Your child is planning to study or is already studying at Erasmus University Rotterdam. As a parent or guardian, you may want to help your child choose a study programme, prepare for the start of their studies or arrange practical matters. On this page, you will find information and answers to questions parents and guardians often have.
My child is choosing a study programme
Choosing a study programme is an important step. As a parent or guardian, you can help your child explore their options and choose a programme that suits them.
Talk about choosing a study programme
Ask your child what interests them, what they enjoy and what matters to them in a study programme. Above all, listen and explore the options together.
Encourage your child to find information independently, contact the university and arrange important matters themselves. This will help them learn how to find their way around the university independently.
Explore study programmes
Explore study programmes together and consider visiting an Open Day. Your child does not necessarily need to bring a parent to a trial study session or a Student for a Day. By attending independently, your child can get a good idea of the programme, the teaching and student life.
Help with practical steps
Help your child keep track of important milestones, such as admission requirements, deadlines and the application process. For example, you can make a plan together. Then let your child take the necessary steps themselves.
Steps in choosing a study programme
You can work through the study choice process together, step by step:
Explore: What interests your child, and what matters to them in a study programme and their future career?
Compare: Which study programmes match those interests and priorities
Experience: Visit an Open Day, take part in a trial study session or spend a day shadowing a student.
Choose: Which programme feels like the right fit?
Arrange: Check the admission requirements, deadlines and application procedure for each programme.
Your child can follow a step-by-step guide to find the right study programme.
My child is about to start university
Has your child chosen a study programme? There are many things to arrange before the programme starts.
Starting university involves new practical matters. Your child needs to arrange some things themselves and will receive information directly from Erasmus University Rotterdam. These include applying, enrolment and tuition fees. The Eurekaweek introduction week and the start of the academic year are also important milestones.
The application steps vary by programme. Once your child has chosen a bachelor’s programme, they can check what they need to arrange for that specific programme. Information about enrolment is available on the Practical Matters page.
Eurekaweek is the introduction week for new students. The Eurekaweek website provides practical information about dates, registration, the programme and costs.
Our Cost of studying page offers tips and information about the costs of studying and how to make a financial plan.
Tuition fees can be paid in several ways. Our page on payment methods explains how your child can pay their tuition fees.
The tuition fee payment dates are listed in the debtors protocol for the relevant academic year.
To prepare for living in the Netherlands, your child needs to arrange:
You can find all information and step‑by‑step guidance on our website under Orientation & Arrival.
During the immigration procedure you may face several different costs. These can vary depending on your situation and type of residence permit. You can find a complete and up‑to‑date overview on our website under immigration costs.
Each programme has its own specific admission requirements and application procedure. On the programme’s own page you will find detailed information about:
- Entry requirements
- Required documents
- Application deadlines
Please note that all applicants for a bachelor’s programme with an international diploma must pay a non‑refundable application fee of €100.
You can read more on our website under bachelor admission and application.
Finding suitable accommodation is an important part of preparing for studies abroad. In the Netherlands, universities do not provide student housing, so students are responsible for arranging their own accommodation.
Erasmus University Rotterdam reserves housing for approximately 25% of incoming international students each year. The majority will need to find housing on the private market. Rotterdam, like much of the Netherlands, is facing a severe housing shortage. This leads to high rental prices and strong competition for available rooms.
We strongly advise students to:
- Start their housing search as early as possible
- Secure accommodation before travelling to the Netherlands
- Not come to the Netherlands without having arranged housing
This will help avoid unnecessary stress and disappointment at the start of their studies. You can read more on our website under housing for international students.
My child is already studying at EUR
Even if your child is already studying at Erasmus University Rotterdam, you may have questions or want to help them. For example, you may have questions about their studies or the support available to them.
It is important to know that Erasmus University Rotterdam communicates directly with prospective students and students. We send all formal communications about applications, admission, selection, deadlines and the start of the programme directly to the prospective student or student. Due to privacy regulations, we also do not share personal information about enrolment or study progress with parents or guardians.
Yes, as a parent, you can contact Erasmus University Rotterdam. You can get general information about studies or university services. Due to privacy regulations, we cannot share personal information about your child, such as information about their application, admission, enrolment or study progress.
We believe it is important that students take responsibility for their own studies and communication with the university. If your child has a question you cannot answer, first check our website. If you cannot find the answer there, encourage your child to contact us directly. This is the best way for them to learn and to receive accurate information.
Please note that our international office primarily serves prospective and current students, not parents. Students can contact the international office by email.
