Economics and business
Erasmus University Rotterdam, with its school of economics and RSM, and the largest port in Europe. A modern city with plenty of career opportunities.
In short
Rotterdam is the city of economics and business: it's home to Erasmus University Rotterdam, with Rotterdam School of Management (RSM) and the Erasmus School of Economics, and the largest port in Europe. It's modern, with plenty of career opportunities and somewhat cheaper than Amsterdam: a room costs around €750 a month.
Updated in
*Kamernet average for Q4 2025.
Self-assessment
Where to study
The Netherlands has two types of university: research universities (WO), more academic, and universities of applied sciences (HBO), more practical and with company placements. These are the main options in Rotterdam:
Research university (WO)
An international benchmark in economics, business and management. The Woudestein campus has everything on a single site.
In English: For example, International Business Administration (RSM), International Bachelor Economics and Business Economics (IBEB), Econometrics, Communication and Media (IBCoM) or Psychology.
Official website →University of applied sciences (HBO)
Practical training in business, logistics, engineering and technology. Through its Rotterdam Business School it offers international programmes.
In English: Programmes in English in the business area (Rotterdam Business School).
Official website →Cost of living
Budget between €1,125 and €1,360 a month, not counting tuition. Tuition for EU students is €2,694 a year in 2026-2027 (official fee, the same at all public universities).
If you work at least 32 hours a month in the Netherlands, you can apply for the DUO grant like a Dutch student: in 2026 that is up to €324.52 a month in basic grant, plus up to €491.08 in supplementary grant depending on your parents' income.
| Monthly spending | Approx. |
|---|---|
| Room rental | 750 € |
| Food and groceries | 250–350 € |
| Transport (bike and the odd train) | 15–40 € |
| Mobile and internet | 10–20 € |
| Leisure, materials and other | 100–200 € |
| Total | 1.125–1.360 € |
Rent: Kamernet (2025-2026). If you work in the Netherlands you will also need Dutch health insurance (from around €150 a month, with possible government help); if you don't work, the European Health Insurance Card plus supplementary insurance is enough.
Accommodation
There is more supply than in Amsterdam or Utrecht, but prices have risen fast in recent years. The neighbourhoods near the Woudestein campus (Kralingen) are the most sought-after by students.
City life
After the Second World War, Rotterdam was rebuilt with a bet on modern architecture, and you can see it on every corner. It's a direct, hard-working city with a very strong food and nightlife scene.
The cube houses, the Markthal and the Erasmus Bridge make up a skyline unlike any other Dutch city.
The largest port in Europe attracts multinationals and opens up many internship options in logistics, finance and trade.
North Sea Jazz and the International Film Festival Rotterdam fill the city every year.
Frequently asked questions
Budget roughly between €1,125 and €1,360 a month, with a room of around €750 (Kamernet average from late 2025).
It stands out in economics and business: International Business Administration (RSM), IBEB and Econometrics are its best-known English-taught degrees. It also has communication, psychology and law.
Yes. The port, the multinationals and the financial and logistics sectors generate many opportunities for internships and for work after graduating.
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