Graduate students from our partner schools are welcome to join the master exchange programme. RSM offers you a portfolio of courses from our specialised Master programmes. You can either join us for a full term (4 months) or short exchange (7-8 weeks) both in Fall or Spring.

Open to exchange students are the following Master programmes: Accounting & Financial Management, Business Information Management, Finance & Investments, Global Business & Sustainability, Human Resource Management, Management of Innovation, Marketing Management, Strategic Entrepreneurship, Strategic Management, Supply Chain Management. 

Full term exchange students can furthermore participate in the reputed International Consultancy Project, a unique course and the cornerstone of the Master Exchange Programme at RSM. Over a period of 4 months, a team of international exchange and RSM students works intensively on a consultancy project, for a company or institution. 

Our International Office is dedicated to supporting you before and during your exchange. Once nominated by your home university, you will receive our online application form and once accpeted, all relevant information for your exchange at RSM and in Rotterdam will come your way. We will organize you an exchange ambassador (buddy) prior to arrival and upon arrival we organize orientation activities, social events, and regular evaluation sessions. We have close connections with all of our partner school institutions’ study abroad advisers/coordinators, and an open-door policy, whereby you are always welcome to pass by our office. 

In the Master exchange programme you will experience:

Programme Overview

Fold out your tab of interest below, for the programme overview details

Full term and/or short exchange

Incoming (post)graduate exchange students participate in courses which belong to our specialized Master’s programmes.  Our Master programmes are 1-year graduate programmes. The academic year is divided upon a block based system. Exchange students are welcome to participate in a 2-block term (both Fall and Spring) or participate in a short exchange programme, meaning one block of courses (7-8 weeks), see MSc short exchange.  Participation in the International Consultancy Project is only possible on a 2-block term basis, see ICP

The academic calendar 2023 - 2024 is:

Autumn

Block 1:                             September 4 – October 20, 2023 (exam week: October 23-28), (resit week January 8 -13, 2024);

Block 2:                             October 30 – December 14, 2023 (exam week December 15-22 December),(resit week March 18-23, 2024).


Spring 

Block 3:                            February 5 – March 15, 2024 (exam week: March 18-23/resit week May 6-11, 2024);

Block 4:                            March 25 – May 3, 2024 (exam week May 6-11), (resit week June 24-29, 2024); 

Block 5:                            May 13 – June 21, 2024 (exam week June 24-29), (resit week July 22-27, 2024).


Introduction programme

Prior to each full term (end of August & end of January), an introduction programme is organized. This programme is strongly recommended for all incoming students in order not to miss out on important information. Of course, it is also THE day to meet all fellow students. 

Due to the small number of students joining us in October for Block II only, in March for Block IV and/or in May for Block V, a smaller welcome meeting is organized. This welcome will take place in the first week of courses.

At Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University, you will have over 45 different courses to choose from each term – giving you the chance to gain specialist knowledge for the career of your choice. These courses belong to our specialized Master’s programmes.

These are:

  • Supply Chain Management,
  • Business Information Management,
  • People, Organisations & Change,
  • Finance & Investments,
  • Marketing Management,
  • Accounting & Financial Management,
  • Global Business & Sustainability,
  • Management of Innovation,
  • Strategic Management,
  • Strategic Entrepreneurship.

For more information on the master programmes, please visit the programme sites or for more information on the courses, see our online course guide. (on this page, please tick for English language & Rotterdam School of Management)

In addtion to the master courses, exchange students can participate in the International Consultancy Project. The project is carried out by an international team of students and supervised by both an academic and corporate coach.


Upon receipt of the nomination from the partner school, incoming Master/MBA exchange students will receive a Welcome email with further instructions to complete the online application. Also attached to this email is the course overview and information on how and when to register.

Language of instruction
All courses are conducted in English.

Course load
Courses are denominated in EC credits. In EC credits, 60 credits represent the workload of a full year of study. 1 EC is the equivalent of 28 student working hours and includes in-class hours, self study, group work, writing papers, and exam preparation.  A 10 EC course has approximately 12 contact hours a week.

