Full-time MBA

Admission requirements and process

Phase 1
Upload the following documents to MSM’s online application portal:

• Personal résumé / CV demonstrating the minimum requirement of three or more years of relevant working experience, obtained after your bachelor’s degree
• Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university as well as the transcript
• Two employer letters of recommendation (a reference request can be sent directly via our application portal)
• A letter of motivation of at least 3-4 pages following the instructions in the portal
• Proof of English proficiency: > English proficiency requirements
• Copy of your passport or your EU identity card (valid on the start date of your programme)
• Digital passport photo - guidelines digital passport photo

Diplomas and transcripts can be submitted in English, Dutch, French or German, preferred language is English. Other documents should be in English. Documents in other languages should be uploaded (the originals) with an official translation in English. 

To submit your online application, you have to complete all required fields, upload the necessary documents and pay the application fee of € 95. Applications are processed within 2 weeks of the application deadlines. Click here for more information about the (rolling) deadlines. Only complete applications will be reviewed.
IMPORTANT: Before submitting your online application, don't forget to choose the scholarship(s) you would like to apply for. If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to reach out to us via msm-admissions@maastrichtuniversity.nl.

Phase 2
If your application is complete, we will invite you for an interview with two MSM faculty or staff members (Zoom). This interview will give the applicant a chance to highlight any motivation or skills beyond the CV and letter of motivation. It will also give MSM a chance to learn more about your level of English and the individual motivations for joining the full-time MBA programme.

Phase 3
Each application will be evaluated on an individual basis. The Admissions Board will make a decision based on your overall application documents and interview, and in particular: your prior academic performance, work experience, your motivation for the programme, level of English and overall achievements and goals. We will inform you of the Admissions Board’s decision within 2 weeks after the application deadline.

NB: MSM reserves the right to withdraw an offer of admission if candidates fail to satisfy all requirements or if it is determined that admission was obtained through the use of falsified, altered or embellished information.

Phase 4
Once you have received your admission, you will follow the payment plan outlined in your invoice to secure your seat in the programme.

Acceptance of the offer of admission implies that you have read and understood the Maastricht School of Management’s Education and Examination Regulation, which is publicly available here: https://www.msm.nl/information-for/current-students/examination-board/education-and-examination-regulations-eer. 

After payment of 1st installment and prior to the start of the MBA programme, five online  preparatory (foundation) courses (Accounting, Finance, Statistics, Economics and Write & Cite Academic Writing Readiness) are required to be satisfactorily completed. Alternatively, if you have completed the GMAT Exam with a score of 565+ (or the GMAT Focus Edition with a score of 565+ or the GMAT Exam 10th Edition with a score of 600+, or a GRE with an equivalent score), the preparatory courses are waived, with the exception of the Write & Cite Academic Writing Readiness preparatory course.

Visa and residence permit process

Please also check the page Visas and Permits for more information!

After you have been accepted to a Full Time degree programme at MSM,

1. MSM will ask you for at least the following documents:
   – copy of your passport. Your passport must be valid for at least one month longer than the duration of the programme you are registered for.
   – evidence of sufficient financial resources. You must be able to prove that you have at least € 1000 (amount can be subject to change for 2023) per month for rent, food and insurances. MSM will inform you about how you can do that.
   – completed antecedents form. This is a statement that you have not committed any criminal offence.
   – certified, physical copies of Diploma and Transcripts. In case you have only submitted copies or temporary documents during the admissions process.
   – proof of first payment. In order to start your Visa process, you will be required to submit proof of payment for the first installment of your tuition as well as any other required fees (exact amounts to be confirmed by the Admissions Office.)
2. You will receive a message if all of the documents satisfy the conditions.
3. MSM will start your visa application. The Netherlands Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) needs about 4 weeks to process your application. As soon as this has been done you will receive a notification by email.
4. You make an appointment with the Dutch Embassy in your country. There you must submit passport photos and have your fingerprint registered. After that you will receive your visa. You will receive your residence permit after your arrival in the Netherlands. Please note! Do not book your trip to the Netherlands until after you have received your visa.

Please note! Do not book your trip to the Netherlands until after you have received your visa.

After your arrival in Maastricht

1. MSM will inform you about where and when you can pick up your residence permit.
2. MSM will continue to monitor your academic progress.
3. MSM can ask the IND to revoke your student visa in any of the following situations:
   a. If you fail to maintain satisfactory academic progress,
   b. If you fail to submit all the required documents to complete your admission to the degree programme,
   c. If any of your admissions documents or visa application documents are found to be altered, false or fabricated in any way.
   d. If you are deemed by MSM to be conducting yourself in any way that is not in line with the Code of Conduct for international students in higher education (https://www.internationalstudy.nl/?lang=en)

After you complete your studies in Maastricht

Before your student visa expires you must either
a. Apply for the Zoekjaar Visa with the IND in order to prolong your stay in the Netherlands or
b. Deregister with the city (gemeente) in which you registered.