If you have ever dreamed of earning a world-class MBA in the heart of Europe, this scholarship might be the door you have been waiting for. The Erasmus University MBA Scholarship is offered by the Rotterdam School of Management (RSM), part of Erasmus University in the Netherlands. It is a partially funded award that can cover up to 50% of the MBA tuition fee, making it one of the most significant financial relief options available to ambitious professionals applying to one of Europe’s top-ranked business schools.
This scholarship is open to talented professionals from all over the world. Whether you are looking to switch industries, move into leadership, or build a global career, the RSM International Full-time MBA combined with this scholarship is designed to support people with strong academic backgrounds, professional achievements, and a genuine drive to make an impact. RSM is a triple-accredited institution and consistently ranks among the best business schools in Europe.
This post will walk you through everything you need to know about the Erasmus University MBA Scholarship 2027. You will find clear information on eligibility, the application process, what is covered, key deadlines, tips to strengthen your application, and answers to common questions.
Scholarship Overview
| Field | Information |
| Host Country | Netherlands |
| Host Institution | Rotterdam School of Management (RSM), Erasmus University |
| Degree Level | MBA (Master of Business Administration) |
| Funding Type | Partial funding (tuition fee waiver) |
| Scholarship Value | Up to 50% of tuition fees |
| Programme Intake | January 2027 |
| Deadline | Rolling deadlines (see Key Dates section) |
| Who Can Apply | International applicants worldwide |
| Benefits Summary | Partial tuition waiver applied to final instalment |
Eligibility
To be considered for the Erasmus University MBA Scholarship at RSM, you must first be a qualified applicant to the International Full-time MBA programme. Here is what RSM looks for:
- Citizenship: Applications are open to candidates from all countries worldwide. There are no nationality restrictions specific to this scholarship.
- Academic qualifications: You must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. The degree can be in any discipline.
- Work experience: At least three years of postgraduate professional experience is required. This is a professional MBA programme, so relevant work history matters significantly.
- Language requirements: English language proficiency is required. You will need to demonstrate this through a recognised English test (such as IELTS or TOEFL) unless your previous education was conducted entirely in English.
- Standardised test: A valid GMAT or GRE score is required as part of your MBA application.
- Ability to contribute: Candidates should demonstrate the ability to contribute in a multicultural setting.
- No separate scholarship application is required. All applicants who submit a complete online MBA application are automatically considered for scholarships by the RSM MBA Awards Committee.
Eligible Countries
This scholarship is open to applicants from all countries around the world. RSM actively values international diversity and welcomes candidates from every region including:
Africa, Asia, the Americas (North, South, and Central), Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania.
No specific country is excluded from consideration. The Awards Committee actually considers nationality and cultural background as part of the diversity it seeks to build in the cohort.
Eligible Fields of Study
This scholarship is tied specifically to the International Full-time MBA programme at RSM. It is not available for other degree programmes. The MBA curriculum covers core business disciplines including:
- Strategy and entrepreneurship
- Finance and accounting
- Marketing management
- Operations and technology management
- Leadership and organisational behaviour
- Sustainability and responsible business
- Business-society management
The programme is designed for professionals from diverse academic backgrounds. Your undergraduate degree does not need to be in business to qualify.
Benefits
Scholarship values differ but are available up to 50% of the MBA tuition fee. Here is a breakdown of what the scholarship does and does not cover:
- Tuition waiver: The scholarship is applied as a partial reduction of the tuition fee, specifically to the final instalment. Scholarships are granted in the form of a tuition fee waiver and are applied to the final MBA tuition fee instalment.
- Tuition fee context: The full tuition for the January 2027 intake is €70,000. A 50% waiver would reduce this by up to €35,000. Actual amounts vary by applicant profile.
- Living expenses: The scholarship does not cover living costs. You will need to budget approximately €1,800 per month for accommodation, food, and health insurance in Rotterdam.
- Health insurance: Not covered by the scholarship but is a requirement for all full-time students in the Netherlands. Budget roughly €100 per month.
- Travel costs: Not included. Study trip travel costs are also excluded from the tuition fee itself.
- Immigration fee: A one-time immigration fee of approximately €254 applies for non-EU students.
- Career support: Scholarship recipients, like all RSM MBA students, gain access to the school’s Career Development Centre, global alumni network, and recruitment events.
- 12-month search year visa: International students benefit from the 12-month search year visa offered by the Netherlands government, which allows graduates to stay in the country and seek employment.
Required Documents
When applying to the RSM MBA programme (which automatically enters you into scholarship consideration), you will need to prepare the following:
- Completed online MBA application via the Embark portal
- Valid passport
- Bachelor’s degree certificate and official transcripts
- Up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV)
- GMAT or GRE official score report
- Two letters of recommendation from professional or academic referees
- Personal essays as required by the MBA application form
- English language test scores (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent) if applicable
- Optional but strongly encouraged: a scholarship essay of up to 500 words uploaded in the “Additional Documents” section
- Kira Talent video response, if invited to interview
How to Apply
Step 1: Visit the official RSM MBA page at www.rsm.nl/mba and review all programme and scholarship information carefully.
Step 2: Create an account on the Embark application portal. This is the official platform RSM uses to receive and manage MBA applications.
