International students at Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) report a positive student experience, with more than 90% stating that overall they are happy with their lives at EUR. That percentage places EUR students above the Dutch benchmark. The results come from the latest International Student Barometer (ISB) a bi-annual and independent survey conducted by Etio among international students across the globe. The survey provides valuable insights into international students’ study experiences as well as their wellbeing and perception of university support and services.
More than 1.650 international students at Erasmus University shared their views on a wide range of topics, such as orientation, housing, education, campus facilities, and support they receive from their university throughout their student journey.
Student life
International students at EUR report a high percentage of 93% for ‘overall satisfaction’, exceeding the Dutch average. Students particularly value the university's international classrooms, sports and social facilities and its eco-friendly attitude, areas where EUR outperforms the national benchmark. EUR also gets high scores on overall support services, such as library services, IT support, study advice, and career goal preparation. While the overall results are very positive, the university recognizes opportunities for improvement. Increasing awareness of certain services available for students, such as career support, the university council, and housing services, remains a priority.
Learning experience
On the overall learning experience, EUR scores in line with both Dutch and European benchmarks. Students especially value the expertise of lecturers and the quality of teaching and course organisation. At the same time, results indicate a growing need for more career advice provided by professors, integrated in their coursework.
Feeling welcome
Despite ongoing public debate in the Netherlands about international students, and the sometimes negative narrative around international students, the survey results show that 95% of students report a friendly attitude towards them at the university, 87% reports to feel welcome in Rotterdam and 86% feels welcome in the Netherlands overall.
Staying after graduation
While many students are still undecided about their plans after graduation, 15% indicate they intend to stay in the Netherlands to start their careers. The most important reasons to leave the Netherlands include a lack of employer interest, no suitable jobs available, high cost of living and the language barrier. To address these challenges, EUR is expanding its career services with digital modules alongside the in-person sessions and workshops and events. The Language Training Centre at EUR offers Dutch language courses to international students at a substantial discount.
- More information
Etio uses the annual International Student Barometer to examine and compare the way in which international students make decisions as well as their expectations, views and intentions. More than 93,843 students from 135 universities worldwide took part in wave 2 of the 2025 ISB, which was held in the autumn of 2025. At EUR more than 9,000 students were invited to take part in wave 2 of 2025. A total of 1,652 responded.
For questions or further information, please contact the International Office
Erasmus University Rotterdam
E. Internationaloffice@eur.nl
Instagram: @internationaloffice.eur- Related links
- EUR orientation and arrival information
Housing for international students
Dutch language courses
EUR career services
