General Admission Requirements Erasmus University Rotterdam 2025/2026
The Central Admissions Office has created a list of the most common international diplomas that meet the minimum admission requirements. Where relevant, minimum grades and language test exemption criteria are included.
Please note:
- Your diploma being on the list does not guarantee admission to our Bachelor’s degree programmes.
- Generally, we require final exams in general education subjects; applied/vocational subjects are not accepted.
- Some diplomas include a list of accepted subjects.
- Homologation of foreign diplomas is not valid for admission; students are assessed based on the diploma they obtained, not its equivalent.
- If you do not meet our grade requirements by August 31st and still need to obtain your diploma, you cannot enrol for the academic year starting September 2025.
- If your diploma is not listed and you are interested in studying at Erasmus University Rotterdam, please contact the Central Admissions Office.
English exemption is only possible if:
- You obtain a European Baccalaureate with English as a first or second language.
- You obtain an International Baccalaureate with English A at Higher or Standard Level, or English B at Higher Level.
- You have obtained your diploma(s) and/or attended secondary school for at least two and a half years in Australia, Canada (except Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, the United Kingdom, or the United States.
International diplomas that meet the minimum admission requirements
American High School Diploma (outside USA)
From an accredited High School; a minimum GPA of 3.00 plus 4 independent AP courses in general academic subjects* (with grade 3 or higher). AP exams are required to be taken externally with College Board.
*Accepted subjects: Art History, English Language and Composition, English Literature and Composition, Comparative Government and Politics, European History, Human Geography, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, Psychology, United States Government and Politics, United States History, World History: Modern, Calculus AB or BC, Computer Science Principles, Statistics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Physics, World Languages and Cultures.
** Language APs (other than English) are generally accepted, except when the subject language is your native language. A Language AP in your first/native language will only be accepted as a 5th AP.
Overlapping subjects are counted as 1 AP exam. For example, AP US History, AP European History and AP World History are not counted as 3 individual APs but as one. The same applies to AP Macro-Economics and AP Micro-Economics. In addition, only one of your AP exams may be a language.
British (International) GCE A-levels
Six different subjects with a minimum of 3 approved (international) A-levels in general academic subjects* with final grades between A*- C plus 3 (I)GCSEs.
*Generally accepted subjects: All languages**, Ancient History, Biology, Chemistry, Classical Civilisation, Classical Studies, Computer Science, Economics, Environmental Science / Technology, Further Mathematics, Geography, Government and Politics, History, History of Art, Islamic Studies, Law, Life and Health Sciences, Marine Sciences, Mathematics, Philosophy, Physics, Politics, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sociology, Statistics.
** With the exception of ‘Language and Literature’ A-levels, a Language A-level covering your native language will not be accepted as one of the 3 approved A-levels. A Language A-level in your first/native language will only accepted as a 4th A-level.
NB Only one of your 3 GCE A-Level subjects may be a language.
Certain A-Level subjects with an applied component are only accepted for certain Bachelor degree programmes. For example, Media Studies is only accepted for International Bachelor Communication and Media. Likewise, the A-Level Physical Education is only accepted for International Bachelor in Psychology.
Overlapping subjects: Narrow subject combinations such as Economics, Business and Accounting, or Physical Education, Biology and Psychology, are not preferred.
European Baccalaureate
The EB diploma is sufficient for general admission.
Language test exemptions:
- Dutch: Language 1 or 2
- English: Language 1 or 2
For medicine, all examinations in the natural sciences subjects must be taken as written exams.
International Baccalaureate
The full IB diploma is sufficient for general admission. When applying, ensure that the levels of all subjects, including the language-related ones, are clearly indicated (HL, SL, A or B, etc.).
Language test exemptions:
- Dutch: Dutch A or B at Higher Level, Dutch A Standard Level
- English: English A or B at Higher Level, English A Standard Level
West African Senior Secondary School Certificate
At least 6 general academic subjects with grades of C6 or higher.
