Information for parents/guardians BSc Business Administration
Supporting your child as they consider a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration can be crucial in helping them make the right decision. Here are some practical tips to guide you through this process.
- Understand the career opportunities:
- A Bachelor of Science in Business Administration opens doors to many fields like finance, marketing, management, and entrepreneurship. Discuss these possibilities with your child to spark their interest and help them understand what roles they could pursue.
- Listen to their future aspirations:
- Ask open-ended questions and encourage your child to talk about what motivates and inspires them. Encourage them to think about their strengths, interests and goals for the future. This can help them identify which study path suits them best.
- Discuss the skill set required:
- This program emphasizes analytical thinking, leadership, and communication skills. Guide your child in assessing their strengths and consider how these skills align with their personality and aspirations. Take a look at our curriculum in our brochure and see if the courses align with their expectations.
- Research program reputation and specializations:
- Not all business administration programs are the same. Every university has its own focus and strengths. Taking the time to explore options together can help your child find a program that fits their interests and future goals. At Nyenrode, the BScBA program stands out for its hands-on, practical approach combined with a solid research foundation. It also offers personalized coaching, a strong sense of community, and support that lasts even after graduation. Plus, it has been ranked the best international business administration program by Keuzegids for seven years in a row!
- Highlight financial considerations and scholarships:
- Talk about the financial investment involved, including tuition, materials, and living costs. Investigate scholarship opportunities or financial aid that may be available here.
What are the admission requirements?
The Netherlands: VWO Diploma
Mathematics: Mathematics A or B with a sufficient grade (6)
English: English with a sufficient grade (6)
The Netherlands: HBO Propaedeutic
Minimum a 6 in Math and English on HAVO diploma.
Additional Math test (OMPT-A) is required.
European Baccalaureate (EB)
Mathematics: Minimal 5 hours with a minimum grade of 7 or minimal of 3 hours with a minimum grade of 8.
English: Language 1 or 2 with a minimum grade of 7
General Certificate of Education (GCE)/International Advances A-Levels(IAL)
General: 6 different subjects in total
3 GCE A-Level/A2 level (including mathematics with a grade of AAB; max. of one language course)
3 (I)GCSE subjest with final grades A*-B (9-5)
Mathematics: Minimum score of B for AS level and mathematics at GCE A-Level
International Baccalaureate (IB)
General: Only a full IB diploma is accepted. We count final and not predicted grades.
Mathematics: Analysis & Approaches SL -> minimum grade of 5
Applications & Interpretations SL -> Additional Math Test required
Analysis & Approaches HL -> minimum grade of 4
Applications & Interpretations HL -> minimum grade of 5
Math Studies -> Additional Math Test required (See below Additional Math Test section)
Belgium: Diploma Secundair Onderwijs, stream Algemeen Secundair Onderwijs (ASO) / Certificat d'Enseignement Secondaire Supérieur (Général) / Abschlusszeugnis der Oberstufe des Sekundarunterrichts
Mathematics:
ASO – Economy / Mathematics profile with a minimum math grade of 70%
CESS – 5 hours of mathematics/science with a minimum grade of B
English: Students who were taught in Dutch/Flemish need a minimum English grade of 70%
Germany: Abitur/Zeugnis der Allgemeinen Hochschulreife
Mathematics: Minimum grade of 10 (taken up until graduation)
English: Minimum grade of 10 (taken up until graduation)
South Africa: National Senior Certificate
General: A minimum of 7 subjects (at least 70%; preferable 7 out of the following subjects: Economics, Geography, History, Home Language, First Additional Language, Second Official Language, Life Sciences, Mathematics, Mathematical Literacy, Physical Sciences, Religion Studies)
Mathematics: Additional Math Test required (See below Additional Math Test section)
English: Entire education must be in English
USA: American High School Diploma
General: Minimum of 4 Advanced Placement (AP) Exams with a minimum grade of 4.
