On this page, you'll find the most frequently asked questions about SBE's pre-master's programs, covering topics such as admission, the GMAT, and the application process for students with a Dutch degree.
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Questions about direct admission
Does my HBO degree meet the economics/business administration requirement?
Would you like to know whether your previous HBO education meets the economics/business administration requirement? Here you will find an overview of programmes that satisfy this criterion.My degree is not on the list for direct admission, but it includes a substantial amount of economics and/or business administration. What should I do?
Is your degree not listed in the overview, but do you believe it contains sufficient economics and/or business administration content? If so, apply for the pre-Master’s programme of your choice and email us a well-substantiated motivation, together with the relevant course descriptions (in PDF format). Please ensure that your GPA is stated on your transcript or provide a graduation statement that includes your GPA. Applications without a GPA will not be considered.I do not meet (one of) the requirements for direct admission. Can I be admitted to the pre-Master’s programme based on my CV, motivation letter, and/or references?
No. If you do not meet the requirements for direct admission, the only alternative is to hold a completed bachelor's degree and achieve a GMAT score of 525 or higher.My transcript does not include a GPA. What should I do?
Please contact the institution where you completed your bachelor's degree and request a transcript that includes your GPA. If this is not possible, ask for a graduation statement that states your GPA. Applications without a GPA will not be accepted.I am enrolled in a fast-track track within an HBO programme. How should I submit my GPA?
For fast-track students, we assess the GPA for the entire programme. Please ensure that this GPA is listed on your transcript or include a graduation statement showing your GPA with your application.My programme uses the grades ‘Above Standard’, ‘Meets Standard’, and ‘Below Standard’. A GPA cannot be calculated. What should I do?
For this grading system, we assess the percentage of coursework completed at the ‘Above Standard’ level. If 25% or more of your bachelor's programme has been assessed as ‘Above Standard’, you meet this requirement for direct admission.I have not achieved the required GPA due to personal circumstances. Is an exception possible?
In exceptional cases, you may be granted an exemption from the GPA requirement, for example due to illness, caregiving responsibilities, the loss of a close family member, or similar circumstances. If this applies to you, please send a well-substantiated email explaining your situation and providing any relevant supporting documentation. -
Questions about admission via GMAT
How should I prepare for the GMAT?
Preparing for the GMAT generally takes between 4 and 10 weeks, with an average study load of around 16 hours per week. With the right study materials, it is possible to prepare for the exam through self-study. There are also various preparation courses available, both free and paid. We do not recommend any specific books or courses, as there are many effective ways to prepare.I have a content-related question about the GMAT. Where can I get help?
The GMAT is administered by an external international organization. Please visit their website for further information.Do you accept the GMAT Superscore?
Yes, we accept the GMAT Superscore.Do you accept the unofficial GMAT score?
No, we only accept the official GMAT score report. You can send your score to us free of charge if you do so within 48 hours of receiving your official score. After this period, a fee applies. Please note that it can take up to 20 days for us to receive your official score report from the GMAT organization. Therefore, make sure to plan your GMAT well in advance. Please look here for all information about the GMAT.Can the GRE replace the GMAT?
Although we prefer the GMAT, we also accept the GRE. Please contact us to obtain the current minimum required GRE score.I cannot afford to take the GMAT. What are my options?
Pursuing higher education requires an investment, including a financial one. In exceptional cases, we may be able to explore possible solutions with you. Please contact us and provide a substantiated explanation of your situation so that we can review your circumstances. -
Questions about the application procedure
Can I apply if I am still completing my Bachelor's degree?
Yes, you can already apply. We will inform you of the condition(s) you must meet before you can start the pre-Master’s programme. If you meet all the stated conditions by 31 January, your application will be approved definitively.Am I guaranteed a place on the pre-Master’s programme if I meet the requirements?
Yes, you are guaranteed a place, if you meet all requirements by 31 January. There is no additional selection process. -
Questions after admission
Do I need to register for courses myself?
Yes, you are responsible for registering for the courses in the pre-Master’s programme. There is one exception: if the course Academic Knowledge and Skills is part of your study programme, we will register you for this course.When is the introduction?
The introduction takes place last Friday before the start of the pre-Master’s programme. In most cases, this is the last Friday of January. Please check the latest information.Can I attend the introduction if I have not yet been fully admitted?
Yes, you are very welcome to attend. However, please note that participation in the introduction session does not mean that you are eligible to start the pre-Master’s programme.I want to withdraw from the pre-Master’s programme. Will I receive a refund?
The pre-Master’s fee will only be refunded if you cancel your enrolment before 1 February. After this date, you will be liable for the full pre-Master’s fee, regardless of whether you continue with the programme. -
Other Questions
I am currently enrolled in a pre-Master’s programme, but I will not successfully complete the programme (or not all of it). Can I enroll in the same pre-Master’s programme again?
No, you may only take a pre-Master’s programme once. You are, of course, welcome to apply for a different pre-Master’s programme at SBE. Please note that exemptions cannot be granted for courses that you have already passed.If I have completed a pre-Master’s programme at another university, am I eligible for one of your master's programmes?
This depends on the scope and content of the pre-Master’s programme concerned. In general, the pre-Master’s programme must comprise at least 30 ECTS credits, and it must be completed in full. Apply for the master's programme of your choice and include the course descriptions of the pre-Master’s programme with your application. The admission board of the Master's programme will assess whether the pre-Master’s programme provides sufficient preparation for our Master's programme.