Admission requirements

What is the Fast Track Programme?

The 3 year fast track programme is a more intense version of our International Business programme. It was designed to provide students who have a VWO background a more challenging education. As mentioned in order to do this version, students must have a VWO equivalent previous education. These are educations such as the international baccalaureate. Below is some more information for you to understand further the fast track programme. 

The fast track programme:

• Is designed for Dutch VWO students and international students with an International Baccalaurate or equivalent to the Dutch VWO diploma. 
• Duration: 3 years
• Students receive a diploma that is equivalent to the regular programme, with a Fast-Track designation. 
• Dutch native speakers are required to study Spanish
• Spanish natives are required to study Dutch
• All other students can choose between Dutch or Spanish. 

3 specialisations available in the second school year:

1. Marketing
2. Organisation and Change
3. Supply Chain

Fast track Curriculum Overview:

Gain a strong understanding of the fundamentals of international business while building essential academic and professional skills, alongside the learning of a foreign language in the first 3 semester of our study.

Year 1: Curriculum

Year 2: Curriculum

Year 3: Curriculum

For questions, please contact: fast-trackib@hr.nl  

Student testimonial

Ria Pillai

first year IB Fast Track student

What was the main reason why you chose the International Business (IB) at Hogeschool Rotterdam/Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences?

• I wasn't exactly sure which career path to follow during high school. Still, I have always wanted to understand and learn what goes into running a successful international business, connect with people from different cultures and backgrounds, and get exposure to real-time practical learning and experiences. That’s where the International Business program at Hogeschool Rotterdam resonated with me; it offers practical, real-world learning opportunities and allows me to connect with people from different cultures and learn from them. The program will enable me to build the skills I aspire for and to succeed in an international business setting, and it's been an exciting journey so far!

With your High School diploma, you were allowed to accept the offer for the Fast Track programme, the 3-year Bachelor programme instead of the 4-year Bachelor programme. But what was the reason why you have chosen to study at a University of Applied Sciences instead of a University of Sciences?

• I chose to study at a University of Applied Sciences because it was essential to have practical experience alongside my academic studies. The hands-on learning and project-based approach at Hogeschool Rotterdam caught my attention because it's about learning and applying theories in real-life situations. I have always believed that real-world experiences and situations are the best way to be successful in an international business environment and enjoy a successful career. I also wanted an environment that would enable me to gain job-ready skills, build professional connections, and truly understand how businesses operate globally. Studying here feels like the perfect fit for my personal and professional growth.

Which subjects do you like most in the Fast Track program?

• So far, International Business Awareness has been my favourite subject, particularly the Law component. For one project, I analysed Planet Fitness entering New Zealand, focusing on legal risks, regulatory challenges, and intellectual property protection. Each student worked on a different country and company, which made the experience collaborative and enriching. Seeing how businesses navigate real-world legal obstacles to expand into new markets was fascinating. This hands-on approach deepened my understanding of global compliance and gave me valuable insights into the functionalities of law and business in the actual world.

Do you do any extracurricular activities? If yes, can you tell a bit more about it?

• Yes, I am actively involved in extracurricular activities, contributing to my personal and professional growth. I served as the class representative during Block 1, strengthening my leadership and communication skills. I am also part of the PR committee, where I have helped organise events such as open days, networking events, and the graduation ceremony, gaining valuable experience. Additionally, I am part of the social media team, where we manage the Instagram page for the International Business study program. It’s been a fantastic experience, and I am proud of our achievements. Outside of academics, I am a member of the Erasmus Dance Soci ety, where I have met amazing people who share my passion for dance. I also stay active by attending fitness classes at the Erasmus Sports Centre, which helps me maintain a healthy balance between academics and personal life. Additionally, I am part of the Student Capital Society, a new initiative focused on finance. We recently had an insightful workshop with guest speakers, which was a fantastic opportunity to network and connect with like-minded individuals.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now?

• In five years, I see myself having completed my master’s and starting my career in international business, ideally in marketing or a strategic role within a global organisation. I would love to work in a setting that encourages collaboration, creativity, and personal growth, where I can contribute to exciting projects with an international impact. I also aim to continue growing professionally and personally, gaining diverse experiences and building a strong network. On a personal level, I want to travel to new places, explore different cultures, and meet new people. I look forward to gaining new perspectives that will enrich my career and personal life. I also want to maintain a good balance between work, family, and personal growth.

Exemption on placement semester

Students with a minimum of one-year full-time relevant work experience (in the fields of Finance & Accounting, Marketing Management, Logistics Management and/or International Human Resource Management) can apply to the examination board for an exemption from doing their placement semester. Instead they provide a placement report to meet the placement criteria.

English language requirements

English requirements (we accept**):

• IELTS Academic 6.0;
• TOEFL iBT 80 ("My Best Scores" are not accepted);  
• Cambridge: Minimum score of 169 

Exemptions for the English level requirement are: Applicants whose medium of instruction of the previous education was in English and some EU secondary education diplomas.

**We only accept tests that are taken at the test centre of the English language test provider [any version of online tests is not accepted]

You need to upload all of the required documents in OSIRIS Aanmeld. Your previous education and your level of English will be reviewed to check if you meet the admission requirements.

EU and non-EU applicants who reside in the Netherlands also need to submit:

• Valid residence permit

Application deadline Bachelor programmes

*Non-EU applicants have an early deadline of April 1st due to visa applications that have to be submitted.

For a Willem de Kooning Academy bachelor programme, please see the admission information on the Willem de Kooning Academy website.