Brain and Cognition
Erasmus University Rotterdam offers this 12-month master's in Rotterdam, ranked #52 by FT — Global MBA.
What it takes to get in
Entry bar: moderate. Driven by specific prior degree and prerequisite coursework.
- English tests
- IELTS 7 · TOEFL iBT 100
- English requirement
- TOEFL iBT 100 with minimum sub-scores of 20; IELTS Academic 7.0 with minimum sub-scores of 6.0; Cambridge EFL Examinations CAE level B or CPE level C; Language Cert Academic 75 with minimum sub-score of 65; Pearson Academic 75 with minimum sub-score of 66.
- Accepted degrees
- PsychologyCognition, Language & CommunicationLiberal Arts & SciencesPsychobiologyHealth Sciences
- Documents required
- proof of English proficiency
- Deadline
- 1 Jun 2027
What it costs
Plan for roughly €45k–€48k per year all-in as a Non-EU student — tuition plus a normal Rotterdam student life.
Living in Rotterdam →
What you'll study
60 ECTS over 12 months — core foundations, then a track of your choice, then a thesis.
Assumed knowledge
You will gain theoretical and methodological knowledge and skills to tackle questions with regard to brain functioning and cognitive emotional processes. The training includes current theories and advanced research methodology, such as behavioural tasks, eye tracking, EEG, fMRI and advanced statistics. Why this study Watch the study programme video Student perspective - Brain and Cognition Student perspective - Brain and Cognition Is this the right programme for you? You will gain theoretical and methodological knowledge and skills to tackle questions with regard to brain functioning and cognitive emotional processes; You will work in small groups to solve problems you can encounter in the field; This programme offers an excellent preparation for a career in education, business or research.
Rankings
- FT — Global MBA 2026#52
- Times Higher Education 2026#107
- FT — Masters in Finance 2025#28
- THE — Business And Economics 2026#24
- THE — Clinical Pre Clinical Health 2026#52
- THE — Social Sciences 2026#80
- THE — Law 2026#101
Visa & life in the Netherlands
The practical stuff — what's allowed, what's funded, what to expect after you graduate.
- Student visa
- Non-EU students need a residence permit (VVR), arranged by the university on your behalf. EU students only need to register with the local municipality.
- Post-study work
- Orientation Year (zoekjaar) visa — 12 months to find skilled work after graduation. No employer sponsorship needed during this period.
- Tuition
- Statutory fee around €2,500/yr for EU students; institutional fees for non-EU students typically range €14,000–26,000/yr depending on the field.
- Scholarships
- Holland Scholarship (€5,000), university-specific funds such as the Amsterdam Excellence and Justus & Louise van Effen scholarships, plus Erasmus+ for EU mobility.
About Erasmus University Rotterdam
Erasmus University Rotterdam is a university in Rotterdam, Netherlands, with 31,652 students and 82 programs across its corridors. Its primary academic strengths lie in Business & Law, Arts & Humanities, and Social Sciences, with QS Subject rankings of #24 in Business and #51 in Medicine. The university placed #101 in the 2024 ARWU overall ranking.
Common questions
Is Brain and Cognition at Erasmus University Rotterdam taught in English?
The programme is taught in multiple languages — check the programme page for which parts are in English.
How much does Brain and Cognition at Erasmus University Rotterdam cost?
International tuition is €21,000 per year. Over the full 12-month programme that's roughly €21,000 in tuition, before living costs.
What is the acceptance rate at Erasmus University Rotterdam?
Not published. Most European public universities don't release acceptance rates — admission is requirements-based, so if you meet the stated requirements your application gets a full review rather than competing against a fixed quota. Based on the published requirements (specific prior degree, prerequisite coursework, above-baseline English bar), the entry bar here is moderate.
Do I need GRE or GMAT scores?
No — GRE and GMAT scores are not required for this programme.
Can I work in the Netherlands after graduating?
Yes. The Netherlands offers a one-year Orientation Year (zoekjaar) residence permit to graduates of Dutch universities, letting you live and work in the country while looking for a job — no sponsor required during that year.
When is the application deadline?
The application deadline is 1 Jun 2027. Deadlines can differ by nationality — confirm on the programme page.
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