Incoming students

Welcome to Erasmus University College (EUC) in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. We are happy to see that you are considering EUC for an exchange period!

Introduction to Erasmus University College

In September 2013, Erasmus University College (EUC) opened its doors with a 3-years bachelor’s programme in Liberal Arts & Sciences (LAS). This internationally focused, English-taught programme serves those students who wish to become educated global citizens. The Liberal Arts and Sciences model resembles that of the USA, where many disciplines can be combined. However, it is also possible to take courses within a specific field of study.

Special emphasis is placed on small-scaled education. Most classes at Erasmus University College (EUC) are carried out in groups of 10 to 12 students and we pride ourselves on our tight-knit and international community.

The Erasmus University College is a true city campus, located in the heart of the city of Rotterdam. The city of Rotterdam is the second largest city of the Netherlands. It is a vibrant, multicultural city with inhabitants of over 150 different nationalities. Rotterdam’s cultural diversity, futuristic architecture, and lively cultural and entertainment sector make it one of the most exhilarating cities in Europe.

Admission Requirements for incoming exchange students

Erasmus University College welcomes students that are academically strong, highly motivated, and internationally oriented. In order to study a semester or a year at EUC, you will have to meet the following admission requirements:

  • Students should be nominated through our partner schools.
  • Average GPA of around 70% or higher, or corresponding average grade
  • Proficiency in English (level C1), in reading, writing, speaking and listening

English proficiency

Since the programme at EUC is entirely in English, and the classes are very interactive, students have to be highly proficient in this language. You will constantly be asked to read articles, to explain in class what you have read, and whether you agree or disagree, or to give a presentation with a summary. Therefore the required level for English is quite high. This required level is also asked from our first year students that want to start at EUC and complete the full 3-year programme.

Every incoming exchange student needs to prove their English proficiency. You can take one of these four test to demonstrate your English language proficiency. The following scores are required:

  1. TOEFL (internet based version): a total score of at least 100 points, with scores of at least 20 points for each sub topic;
  2. IELTS (academic version): a total score of at least 7.0, with scores of at least 6.0 for each sub topic;
  3. Minimum C2 Proficiency with a minimum overall score of 185
  4. Minimum C1 Advanced with a minimum overall score of 185

Students are exempted from providing proof of English proficiency when:

  • The student is a native English speaker from the USA, the UK, Canada, Ireland, Australia or New Zealand; or
  • The bachelor programme at the home institution is completely in English; or
  • English was the language of instruction for at least two and a half years during the secondary school programme in one of the following countries: the USA, the UK, Canada (with the exception of Quebec), Ireland, Australia or New Zealand.

Application instructions

Students that want to spend a semester or year at EUC, need to contact the Exchange Office at their home school and follow their instruction concerning applying for an exchange period. Once the student has been selected by the home school for exchange, the home school will nominate the students to the partner university. 

Students that have been nominated to EUC will receive application instructions from EUC’s Exchange Office. The following (digital) documents are required when applying for a study abroad semester at EUC:

Study abroad application documents

  1. Motivation letter (download template here)
  2. Certified copy of your recent academic transcript
  3. Proof of your proficiency in English (if applicable)
  4. Photo (for your student card)

Nomination and Application deadlines

 Fall semesterSpring semester
Nomination14 April15 September
Application1 May1 October

Academics

Erasmus University College has four academic departments that are in charge of building and coordinating the academic program. The four academic departments are:

  1. Economics and Business
  2. Humanities
  3. Life Sciences
  4. Social and Behavioural Sciences

Active Learning

At Erasmus University College we use a specific educational model for delivering our Liberal Arts and Sciences programme: Problem-Based Learning (PBL). PBL is a problem-centred approach to active learning, which increases the motivation of the students and ignites a thorough interest in the subject matter. 

Click here for more information about active learning at EUC.

Credits, workload and course registration

Every university in Europe works with the same credit systems called European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). One academic year corresponds to 60 EC’s. EUC also uses this system, which results in 12 courses per academic year, each worth 5 EC.
Regular (full degree) students do 30 EC per semester. This is the usual course load, but also the maximum. A semester is divided in two quads. In each quad, students can do up to three courses of 5 EC each. 

Concerning workload; EUC offers quite an intense programme. From experience we know that EUC students spend on average around 50 hours on their programme. This includes classes, class preparation, homework, reading articles, doing research online or in the library, preparing for exams, etc. Experience shows that incoming exchange students usually take less than the maximum of 30 EC per semester. Usually exchange students take 20 EC per semester, so they can get used to the teaching method, pass all courses and enjoy their exchange semester in Rotterdam as well.

The EUC courses open for exchange students can be found in the Course Catalogue.

The course catalogue for 2023 will be available in May. You can use the 2022 as a reference, but be aware the availability may be subject to change.

Academic Calendar

Each academic year at Erasmus University College is divided into four Quads of 8 weeks each. Click here for more details.

Before you arrive

Housing

There are many housing options in Rotterdam. The vibrant city provides all types of housing: share/private, furnished/unfurnished, etc. Although EUC does NOT provide housing to incoming exchange students, we provide some options for an easier house (room) hunt!

  • The Student Hotel: An option for housing in Rotterdam is The Student Hotel. It is a 10-minute bike ride from EUC, has furnished rooms, great facilities and you will be surrounded by other international students. On their website you can find all information about prices, facilities and services (private bathroom, free bike, gym, laundry, restaurant, game area). Note that you will have to book early (for instance, if you want to come to Rotterdam at the end of August, you need to book your room in March/April).
  • Housing Anywhere: HA is an international housing platform for outgoing exchange students who want to sublet their room for a short time (1-6 months). Incoming students can browse, and look for something that suits their needs.
  • Subletting from an EUC outgoing exchange student: EUC will gather information about the rooms that EUC outgoing students are leaving behind for one semester and are able to sublet. This information will be shared with incoming students. Incoming students can contact EUC students directly about subletting.

Upon arrival

During your exchange

International Study

An international focus lies at the heart of everything we do at Erasmus University College

Group of EUC students discussing

Studying in Rotterdam

More information about living in the vibrant city of Rotterdam.

Rotterdam city skyline

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