Study in Rotterdam, international student city guide

Rotterdam is a large port city located in the south-west region of the Netherlands. It is the second largest city in the Netherlands, and is home to more than 650,000 people, with over 180 different nationalities.

Rotterdam’s history goes back to 1270, when a dam was created one the river Rotte, it was then granted city status in 1340. Since then, it has developed into an important logistics and economic hub within the Netherlands and wider Central Europe.

Rotterdam was heavily damaged throughout World War II, meaning that it now has a varied and interesting architectural landscape, with buildings across the city displaying a range of different styles.

All universities in Rotterdam

• Berlage Institute
• Codarts
• Erasmus University Rotterdam
  • Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences
  • Erasmus School of Economics
  • Erasmus University College
  • Tinbergen Institute
  • Erasmus Centre for Entrepreneurship
• Islamic University of Applied Sciences Rotterdam
• Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences
• Shipping and Transport College Rotterdam

Top universities in Rotterdam

Erasmus University Rotterdam

First established in 1913, Erasmus University Rotterdam is a public research university with a focus on wealth and management, health, and law and society. These fields are all covered by various institutes that work alongside each other.

The university offers many of its programmes in English, and works to make their graduates ready to enter the professional world in their chosen fields. Students can choose from undergraduate, postgraduate and research level programmes, all in the knowledge that their education is being provided by a world ranked university.

Rotterdam universities world ranking 2025

Below are the top-ranked Bremen universities for international students, with their ranks in two of the world’s most well-respected international university rankings, the QS 2026 University World rankings and the Times Higher Education 2025 Rankings.

For more information about rankings systems and methodologies see our university rankings explained guide.

Tuition and living costs in Rotterdam

Tuition fees will depend on whether you choose to study at a public or private university. Public universities, which are supported by the government, generally charge lower fees, even for international students. Private universities aren’t supported by the government, and can therefore charge higher fees. You should expect to pay between €1,000 and €20,000 per year for tuition fees. There are many scholarships available to international students if you will need help with finances.

As for living costs, students should budget for between €1,000 and €3,500 per month. That includes accommodation, groceries, public transport, health insurance, and other miscellaneous personal expenses.

Life in Rotterdam for international students

Rotterdam is an excellent choice for any international student looking to study abroad in the Netherlands. With interesting tourist attractions like Diergaarde Blijdop Zoo, the Oceanium aquarium, Park Rozenburg, and the Erasmus Bridge, as well as a vibrant nightlife and cultural scene, there are many things for students to do.

Rotterdam has plenty to offer international students, who will benefit from a high quality of life and a welcoming environment. As well as the rounded study abroad experience you will gain from living in Rotterdam, you can also take advantage of the opportunities to travel around the Netherlands and the rest of Europe.