Proof of English Language proficiency test (TOEFL, IELTS, CAE/ CPE) is mandatory
Country Specific Diplomas per continent
Cameroon
General Certificate of Education Examination
There must be a total of 6 subjects, 5 of which must be independent of each other. Of the 6 subjects, at least 2 subjects must be taken at the Advanced Level. The Advanced Level subjects must be passed in one examination. English or French must be taken at Ordinary or Advanced Level.
Ethiopia
Ethiopian Secondary School Leaving Examination
A minimum of 6 exam subjects with a minimum score of 50 or higher per subject, and a minimum total score of 335
Kenya
Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education with at least 6 subjects with grades A, B or C
Morocco
Attestation du Baccalauréat, Série:
- Lettres (Modernes / Originelles)
- Sciences (Expérimentales / Mathématique / Originelles)
with a General Average of at least 14, with scores of 14 for each of the 5 National Examinations
South Africa
National Senior Certificate with an average overall score of at least 70% and the mention “has met the minimum requirements for admission to bachelor’s degree”. Score required for individual subjects: 55% or higher.
Accepted subjects: Home Language, First Additional Language, Second Official Language, Economics, Geography, History, Life Sciences, Mathematics, Mathematical Literacy, Physical Sciences, Religion Studies.
Language test exemptions:
• Exempted from English proficiency test with English Home Language
Afghanistan
12th Grade Graduation Certificate from the general subject cluster. The curriculum consists of general education subjects.
Azerbaijan
Orta Tahsil Haqqinda Attestat
China
Senior Middle School diploma plus Gaokao university entrance examination; required score for most provinces 550 out of 750.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education with 6 subjects (Chinese Language, English Language, Mathematics, Liberal Studies, plus a minimum of two accepted subjects* at Level 3, 4 or 5.
*Accepted subjects from Category A (Senior Secondary Subjects): Chinese Literature, Literature in English, Chinese History, Economics, Ethics and Religious Studies, Geography, History, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Combined Science, Integrated Science, Business, Accounting and Financial Studies, Health Management and Social Care, Information and Communication Technology, Physical Education.
India
Standard XII Diploma with at least 5 independent general academic subjects plus Standard X Diploma
- CBSE: All India Secondary School certificate with a minimum score of 80% for each of the 5 examination subjects
- CISCE: Indian School Certificate with a minimum score of 80% for each of the 5 examination subjects
- NIOS: Migration Cum Transfer Certificate obtained at the Senior Secondary School Examination with grades A, B or C for each of the 5 exam subjects.
- State Boards: Standard XII Certificate with a minimum score of 80% for each of the 5 examination subjects
Overlapping subjects: Narrow subject combinations such as Business Studies, Economics, Accountancy and Marketing are not accepted.
Indonesia
Ijazah Sekolah Menengah Atas (SMA).
Japan
High School Certificate of Education
Kazakhstan
- Жалпы Oрта білім туралы аттестат/Аттестат об общем среднем образовании/ Certificate of completed general secondary education.
Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools (NIS) Grade 12 certificate with grades A-C for the GCE A-level exams
Malaysia
Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia plus Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia
Singapore
Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (GCE A Level) with at least 5 different subjects which include: 3 general education subjects at H2 level with grades A-C and 1 general education subject at H1 level plus the subject General Paper/Knowledge and Inquiry
Language test exemptions:
Exempted from English proficiency test with the English Language Cambridge (O-level)
South Korea
High School Certificate
Taiwan
Senior High School Diploma
Vietnam
Bang Tot Nghiep Trung Hoc Pho Thong
Aruba
VWO Diploma
Language test exemptions: exempted from Dutch and English proficiency test
Curaçao
VWO Diploma
Language test exemptions: exempted from Dutch and English proficiency test
Sint Maarten
- VWO Diploma
Language test exemptions: exempted from Dutch and English proficiency test - CAPE (see International Diplomas)
Suriname
VWO Diploma
Language test exemptions: exempted from Dutch and English proficiency test
Argentina
Título de Bachiller in one of the following: Ciencias Sociales, Humanidades y Ciencias Sociales, Ciencias Naturales or Lenguas
Brazil
- Certificado de Conclusão de 2° Grau
- Certificado de Conclusão de Ensino Médio
Plus an ENEM with a minimum score of 550 in each of the 5 subjects, and an average score of at least 600 or higher.
