Erasmus guide Rotterdam School of Management
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at Rotterdam School of Management in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Snapshot
A focused business-school guide for exchange students at RSM Erasmus University, best for management, strategy, finance, marketing, and career-driven international cohorts.
Why students shortlist it
Business school of Erasmus University Rotterdam, based on the Woudestein campus. The exchange is a strong fit for business, management, finance, supply chain and entrepreneurship students who want English-taught, group-based coursework.
Teaching languages: English (primary for all exchange and master's programmes)
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 need nomination through an RSM partner-school agreement, the incoming exchange application, transcript, passport/ID, course selection, proof of English readiness where required, and Dutch residence-permit steps 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
- Treat housing as urgent; Kralingen rooms move quickly.
- Prepare backup business courses.
- Join RSM/EUR student associations early.
Academics
Course Registration
RSM is structured and international, with group work, presentations, and business-case assessment common.
Credit System
ECTS
Grading System
Dutch 1-10 scale: 5.5 is normally the minimum pass. RSM transcripts may show grades to one decimal place for exchange courses.
Exam Culture
RSM exchange courses are usually block-based and assessment-heavy. Expect case work, group presentations, participation requirements and written exams or take-home cases, with calendars differing between bachelor and master exchange.
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 (BSc) · EUR 18,000–22,000 (MSc/MBA) | RSM BSc for EU/EEA: ~€2,314/year (Dutch statutory). However RSM MSc and MBA charge full international rates for ALL students including EU: €18,000–22,000. MB… |
| Full degree – non-EU | EUR 16,000–22,000/year (BSc) · EUR 20,000–32,000 (MBA) | RSM is EUR's business school — non-EU BSc ~€16,000–22,000/year, International MBA €55,000 (full programme), specialist Masters €20,000–32,000. EU/EEA BSc ~€2… |
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 (BSc) · EUR 18,000–22,000 (MSc/MBA)
RSM BSc for EU/EEA: ~€2,314/year (Dutch statutory). However RSM MSc and MBA charge full international rates for ALL students including EU: €18,000–22,000. MB…
EUR 16,000–22,000/year (BSc) · EUR 20,000–32,000 (MBA)
RSM is EUR's business school — non-EU BSc ~€16,000–22,000/year, International MBA €55,000 (full programme), specialist Masters €20,000–32,000. EU/EEA BSc ~€2…
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
RSM students access EUR student health and wellbeing services in Mandeville building. Referrals to Rotterdam healthcare providers available via student advisers.
Mental Health
EUR student wellbeing services and RSM study advisers provide access to psychological support and mental health resources for enrolled RSM 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 Services (RSM)
Rotterdam School of Management student services: study advisers, exchange office, career centre, and examination board support for BSc and MSc students.
Study Advice (RSM)
RSM study adviser: confidential one-to-one guidance on academic difficulties, special circumstances, and individual student needs throughout your programme.
Current Students Hub (RSM)
RSM information hub for current students: academic support, career services, exchange programmes, and campus life resources.
Student Life
Student Clubs
- STAR, RSM associations, consulting, finance, entrepreneurship, and international student groups.
Buddy Program
Use RSM/EUR onboarding plus ESN Rotterdam for broader social life.
Sports & Recreation
- Erasmus campus sports and city sports options
Public Groups & Erasmus Communities
ESN Rotterdam - international student layer.
STAR - RSM student association.
Rotterdam language exchange - wider city circle.
Your First 2 Weeks
- Join RSM cohort channels.
- Check group-project expectations early.
- Set up housing registration and bike route.
- Join one career/student association and ESN.
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.
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