Admissions·Europe· 9 min read

How to Get Admission in Erasmus University Rotterdam

An admission guide to Erasmus University Rotterdam for international students: the Studielink plus EUR Application Portal route, selective and numerus fixus admission, GMAT/GRE rules and deadlines.

Last updated 3 July 2026

Key facts

University: Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR), Netherlands
Application: Studielink first, then EUR's Application Portal (both required)
Selective / numerus fixus: Some programmes selective or capped — earlier deadlines
GMAT/GRE: Not required for most master's; the Full-time MBA needs a degree plus a valid test score — verify per programme
Main intake: 1 September; Studielink opens around 1 October
Language: Largely English-taught (IELTS/TOEFL) — scores per programme

Erasmus University Rotterdam and its two-step application

Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) is a leading Dutch research university, especially strong in economics, business and social sciences, and home to the Rotterdam School of Management (RSM) and the Erasmus School of Economics (ESE).

Like all Dutch public universities, EUR uses the national registration system Studielink — but that is only the first step. You must also complete EUR's own application in its Application Portal by uploading your documents. An application counts only when both steps are done.

This guide explains the Studielink-plus-Application-Portal flow, how selective and numerus fixus admission works at EUR, when a GMAT/GRE is (and is not) needed, and the deadlines for non-EEA applicants.

Leading Dutch university; strong in economics, business and social sciences
Home to RSM and the Erasmus School of Economics
Two-step application: Studielink first, then EUR's Application Portal
An application counts only when both steps are complete

The application flow: Studielink then the EUR Application Portal

You start by creating an account at studielink.nl, entering your details and selecting your EUR programme. Once your Studielink enrolment is successful, EUR sends you your personal ERNA login credentials (with your student number).

With your ERNA account, you then complete your application in EUR's Application Portal, uploading the required documents. You can only continue to this step after Studielink enrolment is successful and you have received your ERNA login. Only applications started in Studielink and submitted in EUR's Application Portal are considered.

After enrolment is finalised, EUR's student systems (accessed with your ERNA account) let you track your status and later download proof of enrolment. Follow the exact document checklist for your specific programme.

Step 1: register and select the programme in Studielink
Step 2: receive ERNA login credentials from EUR
Step 3: complete and submit the application in EUR's Application Portal with documents
Only applications done in both systems are considered

Selective admission, matching and numerus fixus

Not every EUR programme is open-entry. Some bachelor's and master's programmes use a selection procedure, and some bachelor's programmes have a fixed number of places (numerus fixus) with a ranked selection. Others use a matching or study-choice-check step to confirm fit.

Where selection applies, your admission depends on meeting the programme's academic requirements and performing in its selection criteria — not simply on applying before the deadline. Numerus fixus programmes in particular have earlier, strict deadlines because the selection has to run.

Check your specific programme page to see whether it is selective or numerus fixus, what the criteria are, and the exact deadline — these differ by programme and can change each year.

Some programmes are selective; some bachelor's have a numerus fixus (capped places)
Matching / study-choice-check may apply to confirm programme fit
Numerus fixus programmes have earlier, strict deadlines
Selectivity, criteria and deadlines vary by programme — verify per programme

Do you need GMAT or GRE?

For most EUR master's programmes, applicants with an international diploma do not need to submit a GMAT or GRE score. The clearest exception is the post-master International Full-time MBA, where admission requires a completed university degree together with a valid test score — the school accepts a GMAT or GRE report, and may allow its own admissions test as an alternative.

Some selective research master's or specific programmes may set their own test expectations, so a test is best treated as programme-specific rather than a blanket EUR requirement.

Always read your programme's admission requirements to confirm whether a GMAT/GRE (or an accepted alternative) is required, recommended, or not needed — and never assume it is required just because business schools often ask for it.

Most master's programmes do not require GMAT/GRE for international-diploma holders
The Full-time MBA requires a degree plus a valid test score (GMAT/GRE, or an accepted alternative test)
Some research master's may set their own test requirements
Confirm the exact requirement on your programme page

Deadlines and intake

EUR's main intake starts on 1 September, and applications for the coming academic year typically open in Studielink from around 1 October of the previous year. Non-EEA applicants generally face earlier deadlines than EEA applicants because of the extra time needed for admission and any residence permit.

As a general pattern, non-EEA deadlines have fallen around mid-April, while EEA deadlines fall later — but exact dates differ by programme, and selective or numerus fixus programmes are earlier still.

Because a residence permit and document verification take time, apply as early as the window allows, and confirm the precise deadline for your programme on the EUR website.

Main intake starts 1 September; Studielink opens around 1 October
Non-EEA deadlines are earlier than EEA deadlines
Selective / numerus fixus programmes have the earliest deadlines
Confirm the exact programme deadline on the EUR website

Language requirements and after you are admitted

Most of EUR's international programmes are taught in English and require an English certificate such as IELTS or TOEFL, with the exact accepted tests and minimum scores set per programme. Some programmes accept qualifying prior education in English as a waiver — check the programme rules.

After admission, non-EEA students arrange entry and a residence permit for study in the Netherlands, usually with EUR's international office supporting the process. This is general information, not immigration advice.

Verify current English score requirements, tuition, and residence-permit and proof-of-funds rules on the official EUR and Dutch government sources before relying on any figure.

Programmes are largely English-taught (IELTS/TOEFL), with per-programme scores
Some prior English-medium education may waive the test — check programme rules
Non-EEA students arrange entry and a study residence permit after admission
Verify scores, fees and immigration rules on official EUR and Dutch government sources

Frequently asked questions

Is Studielink enough to apply to Erasmus University Rotterdam?

No. Studielink is the first step, but you must also complete EUR's own application in its Application Portal (using the ERNA login EUR sends you) and upload your documents. Only applications done in both systems are considered.

Do I need GMAT or GRE for a Rotterdam master's?

Usually not — most master's programmes do not require GMAT/GRE for international-diploma holders. The post-master Full-time MBA is the main exception, requiring a degree plus a valid test score (a GMAT or GRE report, or an accepted alternative test). Confirm on your programme page.

What is numerus fixus at EUR?

Numerus fixus means a programme has a fixed number of places filled through a ranked selection, with earlier and stricter deadlines. Some EUR bachelor's programmes use it. Check your programme page to see if it applies.

When is the deadline for non-EEA students?

Non-EEA deadlines are earlier than EEA deadlines and selective/numerus fixus programmes are earlier still. Dates vary by programme and change yearly, so verify the exact deadline for your programme on the EUR website.

What English test does Erasmus University Rotterdam accept?

Most international programmes accept IELTS or TOEFL, with the exact accepted tests and minimum scores set per programme. Some prior English-medium education may waive the requirement — check your programme's admission rules.

Official sources

This guide explains the process and is for guidance only. Eligibility, dates, fees and rules change every year — always confirm the current details on the official site before you act.

Verified against: Erasmus University Rotterdam — Bachelor admission and application; EUR — How to apply in Studielink (Erasmus School of Economics); Studielink.

Last verified: 3 July 2026.