Chile
- Licencia de Educación Media Humanistico–Científica
- Licencia de Enseñanza Media Científico-Humanista
Plus Pruebas de Admisión Transitorias with a minimum score of 600
Colombia
Título de Bachiller Académico plus El Examen de Estado de la Educación Media, Saber 11° with a minimum score of 200
Ecuador
Título de Bachiller en Ciencias
Mexico
Bachillerato General – Preparatoria (Bicultural, Multicultural, Internacional)
Panama
Título de Bachiller en Ciencias / Ciencias y Letras / Letras
Peru
Certificado Oficial de Estudios de Nivel Educación Secundaria el Area de Ciencias y Humanidades with a final GPA of at least 17.
Albania
Diplomë e Maturës Shtetërore obtained at a Gjimnazi with 5 general academic final examination subjects
Armenia
Atestat Mijnakarg (Yndhanur) Krtutyan
Austria
- Reifeprüfungszeugnis
- Reife- und Diplomprüfungszeugnis
Language test exemptions: exempted from English proficiency test
Belgium
- Diploma van Secundair Onderwijs, Algemeen Secundair Onderwijs
- Certificat d'Enseignement Secondaire Supérieur, Enseignement General
- Abschlusszeugnis der Oberstufe des Sekundarunterrichts (Allgemeinbildender Unterricht)
Language test exemptions: exempted from Dutch and English only in case of Diploma van Secundair Onderwijs.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Diploma o položenom maturskom ispitu from a Gimnazija
- Diploma o završenoj srednjoj školi from a Gimnazija
Bulgaria
Diploma za Sredno Obrazovanie with a general education stream
Croatia
Svjedodžba o (državnoj) Maturi (general education) from a Gimnazija
Cyprus
- Apolytirio Lykeio from a public school with an average final mark of 16 or higher, with the following specialisations:
- Classical studies and humanities
- Foreign languages and European studies
- Economic sciences
- Natural sciences/life sciences/information science/technology
Students following the UK or US curriculum are referred to the corresponding diploma requirements equivalent certificates are not accepted.
Czech Republic
Vysvědčení o Maturitní Zkoušce from a Gimnazium
Denmark
- Bevis for Studentereksamen
- Bevis for Højere Forberedelseseksamen
Estonia
Gumnaasiumi Loputunnistus plus Riigieksamitunnistus
Finland
Ylioppilastutkintotodistus
France
- Diplôme du Baccalauréat Général
- Diplôme du Baccalauréat Français International
Language test exemptions:
- The option BFI (formerly OIB) American or British section grants exemption from an English proficiency test
- The option BFI Neérlandais grants exemption from a Dutch proficiency test.
Georgia
Sruli Zogadi Ganatlebis Atestati
Germany
Zeugnis der allgemeinen Hochschulreife (Abitur)
Language test exemptions: Exempted from English proficiency test if English was included in the final year or was one of the final examination subjects
Greece
Apolytirio Genikou Lykeiou with a minimum average mark of 15 or higher
Hungary
Érettségi Bizonyítvány after completion of Gimnázium (with general/academic curriculum) with at least one exam subject at advanced level (Emelt). The fifth elective exam must be in a general education subject
Other type of schools e.g. Szakiskola, Szakközépiskola, Szakgimnázium or Technikum: admission will be considered on a case by case basis.
Iceland
Stúdentspróf from a Menntaskóli
Ireland
Leaving Certificate with at least 6 subjects (general/academic subjects*) of which at least 2 at Higher Level with grade H1-H4 (CAO points required: 400 or higher)
*Accepted subjects: all languages, Agricultural Science, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Classical Studies, Computer Science, Economics, Geography, History, Mathematics, Physics, Physics & Chemistry, Politics & Society and Religious Education.
Israel
Te’udat Bagrut with a minimum of 21 units, including at least three general academic subjects*.
English and Mathematics are mandatory with a minimum of 4 units.