Only one language AP
Not accepted: AP Capstone, AP Research, AP Seminar, AP Art & Design program
SAT & ACT are not accepted.
Mathematics: AP exam in Calculus AB or BC with a minimum grade of 4
Additional English Test
Students must have a B2 level of English at the start of the program. Below you can find our recommended options:
TOEFL: We accept TOEFL (iBT) with a minimum overall score of 80.
IELTS: We accept IELTS Academic Test with a minimum overall score of 6.5
Cambridge: We accept B2 First or C1 Advanced with minimum overall score of 170
Please discuss your options with the admissions office or the program advisors.
Additional Math Test
If your level of math is not sufficient or you do not meet the requirements to join the program, you can sign up for an additional math test. Below you can find our recommended options:
OMPT-A: Online mathematics exam that can be taken from anywhere at any time. In order to take the test, please register via www.omptest.org and choose Nyenrode Business University and the BScBA program. On the website you can also find information on covered topics. NBU requires a score of minimum 75% and you have 2 attempts.
Boswell-Beta exam: The James Boswell institute in Utrecht offers courses and exams for students who need a Mathematics A or B (VWO) certificate. We allow for a maximum of 2 attempts.
Korteweg-de Vries: We accept the pre-university (VWO) certificate for Mathematics A or B from the Korteweg-de Vries institute for mathematics. We allow for a maximum of 2 attempts.
Please discuss your options with the admissions office or the program advisors. Successfully passing these exams means that you meet the mathematics requirements but doesn’t guarantee a place in the program.
What’s the culture like at Nyenrode?
Nyenrode Business Universiteit attracts students from diverse backgrounds, and while we understand that the cost of a private education can be a factor, our community consists of down-to-earth, motivated individuals who prioritize personal growth, teamwork, and academic achievement.
The focus at Nyenrode is on creating an inclusive environment where students can learn from each other, build lifelong friendships, and develop the skills they need for a wide range of careers. Rather than status or recognition, our students are driven by the desire to make a positive impact and gain practical, real-world experience in business.
How does Nyenrode provide a safe and supportive environment for students on campus?
At Nyenrode, we prioritize student safety and provide tailored environments on our two campuses to support our students’ development into responsible adults.
In Breukelen, students live and study on the same campus, where there is 24/7 security and a close-knit community that fosters accountability and support. Students take care of each other, and the atmosphere is similar to a boarding school in terms of structure, though as university students, they are expected to conduct themselves as adults.
The Amsterdam campus offers more independence, as students are not required to live on campus. While we maintain safety measures within the university premises, students here enjoy the freedom of city living and are ultimately responsible for their conduct outside the campus environment. As always, our students are reminded that they represent Nyenrode, and we encourage them to act responsibly both on and off campus.
Do Breukelen students go home on weekends?
Whether Breukelen students go home on weekends depends largely on their academic schedule, social activities, and personal preferences. Throughout the academic year, students may have varying workloads and group projects that often require in-person collaboration, sometimes over the weekend.
Additionally, our student association organizes events and activities that many students participate in, making weekends an important time for both social and academic life on campus. Ultimately, students have the freedom to manage their own schedules, so their choice to go home on weekends will depend on how they balance their commitments and plan their time.
Can students have a car? Is parking free?
Yes, students can own a car and leave it on campus. The parking is free for cars and bikes. This also applies to visitors.
Can I visit the campus – can I stay at the campus hotel?
How are roommates chosen/matched?
The process of selecting a compatible roommate begins with the initial interview, where our program managers assess each student’s personality and preferences. Our goal is to match students with roommates who can contribute to each other’s growth and create a positive living environment, as they will spend a significant amount of time together. This matching process is carefully considered to support a successful living experience. In their second year, students have the option to remain with the same roommate, choose a new one, or opt for a private room.
Which HBO propedeuse background is recommended for students before joining Nyenrode?
