Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) has specific language requirements for international students, depending on the language of instruction of the program. Most undergraduate and graduate programs are taught in English, while some are offered in Dutch. Below are the typical language requirements:

1. English-Taught Programs

Most international students apply to English-taught programs at EUR, and they must prove proficiency in English.

Accepted English Language Tests:

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System):

  • Overall score: 6.5
  • No individual component (listening, reading, writing, speaking) score lower than 6.0

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language):

  • Internet-based test (iBT): Minimum score of 90
  • Sub-scores (reading, listening, writing, speaking): at least 20 in each section

• Cambridge English Qualifications:

  • C1 Advanced (CAE) or C2 Proficiency (CPE): Minimum score of 180

Exemptions from English Test:

• If your previous education was completed in a country where English is the primary language of instruction, or
• If your prior degree (bachelor’s or master’s) was taught entirely in English from a recognized institution in specific English-speaking countries (e.g., UK, USA, Canada, Australia).

2. Dutch-Taught Programs

For programs taught in Dutch, non-native Dutch speakers must demonstrate proficiency in the Dutch language.

Accepted Dutch Language Tests:

• NT2-II (Dutch as a Second Language State Examination):
  • Required level: B2 or higher

EUR also offers Dutch language preparatory courses for international students who need to improve their Dutch before starting a Dutch-taught program.

3. Language Preparatory Courses

For students who do not meet the language requirements, Erasmus University offers preparatory courses:

• English language courses: For students needing to improve their English proficiency.
• Dutch language courses: For students planning to enter Dutch-taught programs.

Program-Specific Requirements

Some programs, particularly at the master's and PhD levels, may have higher or additional language requirements. It's important to check the specific program's admission page for exact requirements.

Admission and application | Erasmus University ...

Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) offers a wide range of specialized programs across various disciplines, with particular strengths in business, economics, law, medicine, and social sciences. Below are some of the key course specialities at EUR:

1. Business and Management

• Rotterdam School of Management (RSM): One of the top business schools globally, RSM offers highly ranked programs in:
  • Master of Business Administration (MBA)
  • International Management (CEMS program)
  • Finance and Investments
  • Strategic Management
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Marketing Management
• RSM is known for its strong focus on leadership, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and global business strategies.

2. Economics and Econometrics

• Erasmus School of Economics (ESE): Renowned for its quantitative approach to economics, with specializations in:
  • Econometrics and Operations Research
  • Financial Economics
  • Behavioural Economics
  • Business Economics
  • Policy Economics
• ESE graduates are highly sought after for their analytical and problem-solving skills, especially in areas like banking, finance, and economic policy.

3. Medicine and Health Sciences

• Erasmus MC: One of Europe’s largest academic medical centers, offering specializations in:
  • Medicine and Surgery
  • Public Health
  • Health Economics, Policy, and Law
  • Clinical Research
  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Global Health
• Erasmus MC is a leader in research on oncology, cardiology, neuroscience, and infectious diseases.

4. Law

• Erasmus School of Law (ESL): Recognized for its programs in international law, corporate law, and tax law, with specializations such as:
  • International and European Union Law
  • Commercial Law
  • Criminal Law
  • Maritime and Transport Law
  • Tax Law
• ESL has a strong focus on the intersection of law, business, and global governance.

5. Public Policy and Social Sciences

• Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences (ESSB): Specializes in:
  • Public Administration
  • Urban Governance
  • Sociology
  • Psychology
  • Cultural and Media Studies
• The school is known for its research and impact on urban policy, behavioral studies, and social justice.

6. Global Health and Public Health

• EUR’s public health programs address global health challenges, health equity, and health policy. Specializations include:
  • Global Health
  • Health Economics
  • Health Policy, Management, and Economics
• These programs are designed for students who want to work in international health organizations, NGOs, or healthcare systems.

7. Philosophy and Ethics

• Erasmus School of Philosophy (ESPhil): Offers programs in philosophy of science, ethics, and social philosophy, including:
  • Philosophy of Economics
  • Philosophy of Law
  • Ethics and Global Politics
• The school integrates philosophical thinking into other disciplines, such as economics, law, and the social sciences.