Class format
The classes are a mix of (guest)lectures, case studies, interactive projects, papers, presentations of students and discussion groups.
Class size varies between 30 and 50 students. Class participation and attendance affect final grades. The MSc programmes at RSM are pre-experience programmes, average age of students is 22-25 years. Most Master students have some relevant working experience through internships, business projects or part-time management jobs. For this reason incoming MBA students fit in quite easily in our Master courses and/or International Consultancy Project.

Examination
Exams are scheduled at the end of each course, preceded by a study week. The assessment of the performance of students varies: written or take-home exams, progress reports, in-class presentations, group performance and essays.

Grading
In the Dutch grading system, grades from 1.0 up to 10.0 are used, with 1 being the worst and 10 being the best. In general, grades with one decimal are issued; the lowest passing grade is a 5.5. When rounding off these grades, grades with a 0.4 or lower will be rounded down, and grades with a 0.5 will be rounded up. Students in our exchange programmes receive their transcripts reflecting grades with one decimal.
 

Code of Conduct

RSM hosts a large number of students in its various programmes. It is important for us and our student community to have a code of conduct describing the main rules of behaviour at this school. Some view rules of conduct as self-evident and comply with them automatically. Others find them less clear and may even be unfamiliar with such codes.

The aim of this document is therefore to clarify the rules of conduct and make them transparent for all RSM students. These rules relate not only to conduct during classes, but also conduct among students, conduct towards instructors, including in evaluations of courses, and conduct while conducting research. By complying with these rules, we may prevent undesirable behaviour towards one another and mutually ensure a positive and pleasant study environment.

The cornerstone of the MSc exchange programme is the International Consultancy Project (ICP), a unique consultancy assignment designed for RSM’s exchange students and a select group of RSM students. This project is a key attraction for exchange students coming to Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University.

In a team of 5 international students, all with different backgrounds and competences & skills, students work intensively on a consultancy project for a company for about 3-4 months. Both coaches from the university and company supervise the project and the aim is to respond professionally to a real world management problem and to learn from working in multidisciplinary and culturally diverse groups. For the companies it provides a unique opportunity to gain access to valaubale knowledge, recommendations or solutions for a business problem in a relatively short period of time.

RSM provides training in consulting, presentation and communication management, to help students master the skills necessary for project management and consultancy work.

The ICP is only open to students who stay for a full term (minimum of 2 bloks in Fall or Spring). The project represents a workload of 12,5 EC.

The ICP reflects RSM's greatest strengths as a top 10 European business school recognised for the international diversity of our participants and the close relationships with business.

Companies who have delivered projects for the ICP are for example: AON Global Risk Consulting, GE Power, Fontijne Holland B.V., INNIO, DSW21, ARS T&TT, B&MI, Marcadus B.V., September Multimedia, WCC-group, Domino's, CX Company, Libersy, Leapfrog 3D Printers.

Read a testimonial on an ICP participant.

The Dutch grading system has a scale from 1 (very poor) to 10 (outstanding). The lowest passing grade is 5.5.

Dutch grades     Dutch grade range     Explanation         Frequency        EC Grade

10                           9.5-10                   Excellent               0.2%                  A

9                             8.5-9.4                  Very good           3.4%                    B

8                            7.5-8.4                  Good                    16%                    C

7                           6.5-7.4                  Satisfactory            31.8%                D

6                           5.5-6.4                   Pass                     34.4%                 E 

1-5                       1.0-5.4                   Fail                        0-11.9%               F

 

Special marks

VD - Pass
O - Student did not meet the requirements to pass the course
NO - No show at examination

EC (European Credit) workload

In EC, 60 credits represent the workload of a full academic year. 1 EC is equal to 28 student working hours; these include class hours, self-study, preparations for exams, reading and/or writing papers.

For Bachelor exchange students, the minimum workload is 20 EC; maximum is 30 EC per full term (Fall or Spring).

For Master exchange students, the minimum workload is 20 EC during the autumn term and 18 EC during the spring term (2 blocks). Maximum workload is 30 EC.

Students participating in our short Master exchange programmes have to complete a minimum workload of 12 EC in one block.

Practical Information & Need to Know

Practical Information & need to know

Prior and upon arrival in Rotterdam

This section 'Practical Information & Need' to know is constantly being updated by the central International Office of our university. It provides incoming students with all practical information prior to and upon arrival in Rotterdam.

