The new academic year will officially start in the week of 1 September (the IM/CEMS programme will start in mid-August). Before the start of the academic year there will be introduction activities (usually in the last week of August). Programme management will inform you about these during the summer and you can find detailed information on the RSM Welcome pages

The introductory programmes are different for each MSc programme and can have different start and end dates. Most programmes hold their introductions during the last week of August. Programme Management will inform you about the important dates by email and on the RSM Welcome pages.

The official course schedules and booklists will only be available at the start of the new academic year. Programme Management will inform you about this during the Kick-Off events. You can also view the schedules on the RSM Welcome pages.

No, all MSc programmes at Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (RSM) are fulltime programmes. RSM does offer a part time programme in Dutch. 

No, RSM does not currently offer MSc programmes online. This option may become available in the future. 

No, RSM does not have a special admissions process or criteria for students with refugee status because individual situations can vary widely. Applications from refugees will therefore be assessed on an individual basis. If you have questions regarding your diploma, please contact the RSM admissions office.

The Erasmus University does offer general support for refugees. Please visit the refugee pages for more information.

Erasmus University runs a pick-up service on several dates in August with buddies welcoming you at Schiphol Airport and travelling with you to Rotterdam. They will also assist you with where to get your key, or finding your way to a hostel. Information about the pick-up service can be found here.

View here for the academic calendar 2021-2022.

All students who finish their Master at RSM, will receive a Master in Science (MSc) degree followed by the name of their MSc programme, e.g. MSc MM for those who completed Marketing Management.

Students who finished Accounting & Financial Management, Business Analytics & Management, and Master in Management will receive the degree MScBA, Master of Science in Business Administration.

The degrees conferred by Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University: Bachelor of Science (BSc), Master of Science (MSc) and PhD are part of the framework of the so-called Bologna declaration and should therefore be fully recognised by all countries who have signed the declaration. The combination of a recognised degree, triple accreditation, and the strong brand image of the school (which is known all over the globe) has turned out to be a great asset for our graduates, enabling them to acquire good positions in the corporate world and giving them access to graduate programmes of the top tier of business schools all over the world.

Research universities in the Netherlands (‘universiteiten’ in Dutch) are institutions of tertiary education with a focus towards scientific research in an academic setting. These institutions essentially train students in academic study and the application of knowledge and often do not include (mandatory) work experience. However, many of the programmes do also have a professional component and most graduates actually find work outside the research community.

In order to be eligible for admission to an undergraduate programme at a Dutch research university, like the Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam, you will need to have at least a high school diploma comparable to a Dutch diploma on VWO-level. Check out RSM’s website for any other admission requirements per programme.

Another type of education in the Netherlands is taught by the universities of applied sciences (in Dutch ‘hogescholen’). These institutions offer programmes that focus on the practical application of arts and sciences. Getting practical work experience through internships is an important part of the professional study programmes. For admission into an undergraduate programme at a university of applied sciences, your high school diploma needs to be similar to a Dutch diploma on HAVO level. An example of a university of applied sciences is Hogeschool Rotterdam.

MSc programmes at RSM only start once a year in September. There is not January or February intake.

The application for the new academic year opens in October, the previous year. 

The Dutch are known for their proficiency in the English language and this, combined with the highly international nature of both the campus and the city of Rotterdam ensure that you will manage just fine without any Dutch language skills. Of course it is often very rewarding to be able to speak the language of the country you are living in. Also, if you are looking for a job on the side, or hope to remain in the Netherlands after graduation, speaking Dutch can be a big advantage. The Language &Training Centre (LTC) offers several language courses, including Dutch.

Dutch Course are offered by the Erasmus University Language & Training centre.

No, but there is a swimming pool in the vicinity. Consult Erasmus Sport for other sport facilities.

The  Erasmus Sport Centre has two sports halls, five squash courts, a fitness gym and six open-air tennis courts. You can participate in training sessions and use all facilities in the sports buildings on campus. Sports offered include tennis, squash, rugby, soccer, volleyball, rowing, basketball, boxing and other fitness activities such as pilates, yoga and dancing.

The term "pre-experience master" means that the MSc programmes at Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University have been designed for students who have recently completed their undergraduate studies and have little or no work experience.

In The Netherlands ‘admissions requirements’ for Master’s programmes have been defined by the Ministry of Education as “knowledge and competencies that were obtained during a bachelor degree programme.” For each of our Master programmes, RSM has identified specific knowledge requirements that are necessary for the successful completion of a Master programme at RSM. These requirements, per MSc programme, are listed on our website under the Admissions tab; Bachelor degree and Bachelor course related requirements.

In The Netherlands selection criteria for Master’s programmes have been defined by the Ministry of Education as “skills that go above and beyond the final qualifications obtained during the bachelor degree”. These can be personal qualities possessed by the applicant such as motivation, language skills, grade point average or the results of standardized tests. RSM has defined and specified these criteria per MSc programme which are listed under the Admissions tab on our website.

Grading

The Dutch grading system scale ranges from 1 to 10:

Note: The grades 1-3 are hardly ever awarded and 9 and 10 are very rare. 

Credits

Most courses at RSM are worth 3, 6 or 12 EC (European Credits). One credit point represents 25 to 30 hours of study. The workload includes time spent attending lectures or seminars, independent study time, and preparation for and completion of exams. 

To complete a full-time programme, students must complete 60 credits per academic year (30 credits per semester).