*Accepted subjects: Geography, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science, Foreign Languages and Social Studies.
Italy
Diploma di Superamento dell’Esame di Stato Conclusivo dei Corsi di Istruzione Secondario Superiore from one of the following: Liceo Classico, Liceo Scientifico, Liceo Linguistico, Liceo delle Scienze Umane
Kosovo
Certifikatë e Maturës Shtetërore plus Diplomë për kryerjen e shkollës së mesme të lartë from a gjimnazi
Latvia
Atestāts par Vispārējo Vidējo Izglītību plus Vispārējās Vidējās Izglītības with an average grade of at least 60% for the state exams. Students with lower grades or who are exempted from taking state exams will be considered
for admission on an individual basis, depending on the relevant subjects, levels and results
Lithuania
Brandos Atestatas from a Gimnazija or Licejus
Luxembourg
Diplome de Fin d'Etudes Secondaires
Moldova
Diplomă de Bacalaureat, profilul: Real or Umanist
Norway
Vitnemål for Videregående Opplæring - General Studies – mentioning: og har oppnådd generell studiekompetanse
Poland
Świadectwo Dojrzałości plus Świadectwo Ukończenia Liceum Ogólnokształcącego
Portugal
Certificado Nivel Secundario de Educaçao with a Media Final of at least 14 plus the certificate of Classificações para Acesso ao Ensino Superior (declaration issued by DGES). We only accept the following streams from the Cursos Científicos Humanisticos:
- Ciências e Tecnologías
- Ciências Socioeconomicas
- Linguas e Literaturas
- Ciências Sociais e Humanas
Romania
Diplomă de Bacalaureat Filiera Teoretică
Russia
Attestat o Srednem Obshchem Obrazovanii
Serbia
Diploma o Stečenom Srednem Obrazovanju from a Gimnazije
Slovakia
Vysvedčenie o Maturitnej Skúške from a Gymnázium
Slovenia
Spričevalo o Splošni Maturi from a Gimnazia
Spain
Titulo de Bachiller/ Bachillerato with an average of at least 6.0 for the PAU/EBAU/EvAU exams. On these exams, a minimum grade of 6.0 for mathematics is required.
Sweden
Gymnasieexamen: Högskoleförberedande examen
*Accepted profiles: Ekonomiprogrammet/Business Management and Economics Programme; Estetiska programmet/Arts Programme; Humanistiska programmet/Humanities Programme; Naturvetenskapsprogrammet/Natural Science Programme; Samhällsvetenskapsprogrammet/Social Science Programme; Teknikprogrammet/Technology Programme.
Switzerland
Maturity Certificate/Maturitätszeugnis/ Maturitätsausweis/Certificat de Maturité
Turkey
Lise Diplomasi from a Genel Lise
The Imam-Hatip Lise Diplomasi, Meslek Lisesi Diplomasi, Teknik Lisesi Diplomasi and Güzel Sanatlar Lise Diplomasi will only be considered in combination with university results.
Ukraine
Svidotstvo pro Zdobuttia Povnoi Zagalnoi Serednoi Osvity
United Kingdom, England & Wales
General Certificate of Education
Six different subjects with a minimum of 3 approved A-levels in general academic subjects* with final grades between A*- C plus 3 GCSEs.
*Generally accepted subjects: All languages**, Ancient History, Biology, Chemistry, Classical Civilisation, Classical Studies, Computer Science, Economics, Environmental Science / Technology, Further Mathematics, Geography, Government and Politics, History, History of Art, Islamic Studies, Law, Life and Health Sciences, Marine Sciences, Mathematics, Philosophy, Physics, Politics, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sociology, Statistics.
** With the exception of ‘Language and Literature’ A-levels, a Language A-level covering your native language will not be accepted as one of the 3 approved A-levels. A Language A-level in your first/native language will only accepted as a 4th A-level.
NB Only one of your 3 GCE A-Level subjects may be a language.
Certain A-Level subjects with an applied component are only accepted for certain Bachelor degree programmes. For example, Media Studies is only accepted for International Bachelor Communication and Media. Likewise, the A-Level Physical Education is only accepted for International Bachelor in Psychology.
