How to apply?

Applications can be submitted through our application portal which will open on 1 January 2024. An application should consist of the following documents:

  • A motivation letter that refers to a research area specified in our Open PhD Projects (take a look at our project descriptions here. Projects discussed with a potential supervisor can be considered as well). Please sketch your background, research idea and intended research approach, and clearly relate it to one or several of the topics described in the research area of your choice. The additional submission of a research proposal is optional (see point “proof of writing” below) for RSM. For ESE, a research plan coordinated with your intended supervisor from ESE is required

  • A brief research statement (one page suffices) in which you outline the type of research questions that you intend to study and the type of methodologies that you intend to employ. You may broadly sketch your interests or be specific about concrete research questions that you envision answering. You may also explain whether (or not) you intend to utilize data from your current employer and/or work on research questions related to your current profession
     
  • A proof of writing in the English language. The purpose of this document is to demonstrate that you are capable of writing academic texts in English. This can be, for example, a chapter of your MSc or MBA thesis, a paper, or a research proposal for your intended research
     

  • Proof of English, i.e. TOEFL or IELTS test results. These should not be older than 2 years (find detailed criteria here)

  • BSc and MSc or MBA diploma + transcripts of grades (for both)

  • Curriculum Vitae

  • If you have already been in contact with RSM or ESE faculty who would be willing to supervise you if you are accepted to the program, please add a letter of recommendation from your intended promotor at RSM (optional) or, for ESE, 2 letters of recommendation, with at least one of those being from your intended promotor at ESE (required). Please note that at least one of your supervisors must be employed full-time by ESE

  • If you need to apply for a scholarship due to financial hardship, please add an additional document containing:

    • A statement that you cannot pay the tuition fees through your own resources
    • A summary of other funding opportunities (e.g., employer contribution, scholarships outside of ERIM, etc.) that you have explored so far

The Admissions Committee may also ask you to take a GMAT test, GRE and/or to submit additional documents as part of the evaluation process.