I visited Rotterdam Business School in May 2023 and was impressed with the light and spacious facility neighbouring Erasmus University Rotterdam.
The students I met spoke very positively of their academic experiences and were clearly highly motivated and driven to prepare for successful global business careers. They particularly enjoyed the interactive nature of their courses and the wide range of opportunities to engage in internships, both in the Netherlands and overseas; one young man from South Africa was about to head to spend the next semester on the Malaysian island of Penang!
*Details correct as of June 2023
- Public applied science university
- Motto ‘exceed expectations’
- 3,700 students within the English taught programmes
- 30% international
- 63+nationalities
Location
- Urban campus in Rotterdam – the business capital of the Netherlands with the largest port in Europe. Great internship opportunities locally.
- The business school is located right next to Erasmus University Rotterdam – shared facilities, including a library and sports centre
- The city is very well connected to the rest of the country, and beyond – Paris is 3h by train, London is 3h, Berlin is 6h.
- Some students do find the weather rather grim, particularly in the winter
- The city is very green with plenty of parks and lakes to enjoy
- A brand new building will open in September 2023 – very light and spacious
- The Netherlands is a friendly, tolerant and open minded country which attracts a diverse student population.
Academics
- Offers one 4-year bachelor in International Business. 50% international in 1st year.
- Applying theory – focus on HOW rather than why. A practical approach to education to prepare students for professional life.
- Focus on: real companies and real issues, multiculturalism and languages – students will learn at least one, developing hard and soft skills, personal and professional development
- Mandatory 6 month internship and students can also do an exchange if they wish
- Option for 3 year fast track with high grades
- Lots of group projects and assignments. Group work is a big part of the learning methodology and can be 50-75% in some classes
- Max 25-30 students per class
- Most lecturers are native English speakers
- Specialisations start in Year 2. Choose from: Organisation and Change / Commerce (European or Asian Language Track) / Marketing / Supply Change Management
- Classes start first week September
- The majority of students will move into employment after their bachelor degree
- Pre masters is needed if they wish to do a masters at a research university
- 2 masters on offer – International Supply Change Management OR Consultancy and Entrepreneurship – both 1 year
Application
- Apply via Studielink – opens 1st October
- Deadlines 1st May for non-EU and 1st July for EU
- After acceptance, Student Support sends a checklist and supports with housing, visa, and induction week
- Entry requirements: high school diploma, transcript. language test – eg. 6.0 IELTS, completion of the study check
- A Level – 2 AL or AS Level plus 4 GCSE – any subjects / 3 A Level and 3 IGCSE (fast track) / IB Diploma = min 24 points / IB Career Related Certificate is accepted / US high school diploma / BTEC Level 3 Extended diploma. Note: No English test requirements for these qualifications
- They can assess all secondary education worldwide
- Applicants are required to do a study check which includes a short Skype interview
- Study Programme Check (SPC) – is in place to ensure that applicants understand that they will need to collaborate and do presentations as a big part of the course
Accommodation
- Suitable accommodation can be challenging to find – not just in Rotterdam, but across the major university locations.
- Start looking for housing from Feb – Join all the FB groups
- Limited dorms – 1st come, 1st served. Non EU get priority. 30th May opens for registration
Finance
- Tuition: EU = 1st year €1,157 / 2nd year onwards €2,314
- Non EU = €10,264
- Also need to prove sufficient funds to get a visa – you will be asked to make a transfer
- Rent €600-800 per month
- Insurance €645 per year
- Daily costs €400 per month
- Visa fee non EU €207
- Average cost per month €1200
Activities
- Non EU students can work part time for 16 hours per week during term time and full time in the summer. You need a work permit which the employer must request. Freelancers are not limited but pay tax
- Rotterdam International Student Association (RISA) – organises activities for Dutch and international students, like social dinners and parties, sporting events, guest lectures, international trips. 2nd year students can apply as Board members.
- ERASMUS Sports pass €199 per year – 50 different sports
- Separate freshers week for international students – offers lots of support with practical matters and many social events
Other
- Ideal student profile: students who are independent and motivated to learn, enjoy group work, don’t mind public speaking, are open to receiving feedback, open minded and keen to be part of diverse international community
- If you are going to visit Rotterdam before application you can book a tour with a student ambassador via the university website
- There are also many ways to interact online: a virtual tour, book an appointment with an admission rep, view past webinars on YouTube, the student ambassadors also post tricks and tips on social media
- Pick up service on arrival is provided to all international students arriving at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
