Erasmus University Rotterdam was founded under a different name in 1913. This was the year when the Netherlands School of Commerce came into existence. This school was a private initiative and had broad support among the Rotterdam business community. In 1939 the recognition of the school led to a change of name: the Netherlands School of Economics. During the 1960s the changing society led to a differentiation of the school. In addition to a faculty of economics new subjects were taught. This eventually led to 6 new faculties: Law, Social Sciences, History and Arts, Philosophy and Business Administration. In 1976 the Netherlands School of Economics merged with the Medical Faculty of Rotterdam and the Erasmus University was a fact. The university in Rotterdam became the first university in the Netherlands named after a person: Erasmus.

According to its website the mission of the Erasmus University Rotterdam is “generating and transferring knowledge proceeding from a high degree of social engagement". To accomplish this goal the university “pursues knowledge in an in inquiring, critical, investigative and flexible manner, with a strong international orientation and based on the values of professionalism, teamwork and fair play".

Level of Education

The Erasmus University in Rotterdam is a research university. The education is therefore focused on academic competences. The Erasmus University distinguishes itself with its education while it is a combination of academic training, international orientation and social relevance. The education is interwoven with scientific research, but the focus is on the students and their competences. To achieve the best possible learning outcomes ICT has an important role in the educational system. The education is practice-oriented and problem solving, has an international scope and is approached in a multidisciplinary and businesslike manner. At the Erasmus University you will work towards a Bachelor’s Master’s or PHD degree.

Scholarships

The Erasmus University does not have an extensive scholarship programme. Nevertheless, some of the international Master programmes do offer tuition waivers, loan schemes or organize essay competitions. In addition, special scholarships exist that are offered in cooperation with companies. If you’d want to have a look at the opportunities, visit the website.

International student programmes

In Rotterdam there is an organization for international students called the Erasmus Student Network Rotterdam (in short ESN-Rotterdam). This organisation cooperates closely with the International Offices of the Erasmus University. The ESN aims to enhance the academic and social experience of international students in Rotterdam. For this purpose the ESN organizes several activities at the university and in the city. These can be academic and social activities. By doing this, the ESN wants to make it easier for international students to integrate in the society and culture of Rotterdam.

International Students

In the academic year of 2011-2012, the Erasmus University had a total of 24.744 students. Of these students 5.192 are international. International students study at all levels: bachelor, master, doctoral level, post experience and exchange. The students come from all over the world. 54% of the international students is from Europe, 29,4% from Asia, 8.3% from Africa, 5% from South America, 3% from North America and 0.3% from Oceania.

Departments and Courses

The Erasmus University Rotterdam has three different fields of expertise in which it enjoys international recognition.

Economics and Management

• Erasmus School of Economics
• Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University

Medicine and Health

• Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam
• Institute of Health Policy & Management

Law, Culture and Society

• Erasmus School of Law
• Faculty of Social Sciences
• Erasmus School of History, Culture and Communication
• Faculty of Philosophy – As from July 2009 the International Institute of Social Studies (ISS) in the Hague is part of EUR. ISS is one of Europe’s leading institutes for development studies.

Within any of these areas are many subjects you can study at Bachelor, Master and Doctoral level. For more information visit the EUR Study Abroad website.