Erasmus guide Erasmus University Rotterdam
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at Erasmus University Rotterdam in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Snapshot
Rotterdam's flagship exchange university: strong in business, economics, social sciences, law, medicine, and urban-facing research, with a very international campus rhythm.
Why students shortlist it
Research university in Rotterdam with strong options in business, economics, social sciences, law and policy. The exchange experience is practical, international and shaped by the city's direct Dutch study culture.
Teaching languages: English (primary for exchange and most master's programmes); Dutch for some bachelor courses
Before You Land
A few practical setup details students usually sort before arrival
Connectivity, insurance, and secure public WiFi are the boring things you only notice when you need them. Keep them on your checklist, but keep the guide itself front and centre.
Arrival Connectivity
Sort an eSIM before you land
Maps, ride apps, 2FA codes, and WhatsApp are usually the first things students need from the airport.
Coverage Check
Confirm your travel insurance
Even when the university gives guidance, students usually need to double-check what is covered before departure.
Public WiFi
Have a backup for shared networks
Campus halls, airports, and cafés are convenient, but many students prefer an extra privacy layer when they first arrive.
Exchange Basics
Requirements
Students generally need nomination by a partner university, faculty-specific online application, transcript, ID/passport, course selection, language proof where required, and immigration documents for non-EU students.
Nomination Process
Your home university International Office submits a formal nomination by the applicable deadline; without nomination, the host university will not process your application.
Visa Support
EU/EEA students do not need a visa. Non-EU students must apply for a Netherlands MVV entry visa and residence permit; the host university initiates the IND procedure after acceptance.
| Semester | Nomination | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn/Full year | Typically April 1–15 | Typically May 1 — confirm with host faculty |
| Spring | Typically October 1–15 | Typically November 1 — confirm with host faculty |
Arrival Checklist
- Watch EUR housing windows early.
- Check whether your faculty is Woudestein-based.
- Join ESN Rotterdam and faculty groups before arrival.
Academics
Course Registration
Course rhythm varies by school; business and economics tracks can be fast and assessment-heavy.
Credit System
ECTS
Grading System
Dutch 1-10 scale: 5.5 is usually the minimum pass, 8 is a strong grade and 9-10 are exceptional. Resits and block structures vary by faculty, so students should check the host-school calendar.
Exam Culture
EUR teaching is organised by faculty and often by short blocks. Expect written exams, group assignments, presentations and resit periods; exact assessment weightings depend on the school and course catalogue.
Tuition & Fees
| Student Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EXCHANGE | EUR 0 tuition (admin EUR 0–100) | Dutch universities waive tuition for exchange under bilateral or Erasmus agreements. Some charge €0–100 administrative fee at enrollment. Health insurance: E… |
| Full degree – EU/EEA | EUR 2,314/year | EU/EEA Dutch statutory fee ~€2,314/year. Erasmus University, Rotterdam — strong in economics, medicine, law. Non-EU international fees significantly higher. |
| Full degree – non-EU | EUR 10,000–18,000/year | EUR non-EU: Economics/Business ~€10,000–14,000, Medicine ~€18,000/year. EU statutory rate ~€2,314. Erasmus Mundus scholarships available. Exchange via bilate… |
EUR 0 tuition (admin EUR 0–100)
Dutch universities waive tuition for exchange under bilateral or Erasmus agreements. Some charge €0–100 administrative fee at enrollment. Health insurance: E…
EUR 2,314/year
EU/EEA Dutch statutory fee ~€2,314/year. Erasmus University, Rotterdam — strong in economics, medicine, law. Non-EU international fees significantly higher.
EUR 10,000–18,000/year
EUR non-EU: Economics/Business ~€10,000–14,000, Medicine ~€18,000/year. EU statutory rate ~€2,314. Erasmus Mundus scholarships available. Exchange via bilate…
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Where to Stay
Insurance & Campus Support
Mandatory Insurance
Yes — valid health insurance covering Dutch healthcare costs. EHIC alone is not sufficient.
EHIC Accepted
Yes
Campus Clinic
EUR provides student health and wellbeing services with referrals to Rotterdam healthcare providers. Campus campus clinic available via EUR student services.
Mental Health
EUR student wellbeing platform offers psychological support, counselling referrals, and wellbeing events for all enrolled students.
EHIC
Home-country dependent
Emergency coverage for EU students — supplement with Aon or equivalent for full coverage.
Aon Student Insurance
~€39/month
Recommended by most Dutch universities; covers health, liability, and personal belongings.
InsureToStudy
Varies
Alternative international student insurance provider accepted in the Netherlands.
Campus Services
Student Support & Advice (EUR)
EUR student support hub: academic counselling, legal and financial advice, disability support, and study guidance. Full advisory services for enrolled students.
Career Services (EUR)
EUR career coaches offer free one-to-one sessions, workshops on job applications, CV and cover letter help, employer connections, and industry events.
Student Wellbeing (EUR)
EUR student wellbeing platform: mental and physical health support, wellbeing events, and easy access to psychological services and health resources.
Student Life
Student Clubs
- Business, economics, social-science, international, sports, and faculty associations.
Buddy Program
ESN Rotterdam and faculty associations are the clearest first social routes.
Sports & Recreation
- Campus sports and city sports options
Public Groups & Erasmus Communities
ESN Rotterdam - exchange events and trips.
STAR and faculty groups - academic/social campus layer.
Rotterdam language exchange - broader city circle.
Your First 2 Weeks
- Confirm faculty schedule and campus.
- Apply for housing and register address steps.
- Join ESN Rotterdam.
- Buy a practical bike and test the Kralingen commute.
Key Dates
Nomination window (Autumn intake)
April – May
Home university must formally nominate before host opens the application portal.
Application window (Autumn intake)
May – June
Complete host university online application + learning agreement after nomination.
Nomination & application (Spring intake)
October – November
Same flow as autumn but compressed; check with host international office.
Orientation & welcome week
Late August / Early September (autumn) or Late January / Early February (spring)
Mandatory for international students; ESN, buddy programmes, and admin all start here.
Final exam periods
January (autumn semester) and June (spring semester)
Resit/retake windows usually in late August. Book travel only after exam dates publish.
Campus events hub: Browse all events