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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, People, Organisations & Change, 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. Information will be sent to nominated students before the start of the application period.

Our Exchange 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 accepted, all relevant information for your exchange at RSM and in Rotterdam will come your way. We will assign an exchange ambassador (buddy) to you prior to arrival and upon arrival we organize an orientation activity. 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

The full fall term consists of two blocks:

Block I

CoursesMonday 2 September - Friday 18 October 2024 
ExamsMonday 21 October - Saturday 26 October 2024
Re-sitsTuesday 6 January - Saturday 12 January 2025


Block II 

CoursesMonday 28 October - Friday 13 December 2024
ExamsFriday 16 December - Saturday 21 December 2024
Re-sitsMonday 17 March - Saturday 21 March 2025

 


The spring term consists of three blocks:

Block III

CoursesMonday 3 February - Friday 14 March 2025 
ExamsMonday 17 March - Saturday 22 March 2025
Re-sitsMonday 5 May - Saturday 10 May 2025

 

Block IV

CoursesMonday 24 March - Friday 2 May 2025
ExamsMonday 5 May - Saturday 10 May 2025
Re-sitsMonday 23 June - Saturday 28 June 2025

 

Block V

CoursesMonday 12 May - Friday 20 June 2025
ExamsMonday 23 June - Saturday 28 June 2025
Re-sitsMonday 21 July - Saturday 26 July 2025

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. Information will be sent to nominated students.


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 preliminary 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 rangeExplanationFrequencyEC Grade
109.5-10Excellent0.2%A
98.5-9.4Very good3.4%B
87.5-8.4Good16%C
76.5-7.4Satisfactory31.8%D
65.5-6.4Pass34.4%E
1-51.0-5.4Fail0-11.9%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.

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

 

Immigration Procedures

Once nominated by their home university, our visiting Bachelor or Master exchange students will receive a so-called Welcome Mail from our Exchange 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.

 

Costs

All students who need an entry visa and/or Dutch esidence permit need to pay an immigration fee and show proof of sufficient financial resources (living fee). 

More information can be found on the EUR website. 

 

Contact

  • First contact for students who need an entry visa and/or Dutch residence permit is the RSM Exchange Office, email: exchange@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.

Refund of financial means deposit

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.

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. 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.

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/

Accommodation

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. We strongly advise you to begin your housing search as early as possible and to secure your accommodation before traveling to the Netherlands.

We advise the incoming exchange students to visit Erasmus University's page which contain full information about accommodation for international students. Students can also 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.  

Arrival

Prior to arrival in the Netherlands, students are assigned to an Exchange Ambassador (buddy). They will get in touch with you few weeks prior to the start of the exchange. 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 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 App.

 

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 score of 80+ (minimum subscore of 18 for reading & listening, and 20 for speaking and 21 for writing).
  • IELTS (minimum subscore of 6.0 for reading, listening, speaking, and writing).
  • TOEIC 800+ (listening & reading) AND 320+ (speaking & writing).
  • CEFR level B2.
  • Cambridge FCE/CAE/CPE/BEC higher 170 (minimum subscore of 170 for reading, listening, speaking & writing).
  • Or another English language certificate of a comparable level.
  • Non-native English speakers whose currently study programe is completely taught in English are exempted, though proof needs to be provided.

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). If the application for entry visa and/or residence permit is applicable to you, you will receive information on how to apply from the Exchange Office.

Together with the Welcome e-mail, you will also receive a preliminary course offer overview and information on course registration. It is, however, important to already look at the course offer and inform yourself at your home university which courses you are allowed to take during the exchange.

If you have met the academic and English language requirements, the official letter of acceptance will be sent to you via the online system.

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

RSM Exchange Office team
Ellen Vermeulen

Programme Manager Incoming Exchange

Working days: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday

Ligaya Borgonje

Programme Manager Outgoing Exchange

Working days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

Sherida Wong

Manager Digital Projects

Working days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

Karin Valentijn

Exchange Officer

Working days: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday

Sofie van Hattem

Senior Exchange Officer

Working days: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, every other Thursday, Friday