Study in Rotterdam: The Ultimate Guide to Scholarship, Live, Learn & Grow

So, you’re thinking about packing your bags and heading to the Netherlands for your studies. We love that for you. But here’s the thing: while most people Google “study in Amsterdam,” you should absolutely be looking at study in Rotterdam.

Why?

Because Rotterdam is bold. It’s modern, diverse, pulsing with creativity and big enough to feel international but small enough to feel like home in your first month on the ground.

And you’re not the only one thinking about it. In 2024, Rotterdam welcomed over 12,000 international students across universities, and that number is only going up in 2025.

This guide will be your all-in-one mentor: walking you through programs, costs, student life, housing, scholarships, the visa process, and what it’s really like to study in Rotterdam.

Why Study in Rotterdam in 2025?

Great question.

Rotterdam isn’t your typical Dutch postcard. You won’t see windmills and tulips on every corner (though you’ll still find plenty of charm). Instead, what you’ll get is this:
Innovation. Sustainability. Smart design. Future-thinking.

And yes… affordable coffee and cool people on bikes.

Here’s what makes Rotterdam different:

• Home to the Netherlands’ largest port and Europe’s trade gateway
• Ranked in the Top 30 Student Cities (QS Best Student Cities, 2024)
• Over 50,000 students, with nearly 25% international
• Fewer tourists and more space than Amsterdam, but still deeply multicultural
• 100% English-taught Bachelor and Master’s programs widely available
• Ideal for business, social sciences, sustainability, logistics, design, and performing arts

If you want a global education in a city built for the future, Rotterdam makes perfect sense.

Best Universities to Study in Rotterdam

No matter what your major or preference whether you’re all about research, creative projects, or real-world internships  Rotterdam has a school that fits.

Let’s break them down.

1. Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR)

Chances are, if you’ve researched schools in the Netherlands, you’ve already seen this name pop up.

• Top 100 in the world (QS)
• Widely applauded for: Business, Law, Economics, Sociology, Public Health
• Super international: 40% of students in some programs are from outside the Netherlands

Flagship Programs:

• International Business Administration
• Psychology (English-taught)
• Philosophy, Politics & Economics (PPE)
• Public Policy & Management
• Global Health

EUR’s campus feels like a melting pot, and if you’re considering study abroad programs in Rotterdam with a research twist, this is your go-to.

2. Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences (RUAS)

Hands-on types, this one’s for you.

• Known for practice-driven studies: logistics, engineering, IT, design, and social work
• Offers full English-taught bachelor’s programs
• Strong internship component most students graduate with real job experience on their CV

Whether you’re aiming for a semester or a full degree, RUAS balances theory with practical skill building.

3. Codarts Rotterdam

Welcome to one of the coolest creative campuses in Europe.

This is where music, dance, circus arts, and stage-performance collide literally.

• Intimate campus with global teaching staff
• High selection criteria → must audition or submit a portfolio
• Best for students in study abroad programs centered on performance or conservatory learning

Codarts is more niche, but if it’s your thing, it’ll fit like a glove.

Different Ways You Can Study in Rotterdam

Whether you’ve got six weeks or three years in mind, Rotterdam has a way for you to study there.

1. Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree Programs

Applying for a full degree? You’re in great company.

Fields include:

• Artificial Intelligence
• International Business
• Public Policy
• Media & Communication
• Urban Planning & Design

2. Exchange & Erasmus Programs

Perfect if:

• You’re already at a university with a signed exchange deal
• You want to spend 1 or 2 semesters in Rotterdam
• You’re not committing to a full degree just yet

Erasmus+ is still the most popular choice here and for good reason. It’s co-funded, widely accepted, and well-supported. Practically plug-and-play.

3. Summer Schools & Short-Term Courses

Here’s a great option if you:

• Have a gap semester
• Want to gain international credits fast
• Are just curious what it’s like to live and study in the Netherlands

Subjects range from European law to city innovation to music production. Programs are usually 2–6 weeks and cost between €600–€2,000, including accommodation.

Application Timeline for 2025 (For All Program Types)

If you’re planning to study in Rotterdam in 2025, get ahead of these timing benchmarks.

Deadlines vary by school, but Rotterdam-based programs tend to close earlier than others in Europe, especially for non-EU citizens. Always double-check the university website.

Cost of Living: What You’ll Really Pay in Rotterdam (2025)

Despite being a major city, Rotterdam is more affordable than Amsterdam  and often, more straightforward.

Here’s your 2025 average monthly budget:

Total: ~€1,000–€1,300/month

University housing is limited, so start your room hunt early. Use platforms like SSH Student Housing, or search Kamernet and HousingAnywhere.

Tuition Fees to Study in Rotterdam in 2025

Can I Apply for Scholarships? Yes, You Can.

There are a number of scholarships that make study in Rotterdam more affordable than most students expect.

Popular Funding Paths:

• Holland Scholarship (€5,000) for non-EU applicants
• Orange Tulip Scholarship (varies, India/Indonesia/Vietnam etc.)
• Erasmus University Rotterdam merit scholarships
• RUAS Scholarships for English-taught programs
• European students = Eligible for Erasmus+ mobility grants

Deadlines range from Jan–March 2025. Keep things ahead of schedule, and write clear, personal, human motivation letters. They count.

Do I Need to Know Dutch?

Surprisingly? No.

In fact, over 90% of Dutch nationals speak English, and all academic programs listed above are offered entirely in English.

Still, learning Dutch can:

• Help you feel more integrated
• Make life in shops and services easier
• Open doors for student jobs
• Help you stay longer with a smoother transition if you work in the Netherlands post-grad

Free Dutch classes for students are often available via your university or city integration centres.

What’s Life Really Like as a Student in Rotterdam?

Here’s where the reason to study in Rotterdam gets personal.

Grab a coffee at a minimalist cafe with no menu. Take your bike through tunnels under skyscrapers. Go to class, then rewrite your group project on a canal deck on your laptop. End the day at a spoken-word open mic five minutes from your dorm.

The student lifestyle in Rotterdam is connected, urban, and low-key buzzy. It feels real. People work hard during the day, show up to co-create, and lean into experiences that stretch their perspectives.

And then there’s the travel:
Cheap tech buses to Breda, Ghent, Bruges, Amsterdam… Germany even.

Jobs & Internships: Can You Work While You Study in Rotterdam?

Yes if you’re organized.

Here’s how it works:

• EU/EEA students: You’re free to work as much as you want.
• Non-EU students: Up to 16 hours a week during the semester, and full-time during summer. You’ll need a work permit.

Common job roles:

• Campus assistant or library staff
• English-speaking barista gigs
• Freelance work (design, content, tutoring)
• Paid research assistantships

Pay is usually €11–€15/hour, depending on your background and contract.

Common Questions: Quick-fire Q&A

Final Thoughts: Is Rotterdam the Right Fit For You?

There’s studying abroad and then there’s having an experience that shifts your goals, worldviews, and direction. That’s what studying in Rotterdam often becomes for students.

You’ll come here expecting a degree. But you might leave with more:
A voice. A network. A new sense of self.

And yeah… possibly a bike with a missing light. That’s tradition, too.