Furthermore the EUR International Office organizes so-called "One stop shops" to help you arranging a Dutch bank account,  registration at the City Hall, arranging an insurance etc. on one day at the beginning of each full term. Als Erasmus Student Network-Rotterdam can be of great help prior to arrival, on their website you can find video's on how to find housing, arrange insurance, how to buy you ESN-card (lots of reductions), and all tips and tricks to make your life easier during your exchange. 

See also, and for other practical information: EUR Orientation

Below a small selection of our campus facilities are given,

for ALL facilities or services on campus, see also : Campus facilities

Erasmus Food Plaza: At this plaza, several restaurants are located. One can buy breakfast, lunch, coffees and/or other snacks or sweets. It is located in Sanders Building.

Erasmus Pavilion: This place serves food & drinks such as soups, hot sandwiches, homemade pizzas, burgers, hot and cold drinks. 

De Smitse”: The largest student bar in the Netherlands.

Studium Generale, Erasmus Culture: Studium Generale organizes scientific, social and cultural programmes throughout the year for students of the Erasmus University Rotterdam. The programme consist of lectures and debates, monthly talk shows, cultural and scientific events and a wide range of cultural courses and performances.

University Library : The library has several functions: meeting, studying and working together. 

Erasmus Sports & Sports Building : Exchange students with an ESN-card can buy a sports card at a reduced prize. Erasmus Sport offers an extensive sports program throughout the academic year. With the Erasmus Sport pass you get unlimited access to all parts of the bodyfit program and the squash courts. You can also upgrade your pass to make use of the fitness facilities. 

Studystore : At this store you can buy (secondhand) books and other school supplies. 

Canon Copyshop : At this shop, located in the Polak Building, you can print, copy and scan in the self-service corner. 

Supermarket on campus : On Woudestein campus there is a small supermarket for your first necessities. 

Repair shop campus bikes: The shop to have your bike repaired is located in the Polak Building. 

About Rotterdam School of Management (RSM)

RSM our campus : take a virtual tour and check out some of the facilities

RSM Store: to buy your RSM gifts

 

Visa & Immigration

Once nominated by their home university, our visiting Bachelor or Master exchange students will receive a so-called Welcome Mail from our International Office. In addition to all other relevant information (courses, accommodation), this Welcome Mail informs students also on the online exchange application procedure, but moreover also information whether they need:

  • an entry visa
  • Dutch residence permit
  • a Short Stay Schengen Visa  (non EU/EEA, valid less than 90 days)
  • or none

    NO entry visa and/or Dutch residence permit required, if: Incoming exchange students who have the EU/EEA nationality.

 

Students coming from outside EU/EEA countries and studying at RSM for 90 days or more:

  • Check the following website to see which situation applies to you and which document you need: Visa checklist
  • Please note that a visa is not the same as a Dutch residence permit, so which document(s) do you need? Check the EUR immigration page for more detailed information.

 

Students who do need an entry visa or Dutch residence, the RSM International Office and EUR Immigration Department help!:

  • In order for our International Office to help you with your entry visa/Dutch residence permit, students must make sure that they complete their online exchange application in time. The completed exchange application is needed to obain your student EUR student number and email account, but more important, to start your visa/residence permit procedures.
  • Deadlines to submit your exchange applications are: May 15 for Fall and May October 15 for Spring. After these dates no smooth processing of visa/residence permit applications and approvals can be guaranteed.
  • Once your exchange application has been aprroved of, our International Office can start your immigration procedure meaning they will automatically enroll you at the Immigration Department at Erasmus University (EUR). 
  • The Immigration Department at EUR will send you further instructions to start your entry visa/Dutch residence permit application. These instructions will be sent to your EUR email account!!! 
  • Once your entry visa / Dutch residence permit has been approved of by the IND (the Dutch immigration and Naturalization Services) you can start preparing all travel arrangements. 

 

Costs

All students who need an entry visa and/or Dutch esidence permit need to pay an immigration fee of  € 192 euro and show proof of sufficient financial resources (living fee) of + € 950 euro per month. 

Please not that the amount for the living fee of approximately € 3800,00 needs to be paid in advance, a rule which has been implemented by the IND. Upon arrival and once the student has opened his/her Dutch bank account, this living fee will be reimbursed to the student within 2 weeks. More information can be found on the EUR website.  And strongly recommended: bring some cash or have access to your current bank account in order to pay for the first costs (rent, deposit etc.)

