Founded in 1913, Erasmus University Rotterdam is one of the leading research universities in the Netherlands and is internationally recognised for excellence in Business, Economics, Management, Medicine, Law, Public Policy, and Social Sciences. Located in Rotterdam, one of Europe's largest port cities and a global hub for business and innovation, the university consistently ranks among the Top 150 universities worldwide and attracts students from over 140 countries. Erasmus University Rotterdam is home to more than 39,000 students, including a large international student community. The university is particularly renowned for Business Administration, Economics, Finance, Accounting, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Law, Public Health, Psychology, and Health Management. With more than 100 English-taught bachelor's and master's programmes, EUR offers a highly international and research-driven learning environment. Whether you're planning to pursue a bachelor's degree, master's programme, MBA, or PhD, this guide provides an overview of Erasmus University Rotterdam admissions, available programmes, scholarships, admission requirements, and career opportunities for international students.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Location | Rotterdam, Netherlands |
| Program Levels | UG · Master's · MBA · PhD |
Which Program Level Fits You?
Erasmus University Rotterdam offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programmes across multiple disciplines.
| Program Level | Overview |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's (Undergraduate) | Undergraduate programmes in Business Administration, Economics, International Business, Psychology, Law, Medicine, Health Sciences, Data Science, and Social Sciences. |
| Master's (Postgraduate Taught) | Advanced master's programmes in Finance, Business Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Economics, Marketing, Law, Public Health, and more. |
| MBA & Executive Education | Internationally recognised MBA and executive programmes through the Rotterdam School of Management (RSM). |
| PhD (Research) | Research-intensive doctoral programmes across business, economics, medicine, health sciences, law, and social sciences. |
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements vary depending on the programme and level of study.
| Requirement | Typical Requirement |
|---|---|
| Academic Qualifications | Strong academic performance with programme-specific entry requirements |
| GPA | Competitive academic record |
| IELTS Academic | Generally 6.5–7.0+ depending on the programme |
| TOEFL iBT | Generally 90–100+ depending on the programme |
| Cambridge English | Accepted for eligible programmes |
| Other Requirements | |
| Academic transcripts, motivation letter, CV/résumé, letters of recommendation (where applicable), and programme-specific documents |
Cost of Attendance
The Erasmus University Rotterdam tuition fees vary depending on the programme and whether students are from the EU/EEA or outside the EU/EEA. Students should also budget for accommodation, health insurance, transportation, books, and living expenses while studying in Rotterdam. Rotterdam offers a moderate cost of living compared with many major European cities while providing excellent career opportunities in finance, logistics, healthcare, consulting, and technology.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Erasmus University Rotterdam offers a range of merit-based scholarships, faculty-specific awards, graduate funding, and external scholarship opportunities for international students. As scholarship opportunities are competitive, students are encouraged to begin their search well in advance. Popular scholarship opportunities include:
- NL Scholarship
- Erasmus Trustfonds Scholarship
- Eric Bleumink Fund
- Faculty-specific Scholarships
- Rotterdam School of Management Scholarships
- Erasmus School of Economics Scholarships
- Erasmus+ Scholarships
- Graduate Research Funding
- PhD Funding Opportunities
- External Government Scholarships
Many research master's and PhD candidates receive funded positions or research grants through their faculty or research institute. Scholarship availability varies by programme and nationality.
Campus Life & Student Experience
Erasmus University Rotterdam offers a modern, international campus with excellent student facilities. Students benefit from:
- More than 100 student associations and societies
- Modern research laboratories and learning spaces
- Career counselling and internship support
- Entrepreneurship and innovation programmes
- International exchange opportunities
- Sports, recreation, and wellness facilities
- A multicultural learning environment with students from over 140 countries
Rotterdam is one of Europe's most innovative cities, offering outstanding opportunities in finance, logistics, consulting, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and technology.
Research & Global Reputation
Erasmus University Rotterdam is internationally recognised for research excellence and graduate employability. Highlights include:
- Ranked among the Top 150 universities worldwide
- Home to the globally renowned Rotterdam School of Management, consistently ranked among Europe's leading business schools
- Strong research in Business Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, Economics, Finance, Healthcare, Public Health, Data Science, Sustainability, Law, and Social Sciences
- Home to internationally recognised faculties including the Erasmus School of Economics, Erasmus MC, and Rotterdam School of Management
- Strong partnerships with employers including Unilever, ING, Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG, Shell, Philips, Microsoft, Amazon, IBM, and Erasmus Medical Center
- Excellent graduate employability supported by extensive industry collaborations and international research partnerships
Visa & Post-Study Work
International students from outside the EU/EEA generally require a Dutch Student Residence Permit to study in the Netherlands. After graduation, eligible students may apply for the Orientation Year Visa, allowing them to stay in the Netherlands for up to one year to search for employment or start a business.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Student Residence Permit | International students from outside the EU/EEA generally require a Dutch Student Residence Permit (MVV/Residence Permit) to study in the Netherlands. |
| Orientation Year (Zoekjaar) | Eligible graduates may apply for the Orientation Year (Zoekjaar) Visa, allowing them to live and work in the Netherlands for up to one year after graduation. |
How to Apply
Every study level follows a similar application process, although deadlines, admission criteria, and required documents vary depending on the programme.
- Undergraduate — choose your programme — Choose your preferred programme. Apply through Studielink, the Dutch national application system.
- Undergraduate — submit documents — Submit academic transcripts and supporting documents. Meet English language and programme-specific requirements.
- Undergraduate — accept your offer — Receive and accept your admission offer.
- Postgraduate — apply online — Apply through the Erasmus University Rotterdam online application portal. Upload academic transcripts and required documents.
- Postgraduate — meet requirements and accept — Meet programme-specific admission requirements. Receive your admission decision. Accept your offer and complete your Dutch student visa or residence permit process.
- Complete your Dutch student residence permit process — After accepting your offer, complete your Dutch student visa or residence permit process.
FAQs About Studying Here
Is Erasmus University Rotterdam good for international students?
Yes. Erasmus University Rotterdam is one of the Netherlands' leading research universities, offering globally recognised degrees, an international learning environment, strong employer connections, and excellent graduate employability.
Does Erasmus University Rotterdam offer scholarships for international students?
Yes. EUR offers the NL Scholarship, Erasmus Trustfonds Scholarship, faculty-specific scholarships, Erasmus+ funding, PhD funding opportunities, and several external scholarship options.
What English language tests does Erasmus University Rotterdam accept?
The university accepts IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge English qualifications, and other approved English language proficiency tests. Programme-specific score requirements may vary.
How do I apply to Erasmus University Rotterdam?
Undergraduate applicants apply through Studielink, while postgraduate applicants apply through the Erasmus University Rotterdam online admissions portal.
Can international students work after graduating from Erasmus University Rotterdam?
Yes. Eligible graduates may apply for the Orientation Year Visa, allowing them to stay and work in the Netherlands for up to one year after graduation.
Does Erasmus University Rotterdam provide career support?
Yes. Erasmus University Rotterdam offers career counselling, internships, employer networking events, entrepreneurship programmes, research opportunities, and comprehensive career development services. Its location in Rotterdam provides outstanding access to careers in finance, consulting, logistics, healthcare, business, and technology.
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