8. Data Science and Artificial Intelligence

• EUR offers specialized programs in data science and AI applied to fields like economics, healthcare, and business management. These programs focus on:
  • Business Analytics
  • Econometrics with Data Science
  • AI for Business and Society
• These interdisciplinary programs prepare students for the growing demand for data-driven decision-making.

9. Sustainability and Social Innovation

• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and sustainability management are key focus areas, particularly within the Rotterdam School of Management. Courses cover:
  • Sustainable Development
  • Sustainable Business Practices
  • Innovation for Sustainability
• EUR emphasizes the importance of integrating sustainability into business models and public policy.

10. Communication and Media Studies

• Erasmus School of History, Culture and Communication (ESHCC) offers courses in:
  • Media and Communication Studies
  • Cultural Studies
  • History of Society
• These programs explore the role of media in shaping culture and global communications, with a focus on the social impact of digital media and culture.

Research | Erasmus University Rotterdam

Bachelor programmes

Master programmes

Scholarship information

International student help

Working at | Erasmus University Rotterdam

Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) boasts several distinguished professors known for their expertise, research contributions, and influence in various fields. Here are some of the top professors associated with EUR:

1. Prof. Dr. Louise O. Fresco

• Field: Food Security and Sustainability
• Role: President of the Executive Board of Erasmus University
• Expertise: A prominent figure in global discussions on food systems, sustainability, and agricultural practices. Fresco has published numerous books and articles on food security and the future of agriculture.

2. Prof. Dr. Jaap Winter

• Field: Corporate Law and Governance
• Role: Professor of Corporate Law at Erasmus School of Law
• Expertise: Known for his research on corporate governance, compliance, and law reform. Winter has held various significant positions in both academic and corporate sectors.

3. Prof. Dr. Hans van Duijn

• Field: Economics
• Role: Professor of Economics at Erasmus School of Economics
• Expertise: Renowned for his research in econometrics and macroeconomics. He has made substantial contributions to economic policy analysis and economic modeling.

4. Prof. Dr. Marten Scheffer

• Field: Ecology
• Role: Professor of Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality Management
• Expertise: Known for his research on ecosystems, resilience, and ecological tipping points. Scheffer’s work has had significant implications for environmental management.

5. Prof. Dr. Imke de Boer

• Field: Animal Sciences and Sustainability
• Role: Professor of Animal Production Systems
• Expertise: Focuses on the sustainability of livestock systems, animal welfare, and the environmental impacts of animal production. De Boer is involved in interdisciplinary research that bridges agriculture and environmental science.

6. Prof. Dr. Ken Giller

• Field: Plant Production Systems
• Role: Professor of Plant Production Systems
• Expertise: An expert in sustainable agriculture, particularly in tropical regions. Giller works on food security and improving crop production systems for smallholder farmers.

7. Prof. Dr. Evert van der Zee

• Field: Biotechnology
• Role: Professor of Industrial Biotechnology
• Expertise: Focuses on bioprocessing, bio-based technologies, and sustainable industrial practices. His research aims to contribute to the bioeconomy and sustainable production methods.

8. Prof. Dr. Maria Gerland

• Field: Public Health and Social Policy
• Role: Professor of Public Health
• Expertise: Works on health policy, management, and global health issues. Her research focuses on health systems and their impact on health equity.

Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) itself does not have direct Nobel Prize-winning faculty or alumni in its history. However, the university is renowned for its contributions to research, particularly in economics, medicine, and social sciences, fields closely related to Nobel Prize disciplines.

Indirect Nobel Connections:

Although no Nobel laureates have been directly affiliated with EUR, its academic programs, particularly in economics and business, have played a significant role in influencing global thought leaders whose work aligns with Nobel-worthy research.

Notable Connections:

1. Jan Tinbergen (Nobel Laureate in Economics, 1969):

   • While not a faculty member of Erasmus University, Jan Tinbergen is often associated with Rotterdam due to his work in econometrics and economic policy, much of which influenced the field of economics that EUR specializes in.
   • He is considered one of the founders of modern econometrics, a field in which EUR excels through its Erasmus School of Economics.

2. Medical Research Impact:

   • Erasmus MC, the university's medical center, is one of the leading academic medical centers in Europe and has contributed to significant advancements in fields like oncology, virology, and neuroscience, which could lead to Nobel-level recognition in the future.