Erasmus University Rotterdam vs Utrecht University

Erasmus University Rotterdam is a public research university located in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Utrecht University is a public research university in Utrecht, Netherlands.

Overview Comparison
Erasmus University RotterdamUtrecht University
Collegedunia Score5.7 Out of 105.5 Out of 10
ranking (overall)# 140 QS World University 2026
# 107 Times Higher Education 2025
# 111 Center for World University Rankings 2025
# 103 QS World University 2026
# 78 Center for World University Rankings 2025
# 105 QS World University 2025
Subject Strength# 401 for Engineering by Academy Ranking of World Universities 2022
# 42 for Medicine by QS World University 2025
# 93 for Law by Times Higher Education 2025
# 252 for Engineering by QS World University 2025
# 64 for Medicine by QS World University 2025
# 73 for Law by QS World University 2025
ProgramsUG Programs -8
PG Programs -44
Doctorate Programs -5
UG Programs -8
PG Programs -57
Acceptance Rate45.0 %4.0 %
Cost to StudyAverage Tuition Fees   6900
[For UG Program]
Average Tuition Fees  15500
[For PG Program]
Hostel + Meal - 1000 Per Year
Average Tuition Fees   10617.51
[For UG Program]
Average Tuition Fees  17695.85
[For PG Program]
Hostel + Meal - 1100 Per Year
placement (average package)

The average salary of a fresh RSM alumnus is EUR 2,912 per month, compared to EUR 2,783 euro for other MSc graduates starting out on the Dutch job market. Some of the programs and average salary are as follows: 

MBA: $83,000

Masters in Management: $77,000

Phd: $79,000

Executive MBA: $128,000

Doctorate: $93,000


The average salary recieved by graduates is around 55,555 Euros. Some programs and average salary is as follows:

Bachelor of science: $69,000

LLM: $60,000

Doctorate: $89,000

Master of Arts: $62,000


application requirements

Students should have a minimum grade of 75 on average

Submit English language proficiency test scores

Check program specific requirements

Submit high school transcripts of all previous education

Submit English language proficiency test scores

Applicants must have a minimum of 70% on average

Check program specific requirements

Campuses and B-SchoolsRotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (RSM)
NA
CollegeDunia Reviews6.7/10 Read 1 reviews6.5/10 Read 2 reviews

Top Courses Comparison

Top Courses Comparison

ranking# 42 for Finance by QS World University 2024
# 80 for Finance by Times Higher Education 2023
# 301 for Accounting by QS World University 2025
# 66 for Accounting by Times Higher Education 2023
application--
why to opt?

The programme will prepare you for a position in, for example, a financial institution, a corporation, a consultancy, your own start-up, a government project, or an NGO. You will learn from world-class academics specialising in finance, and from leading practitioners.

RSM is one of only a few business schools in the Benelux that is partnered with the Chartered Financial Analyst Institute® (CFA). Thus, you can earn your master’s degree and prepare for the CFA® Level I exam within one academic year – another step on your way to becoming a financial analyst, portfolio/risk manager, or consultant.

And because RSM is also an Academic Partner of the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst Association (CAIA), your curriculum can be part of your preparation for CAIA exams as you learn strategies and practice for alternative investments that can be applied to hedge funds, real estate, or private equity.   


Financial markets play a key role in the stability and prosperity of economies, governments and organisations, with profound effect on the individual and society as a whole.  Are you fascinated by the dynamic context of today’s financial markets, and do you want to make a positive impact on the future of international finance and banking? Then the Master’s programme in Banking and Finance at Utrecht University School of Economics (U.S.E.) is the programme for you.


exam scoresGMAT - 600/800IELTS - 7/9TOEFL - 100/120IELTS - 7/9TOEFL - 100/120
Admission Criteria/Better to Have

In order to be eligible for this master programme, you need to hold a (BSc) degree or an undergraduate degree that is comparable in level with a academic bachelor degree obtained at a Dutch research university 


A BSc of a research university in Economics or Economics and Business Economics, with substantial quantitative background, preferably with some degree of specialisation in Banking and Finance. 


