An overview of Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University

An overview of Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University

Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (RSM) is one of Europe’s premier business schools, located in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. As a part of Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR), RSM is renowned for its high-impact research, leadership education, and globally-oriented programs. RSM combines rigorous academic standards with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship.

Founded in 1970, RSM offers bachelor’s, master’s, MBA, PhD, and executive programs designed to produce leaders who can thrive in complex international environments. The school attracts over 9,000 students from 100+ countries, making it one of the most diverse and vibrant academic communities in Europe.

History

RSM began as the Interfaculteit Bedrijfskunde in 1970, a collaborative initiative of the Erasmus University and Delft University of Technology. Its vision was to educate future business leaders with a foundation in management science and real-world application.

Key Milestones:

• 1984: Officially renamed Rotterdam School of Management

• 1990s–2000s: Major international expansion and program development

• 2002: RSM became a full faculty of Erasmus University Rotterdam

• 2014: Launch of the Positive Change initiative to foster responsible leadership

• 2020–2024: Recognized among the top business schools globally for sustainability, leadership, and international focus

Today, RSM is a Triple Crown-accredited business school (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA) and an influential player in global management education.

Rankings and Recognition

RSM consistently ranks among the top business schools in Europe and the world.

International Rankings (2024):

• Financial Times European Business Schools: Top 10

• QS World University Rankings (Business & Management Studies): Top 50 globally

• THE World University Rankings – Business & Economics: Top 75

• Bloomberg Businessweek (MBA): Top 30 globally

Accreditations:

• AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business)

• EQUIS (EFMD Quality Improvement System)

• AMBA (Association of MBAs)

This Triple Crown status is held by less than 1% of business schools worldwide.

Courses and Fees

RSM offers a wide range of programs tailored to future global leaders:

Bachelor’s Programs (3 years)

• International Business Administration (IBA)

  • Taught entirely in English

  • Focus on global business, finance, operations, and entrepreneurship

Tuition Fees (2024–25):

• EU/EEA: €2,530/year

• Non-EU/EEA: €9,600/year

Master’s Programs (1 year)

• MSc Finance & Investments

• MSc International Management / CEMS

• MSc Marketing Management

• MSc Strategic Management

• MSc Supply Chain Management

• MSc Business Information Management

• MSc Global Business & Sustainability

Tuition Fees:

• EU/EEA: €2,530

• Non-EU/EEA: €22,500 (varies slightly by program)

MBA Programs (1 year, full-time)

• International Full-Time MBA

• Executive MBA (part-time, 2 years)

• Global Executive OneMBA (modular, international focus)

MBA Fees:

• Full-Time MBA: €57,000

• Executive MBA: €65,000

• OneMBA: €75,000

PhD Program

• Fully funded (tuition waived, students receive a salary)

• Highly competitive, based on research proposals and faculty matching

Admission Requirements

Bachelor’s in IBA:

• Secondary school diploma equivalent to Dutch VWO

• Excellent grades in mathematics and English

• English proficiency:

  • IELTS: 6.5 overall, 6.0 minimum in each section

  • TOEFL iBT: 90

• Motivation letter

• CV/resume

• Selection via decentralized admissions (weighted on GPA, motivation, etc.)

Deadline: January 15 (non-EU), April 1 (EU)

MSc Programs:

• Bachelor’s degree in business or related field

• GMAT/GRE (only for some programs, especially Finance & CEMS)

• English proficiency:

  • IELTS: 7.0 overall

  • TOEFL iBT: 100

• Motivation letter

• CV and academic transcripts

• Interview (optional but sometimes requested)

Deadline: May 15 (non-EU), June 15 (EU)

MBA Programs:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

• 3+ years of professional work experience

• GMAT (avg. score: 640+) or GRE equivalent

• English language proficiency

• Motivation essays, CV, two recommendation letters

• Admission interview (compulsory)

Application Rounds: Multiple rounds, with rolling deadlines from September to June for January intake

Scholarships and Eligibility

RSM and Erasmus University offer several merit- and need-based scholarships to attract high-potential students.

