Application Procedure

Once you have started your application on StudieLink, you will receive an Erasmus University (EUR) student number and instructions on how to access the EUR Admissions Portal. You will find a general overview of the process via the Erasmus University website.

Below, you can find a step-by-step overview of the admissions procedure within the EUR Admissions Portal. You may save and return to your application throughout the process. However, once submitted, you may not edit or change your application. The only exception is for those currently studying: you may upload your final certified diploma once it has been awarded.

For any questions on the below, you can always contact the Tinbergen Admissions Office at admissions@businessdatascience.nl.

1. Names and email addresses of two references:

Once you have started your application process, the first things that are asked of you are the names and email addresses of two referees. These email addresses should be professional (not gmail etc.). You must have these email addresses ready before you start the online application procedure, as you will have to enter this information before being able to continue with your application.

We recommend that you contact these individuals beforehand, so that they are prepared when they receive the email inviting them to send a recommendation. It is your responsibility to ensure that your recommenders submit their references before the admission deadline. 

Should they have not received an automatic email within 24 hours, and they have checked their spam folder, then please ask them to send the letter directly to admissions@businessdatascience.nl, along with your EUR student number.

2. Questions about previous university education:

You will be asked to provide some basic information about your previous and/or current higher level education (language of instruction, name of program, university name, location, graduation date, GPA). If you are currently completing your Bachelor program, you may input these details. 

3. Test results:

GRE or GMAT test scores are required of all applicants who do not hold a Dutch degree on September 1, 2026 . 
Furthermore, TOEFL or IELTS scores are required of all applicants who do not hold a Dutch degree on September 1, 2026.

To share your TOEFL/GRE results, use TI code 3811; for IELTS, please share with Erasmus University Rotterdam. 

An exemption to this second language requirement can be made if applicants can provide evidence that their degree program was conducted in English. Please see the Admission Requirements page for full details. 

4. Uploads:

You are required to upload various documents, depending on which ones are relevant for your situation. Please note that all uploads should be in pdf-format, and only one document can be uploaded per item. 

N.B. A Certified copy is one that has been stamped and signed by your university or, in some cases, verified digitally. Diplomas or transcripts that are not in English must also have a certified translations included. 

• A copy of your bachelor diploma. 
• Certified copy of your bachelor diploma along with an official grades transcript. 
• If you have not yet graduated from your program, you may submit a certified study progress overview in both these questions. This is a document that includes the current grades you have achieved for your program, as well as the total credits to be awarded upon your completion of the program. It should be validated by your department, school or university administration. 
• Certified diplomas and transcripts of other completed university education relevant for your application. If you have not yet completed this secondary degree, you may upload a certified study progress overview of that program. 
• If relevant, proof that the entire program was taught in English (link to webpage, indication on diploma or grade list) or official statement.
• If relevant, an original report or screen shot of your personal GRE/GMAT score page (the whole page, not just a section)
• If relevant, a TOEFL or IELTS score report
• Letter of motivation, including an overview of your specific area of academic interest (max. 2 pages, 300-500 words p/page). This document should provide an elaboration of your specific area of academic interest (research topic that you want to work on including a short research proposal); how your past education and other experiences have prepared you to be successful in our program; what you hope to achieve (your professional plans and career goals) and why this program is the best place for you to pursue your interests.
• Resume
• Optional: writing sample E.g. Bachelor or Master thesis. You can also provide a sample of a paper you may have published/co-authored.

5. Additional information

You will be asked a few additional questions:

• Your preliminary field of interest. This relates to the field you wish to conduct your studies in. This selection does not bind you to that field, rather it gives the Admissions Committee an indication as to your general interests.
• How you found out about our program.
• A list of other graduates schools you are applying to.
• An overview of your funding situation. Those interested in applying for funding via Tinbergen Institute can do so here.
• Whether you need a Dutch residence permit to study in the Netherlands? Check here. 

6. Submit application

Once your application is submitted you may not edit or add any additional information. The exception is when your are still completing your degree during the application process: you may add your final diploma once you recieve it. 

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