Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences

Established in 1988 following the merger between several large scale higher education institutions, the Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences was then joined by the Hogeschool voor Economische Studies in 2002.

One of the major universities of applied sciences in the Netherlands, the university is divided in 11 schools, offering the chance to study on one of more than 90 graduate and undergraduate programmes in seven fields: arts, business, technology, media and information technology, behaviour and society, education, and health.

There are almost 30,000 students enrolled at the university and classes are held at eight different locations throughout Rotterdam’s city centre, with one campus in the neighbouring city of Dordrecht. Many of the schools offer programmes in English for exchange students and there are English taught BA and MA programmes at the international business school, Rotterdam Business School and the art academy, the Willem de Kooning Academy.

It follows the Rotterdam Educational Model, which was developed by Rotterdam University to reflect the region’s practical mentality. All programmes combine knowledge accumulation with practical experience and personal development. Both bachelors’ and masters’ programmes incorporate periods of practical training, allowing students to gain useful experience in their field even before graduation.

Rotterdam is a major port city known for its bold, modern architecture and it has some excellent facilities, sights and infrastructure. Easily navigable by bike or public transport, it’s also a very affordable city with numerous alluring options for eating out, going out and drinking. It has seen radical change in the last decade and is known for its riverside setting, lively cultural life, and maritime heritage.