Contact

  • First contact for students who need an entry visa and/or Dutch residence permit is Ms. Sofie van Hattem (Junior Exchange Officer, RSM International Office), email: intoffice@rsm.nl
  • After the student has started his/her entry visa/Dutch residence permit application, students can contact the EUR Immigration Department, email: immigration@eur.nl

Financial matters

How to open a Dutch bank account

As you will be living in the Netherlands for an extended period of time you are strongly recommended to open a Dutch bank account in the Netherlands, especially for students who have applied for a visa/residence permit, a Dutch bank account is the only way to which their refund (proof of solvency) can be transferred to.

Opening a Dutch bank account can be done at several banks, see also this website 

Refund of financial means deposit / immigration fee

As soon as your exchange at RSM has started and as soon as you have opened a bank account, you can send an email to our immigration department: immigration@eur.nl They will further inform you on how your financial means deposit / immigration fee can be refunded.

Although the immigration department will do their utmost to process your refund as soon as possible, this process may take up some time. It is therefore strongly recommended to bring enough financial means with you to overcome the first weeks of your stay (advised amount: € 1.500,- euro to cover for rent, deposits, etc.).

you will receive an e-mail which includes a refund form from our immigration department. Complete the form and attach the requested annexes (Dutch bank card and/or confirmation letter and payment of deposit). In general it takes about two weeks for the payments to be processed and the money can only be transferred back into a Dutch bank account. 

Costs of living

On this site one can find a rough estimation of costs during your exchange in Rotterdam. Not included in this overview are costs for travelling to Rotterdam and our introduction activities (€ 55, only once, beginning of each full term). Of course, all costs depend on your own life style!

Scholarships & grants  

On this webpage one can find information about scholarships and grants, mostly for full-time students, but you never know! RSM does not provide exchange students with grants or scholarships. 

Insurance & Health

Insurance for international students

You are by law obliged to be properly insured during your time in the Netherlands. Next to being obliged, you also don't want to be surprised by having to pay for an unforeseen issue yourself. 

Make sure you are sufficiently insured for:

  • Medical expenses - including any pre-existing conditions you may have;
  • Third-party liability insurance;
  • Fire and home furnishing insurance - if you will be living in student accommodation.

 

EUR recommends the following Dutch provider of insurance packages for students, as the coverage meets all the legal requirements in the Netherlands:

This company offers  insurance packages for international students, covering medical expenses, extra-ordinary costs, legal aid, accidents, mental health, liability, and lost baggage and household goods coverage.

Other information on insurances can be found here

Health

During your time in Rotterdam, you might feel the need to talk to someone other than friends or you might need medical assistance. In Rotterdam there are many places you can turn to for help and assistance.

On this website contacts and addresses can be found, for example for psychological help, dentist, doctor or hospital. 

International students are also welcome at Jans Huisartsen Rotterdam Kralingen (close to campus), but students need to register first, how?

See website: https://www.janshuisartsen.nl/en/international-students/

Accomodation

We welcome all exchange students in Rotterdam, the city that never sleeps! 

Finding accommodation in this dynamic city can be a real bottleneck, for this reason and on this site, students can find information on ways to increase a successful search. 

First advice: start in time with looking for accommodation!!! 

Second advice: be aware of scammers!!!!

SSH (Stiching Student Housing)      

SHH is student accommodation provider which only allocates a limited number of rooms on campus or nearby for exchange students at RSM. Our International Office will make sure that all students are informed on how and when to enter the SHH registration system.  Registration in this system does not mean that students are automatically allocated at a SHH room. The rooms are allocated on a first come first erved basis and students outside Europe have priority. Once registered, students have to wait for approval of the RSM International Office and once approved, SHH will send the room offer. Students have one week to accept the offer and to transfer the deposit. 

The minimum period of renting is 4 months and rental period is on a full month's basis, e.g. 1st January to 30th June. Only in the Autumn period the starting date can deviate, e.g. 26 August to 31 December. 

For other accommodation options

Check Facebook RSM Exchange Students 2022-2023

Check Facebook ESN-Rotterdam Housing

We strongly advise students to read the terms and conditions very carefully before signing any rental agreement contract as the RSM is not to be hold responsible for any accommodation contract.  

