A degree (Bachelor, Master, PhD) from a recognised research university.

A minimum of 3 years post-graduate full-time work experience.

You can choose to do a GMAT / GRE test or do an in-house test.

• GMAT / GRE: the suggested minimum GMAT score is 600, for GMAT Focus 565. Our average GMAT score is 680, for GMAT Focus 625. GRE scores will be converted to GMAT.
• Analytical in-house test: scoring on Numerical Reasoning, Abstract Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning.

Candidates with a business or quantitative Master’s degree (e.g. MSc in International Business, Econometrics or Mathematics) from an internationally recognised research University may be exempt from this requirement. Exemptions can only be confirmed once the MBA Admissions Committee has received and reviewed your application files.

A minimum TOEFL of 100 or IELTS of 7.0 is required. You may be exempt from this requirement if:

• English is your first language.
• You have 3 years of international professional work experience.
• You have a Bachelor's or Master's degree taught in English
• Please note that your degree certificate or transcripts should mention that the language of instruction was English. Is the instruction language not mentioned? Then you will need to submit a letter from your higher education institute, stating that the curriculum was completely taught in English.
• You obtained a Dutch VWO high school diploma. Exemptions can only be confirmed once the MBA Admissions Committee has received and reviewed your full application file.

Once your eligibility has been confirmed, you can submit your online application. This step will take around 2 hours of your time. In our online application portal you will kindly be asked to fill in, or upload the following:  

• Your 1-page CV.
• Transcript(s) and related diploma('s) from your highest university degree (all non-Dutch and non-English transcripts must be accompanied by a certified English translation).
• Share 3 essays in writing of 250 words.
  • First essay: tell us what sets you apart from the competition, why you are looking into an MBA degree and what your post-MBA goals are.
  • Second essay: Your take on diversity.
  • Third essay (optional): outline your personal life circumstances that have made you the person you are today.
• GMAT/ GRE (if applicable) you can submit a provisional test date and hand in your score after submitting your online application.
• TOEFL/ IELTS (if applicable).
• Scan of your passport.
• Contact details of 2 references – they will receive an automated message with a link to a digital form they can fill out to share their recommendation.

If your application is in order, you will be invited for the LTP Assessment. This assessment takes around 2 hours and costs €150. You can take it in your own time. The results of this test will tell us more about your motives and work style. The outcome will be discussed during the admissions interview and will also be used during your careers coaching whilst you are in the MBA. The costs of the test will be deducted from your tuition fee in case you enrol in the programme.

This 45-minute interview will focus on your skill-set, LTP test results, motivation and career goals. It is scheduled on campus or via Teams and is conducted by an admissions board member who has reviewed your application files.

The admissions board decides within 5 working days after the interview, whether there is a good match between the Amsterdam MBA and your profile. If successful, you will be offered one of the seats in the MBA programme.

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have become key strategic pillars of the Amsterdam Business School. To emphasise the importance of sustainability related research, the Amsterdam MBA offers 3 scholarships worth €10,000 each for MBA candidates that have contributed to the SDGs in their career.

Leaders in Business and Society

Our ambition is to develop leaders in business and society and support students with backgrounds in, for example, social entrepreneurship, NGOs or charity organisations. We are pleased to see that the ranking in the Financial Times recognises our efforts in this area in both our education and research. We are proud to be in the top 10.

Application

Participate in our essay contest and convince us that you have made a difference through following the SDGs. In order to compete, you will have to respond to the following question in an essay (max. 600 words):

How have you contributed to the UNs SDGs in your personal or professional life? 

Requirements

• You have submitted your application for the MBA.
• You have a GMAT score of at least 595 (or a comparable GRE score).

Deadline and requirements

• Send your essay before 1 May 2025.
• The essays will be revised by a committee.
• Selected scholarship winners will be personally informed on 15 May 2025.

Useful links

• More about the UN Sustainable Development Goals
• Learn how our MBA supports careers contributing to SDGs
• Tips for writing MBA admission essays

The MBA Admissions Board encourages high GMAT scores. We therefore reward scores above 650 with a discount. This discount can go up to €12,000 for the highest scores. Ask the MBA Admissions Office for the exact breakdown.

The Dutch Ministry of Education and Sciences offers scholarships covering costs of living expenses within the framework of cultural agreements between the Netherlands and other countries. Information is available from the Dutch embassy or consulate in your country or via www.nuffic.nl and www.grantfinder.nl.

We would like to recommend you to contact and inquire with grant-giving institutions and foundations in your home country. In many countries there are substantial funds available for students planning to study abroad.