We recommend that students have a background in business and/or economics, as this will provide them with a foundational skillset that will be useful during their Bachelor of Science in Business Administration studies. However, students without this background are also welcome to join the program. They may just need to put in a bit of extra effort to master some of the basics, but we provide the support needed to help all students succeed.
What is the workload like?
The study load averages around 40 hours per week and includes 16 to 20 hours of classes, 3 to 4 hours of sports (usually 1.5 hours, twice per week), 10 hours of group work, and 8 to 10 hours of self-study. Classes take place between 8:30 AM and 7:00 PM, with weekly schedules varying depending on the courses. In the first year, students must earn a minimum number of ECTS to progress to the next year, so staying on top of coursework is essential. Additionally, student association activities, whether in Breukelen or Amsterdam, can be time-intensive, so effective time management is key.
What can the student do after this program?
Graduates of Nyenrode’s Bachelor of Science in Business Administration program are well-prepared for a wide range of career paths. Many go on to work in areas such as consulting, finance, marketing, or management across various industries. Others use their skills to start their own businesses or pursue roles in international companies.
Additionally, some graduates choose to continue their education through master’s programs, either at Nyenrode or at other universities around the world. The program equips students with both the practical and analytical skills needed to succeed, whether they choose to enter the job market directly or continue their studies.
What if my child wants to switch courses during the year or doesn't like it?
During the Open Days and Matching Days, your child will get a good idea of the study and the work that awaits him or her. Despite all the information and help, it is always possible that the study does not fully suit. We would like it if your child would inform us about this in good time, so that we can see together whether solutions can be found. If that does not work, your son or daughter can of course change study. In that case, the study coaches and the program management will help with the successful completion of the study.
Where can the students go during their exchange semester?
In their third year, students have the chance to participate in an exchange semester at one of our partner universities. Students select their top 10 preferences, and we aim to place them within their top 5 choices. Placement depends on each student’s academic performance and the availability at each university. Please note that our partnerships can vary each year. For a full list of current partner universities, please visit our international page.
What is the success rate of applicants?
Our selection already starts when our applicants get in touch with our Program Advisors or visit a Nyenrode Event. We want to make sure that you are a perfect fit for Nyenrode, but also that Nyenrode is the right fit for you! Because of this pre-selection and our highly motivated candidates, we are happy that our rejection rate is below 10%.
What happens if the student doesn’t pass the studies?
Students have two chances to pass each course: an initial attempt and a retake. If there are extenuating circumstances, such as illness or significant personal issues, they may request an additional attempt through the Exam Committee (ECGM). In the first year, it’s crucial for students to pass Mathematics for Business and Principles of Economics and meet the ECTS requirements to progress. Students with 50-59 ECTS may continue provisionally, while those with fewer than 50 ECTS or who fail these key courses cannot continue in the program. Additionally, if students need to retake classes in a later year, there will be extra costs associated with these retakes.
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Open Day Express Amsterdam| BSc in Business Administration
Start date: 13 DecType: Open dayLocation: Nyenrode Business Universiteit - AmsterdamJoin us for a cozy winter event! Discover our program, explore our Amsterdam location, and connect with current students and alumni in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
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Open Day Express Breukelen | BSc in Business Administration
Start date: 17 DecType: Open dayLocation: Nyenrode Business Universiteit - BreukelenJoin us on this short and sweet winter event, where you will have the opportunity to learn more about our program, get to know our Breukelen campus and interact with current students and alumni.
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Admissions Webinar| BSc in Business Administration
Start date: 08 JanType: WebinarLocation: OnlineJoin our upcoming informal admissions webinar to get all your questions answered about the university admissions process. Learn valuable insights and tips directly from our admissions team. Don't miss this opportunity to prepare for a successful application!
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Open Day Breukelen | BSc in Business Administration
Start date: 01 FebType: Open dayLocation: Nyenrode Business Universiteit - BreukelenJoin us on this event, where you will have the opportunity to learn more about our program, get to know our Breukelen campus and interact with current students and alumni.
View event