Find your roommate!

Since temporary accommodation for short term students can be difficult to find, the International Office strongly recommends that students combine forces and look for accommodation together with 2 or 3 fellow students. From experience we know that 2 or 3 bedroom apartments are easier to find in the housing market than one bedroom apartments. To find roommates you can always make use of our Facebook page: RSM Exchange Students 2023-2024

Youth hostels/Student hotel:

If a student cannot enter her/his accommodation before a specific date and he/she needs a place to stay beforehand, please see below a list of recommended youth hostels:  

Social media

Are you curious who you will meet during your exchange? Do you want to know who is also searching for an apartment in Rotterdam or who is planning on joining the same sports club as you are? Then meet your fellow classmates!

Several separate (programme related) groups are already on Facebook, please see below. These pages are meant to welcome you and your fellow classmates so you can get to know each other even before your arrival in Rotterdam.

Please be aware that Facebook is in general an open environment and unfortunately people with wrong intentions may also have access to this network. We recommend not giving any personal details via this environment and being very careful when it comes to the transfer of money for accommodation purposes, as frauds are present.

You are invited to log on to Facebook (and create an account if necessary) so you can join one of these groups:

RSM Exchange Students 2022-23

ESN Rotterdam

 

Arrival

Prior to arrival in the Netherlands, students are strongly recommended to get in touch with their Exchange Ambassador (buddy). This person might be of help in organizing you a smooth arrival. Students arriving at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol can book tickets for the Intercity Direct train already near the luggage belt. This train, which runs every half an hour, brings you to Rotterdam in nearly 30 minutes. 

For all other arrivals, the Netherlands and Rotterdam have an excellent public transport system.

Goin Exchange Lite App

If you want to know who is also travelling from your country, city or university to our business school/university, you can use the Goin Exchange Lite App. To have access to this platform a special code is needed. If you want to make use of this app, please contact our International Office, email: intoffice@rsm.nl  The code is only provided with students who are registered as international student for one of our exchange programmes. 

 

Testimonials

Yunyi Tan

Msc Exchange student (short term), University of Chicago, Booth School of Business

Studying at RSM for one block is a challenging yet exciting experience. Thanks to all the help and support from exchange program manager, my buddy and awesome classmates, the transition was fun and easy which allowed me to have more time to explore RSM and Rotterdam in depth. Supply chain management is a phenomenal topic here that I was really able to acquire knowledge and experimental experience in this area. ESN offers great support for living in Rotterdam and organizes amazing fun events.

 

Sanjay Mittal

Msc Exchange student (short term), University of Iowa, Henry B. Tippie School of Management  

I am glad that I pursued the short-term exchange opportunity at RSM. The short-term exchange enabled me to not only experience business and culture in Europe but also be back in US for spending the last module and graduation ceremony with my classmates. The school's wide variety of electives gave me flexibility to travel around Europe and also pursue an internship in Netherlands without compromising on the academic experience.

Su Mei Koh

MSc Exchange student, Melbourne Business School

My initial impression of Rotterdam was definitely a positive one, as I felt thoroughly welcomed and embraced by the Dutch culture. The city holds a unique charm that is both serene yet exciting - the perfect blend of both worlds. As an exchange student, I found the activities arranged by RSM to be very informative, helpful and fun, which made adjusting to life here that much easier. The marketing courses offered at RSM are of substantial quality, and will definitely add value to the overall educational experience.

Patcharee Treepornchaisak

MSc Exchange student, Thammasat University, Thailand

I had a wonderful time participating in the RSM exchange program. It is the most well organized program that I had ever participated in. A very warm welcome by pick up service from the airport, an arrangement of accommodation, Buddy program and VISA application service are very generous programs that help me start up living in Rotterdam smoothly.

All the professors are very kind and eager to support me. Study at RSM also gives me an opportunity to explore Europe very easily. The exchange students usually organize a trip together every weekend. Only four months, I have cover most of Europe.

