By Shruti Menon Seeboo
The highly anticipated Campus Abroad Annual International Study Fair returns to Mauritius on November 22 and 23, bringing leading global institutions to Ebene. Ahead of the event, we spoke with Rosan de Ruijter, Senior International Sales Coordinator at the highly-rated Tio Business School in the Netherlands, and he shared valuable insights into what Mauritian students and parents can expect from a distinctive Dutch private higher education institution. Excerpts:
- Tio Business School is known for its small-scale, practical, and career-oriented programmes in business, hospitality, and tourism, often taught in English. Could you explain how this core concept is translated into the daily learning experience, and specifically, what proportion of the curriculum is dedicated to mandatory practical assignments, project work, and industry simulations versus traditional lecture formats?
At Tio, students experience an intensive and personal learning environment where theory and practice are seamlessly combined. Classes are deliberately small with an average of 10 students per class. This encourages interaction, teamwork, and direct coaching from lecturers who have extensive industry experience.
Over 60% of the curriculum consists of practical assignments, projects, and simulations, while the other part is dedicated to academic lectures and theory-based learning. Students frequently engage in real-world business cases, role-play scenarios, and industry projects such as launching a start-up, managing hotel operations, or designing marketing campaigns. These experiences ensure that students not only understand the concepts but can also apply them directly in professional contexts.
2. Tio’s three-year bachelor’s degree path is highly attractive for its time efficiency. Could you clarify the academic expectations and the support mechanisms in place (e.g., dedicated study coaches) to ensure international students can successfully manage the accelerated pace of a programme like International Business Management without compromising their academic results?
Tio’s three-year bachelor programmes are designed to be both intensive and achievable through a structured, highly supportive system. The programmes follow a trimester structure, allowing motivated students to complete their degree one year faster than at most traditional universities. To help students thrive, Tio offers:
Personal study coaches who monitor progress and provide one-on-one guidance throughout the year.
Small groups, ensuring individual attention and rapid academic feedback.
Structured study schedules that blend classroom hours with project time and independent study blocks.
Academic and career mentoring sessions to help international students adjust both academically and culturally.
3. Could you provide a clear breakdown of what the first-year fee covers, specifically detailing the type of guaranteed accommodation provided (e.g., is it a private room in a shared student house) and confirming the duration of this provision for incoming Mauritian students?
The tuition fee is €24,500. In addition, students who do not hold an EU passport are required to pay a first-year package fee. This fee covers the complete visa application process, (partial) housing costs for the first year, health insurance, and an airport pick-up service upon arrival.
Tio Business School offers guaranteed housing for the entire duration of your studies. Students can choose from a variety of accommodation options, including two-room apartments, studios, and shared housing. Starting from September next year, Tio will open its very own Tio Tower in the heart of Amsterdam, a modern residence with apartments exclusively for Tio students.
4. You offer the Tio Talent Scholarship (25%) and the Tio Super Talent Scholarship (50%). For a high-calibre Mauritian student, what is the precise application procedure for these scholarships, and what are the specific, measurable academic criteria used to determine whether a student’s prior qualifications (e.g., A-Level results) meet the “above average” or “outstanding” threshold for either award?
Tio offers two merit-based scholarships for talented international applicants:
Tio Talent Scholarship – covers 25% of the tuition fee.
Tio Super Talent Scholarship – covers 50% of the tuition fee.
After being accepted for your one of our programmes, students can apply for the scholarships. Students have to upload a motivation letter or video, curriculum vitae, academic transcripts and recommendation letter from their counselor.
Selection criteria:
For the 25% Talent Scholarship, applicants should demonstrate above-average academic results (Typically equivalent to A-Level grades A–B, or an overall GPA of 3.2/4.0 or higher) and a great motivation.
For the 50% Super Talent Scholarship, students must show outstanding academic performance, such as A-Level grades A–A* or a GPA of 3.8/4.0 or higher, combined with strong motivation, leadership potential, and extracurricular achievements.
Scholarship awards are competitive and determined holistically based on academic merit, motivation, and potential contribution to the Tio community.
5. How does Tio’s career service specifically assist international graduates in translating their practical, industry-focused degree and built-in internship experience into securing a job in the Dutch market, maximising their opportunity during this post-study work period?
Tio’s Career Services play a vital role in helping international students transition from study to employment. Each degree includes a mandatory internship period, either inthe Netherlands or abroad, providing real industry experience before graduation.
Tio Business School supports students and graduates by:
- Offering career coaching classes, including CV and LinkedIn optimization, interview preparation, and job application strategies.
- Hosting career fairs and industry networking events with well-known Dutch and international employers.
- Facilitating internships through Tio’s extensive partner network in business, hospitality, and tourism.
- Guiding graduates on how to make the most of the Dutch orientation year visa, which allows international graduates to stay and find a job in the Netherlands for up to one year after completing their studies.
- Actively encouraging students to build their professional network from the very start. Through masterclasses with international entrepreneurs, lecturers from the industry, and collaboration with fellow students from around the world.
Through this hands-on, practical approach, Tio ensures that international graduates can effectively leverage their education and experience to secure meaningful employment in the Netherlands and beyond.
