Erasmus University Rotterdam: QS World Ranking, Tuition Fees, and Programme Overview

Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) continues to rise in the QS rankings, showcasing strong teaching quality and research capabilities. Its faculties in business, social sciences, and medicine are among the top in the Netherlands. The tuition fee structure at Rotterdam University is clear, allowing parents and students to plan their study abroad budgets effectively. Grove Education will provide an in-depth introduction to Erasmus University's world rankings, highlights of popular programmes, the latest tuition information, and key application points, helping students grasp the essentials for their applications.

Background of Erasmus University Rotterdam Introduction

Erasmus University Rotterdam, established in 1913, is a public research university located in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Founded by business leaders, it is named after the renowned Dutch humanist Erasmus, embodying the spirit of academic excellence and international perspective.

Erasmus University has competitive advantages in social sciences, economics, business, and medicine. In the QS rankings, the Rotterdam School of Management (RSM) is ranked 34th globally and is the number one business school in the Netherlands [1], making it one of Europe's leading business schools. The school offers a wealth of learning and employment opportunities, attracting international students.

In addition to its high global ranking, Erasmus University boasts a strong alumni network. The university has over 160,000 alumni, including prominent figures such as former Mayor of Rotterdam Joost Manusama, Nobel Laureate in Economics Jan Tinbergen, former Indonesian Prime Minister Mohammad Hatta, and members of the Dutch royal family, Johan Friso, among numerous leaders in politics, economics, academia, and medicine [2][3]. During their studies and after graduation, students can expand their networks and accumulate international experience through alumni activities, aiding their future career development.

Erasmus University Rotterdam campus 

Source: Erasmus University Rotterdam

QS World Ranking of Erasmus University Rotterdam

According to the latest QS World University Rankings, Erasmus University Rotterdam is ranked 140th globally [4], representing a significant improvement compared to last year (158th in 2025 [5]) and the year before (176th in 2024 [6]), and a notable advancement from 208th in 2023 [7]. The stable rise in Erasmus University's world ranking illustrates the university's robust teaching quality, research strength, and reputation.

Erasmus University's QS ranking performs exceptionally well within the Netherlands, currently positioned 6th nationally, competing with top local universities such as Delft University of Technology, the University of Amsterdam, and Eindhoven University of Technology. Beyond QS rankings, Erasmus University has also performed well in other international rankings:

Times Higher Education Ranking (THE): 107th in the world; 6th in the Netherlands [8]

Shanghai Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU): 101st to 150th globally; 3rd to 6th in the Netherlands [9]

U.S. News & World Report: 76th in the world; 5th in the Netherlands [10]

Top World Ranking of Rotterdam School of Management

According to the Financial Times, the Rotterdam School of Management (RSM) is ranked 37th globally, demonstrating outstanding competitiveness in business, economics, and management fields. It holds the prestigious triple accreditation of AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA, a recognition achieved by only about 1% of business schools worldwide [11]. Both educational and research quality are at an internationally leading level. The Business Administration programme at RSM is ranked 22nd globally and 1st in the Netherlands [12]. The school’s courses combine theory with practical experience, providing professional labs, corporate collaborations, and internship opportunities, equipping students with a global perspective and practical skills.

Other Popular Programmes with QS Rankings

In addition to the renowned business school, other popular programmes at Erasmus University Rotterdam also achieve excellent QS rankings:

Social Sciences and Management: 40th in the world; 2nd in the Netherlands [13]

Medicine: 42nd in the world; 2nd in the Netherlands [14]

Economics: 55th in the world; 2nd in the Netherlands [15]

Communication and Media: 51st to 100th in the world; 2nd in the Netherlands [16]

Law: 101st to 150th in the world; 6th in the Netherlands [17]

Biological Sciences: 136th in the world; 6th in the Netherlands [18]

Tuition Fees at Erasmus University Rotterdam

Tuition fees at Erasmus University Rotterdam vary based on students' nationality and the faculty to which they apply. For the 2026 to 2027 academic year, EU students pay a statutory fee of €2,695; students applying to Erasmus University College (EUC) face a fee of €5,800 [19]. International students from the European Economic Area (EEA) and non-EEA countries will apply according to the following fee structure:

Faculty/Programme	EEA Students	Non-EU, International Students
Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences (ESSB), Faculty of Philosophy (ESPhil), Faculty of Health Policy and Management (ESHPM), Faculty of Law (ESL), Faculty of Economics (ESE), Faculty of History, Culture and Communication (ESHCC)	€8,300	€13,500
Erasmus University College (EUC)	€16,300	€16,300
Rotterdam School of Management (RSM)	€8,300	€14,000
Erasmus Medical Center	€28,300	€32,200 [19]

When applying to Erasmus University Rotterdam, in addition to standard tuition fees, some faculties and programmes may have "deviating rates" due to their unique nature or resource intensity. Such programmes include Philosophy, Medicine, and certain joint degree courses. Below is a list of courses at Erasmus University Rotterdam that adopt deviating tuition rates:

Part-time Philosophy Faculty and some Philosophy courses: €2,695

Nanobiology and Clinical Technology: To be determined [19]

Erasmus University Rotterdam mba student 

Source: Erasmus University Rotterdam

Admission Requirements for Erasmus University

Erasmus University Rotterdam attracts international students due to its world ranking. In addition to meeting diploma requirements, applicants must possess sufficient mathematical and English proficiency, as many programmes include mathematics and statistics and are taught in English. The following are the minimum admission requirements for Erasmus University Rotterdam [20]:

Qualification	Required Scores
US High School Diploma	GPA of at least 3.0 in grades 11 and 12, with 3 or above in 4 AP subjects
UK GCE A-Level	At least C in 3 A-Level subjects, and at least C (4 points) in 3 GCSE subjects
IB Diploma	Completion of the full IB diploma; no minimum entry score specified
HKDSE	Chinese, English, Mathematics, and at least 2 other subjects at level 3 or above, pass in Citizenship and Social Development [20]

Mathematical Proficiency Requirements

Erasmus University Rotterdam has specific mathematical proficiency requirements for applicants, with many programmes necessitating a certain level of mathematics, particularly in the highly ranked Business Administration programme. If students do not meet the standards, they may take specific mathematics entrance examinations to fulfil the following course requirements: [21]

Course Name	Required Level	Notes
Education Sciences, Psychology, Sociology	Mathematics C	Pass OMPT-E exam, or obtain VWO Mathematics C certificate
Health Sciences, Health Policy and Management	Mathematics A, B, or C	OMPT-E minimum 55%, or obtain VWO (partial) Mathematics A, B, or C certificate
Business Administration	Mathematics C	Pass OMPT-E (English version) exam, or obtain VWO Mathematics C certificate
Economics and Business Economics	Mathematics A	OMPT exam minimum 70%, or VWO Mathematics A minimum 7.0, or Mathematics B minimum 6.0
Economics and Business Economics	Mathematics A	Minimum 7.5
International Business Management	Mathematics A	OMPT minimum 75%, or VWO Mathematics A 7.0, or Mathematics B minimum 6.0
Econometrics and Operations Research	Mathematics B	OMPT minimum 75%, or VWO Mathematics B minimum 7.5

English Language Proficiency Requirements

Erasmus University Rotterdam has different English language proficiency requirements for various faculties and programmes. Generally, an IELTS score of 6.0 to 7.0, or a TOEFL iBT score of 80 to 95 is required, with specific requirements detailed in each programme description. For example, students applying for the Bachelor of Science in International Business Administration must achieve an overall IELTS score of at least 6.5, with no single component below 6.0; for those submitting TOEFL (iBT) scores, a total score of at least 80 is required, with reading and listening components no lower than 18, speaking no lower than 20, and writing no lower than 21 [22].

Application Process for Erasmus University Rotterdam

After understanding the tuition fees and admission requirements for Erasmus University Rotterdam, interested students should pay attention to the application process. Like most Dutch universities, Erasmus University Rotterdam primarily accepts applications through the Dutch higher education application platform, Studielink. Applications open each year on 1 October, and students must complete registration and application before the regular application deadline (15 January each year); late applications close on 1 May. The application process for Erasmus University is as follows:

Prepare application documents, including transcripts, graduation certificates, motivation letters, and additional test scores (if applicable), register for a Studielink account, and select the desired programmes and courses.
Submit application documents and a €100 application fee via the university's admissions website.
Attend an online interview.
Receive admission results and respond to the offer.
Upon confirming admission to Erasmus University, students must pay tuition fees and complete visa and accommodation arrangements [23].

Erasmus University Rotterdam students 

Source: Erasmus University Rotterdam

GROVE Education Study Abroad Consultants: Assisting You in Planning Your Study Journey in the Netherlands

Erasmus University Rotterdam excels in QS rankings, demonstrating world-class competitiveness in teaching quality, learning resources, and employment opportunities, making it an ideal overseas study destination. If students wish to learn more about Erasmus University Rotterdam's world rankings, tuition fees, application processes, and other information, they are encouraged to contact Grove Education. Our professional study abroad consultants will help design the most suitable study plan for students, guiding them step by step towards achieving their dreams at a prestigious Dutch university.

References

1. QS Top Universities - QS Global MBA Rankings 2026

2. Erasmus University Rotterdam - Alumnus Joost Manusama is now mayor: 'I think the focus on impact is Erasmus University's big plus'

3. EduRank - 100 Notable alumni of Erasmus University Rotterdam

4. QS Top Universities - QS World University Rankings 2026: Top global universities

5. QS Top Universities - QS World University Rankings 2025: Top global universities

6. QS Top Universities - QS World University Rankings 2024: Top global universities

7. QS Top Universities - QS World University Rankings 2023: Top global universities

8. Times Higher Education - World University Rankings 2025

9. Shanghai Ranking - 2025 Academic Ranking of World Universities

10. U.S. News & World Report - Erasmus University Rotterdam in Netherlands

11. Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University - RSM Executive MBA #1 in the Benelux, #37 worldwide