cost to studyTotal Cost (Tuition + Living) -21500Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -18332
application datesJan 15, 2025 (Regular Application Deadline For 2025 Intake)
May 1, 2025 (Late Application Deadline For 2025 Intake)
Jun 2, 2025 (Extended Application Deadline For 2025 Intake)
Apr 1, 2025 (Application Deadline For 2025 Intake)
Feb 1, 2025 (Application Deadline For 2025 Intake With Scholarship Consideration)
General Facts Comparison
General FactsErasmus University RotterdamUtrecht University
Type of UniversityUniversity
University
Established1913
1636
Student:Faculty Ratio20:1
14:1
Male:Female50% Male, 50% Female41% Male, 59% Female
Location Facts

Campus Woudestein is the central point of Erasmus University Rotterdam. Erasmus MC is an academic hospital and medical faculty of Erasmus University Rotterdam. The Erasmus University College is located in the center of Rotterdam. The ISS is an international institute for the social sciences and is located in the center of The Hague. The Erasmus Center for Entrepreneurship (ECE) is the leading center for entrepreneurship in Europe. It is located at Marconiplein in Rotterdam-West.


Utrecht University locations concentrate in three main areas: Utrecht Science Park/De Uithof, the University Quarter in the city centre and the International Campus Utrecht (ICU).


Library

The following libraries can be your source(s) for scientific ideas and opportunities: 

University Library
Sanders Law Library
Medical Library
ISS Library

The EUR Libraries provide access to a wide range of hard copy literature, e-books, e-journals and databases


The Utrecht University Library, which was originally established in 1636, is located on the Uithof campus, a newly built area outside of the city center. The university library is house to more than 4.2 million books.


Campus Life

Erasmus University Rotterdam fits right into the dynamic atmosphere of the city with unique campuses, various student associations and possibilities to engage in sports or cultural activities. Erasmus University has many different student associations that are primarily focused on social activities, all with their own offer, culture and characteristics. These organizations offer you the opportunity to get to know many people from different studies and with different backgrounds. 


Living on the University College Utrecht campus is part of your education. Living with people from all over the world, who are studying many different subjects is an enriching experience that enables you to develop valuable life skills. The university’s campus is modelled broadly on North American college campuses where student accommodation, classrooms, facilities for sports, cultural and social activities and staff offices are all located together on one site. Housing is guaranteed for all University College Utrecht students for the duration of the programme. The student accommodation is located in several residence halls on campus. The University College Student Association (UCSA) strives to enrich the non-academic life of all students with social and cultural activities. It consists of over 40 committees and clubs that organise activities, workshops, performances, parties and trips throughout the year.  The campus has a café, social and cultural areas for students, a meditation room, and sports facilities (indoor sports centre, tennis/football court, volleyball court, basketball court, table tennis table). The UCSA College Bar, run by students, is a prime location for social gatherings.


Hostel#Accommodation rent/month - $1000
#Accommodation rent/month - $1100
Famous Alumni

Feike Sijbesma (business executive), Jo Ritzen (politician), Ruud Lubbers (politician, diplomat), Maria poonlertlarp (actress, model)


Willem Einthoven (doctor and physiologist), Gerard ‘t Hooft (theorist physicist), Rutger Bregman (historian), Jan Terlouw (politician, physicist, author)


City Life

Rotterdam is a multicultural hub with a modern look, low level of corruption, an advanced public transport system and superb network of bike-paths. While less touristy than some of its neighboring Dutch cities, Rotterdam hosts the largest port in Europe, making it an important transit, logistical and marine center. With its high quality of life and lively cultural scene, Rotterdam has been welcoming visitors for almost 800 years. Rotterdam is the second-largest city in the Netherlands when it comes to population, with 650 thousand residents. 

Being a business city, the average cost of living in Rotterdam mirrors that in other big cities across western Europe.

The average rental prices in Rotterdam are 5.24 % lower than those in Amsterdam.

 


Known also as the “Small Amsterdam”, Utrecht is one of the Netherlands' oldest cities, with a compact medieval centre set out around canals unique to the Netherlands! Utrecht's student population of 40,000 is the largest in the country, making the city a very vibrant place. Utrecht is absolutely chock-full of must-see attractions. If you stroll between the lively docks of the historical Oudegracht and the city centre, you come across countless national monuments and world heritage. And if you jump on your bike, you'll be at impressive citadels, forts and castles within a half hour. he demand for student housing in and around Utrecht is extremely high. Many students find it difficult and time-consuming to look for accommodation. It is a good idea to anticipate the time and effort it may take you to find a room, and start your search several months in advance, even prior to your admission.


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