Kalon Tsang

MSc Exchange student, The Wharton School, USA

Deciding to come on exchange to RSM was one of the best decisions of my life. You really do meet people from all around the world and all walks of life. Classes are interesting and challenging, often emphasizing group work and offering practical opportunities to work with real-life clients. As an exchange student, you also have the time to explore the city of Rotterdam and the Netherlands, and to travel to other countries around Europe. I have made many new friendships this semester and have really opened my eyes to what the world has to offer.

Boglárka Fejér

MSc Exchange student, Corvinus University of Budapest, Hungary

Rotterdam School of Management was my first choice to study abroad and I arrived with high expectations. After finishing my semester I can only confirm that RSM perfectly met my expectations and even went beyond. The high level of the education, the professionalism and kindness of the teachers and all the outstanding events collaborated to my personal development. Rotterdam is a nice and comfortable city to live in when you are an exchange student: you can easily reach your friends in just few minutes by bike, enjoy the multicultural environment and the nature offered by the city.

Mega Aisyah Nirmala

MSc Exchange student, Universitas Gajah Mada, Indonesia

Flying thousands miles away from your comfort zone seems like a big decision. And that’s what I did. Coming to Rotterdam and studying at RSM will definitely ‘shock’ you with lots of experiences and values you might never imagined. The differences and the diversity ‘force’ you to see things differently. You are expected to see the world as a whole part and deal with it. Anyway, it has never been a bad decision to make. So, make yours!

Application

Students studying at one of our partner schools are welcome to apply for an exchange at RSM and are to be nominated through their home institution. Nominated students will receive a so-called Welcome e-mail which will inform them on further application procedures, about one month before the application deadline.
 

Students applying for a graduate exchange at RSM are expected to have good academic standing at their home institution, and should have at least completed the 3 years of business studies.

Part of your home institution’s selection process is an evaluation of your proficiency in English. We trust our exchange partner schools in nominating students who will not have difficulties in class due to the language.  As a guideline, the following definitions of language levels are applicable: TOEFL iBT minimum score 91+ (minimum 22 on all sub scores); IELTS minimum score 6.5 (minimum 6.5 on all sub scores); Level B2.2 (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). For TOEIC test scores we require all four components. For the Listening and Reading part, the required minimum is 800 and for the Speaking and Writing part, the required minimum is 320. and have a minimum score of 800-850.

Please note that the English language requirements for participation in the International Consultancy Project are more strict:

TOEFL 95+ (internet-based), with a minimum of 23 in all subscores

IELTS 6.5, with a minimum of 6.5 in all subscores.

provided. In all official statements, the language level needs to be mentioned.

To study at RSM as a graduate exchange student, you must first be nominated by your home institution. Please contact your university's study abroad adviser/coordinator for more information on requirements and selection procedures. 

Deadlines to be nominated are:
Fall term:          May 1
Spring term:    October 1

In the Welcome E-mail you will receive from our programme manager, you will find further information about the online application procedures. Subsequently, you need to complete the online application and upload requested additional documents (a copy/scan of your recent academic transcript, proof of your proficiency in English). Other additional documents include a completed Student ID card application form and completed checklist for entry visa and/or residence permit (both can be downloaded via a link provided after submitting the online application). At the end of October, you will receive the course registration form that you will need to fill in and return before the deadline mentioned in the information.

After the application deadline and if you have met the academic and English language requirements, the official letter of acceptance will be sent to your home university by email. The programme manager will provide you with all the relevant information about your exchange. 

Deadlines for application:
Fall term:         May 15
Spring term:   October 15

Contact us

The RSM International Office at RSM facilitates the Bachelor and Master Exchange programmes for both incoming and outgoing students.

The staff members of the International Office are happy to help and advise you prior to, during and after your exchange in Rotterdam. For the most recent information on every programme, please consult the exchange programme’s websites, visit our office or contact us through email: intoffice@rsm.nl

Use the drop-down menu at International Office, to see who to contact for specific information. 

Visiting address:

RSM Erasmus University
International Office
Mandeville (T) Building, Room T05-14, 18 & 22 
Burgemeester Oudlaan 50, 3062 PA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Phone: +31-(0)10-408 2398 
E-mail:  intoffice@rsm.nl

The International Office is located at the 5th floor in the Mandeville (T) Building.

Our offices are T5-22, T5-18 and T5-14. 

Opening hours: 09:00 - 12:00 h - 13:00 - 17:00 h