Introduction

Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR), founded in 1913, is a leading research university in Rotterdam, Netherlands, renowned for its focus on economics, business, social sciences, and health. Named after the philosopher Desiderius Erasmus, the university embodies his values of critical thinking and global citizenship. With approximately 39,000 students, including over 7,000 international students, and a consistent ranking among the top 100 universities globally, EUR is a hub for impactful research and education. This presentation explores its history, diverse academic programs, and key highlights that define its global influence.

Historical Background

EUR traces its origins to 1913 as the Netherlands School of Commerce, founded by Rotterdam business leaders to advance economic education. It became the Netherlands School of Economics in 1939 and gained full university status in 1973, incorporating medical and social sciences faculties. Named after Erasmus, a Rotterdam native, the university reflects his legacy of intellectual freedom and humanism. Its mission, “Making Minds Matter,” underscores its commitment to societal impact.

EUR has navigated challenges like World War II, when Rotterdam was heavily bombed, yet emerged as a global leader in economics and health sciences. Notable alumni include Nobel laureate Jan Tinbergen (Economics, 1969), the first Nobel Prize winner in Economics, and leaders like former Dutch Prime Minister Ruud Lubbers and Unilever CEO Paul Polman. EUR’s legacy lies in its contributions to economic theory, public health, and global governance.

Academic Programs

EUR offers over 150 programs across seven faculties: Erasmus School of Economics, Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus School of Law, Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Erasmus School of History, Culture and Communication, Erasmus School of Philosophy, and Erasmus MC (Medical Center). With many programs taught in English, EUR attracts a diverse student body. Its education model emphasizes rigorous research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and real-world application.

Bachelor’s Programs

• Econometrics and Operations Research: This three-year, English-taught program combines mathematics, statistics, and economics to solve complex problems in finance, logistics, and policy. Students use data modeling and programming, preparing for careers in consulting, banking, or data science.

• International Business Administration: Offered by Rotterdam School of Management (RSM), this program trains students in global business strategies, marketing, and management. With case studies and international internships, it prepares graduates for careers in multinationals or entrepreneurship.

• Communication and Media: This program explores digital media, journalism, and cultural communication. Students engage in projects like campaign design or media analysis, preparing for roles in advertising, PR, or media production.

Master’s and PhD Programs

• Health Economics, Policy and Law: This one-year master’s at Erasmus MC and Erasmus School of Law examines healthcare systems, policy design, and economic evaluation. Students work on projects with organizations like the World Health Organization, preparing for roles in health policy or consultancy.

• Strategic Management: Offered by RSM, this master’s focuses on corporate strategy, innovation, and leadership. Students collaborate with companies like Philips or Deloitte on real-world challenges, preparing for careers in management consulting or corporate leadership.

• Cultural Economics and Entrepreneurship: This program explores the economics of art, culture, and creative industries. Students analyze cultural markets and develop business models, preparing for roles in cultural institutions or creative startups.

• Research Master’s and PhD: Programs like Business Data Science and Clinical Research train students for academic or industry research. The Erasmus Research Institute of Management (ERIM) supports cutting-edge projects in economics, management, and data science.

Faculty and Research

EUR’s research is organized around themes like Sustainable Society, Health, Wealth, and Culture & Communication. Its institutes, such as ERIM and the Institute for Health Policy & Management (iBMG), lead global scholarship. Faculty include renowned scholars like economist Lans Bovenberg and health policy expert Anna Nieboer, whose work shapes policy and industry.

Highlights

Global Rankings and Research Impact

• EUR ranks among the top 100 universities worldwide (QS World University Rankings 2026: #=97; ARWU 2024: #=88). It produces over 6,000 academic publications annually, with high citation impact in economics, management, and health sciences.

• The university secures significant funding, including 9 European Research Council (ERC) grants in 2024 and multiple Veni, Vidi, and Vici awards from the Dutch Research Council (NWO).

Internationalization

With students from over 100 countries and partnerships with 300+ universities, EUR fosters a global academic community. English-taught programs and exchange agreements with institutions like London School of Economics and Tsinghua University enhance mobility. The Erasmus Student Network (ESN) Rotterdam organizes cultural events, city tours, and career workshops to support integration.

Student Life and Facilities

• Study Associations: Groups like STAR (Management) and EFR (Economics) host conferences, career fairs, and social events. STAR, for example, organizes the world’s largest student-run management conference, connecting students with firms like BCG.

• Campus and Resources: EUR’s modern Woudestein campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including the Erasmus University Library, Polak Building for collaborative learning, and Erasmus MC’s advanced medical research labs. The Erasmus Sport Center offers activities like fitness classes and sailing.

• Housing and Support: EUR assists international students with housing through partners like SSH and HousingAnywhere. Scholarships, such as the Erasmus University Holland Scholarship and Erasmus MC Graduate Scholarship, support non-EU/EEA students from countries like India, Brazil, and Nigeria.

Innovation and Industry Ties

EUR leads in business and health innovation, with RSM’s Innovation Hub fostering startups in fintech, sustainability, and healthcare. The Erasmus Centre for Entrepreneurship supports student ventures, collaborating with companies like Unilever and Port of Rotterdam. EUR’s health research influences global policy through partnerships with WHO and Dutch health authorities.

Historical and Cultural Heritage

The Erasmus Collection, housed in the university library, preserves works by and about Desiderius Erasmus, supporting research in philosophy and humanities. The Rotterdam School of Management’s heritage as one of Europe’s first business schools underscores EUR’s pioneering role in management education.

Practical Learning

EUR emphasizes hands-on education through internships, case studies, and research projects. The Health Economics master’s, for instance, includes placements with healthcare organizations, while International Business Administration students work on real-world consulting projects with firms like Accenture. Programs leverage Rotterdam’s position as a global trade and innovation hub.

Conclusion

Erasmus University Rotterdam blends a century-long legacy with a bold vision for societal impact. Its programs, from Econometrics to Health Economics, equip students to address global challenges in business, health, and society. With world-class research, a vibrant international community, and a dynamic campus in Rotterdam, EUR offers an unparalleled academic experience. Whether drawn to its intellectual heritage, innovative education, or global outlook, EUR is a place where students and researchers make minds matter and shape a better future.