1. RSM MBA Diversity Scholarship:

• Partial scholarship (€5,000 – €15,000)

• Awarded based on gender, nationality, leadership potential

2. Erasmus University Holland Scholarship:

• €5,000 for non-EU/EEA students in their first year

• Based on academic excellence and motivation

3. Orange Tulip Scholarship (OTS):

• Available for students from Neso countries

• Full or partial tuition coverage

4. RSM MSc Scholarships for Non-EEA Students:

• €5,000 – €10,000 depending on merit and program

Eligibility Criteria:

• Non-EEA nationality

• Strong academic record (top 20% of class)

• Demonstrated leadership or extracurricular involvement

• Motivation and goals aligned with program vision

Application Process:

• Scholarships require a separate application with motivation letter and academic documents

Placement and Career Services (Last 3 Years)

RSM is recognized for exceptional career support and job placement outcomes. The school has deep ties with global corporations and Dutch multinationals.

Career Highlights (2021–2024):

• Employment Rate (MSc): 94% within 6 months of graduation

• Employment Rate (MBA): 91% within 3 months

• Average MBA Salary (Post-graduation): €87,000 (excluding bonuses)

Top Hiring Sectors:

• Consulting (McKinsey, BCG, Deloitte, Accenture)

• Finance (ING, ABN AMRO, Goldman Sachs, HSBC)

• Tech (Google, Amazon, Philips, ASML)

• Consumer Goods (Unilever, Heineken, P&G)

• Startups & Sustainability Firms

Career Services Support:

• Personalized coaching and CV feedback

• On-campus recruitment events

• Alumni mentoring and networking platform

• Internship and job portals

• Corporate projects and company visits

Notable Alumni

RSM has produced industry leaders, entrepreneurs, public officials, and social innovators across sectors.

Notable Alumni Include:

• Feike Sijbesma – Former CEO of Royal DSM, UN Global Goals Advocate

• Annette Mosman – CEO, APG Group (largest Dutch pension provider)

• Jeroen Drost – CEO of SHV Holdings

• Sandra Phlippen – Chief Economist, ABN AMRO Bank

• Dolf van den Brink – CEO, Heineken NV

The alumni network spans over 40,000 professionals globally, providing continuous support through events, webinars, and professional development platforms.

Conclusion

Rotterdam School of Management is a powerhouse of European business education. With its globally ranked programs, Triple Crown accreditation, research-driven faculty, and strong ties to the corporate world, RSM equips students with the tools to lead with purpose.

Whether you're pursuing a bachelor’s in International Business, a specialized MSc, or an MBA with international focus, RSM delivers a transformative experience. Its commitment to positive societal change, sustainability, and global leadership makes it a top choice for the business leaders of tomorrow. Studying at RSM also means living in Rotterdam, one of Europe’s most modern and multicultural cities, with endless opportunities for growth, networking, and entrepreneurship.

 

 

 

 

FAQ's

Q1: Is RSM only for business students?
A: Primarily yes. RSM focuses on business, management, economics, and leadership-related disciplines.

Q2: How competitive is the admission to RSM’s IBA program?
A: Very competitive. RSM receives over 5,000 applications for around 600 spots. Academic excellence and motivation are essential.

Q3: Are internships part of the MSc curriculum?
A: Internships are optional but highly encouraged. Many students undertake internships during or after their studies.

Q4: Can I work part-time during my studies?
A: Yes. International students can work up to 16 hours/week during the academic year and full-time in the summer.

Q5: What is RSM’s strongest program?
A: While all programs are highly regarded, the MSc in Finance & Investments, the International MBA, and the MSc in Global Business & Sustainability are particularly well-ranked internationally.

 

 

 

 

 

Popular countries:

Study in UK

Study in Canada

Study in Australia

Study in Germany

Study in Ireland

Study in France

For Need Expert guidenace Contact. 

Our Office: West Bengal, Maharashtra & Delhi.

For More Infomation Medical, Engineering & Management Course Details.

View Current Study Overseas, Medical, Engineering & Management Admission Details Video.