NETHERLANDS · ROTTERDAM

Erasmus University Rotterdam

public · Founded 1913 · Languages: en, nl

In short

Erasmus University Rotterdam is a top-ranked international research university in the Netherlands, offering a diverse range of programs with a strong focus on economics, law, social sciences, and medicine. Located in the dynamic city of Rotterdam, it provides a truly international campus experience.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1913
Students: 32,000
International students: 7,000
Acceptance rate: 45%
Tuition (intl): €3–22k/yr
Languages: EN, NL
Location: Rotterdam, Netherlands

For international students

Netherlands

Student visa & funds

Non-EU students cannot apply for their own residence permit; only an IND-recognised institution (a registered sponsor) submits the application on their behalf. The permit is issued for up to five years and stays valid for three months after the programme ends. For university and HBO students the IND requires proof of at least €1,130.77 per month (the 2026 study norm) for living costs, held by the student or guaranteed by the institution. Students must also keep satisfactory progress — at least 50% of annual credits — to retain the permit.

Working while you study

Non-EU students may work a maximum of 16 hours per week during the academic year, or alternatively full-time during June, July and August. In either case the employer must first obtain a work permit (TWV) from the UWV before the student starts; the student cannot apply for it themselves. Internships that are a formal, graded part of the degree are exempt from the TWV requirement when a tri-party agreement is in place, as is volunteering with a Volunteer Declaration.

After you graduate

After a bachelor’s, master’s or PhD at a Dutch institution, non-EU graduates may apply for the orientation year permit (zoekjaar), valid for one year and not extendable. During this year the holder may work freely — no employer TWV is needed — and may also freelance or start a business. The application must be made within three years of graduating. Graduates of a foreign university ranked in the global top 200 can also qualify with English proficiency at IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.

English tests

IELTS6.0–6.5 for bachelor’s; 6.5–7.0 for most master’s; specialist master’s up to 7.0–7.5
TOEFL iBT80–90 for bachelor’s; 90–100 for master’s; some research universities require 100

Main intakes

SeptemberFebruary

Typical living cost

€1,200/month

Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.

SourcesIND — Fees and required amounts for 2026 · Erasmus University Rotterdam — Working as a non-EU/EEA student · IND — Residence permit for orientation year · Study in NL — Admission requirements · StudyPath — Cost of living in the Netherlands (2026)

Programs

a selection

View top programs →

Erasmus University Rotterdam · Netherlands

Academia 2 Entrepreneurial Impact (A2EI)

The Academia 2 Entrepreneurial Impact (A2EI) course is designed to equip PhD candidates with essential entrepreneurial skills to enhance the real-world impact of their research. This hybrid program fosters innovation, interdisciplinary thinking, and provides the knowledge and mindset needed to translate research into value. It's ideal for researchers at any stage of their PhD who want to explore career paths beyond academia, such as in industry, startups, or consulting, or to develop leadership and problem-solving abilities within research settings. The course emphasizes experiential learning and peer-to-peer exchange with international researchers. Offered in collaboration with UNIC universities, this course is taught by experts from the Erasmus Centre for Entrepreneurship (ECE) and guest facilitators from partner institutions in Germany, Belgium, Poland, and Spain. It complements other entrepreneurship courses by offering a more extensive and hands-on experience, focusing on practical application and the development of an entrepreneurial mindset to drive change and create value through research.

Erasmus University Rotterdam · Netherlands

Academic Program Healthcare Management

The Academic Program Healthcare Management is designed for directors, policymakers, and managers within the healthcare sector, aiming to enhance their knowledge and professional skills. This program focuses on strategic decision-making and operational excellence in healthcare. The curriculum covers essential areas such as strategic management, human resource management, healthcare logistics, risk management, financial management, and strategic marketing. Delivered over six intensive days by expert instructors, the program includes individual assignments that allow participants to receive feedback on their own organizational policies.

Erasmus University Rotterdam · Netherlands

Advanced Course on Legal Research Methodologies

This three-day intensive course is designed for early career researchers and PhD candidates in law, providing a practical foundation in doctrinal and interdisciplinary legal research methodologies. It will equip participants with the skills to design their research projects, formulate clear research questions, select appropriate methods, and identify relevant sources. The course also explores how to effectively integrate insights, theories, and methods from other disciplines like ethics and political sciences into legal research. Through interactive sessions, participants will engage with topics such as the significance of legal research methodologies, the execution of doctrinal research, and comparative law. The course emphasizes the enrichment of doctrinal research through empirical studies and the humanities, discussing when and how to incorporate these approaches. Participants are expected to prepare by reading provided materials and submitting descriptions of their research projects for feedback. Individual tutorials can also be scheduled with the instructors.

