BSc in International Business Administration

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Erasmus University Rotterdam

Program Overview

The BSc in International Business Administration (IBA) is a three-year, English-taught programme designed to prepare you for a career in multinational companies by combining rigorous theory with hands-on learning across all major business functions. You'll study in a highly international environment—with over 60 nationalities in the cohort—and gain a global perspective on how businesses operate while learning to navigate the complexities of an AI-driven world.

This programme suits ambitious students who want to build careers in international business, consulting, finance, or management, and who thrive in diverse, collaborative settings. Whether you're interested in strategy, digital transformation, or sustainable business practices, IBA gives you the flexibility to shape your studies around your goals.

Curriculum Structure

First Year: Building Your Foundation

Your first year is structured into five blocks that provide a comprehensive overview of core business functions within an international context. You'll take foundational courses like Introduction to Business, Foundations of International Marketing, Finance, and Organisational Behaviour, which together give you a solid grounding in how multinational companies operate across different disciplines. You'll also develop essential quantitative skills through courses in Mathematics, Probability & Statistics, and Spreadsheet Modelling, ensuring you can analyze business data confidently.

Second Year: Deepening Your Expertise

In your second year, the curriculum expands to five blocks with courses running across multiple periods to deepen your understanding of complex international business challenges. You'll explore specialized areas including Corporate Finance, Human Resource Management, Innovation Management, Business Law, and Supply Chain Management, while also taking Responsible Business Leadership to understand how businesses address global challenges. The second year culminates with Advanced Research Skills and Methods Master Classes to refine your analytical capabilities, plus the distinctive course "Doing International Business the Dutch Way," which teaches you how the Dutch business landscape shapes international commerce.

Third Year: Specializing and Leading

Your third year is where you truly personalize your education. You can spend the first half on an international exchange, internship, or minor to gain real-world experience, then return for the second half to choose from specialized elective tracks aligned with global business challenges—such as Navigating Stakeholders in Global Business (international business & strategy), AI for a Connected World (data, operations & digital business), or Accounting & Finance for International Business (finance, accounting & decision-making). You'll conclude with your BSc Project (bachelor thesis), bringing together everything you've learned.

Focus Areas

International business strategy, finance and accounting, marketing and sales, human resource management, supply chain management, innovation management, responsible business leadership, and digital transformation in a global context.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates develop a strong foundation in international business administration and management; understand how major business functions are shaped by the international environment and global challenges; navigate complexities of digitalization and AI-driven business; make data-informed decisions using quantitative methods; and are prepared for leadership roles in multinational environments.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Rotterdam School of Management (RSM) holds Triple Crown accreditation, placing it among the top 1% of business schools worldwide—a distinction it has maintained for over two decades. This prestigious recognition reflects the school's commitment to excellence in business education and ensures your degree meets the highest international standards.

Reputation & Employability

RSM is consistently recognized in prestigious international rankings, including the Financial Times rankings. Graduates often secure roles in multinational firms shortly after or even before graduation, thanks to extensive networking during international internships and RSM's strong industry connections. The programme also provides dedicated Career Centre support, including a Career Portal for job opportunities, CV and interview workshops, recruitment events with international companies, and one-on-one mentoring through the alumni network.

Learn more and apply: https://www.eur.nl/en/bachelor/bachelor-international-business-administration

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Why the BSc in International Business Administration at Erasmus University Rotterdam is Your Gateway to Global Business Success

The BSc in International Business Administration at Erasmus University Rotterdam isn't just about lectures and textbooks—it's designed to get you into the real world of international business from day one. You'll combine academic learning with hands-on experience that employers actually care about. The programme emphasizes research and hands-on learning, meaning you'll work on real business challenges, not just case studies in a classroom. This practical approach, combined with RSM's extensive network and resources, prepares you to secure roles in multinational firms either during your studies or immediately after graduation.

How You'll Gain Practical Skills and Experience

Throughout your three years, you'll develop expertise across sales, marketing, finance, and other core business areas through a blend of classroom instruction and practical application. RSM has built an entire ecosystem to support your transition from student to business professional. The university provides access to industry connections, career development resources, and real-world projects that help you build a competitive edge. Here's what's actually available to you:

- Career Centre support: Access to the Career Portal for job opportunities, the "Your Future Career" module to identify career paths, CV and interview workshops, and one-on-one mentoring through the MentorMe programme connecting you with alumni in your desired field
- International internships: Opportunities in your third year to apply your academic knowledge in professional settings while earning course credit, guided by both university faculty and your employer
- Networking with multinational recruiters: Participation in recruitment events and direct access to company representatives looking to hire graduates
- Campus tours and student mentorship: Access to current student ambassadors from September through June who can show you the Woudestein campus and share their experiences
- Student-for-a-Day programme: Experience a typical day as an IBA student to understand exactly what your learning journey will look like
- Erasmus University facilities: Access to libraries, research institutes, and dedicated learning spaces across the Rotterdam campus

Your international cohort of over 60 nationalities means you're learning business in a genuinely global context, with classmates who bring diverse perspectives to every group project and discussion. This multicultural environment isn't just enriching—it's essential preparation for careers in international business.

