4 Best Universities In Rotterdam For International Students 2025

Rotterdam is surely one of the places you should be considering if you’re looking to study in Netherlands. This location has a lot to offer for international students, including world-class universities and exciting student experiences.

Out of 4 universities in Rotterdam, Erasmus University Rotterdam and Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences are the top-performing schools in Rotterdam. This list covers both public and private institutions in Rotterdam.

In this article, we’ve compiled the best universities in Rotterdam. We based our rankings on academic reputations from reputable sources and the number of international students. By doing this, you’ll have an efficient way of comparing your target universities and choose your host university in Rotterdam.

Rank University Country Type
1 Erasmus University Rotterdam Netherlands Public
2 Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences Netherlands Public
3 Codarts University for the Arts Netherlands Private
4 Islamic University of Applied Sciences Rotterdam Netherlands Private

How do I get admission to the best universities in Rotterdam?

Applying to the universities in Rotterdam involves submitting requirements and following specific admissions procedures set by your chosen university. The requirements often include a student visa, application packages, and language scores. Check out our guide for international students who want to study in Rotterdam to learn more about applying for admission in this country’s universities!

How much are the tuition fees at the best universities in Rotterdam?

Tuition fees at Rotterdam’s universities can vary depending on which university, degree, and program you will be enrolling in. Generally, tuition fees for the bachelor’s level range from 7,000 Euros to 13,500 Euros , while tuition fees for the master’s level range from 4,025 Euros to 19,600 Euros. If you are interested, check out the affordable universities in Rotterdam!

As we cover the best universities in Rotterdam for international students, feel free to check out the university’s information on Admission, Tuition, Courses, and Language Requirements by looking at the individual university pages.

Top Universities in Rotterdam for International Students

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#8 in Netherlands
#57 in Europe
#138 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 21,474

Erasmus University Rotterdam, or Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam in Dutch, is one of the elite public universities in the Netherlands. The institution has gained recognition in the local and international community for its high-quality education. It has been consistently included in the national and global academic rankings. In addition, the university has partnered with other renowned foreign institutions to offer joint programs for eligible students.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#15 in Netherlands
#597 in Europe
#1558 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 39,030

Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences prioritizes the success of students. As a recognized institution, the university only provides the highest quality of education. It also offers numerous opportunities such as training, internship programs, and networking events for its students. Guided support from the academic faculty will also be provided to ensure that students gain the necessary knowledge, advance their skills, and develop core capabilities.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#38 in Netherlands
#1158 in Europe
#3845 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 1,839

Codarts University for the Arts, commonly referred to as Codarts Rotterdam, is a private institution in the Netherlands. It was established in 2000, though its history can be traced back to 1930. Currently, the university offers bachelor’s and master’s programs in Music and Dance.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#53 in Netherlands
#2042 in Europe
#6666 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data

Founded in 1997, the Islamic University of Applied Sciences Rotterdam (IUASR) is a young university that offers Islamic theology study programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The university’s primary goal is to provide high standards of teaching and research. And as a thriving institution, it continues to improve and provide the best quality of education for its current and future students.

We know that choosing your dream school in Rotterdam not an easy task. After all, you need to consider other factors like the cost of your education, school background, and population, as it can be overwhelming on your part.

So, to help you out further in weighing your school options for studying in Rotterdam, make sure to visit our list of the best public and private universities in Rotterdam! These articles will surely help you in deciding your next study destination!