- senior general secondary education (havo), pre-university education (vwo)
- senior secondary vocational education (mbo, level 4), or equivalent diplomas
Some study programmes require the completion of specific subjects. Students not meeting one of these admission requirements, may enter an entrance examination, a Dutch language test or a foundation course; for participation specific conditions are applicable.
Foreign diplomas
For students with a foreign diploma, a diploma (credential) evaluation will be performed in cooperation with Nuffic.
Only foreign diplomas equivalent to one of the Dutch diplomas mentioned on the adjoining page, will allow admission to Rotterdam University. Appointed staff at Rotterdam University will decide on the equivalence of foreign diplomas. Please send the following information to the university:
- the university’s application form
- an officially certified copy of your diploma
- a copy of your list of marks
- a translation of your diploma and list of marks, certified by a sworn translator.
German, English or French diplomas do not require translation.
Students may be asked to show their original diploma, e.g. for clarity on the official certification. In addition to a certified foreign diploma, students must pass the entrance test ‘Dutch as a Foreign Language’ (DFL2). Students with a diploma ‘Dutch as a Foreign Language’ – programme II (state examination) are exempted from this test. Exemptions for Reading and/or Writing will be given to students on successful completion of these subjects. Please contact the Study Information Office for further information.
Entrance examination
Students not admissible because of an insufficient credential evaluation, may be admitted to RU on completion of an entrance examination, and provided they are aged 21 years plus on 1 October of the year of study in question.
Students lacking required subjects
Students lacking one or more subjects in their transfer profile or final examination subjects required for admission, will be offered specific foundation tests, which have to be completed successfully.
Havo or vwo graduates who have not taken all final examination subjects or lacking the combination of subjects required for admission, can take subject-related foundation courses prior to admission. Students can be admitted to RU on successful completion of a foundation test. This is also applicable to havo or vwo graduates (with a traditional style of education diploma), or a diploma of senior secondary vocational education (mbo, level 4), lacking subjects in their entrance certificate; they can take foundation courses prior to or during the introductory year. Rotterdam University can offer foundation courses for nearly all subjects. Please contact the Study Information Office as soon as possible for further information.
Refresher courses
Students with a positive credential evaluation may still be advised to take a refresher course in one or two subjects, prior to the start of their study programme.
Participation
Participation in entrance examinations, tests or preparatory courses requires prior registration for a study programme at Rotterdam University. Upon registration, further information will be provided to students by the university’s Office 'Studievoorbereiding'.