Step 3: Complete your personal profile including educational background, work experience, and professional goals.
Step 4: Prepare and upload all required documents, including transcripts, CV, GMAT or GRE scores, English test results, and letters of recommendation.
Step 5: Write and submit your required essays. These are evaluated as part of both the admissions and scholarship consideration process.
Step 6: Optionally, write a scholarship essay of up to 500 words. In this essay, applicants are invited to describe their alignment with just one of the scholarships listed on the RSM fees and finance page. While submission of this essay is optional, the Admissions Team strongly encourages applicants to take advantage of this opportunity.
Step 7: Submit your full application before one of the round deadlines. Scholarship deadlines run parallel with MBA application deadlines.
Step 8: If shortlisted, complete the Kira Talent video response as part of the admissions interview process.
Step 9: Wait for communication from your assigned Recruitment and Admissions Manager, who will guide you through the next steps.
Step 10: Applicants who are awarded financial aid will be informed by their Admissions Manager at the time of the final admissions decision.
Key Dates and Timeline
| Milestone | Date |
| Application Opens | Rolling (open throughout the year) |
| Round 1 Deadline | To be Determined |
| Round 2 Deadline | To be Determined |
| Round 3 Deadline | To be Determined |
| Round 4 Deadline | To be Determined |
| Round 5 Deadline | To be Determined |
| Final Round Deadline | Around November 4, 2026 (verify on official site) |
| Scholarship Decisions | Issued at same time as final admissions decision |
| Programme Begins | January 2027 |
Note: RSM evaluates applications in five rounds per year. Applying in an earlier round generally improves your chances of receiving scholarship consideration.
Application Deadline
Applications are accepted through rolling deadlines running through approximately November 4, 2026 for the programme commencing January 2027. Specific round deadlines for the 2027 intake should be confirmed on the official admissions page at www.rsm.nl/education/mba/international-full-time-mba/admissions/
Applications submitted after each round’s closing deadline will be moved to the next available round. Missing the final deadline means you will not be considered for the January 2027 intake.
Applications submitted after the final deadline will NOT be accepted for that intake year.
Selection Criteria
RSM scholarships are designed to recognise academic excellence, career performance, and the diverse perspectives candidates bring to the MBA classroom. The Awards Committee evaluates your full MBA application, not a separate form.
Key factors include:
- Academic profile: The strength and credibility of your undergraduate academic record.
- GMAT or GRE score: Higher scores strengthen both your admissions and scholarship standing.
- Professional experience: The quality, progression, and impact of your career to date.
- Essays: Your ability to communicate goals, leadership experience, and alignment with RSM’s values.
- Admissions interview: Performance in the Kira Talent video response and any subsequent interview stages.
- Diversity profile: The Awards Committee will look at your profile or aspects thereof, such as your nationality, cultural background, gender, experience, upbringing, and commitment to sustainability.
- Contribution potential: Your ability to enrich the classroom experience and contribute to a multicultural cohort.
Only one scholarship may be awarded per applicant at the discretion of the Committee.
Important Tips
- Apply early. Applying in Round 1 offers the best chances of receiving funding. Earlier rounds see more scholarship budget available.
- Do not skip the optional scholarship essay. Even though it is not required, the admissions team strongly encourages you to submit it. Use it to highlight the specific scholarship you align with and why.
- Aim for a GMAT score of at least 650. A strong standardised test score is a visible and measurable differentiator in a competitive applicant pool.
- Be specific in your essays. Generic statements about wanting to grow professionally will not stand out. Speak to concrete experiences, turning points, and the specific impact you want to create.
- Choose your recommenders wisely. Select people who can speak to your leadership ability and professional contributions, not just colleagues who know you well personally.
- Highlight diversity honestly. RSM values cultural background, gender balance, and diverse perspectives. Your personal story is part of your application.
- Research the scholarship categories. RSM offers several named scholarships with different focus areas. Review them on the official website and align your essay to the one that best fits your profile.
- Plan your finances early. The scholarship is a partial waiver, not full funding. You need to cover living costs, health insurance, travel, and any remaining tuition. Start exploring loan options such as Lendwise or Prodigy Finance well before the deadline.
- Prepare for the Kira Talent interview. This video-based response is your chance to bring your application to life. Practise speaking clearly and confidently about your goals and experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to submit a separate scholarship application?
How much can the scholarship cover?
Can I receive more than one scholarship?
When will I find out if I have been awarded a scholarship?
Is the scholarship open to applicants from all countries?
Does the scholarship cover living expenses?
What is the optional scholarship essay and should I write it?
Does applying for the scholarship affect my chances of admission?
Official Link
Apply online via the RSM Embark portal and access full scholarship details here: https://www.rsm.nl/education/mba/international-full-time-mba/fees-and-finance/
For the admissions page and round deadlines: https://www.rsm.nl/education/mba/international-full-time-mba/admissions/
Note to editor: Please verify the specific round deadlines for the January 2027 intake directly on the RSM admissions page and update the Key Dates table accordingly. Also confirm the full list of named scholarships available under the MBA Awards Committee, as these are referenced in several sections but not fully listed in the raw input provided.
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