Erasmus University Rotterdam · Netherlands

Advanced Management and Leadership Programme

This intensive management course is designed for experienced business professionals to enhance their critical thinking and leadership skills. The program aims to equip participants with the tools and insights needed to adapt, thrive, and succeed in a dynamic business environment. Through a combination of classroom learning, peer interaction, and practical application, you will develop greater self-awareness, strengthen your understanding of key strategic and financial concepts, and master leading-edge leadership practices. The goal is to foster transformational leadership that benefits both personal career development and organizational growth.

Erasmus University Rotterdam · Netherlands

Behavioral Risk for Professionals - Masterclass

This masterclass focuses on Behavioral Risk for Professionals. The program aims to provide insights and practical tools for understanding and managing behavioral risks within organizations. It is designed for professionals seeking to enhance their knowledge in this specialized area.

Erasmus University Rotterdam · Netherlands

Beyond HR: People, Culture and Transformation

This three-day executive training program focuses on developing strategic HR thinkers who can navigate the complexities of modern organizations. It challenges participants to look beyond traditional HR practices and address issues related to digitisation, global events, and evolving stakeholder needs. The program aims to empower individuals to become people experts, change leaders, and value creators by enhancing their understanding of organizational culture and transformation.

Scholarships

for Netherlands

Browse all scholarships →

full funding

Dutch Research Council (NWO)

NWO Rubicon Programme

For researchers who have recently completed (or are about to complete) a PhD, who want to gain research experience at a foreign institution (or at a Dutch institution if coming from abroad). It is a postdoctoral programme; applicants must have obtained their doctorate within the last ~12 months and apply through NWO with a host.

Nuffic (Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP) Scholarships

Open to mid-career professionals who are nationals of, and currently living and working in, one of the listed OKP partner countries. Applicants must have proficiency in English or French, be in work that aligns with one of the priority areas designated for their country, be able to show they will use and transfer their new knowledge within their employing organization, and agree to comply with the obligations and conditions of the OKP. A limited number of awards is granted to motivated female and male professionals.

University of Groningen

Welcoming International Talent (WIT) PhD Fellowship

Open to Early-Stage Researchers of any nationality who, at the call deadline, have no more than four years of full-time-equivalent research experience and have not yet been awarded a doctoral degree. Applicants must hold a qualification that grants access to doctoral studies, meet the MSCA mobility rule (not having lived or worked in the host country for more than 12 months in the previous three years), and have at least certified B2-level English.

Maastricht University

UM Brightlands Talent Scholarship

Open to non-EU/EEA and Swiss nationals under 35 who have conditional admission to a participating master's programme affiliated with a Brightlands campus, have not previously enrolled in Dutch higher education, and demonstrate strong academic performance.

Maastricht University

Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship

Open to talented students from outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland and Suriname who have applied for admission to a participating full-time Master's programme at Maastricht University, meet the programme's admission requirements, have not previously studied for a degree in the Netherlands, and are no older than 35 on the cycle's start date.

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)

Justus & Louise van Effen Excellence Scholarship

For exceptional non-EU/EEA students applying for an MSc programme at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) with an excellent academic record. The scholarship is merit-based and competitive; you apply for it after applying for admission to an eligible TU Delft master's, by the deadline (commonly 1 December).

Frequently asked questions

What is Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR)?

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Erasmus University Rotterdam is a leading international research university founded in 1913. It comprises ten faculties and specialized schools and is known for rigorous, socially relevant education and research.

What are the tuition fees for international students?

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Non-EEA students can expect fees ranging from €8,000 to €22,000 per year, depending on the program. EEA students pay the statutory fee of approximately €2,314 per year. Certain programs like RSM MBA and specialist master's have higher fees.

What is the cost of living in Rotterdam?

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The estimated monthly living costs in Rotterdam for students range from €1,000 to €1,800, covering rent, food, insurance, and transportation.

What are the English language proficiency requirements?

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For admission, you typically need a TOEFL iBT score of 100 (with subscores of 20), IELTS Academic of 7.0 (with subscores of 6.0), or Cambridge C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency with a score of 185.

What makes Rotterdam a good city for students?

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Rotterdam is a modern, dynamic port city with a thriving arts scene and strong international business community, offering a vibrant environment with bold architecture, cultural festivals, and global food experiences.

Are there scholarships available for international students?

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Yes, EUR offers several scholarships, including the Erasmus Trustfonds Scholarship for excellent non-EEA students and the Holland Scholarship, which provides a €5,000 grant for non-EEA students in their first year.

Erasmus University Rotterdam

Why study here

Student life

For international students