story. Because the scholarship review runs alongside the regular MBA admissions rounds, applying earlier in the cycle generally gives you a better shot at being considered while funding is still available for the January 2027 intake.

Erasmus University MBA Scholarship Summary

Eligibility for Erasmus University MBA Scholarship

General Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the Erasmus University MBA Scholarship, you must apply to the International Full time MBA programme at RSM. There is no standalone scholarship application submitting your MBA application automatically puts you in the running. Applicants should hold a valid undergraduate degree, be able to contribute meaningfully in a multicultural classroom, and demonstrate strong communication, leadership potential, and drive. English language proficiency is required, and the Admissions Committee may request a certificate to confirm it.

Age and Academic Requirements

There is no strict maximum age limit, but candidates are typically working professionals in their late twenties to mid thirties. You’ll need a recognised undergraduate degree, a satisfactory GMAT (Classic or Focus Edition), GRE, Shorter GRE, or RSM’s own Business Admissions Test (BAT) score, and at least three years of full time postgraduate work experience. Academic transcripts and your degree certificate are checked as part of the application to confirm you meet the programme’s entry standards.

Benefits of Erasmus University MBA Scholarship

Financial Benefits

The scholarship reduces your MBA tuition fee by up to 50 percent, easing one of the biggest financial barriers to studying at RSM. Because award amounts vary by candidate profile, some students receive a smaller partial waiver while others qualify for the maximum reduction, depending on how the Awards Committee weighs their application.

Academic and Personal Benefits

Beyond the tuition discount, scholarship recipients join a 12 month programme built around global business exposure, hands-on consulting projects, and a strong alumni network across industries. Studying in Rotterdam gives you access to RSM’s international faculty, a diverse cohort of classmates, and career support services designed to help you transition into leadership, consulting, or strategy roles after graduation.

Documents Required for Erasmus University MBA Scholarship

• Completed online MBA application form (via Embark)
• One prepared admissions essay
• Updated CV or LinkedIn profile
• Two professional references/recommendation letters
• Kira Talent video response
• GMAT, GRE, Shorter GRE, or BAT score report
• Official academic transcript and degree certificate
• Copy of a valid passport
• Application fee payment (€125)

How to Apply for Erasmus University MBA Scholarship

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Confirm you meet the eligibility criteria: undergraduate degree, three-plus years of work experience, and a valid test score.
2. Register and start your application through RSM’s online Embark portal.
3. Upload your CV, transcripts, passport copy, and prepared essay.
4. Arrange your two professional references and submit your GMAT/GRE/BAT result.
5. Complete the Kira Talent video response if invited.
6. Pay the €125 application fee and submit before your chosen round deadline.
7. Attend the admissions interview if shortlisted; scholarship consideration happens automatically alongside your MBA evaluation.

Application Tips for Erasmus University MBA Scholarship

Apply as early as possible, since scholarship funds are considered round by round and earlier applicants often have a stronger chance while the budget is fresh. Use your essay to highlight leadership moments, career impact, and what you’ll bring to a multicultural cohort the committee weighs personal story as much as test scores. Have your references and transcripts ready in advance so a slow document doesn’t push you into a later round.

Deadline for the Erasmus University MBA Scholarship

RSM reviews applications for the January 2027 MBA intake across several rounds rather than a single cutoff date. The rounds run on February 10, April 14, June 2, August 11, and October 1, 2026, with a final November 10, 2026 round reserved only for applicants who do not require a student visa or residence permit. For most international applicants, October 1, 2026 is the effective final deadline to apply for the January 2027 intake and be considered for the Erasmus University MBA Scholarship, since later dates depend on visa status. Always confirm current dates on RSM’s official admissions page before submitting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)