The combination of rigorous academics, career support, networking opportunities, and hands-on learning through internships and projects positions you to graduate not just with a degree, but with real professional experience and international connections ready to launch your career.

For complete details on campus facilities and resources, visit the Erasmus University Rotterdam facilities information.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Why International Business Administration at Erasmus University Rotterdam is Your Perfect Choice

Experiential Learning: Real Skills for a Real Career

The IBA programme doesn't just teach you business theory—it immerses you in hands-on learning that prepares you for the competitive international job market. Throughout your three years, you'll combine research with practical engagement, ensuring that every concept you learn has real-world application. What makes this truly special is that graduates often secure roles in multinational firms shortly after or even before graduation, thanks to the extensive networking and practical experience woven throughout the programme.

Here's what you'll actually experience:

- International internships and exchanges: In your third year, you can choose between an international exchange through RSM's global partner network (with opportunities to study in places like Hong Kong, Santiago de Chile, New York City, or Seoul), or an internship where you apply your academic knowledge in professional business environments.
- International study trips and field research: Beyond the classroom, you'll join international business projects involving desk and field research for commercial businesses, supervised by RSM's academic staff.
- Real-world business projects: Work on international business projects that tackle authentic challenges faced by multinational companies operating in an AI-driven world.
- Case competitions: Join RSM's Case Society and compete in international case competitions where teams from business schools worldwide solve challenging business cases.
- Sustainable entrepreneurship initiatives: Get involved with organizations like Enactus, focusing on real-world solutions and sustainable business practices.
- Mentor programme: As a first-year student, you're paired with a second-year mentor who guides your academic journey and helps you navigate student life in Rotterdam.
- Career Centre support: Access dedicated resources including a Career Portal, CV and interview workshops, recruitment events with international company recruiters, and one-on-one mentoring through the alumni network via MentorMe.
- Diverse, intercultural classroom: Study alongside peers from over 60 nationalities, giving you genuine international experience that extends far beyond the lecture hall.

The combination of these opportunities—from internships to case competitions to study trips—ensures you graduate not just with theoretical knowledge, but with practical experience that employers actively seek.

Country Requirements

US High School Diploma required, 4 APs (2 with 4+), AP Calculus AB/BC minimum 4, 1 AP completed at application, SAT/ACT not accepted, GPA 3.3 (B+) considered for selection
A-level requirement (RSM IBA): ABB including Mathematics, with Mathematics required at minimum grade B (or equivalent).
CBSE/ISC: minimum average 70% in best 5 academic subjects including Mathematics, English required, and Mathematics exam must be taken if requirement not met; selection points given for ≥70% average.
China: Senior Middle School Diploma + Gaokao. Minimum Gaokao score 550/750 (except for Shanghai province, 484/600). Mandatory to pass English language test. Mandatory to pass mathematics deficiency exam.
Germany: Zeugnis der Allgemeinen Hochschulreife. English studied up to and including the final year, minimum grade 10/15. Mathematics studied up to and including the final year, minimum grade 10/15.
South Africa: National Senior Certificate with mention that the minimum requirements for admission to a bachelor’s degree are met. Minimum overall average score of 70% in accepted subjects. No subjects under 55%. Exempted from the English language test. Mandatory to pass mathematics deficiency exam.
France: Diplôme du baccalauréat general. Mandatory to pass English language test. Mathematics: Complémentaire, minimum grade 14/20 or Specialité, minimum grade 13/20. Mandatory to study mathematics in the Premiere and Terminale year. Diplôme du baccalauréat general – OIB/BFI: Exemption from English language test when you chose the American or British section with a minimum grade of 14. Mathematics: Complémentaire, minimum grade 14/20 or Specialité, minimum grade 13/20. Mandatory to study mathematics in the Premiere and Terminale year.
Canada: British Columbia Senior Secondary Graduation Diploma: At least 5 relevant (academic) subjects completed in grade 12. English language, exemption. Mandatory to pass mathematics deficiency exam. Ontario Secondary School Diploma: At least six 4U-courses in grade 12 (M-courses not accepted). English language: exemption when OSSD is obtained in Canada. Students who obtain the OSSD outside Canada, mandatory to pass the course ENG4U with minimum grade of 70. Mathematics: Calculus & vectors and Advanced functions passed as 4U-course with minimum grade of 70. Quebec Diploma d'Etudes Collegiales Preuniversitaire: Mandatory to pass English language test. Mandatory to pass mathematics deficiency exam.
Australia: Higher School Certificate / Certificate of Education. A minimum ATAR-score of 85. English language, exemption. Mandatory to pass mathematics deficiency exam.
IB Diploma required with minimum 33 points (6 subjects excl. TOK/EE), Math AA SL ≥5 / AA HL ≥4 / AI HL ≥5, and English A HL ≥4 or SL ≥5.
IELTS Academic: minimum overall 6.5 with minimum 6.0 in each section; TOEFL iBT: minimum overall 80 with minimum 18 in Reading & Listening, 20 in Speaking, and 21 in Writing.