BSc International Business - Numerus fixus

On the Studielink website, you can apply for a programme in Dutch higher education. Apply for the Bachelor programme International Business (CROHO 50019) of the University of Groningen on Studielink between 1 October 2024 and 15 January 2025, which is the deadline for application.

Make sure to select 1 September 2025 as the start date and Groningen as your preferred location; otherwise, you may encounter issues during the application process.

Please follow the instructions in Studielink carefully. For questions about registration in Studielink, please contact Student Information & Administration services.

Fixed quota degree programme

You may apply for a maximum of two fixed quota degree programmes in one academic year. This can also be the same degree programme at two different educational institutions. Please consult the studiekeuze123 website for more information.

Transfer

Applicants transferring from a similar Bachelor's programme from another Dutch university, follow the same application and enrollment steps as other candidates, including selection. This means you need to apply via Studielink as a first-year student. After full enrollment, you can request exemptions through the Examination Board.

Applying with a Dutch VWO diploma

Applicants with a Dutch (VWO) diploma who have completed their registration in Studielink, should continue with step 2 of the selection procedure (Fill out and submit the BSc IB selection web form).

Applying with a non-Dutch diploma or International / European Baccalaureate

Applicants with a non-Dutch diploma or International/European Baccalaureate who have completed their registration in Studielink, will receive a message from Studielink stating that the University of Groningen (UG) has to verify your educational background through the Progress Portal. This system allows you to upload digital copies of your application documents and offers you the opportunity to keep track of the progress of your application.

The admissions officer determines if your previous education is in principle sufficient for admission to the University of Groningen. Please note, the deadline for submitting your application in the Progress Portal is 15 January 2025.
More information about the admission process can be found here.
For questions about diploma validation, please contact the Admission Office.

Applicants with a non-Dutch diploma or International/European Baccalaureate who have completed their registration in Studielink, should continue with step 2 of the selection procedure (Fill out and submit the BSc IB selection web form).

Applying with a Dutch HBO-P

To enroll with an HBO background, you must demonstrate sufficient prior knowledge at the VWO level through one or more additional exams. On this page, you will find information about these additional entry requirements, how to meet them, and the steps you need to take.

Applicants with a Dutch HBO-Propedeuse who have completed their registration in Studielink, should continue with step 2 of the selection procedure (Fill out and submit the BSc IB selection web form). 

The selection procedure of the BSc International Business at the University of Groningen is separate from the admission procedure for all applicants.

All applicants must submit the official BSc IB selection web form to participate in the BSc IB selection procedure. In this web form, we will ask you for some personal details, your secondary school, and your preference for the day of the selection tests. Your CV and study results in prior education will not be considered in the selection, but the web form information is needed to proceed with the selection procedure.

You will receive a link to the BSc IB selection web form by email after your registration for the BSc IB in Studielink. Please be aware that this email may end up in the spam folder of your mailbox, so please check this folder regularly.

The final deadline to submit the BSc IB selection web form is 1 February 2025. Please note that forms submitted after the deadline will not be processed.

For questions regarding technical or procedural issues only, please contact ibselection@rug.nl (please include your full name and UG student number in your email).

Process and objectives of the selection tests

The selection tests aim to give you a realistic idea of what the IB programme offers and what will be expected from you. The test involves studying literature that is representative of the programme and watching video lectures. Later, you will be tested through two tests with multiple-choice and/or open questions based on similar materials.

The selection tests cover two subjects, i.e. (1) Introduction to International Business, and (2) International Economics and Environment. These so-called curriculum sampling tests provide a good indication of academic performance in the first years (and long term) and help us select the best students. Moreover, they give you a sample of what our curriculum looks like. 

Preparing for the selection tests: Test Preparation Library & practice test environment

To prepare for the tests, you will have to study relevant literature and watch the video lecture(s). This material will be made available on our student portal, in the IB Selection Test Preparation Library, and communicated to applicants after 15 January 2025. The Test Preparation Library will be open until 14 February 2025.

We will not provide any additional study material, practice questions, or previous exams. Seriously studying the literature provided in the Test Preparation Library should suffice to pass the selection tests.

You will have to understand and be able to apply the theory. You will have to remember relevant definitions and formulas and be able to apply and use them when answering the questions. There will not be enough time to look up all definitions during the tests, as the tests will only be open during a limited time span.

To familiarize yourself with how the tests will be administered, you will be able to practice on our student portal, the test environment, with a short practice test. This practice test is similar in format to the selection tests.

Make sure you test your computer/laptop and Internet connection in advance. Make sure you prepare well for the selection tests by studying the provided literature and practicing in the test environment

Language

The literature, video(s), and tests are in English, matching our teaching language in the BSc IB programme.

You will be automatically registered for the selection tests if you have applied in Studielink and have filled out and submitted the IB selection web form. Based on your preference, we will send an email with the date and information how to enter the tests. The selection tests take place online.

Test dates

In the webform (Step 2), you indicate your preferred day for the selection tests from the following options:
Option 1: 15 February 2025
Option 2: 1 March 2025
Test time frame: To be announced

A wide time frame will be determined for taking the online test to accommodate international time differences. Within this time frame, you can choose the starting time to take the test.

The BSc IB programme management will review all individual applications that

• are in principle admissible to the University of Groningen based on their previous education;
• have successfully completed the steps above;
• have not already participated in the BSc IB selection procedure three times before.

The individual applicant will be awarded with a score on the selection tests. The overall score of each individual applicant will be compared to the scores of the entire cohort of applicants, to award the individual applicant a specific place in the ranking.

Applicants with a ranking number within the numerus fixus (fixed quota 550) will be immediately offered a place in the programme. Applicants have a maximum of two weeks to accept this place. You must accept your confirmation of placement via Studielink within two weeks of receipt. If the offer is not accepted within this time, the offer will be withdrawn and will be automatically offered to the next applicant in the ranking (ranking numbers 551 and higher).

You will receive your ranking number via Studielink on 15 April 2025. You will either be offered a place (ranking numbers 1-550) or be placed on the waiting list (ranking numbers over 550). More information about your personal results, ranking number, and the further process will be emailed to you shortly after 15 April 2025.

Places can continue to be offered until 15 August 2025.