International Business Administration
Admission and Application
VU University’s aim is to make IBA’s student population a balanced mix of international and Dutch students. In order to do so, IBA is a 'numerus fixus' study programme. This means a maximum of 150 students per year will be allowed to start. To ensure an international student population environment, international students are given priority to enter the programme if they apply through the decentralized selection procedure.
Application via draw or the decentralized selection procedure
Students will be selected by the faculty (decentralized selection) or by draw:
- About half of the students will be selected by the faculty through the decentralized selection procedure. The deadline for application is 1 April. International students are strongly advised to take part in the decentralized selection as this will increase their chances of being admitted to the programme. Applying for the decentralized selection without applying for the draw is NOT possible.
- The selection of the other half of the students will be determined by draw ('loting' in Dutch). Students apply either for the draw alone, or for both the decentralized selection AND the draw. The deadline for the draw is 15 May. The draw is being executed bij 'DUO'. More information about the draw can be found on DUO - IB-Groep Dutch website or the DUO - IB-Groep international website.
Admission Requirements
In order to be selected candidates must at least meet primary admission criteria. Candidates applying via the decentralized selection procedure will have to meet the secondary admission criteria as well. The primary admission criteria constitute the formal admission requirements as laid down in law: the possession of a Dutch VWO-diploma or equivalent thereof. Failing this criterion means that admission can never take place. The secondary admission criteria specify the level of proficiency in English, the degree of international education and/or experience, motivation, etc.
Read more about Admission Requirements
How to apply
Interested in applying for IBA at VU University Amsterdam?
- Check if you meet the admission requirements. In case of deficiency in English and/or Math, you may become fully eligible for admission by passing one or more entrance examinations
- Go to the checklist for detailed instructions
- Apply via Studielink.nl
- Send us all documents needed for the decentralized selection procedure (listed in the checklist)
- Note that the deadline for application for the decentralized selection procedure is 1 April and for the draw is 15 May.
The (refundable) application fee is €100. Please read the application fee procedure carefully. (Only for international students.)
All the above information is summarized in Decentralized Selection (pdf file).
Visit the VU corporate website for more information.
If you have questions, send an email to iba.feweb@vu.nl
