Erasmus guide Erasmus University Rotterdam
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at Erasmus University Rotterdam in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
City
RotterdamCountry
the NetherlandsInternational
Large international business/economics/social-science mix; exchange strongest by faculty
Enrollment
Over 30,000 students
Study abroad at Erasmus University Rotterdam: overview
Study abroad at Erasmus University Rotterdam means choosing a 30,000+ student Rotterdam research university strong in business, economics, law, social sciences and health, with a direct urban campus rhythm. In practice, the useful context is enrollment: Over 30,000 students; international mix: Large international business/economics/social-science mix; exchange strongest by faculty; academically it fits best around Business Administration (RSM), Economics and Econometrics, International Management, Law. The part to check without romanticising it: rules can be faculty-specific, so confirm the host department, seats and course list early.
Enrollment
Over 30,000 students
International Mix
Large international business/economics/social-science mix; exchange strongest by faculty
Why students choose it
Best fit: students who want Business Administration (RSM), Economics and Econometrics, International Management, Law in Rotterdam, with a course list that genuinely matches their home degree. Do not choose it on reputation alone; watch this trade-off: rules can be faculty-specific, so confirm the host department, seats and course list early.
Language of instruction: English (primary for exchange and most master's programmes); Dutch for some bachelor courses
Exchange & application at Erasmus University Rotterdam
The exchange process is faculty-based: nomination first, then online application, course approval and housing planning. Woudestein is manageable, but you should know your campus and timetable before choosing a room.
✅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.
🧭Orientation Week
🗓️Deadlines by intake
| Intake | Nomination deadline | Application deadline |
|---|---|---|
| 1st semester | Usually spring; confirm the current partner deadline with your home university. | Usually late spring or early summer after nomination; faculty pages can differ. |
| 2nd semester | Usually autumn; spring-intake places and courses can be more limited. | Usually autumn after nomination; do not book housing or flights before acceptance. |
Arrival Checklist
- Watch EUR housing windows early.
- Check whether your faculty is Woudestein-based.
- Join ESN Rotterdam and faculty groups before arrival.
Academics & courses at Erasmus University Rotterdam
EUR tends to feel direct, international and group-work heavy. Check prerequisites and block schedules carefully, especially in economics, management, law and social sciences.
📝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.
📚Library Access
Libraries, study spaces and digital resources are included for enrolled students.
Tuition & fees at Erasmus University Rotterdam
Partner exchange usually means no host tuition. Full-degree fees follow Dutch statutory or institutional rules, while Rotterdam rent is often easier than Amsterdam but still competitive.
| Student Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EXCHANGE | EUR 0 / semester at host | Partner exchange students normally pay their home university, not Erasmus University Rotterdam. |
| Full degree - EU/EEA statutory fee | EUR 2,694 / year (2026-27 statutory tuition) | Dutch statutory tuition is set nationally by DUO; programme exceptions can apply. |
| Full degree - non-EU/EEA institutional fee | Programme-specific institutional fee | Non-EU/EEA full-degree fees vary by programme; use the official tuition calculator/page before applying. |
EUR 0 / semester at host
Partner exchange students normally pay their home university, not Erasmus University Rotterdam.
EUR 2,694 / year (2026-27 statutory tuition)
Dutch statutory tuition is set nationally by DUO; programme exceptions can apply.
Programme-specific institutional fee
Non-EU/EEA full-degree fees vary by programme; use the official tuition calculator/page before applying.
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Student housing at Erasmus University Rotterdam
Rotterdam gives more options than Amsterdam, but student rooms still disappear early. Compare Kralingen, city centre, north/south connections and campus commute.
Full housing guide
Find housing in Rotterdam
Official contacts, student residences, private platforms, tips & red flags.
Insurance & campus support at Erasmus University Rotterdam
Use the exchange office, faculty coordinators and Erasmus Student Network early. Dutch admin is efficient once you have the right documents, but not forgiving if you miss deadlines.
🛡️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 at Erasmus University Rotterdam
Rotterdam is modern, multicultural and less postcard-Dutch. It suits students who want food, nightlife, design, logistics, internships and a practical city feel.
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 & 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 exchange dates at Erasmus University Rotterdam
Your timeline is nomination, faculty application, course registration, housing search and orientation. Keep exam/resit periods in mind before booking return travel.
-
1
Nomination and application
Spring for first semester; autumn for second semester
Your home university nominates first; the host application and Learning Agreement come after that.
-
2
Housing and course registration
As soon as acceptance and portal access arrive
Rooms in Rotterdam move early. Check course approval before signing a long commute or private contract.
-
3
Arrival and orientation
Late August / early September or late January / early February
Use orientation for registration, campus systems, student associations, insurance and daily-life setup.
Campus events hub: Browse all events