Rotterdam University, University of Applied Sciences

Age: 23

History: Rotterdam University, University of Applied Sciences was founded in 1988 by a large-scale merger of higher education schools and a subsequent merger with the Hogeschool voor Economische Studies (HES) in 2002.

Address: Classes are held at eight prominent locations throughout the city centre of Rotterdam, and one campus in neighbouring city Dordrecht.

Ambience: Dynamic. Rotterdam, home to the largest port in Europe, has global trade and transport links. Many multinationals are based in the region. Over 40 different nationalities are represented amongst the student population at Rotterdam University. The practical nature of the study programmes ensures lots of interaction with both local and international industry as students apply their knowledge through real-life innovative projects.

Vital statistics: Rotterdam University is one of the major universities of applied sciences in the Netherlands. The university is divided into 11 schools, offering more than 90 graduate and undergraduate programmes in seven fields: arts, business, technology, media and information technology, behaviour and society, education, and health. Almost 30,000 students are currently enrolled at the university. English taught bachelors’ and masters’ programmes are offered at the international business school, Rotterdam Business School, and the art academy; the Willem de Kooning Academy. Many of the schools also offer English-taught programmes for exchange students.

Added value: The Rotterdam Education Model (REM) was developed by Rotterdam University to reflect the practical, hands on, mentality typical of the Rotterdam region. All programmes feature a mixture of knowledge accumulation, 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.

Easy to get into? Admittance to bachelors’ programmes requires a secondary school diploma (equivalent to a Dutch HAVO, VWO or MBO diploma). Language requirements also apply. Masters’ programmes require a bachelor degree with a relevant major. Preparation courses are available for students who do not yet meet all the requirements for bachelor or master programmes.

Transport Links: Both Rotterdam Airport (20 minutes away) and Schiphol Airport (45 minutes away) are within easy reach. Both airports have regular connections to the UK with flights taking between one and one-and-a-half hours. There are also many options for train, bus, and ferry travel between Rotterdam and the UK. Rotterdam’s excellent location also makes weekend trips to neighbouring countries an attractive possibility. By train you can easily travel to Antwerp (35 mins), Brussels (1hr 20mins), Paris (2hrs 40mins) or Dusseldorf (3hrs 20mins).

Costs: For 2011-2012 the fees are € 1,713 (EU/EEA students) and € 7,000 (non-EU students) for bachelors’ programmes. Masters’ programmes cost €5,000 for EU/EEA students and €10,000 for Non-EU students. Fees are subject to change.

Nightlife: Rotterdam’s nightlife is metropolitan and alluring, catering to every taste. Whether your idea of a good night out is going to a club or a music festival, the theatre or an art-house cinema you can have a great time in Rotterdam. The city also offers a nearly inexhaustible range of places to eat and drink. Whether you’re after fine dining in a riverside restaurant or spicy and exotic fare, you won’t be disappointed. Find out more about Rotterdam at rotterdam.info.

Any accommodation? The housing office can help international students to find a room in student accommodation.

Who's the boss? Jasper Tuytel is chairman of the executive board and is supported by Gerard van Drielen and Jan Roelof.

Prospectus: www.rotterdamuniversity.nl, studievoorlichting@hr.nl, +31 (0) 10 794 4400