As part of the selection process for the Bachelor of Science in International Business Administration at Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University we ask you to illustrate your drive and suitability for the programme by answering three motivation questions:


  • The Erasmus University offers several different bachelor’s programmes in business and economics. Why have you chosen to apply for business administration?
  • Most RSM IBA students either come from an international background or are hoping to develop their international skills. Why do you want to study in an international programme?
  • It is RSM’s mission to be a force for positive change in the world. How will studying IBA at RSM help you contribute to this mission?


First, to be clear – there are no right or wrong answers to these questions. The most important factor in the IBA selection process is still your GPA (grade point average). That counts for 75% of your final score. The points you can earn from the motivation questions have less impact because this score only counts for 25% of your final overall score. 


Answering motivation questions can be trickier than you might think. It is very important to read the questions well and to write clear and concise answers. We advise you to take the time to think about the questions – so start your application early! Think about what attracts you to a study in international business and why you want to study in an international environment. Avoid making general statements and be sure to give clear examples. Proofread the final-result to make sure it makes sense and remember – there is a 700-character limit for each answer, which is approximately 1/4 of a page. 

 

So, now that you know what we are looking for, what should you write? The idea behind the questions is for you to illustrate your drive and suitability for the IBA programme. You can include personal past experiences, current activities or skills, your future goals and plans in your answers. However, remember to focus on what the question is asking, and only use examples that are relevant. We hope you have fun with this exercise and wish you the best of luck in the application process.