Overlapping subjects: Narrow subject combinations such as Economics, Business and Accounting, or Physical Education, Biology and Psychology, are not preferred.
Scotland
Scottish Qualification Certificate with at least 4 Highers and 2 Advanced Highers in general academic subjects with grades A-B.
*Generally accepted subjects: All languages, Ancient History, Biology, Chemistry, Classical Civilisation, Classical Studies, Computer Science, Economics, Environmental Science / Technology, Further Mathematics, Geography, Government and Politics, History, History of Art, Islamic Studies, Law, Life and Health Sciences, Marine Sciences, Mathematics, Philosophy, Physics, Politics, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sociology, Statistics.
Iran
Certificate of Completion of Secondary School Studies (theoretical profile).
Diplomas obtained before 2019: Certificate of Completion of Secondary School Studies (theoretical profile) plus Pre-University Certificate
Iraq
Secondary School Certificate/Baccaleureate – وثيقة مدرسية / المرحلة الإعدادية (Literary or Scientific section)
Jordan
General Secondary Education Certificate - شهادة الدراسة الثانوية العامة (Literary or Scientific (Pure Science) section
Lebanon
Baccalauréat (شهادة الثانوية العامة / البكالوريا)
Saudi Arabia
Secondary School Graduation Certificate (Human sciences, Literary sciences and Scientific sciences)
Syria
General Secondary Education Certificate / شھادة الدراسة الثانویة العامة (Sciences and Humanities branch)
Canada
One of the following diplomas, with a minimum overall average of 75%. For diplomas obtained after 1 year Canadian education (e.g. only grade 12 in the Ontario system): applications are considered on a case-by-case basis. In such cases, previous
education is also taken into consideration.
- Quebec - Diplome d'Etudes Collegiales – Pré-universitaire
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma with at least 6 4U courses in grade 12 (M courses are not accepted)
- Alberta High School Diploma with 5 independent general academic courses (course numbers 30-39) in grade 12
- British Columbia Senior Secondary Graduation Diploma with at least 13 successfully completed general academic courses of which 5 must be completed in grade 12.
- Manitoba High School Graduation Diploma including 5 full credits at the Grade 12 level in general academic courses designated S, G or U.
- New Brunswick High School Graduation Diploma with at least 5 grade 12 general academic courses (level 2)
- Newfoundland High School Graduation Diploma with at least 36 credits, of which 20 credits must be level 2 & 3 general academic courses and at least 9 credits in level 3 courses
- Nova Scotia High School Graduation Diploma with proof of at least 5 general academic (ACAD) or advanced (ADV) grade 12 courses
- Saskatchewan Transcript of Secondary Level Achievement in at least five different grade 12 (level 30) courses in general, academic subjects
United States of America
High School Diploma from an accredited high school; a minimum GPA of 3.00 plus 4 independent AP courses in general academic subjects (with grade 3 or higher). AP exams* are required to be taken externally with College Board.
* Accepted subjects: Art History, English Language and Composition, English Literature and Composition, Comparative Government and Politics, European History, Human Geography, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, Psychology, United States Government and Politics, United States History, World History: Modern, Calculus AB or BC, Computer Science Principles, Statistics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Physics, World Languages and Cultures**.
** Language APs (other than English) are generally accepted, except when the subject language is your native language. A Language AP in your first/native language will only be accepted as a 5th AP.
Overlapping subjects are counted as 1 AP exam. For example, AP US History, AP European History and AP World History are not counted as 3 individual APs but as one. The same applies to AP Macro-Economics and AP Micro-Economics. In addition, only one of your AP exams may be a language.
Australia
- Australian Capital Territory Year 12 Certificate
- New South Wales Higher School Certificate
- Queensland Certificate of Education
- South Australian Certificate of Education
- Tasmanian Certificate of Education
- Victorian Certificate of Education
- Western Australian Certificate of Education
Northern Territory Certificate of Education Secondary School Certificate
We only accept general academic subjects in combination with a minimum ATAR score of 86
Vocational subjects such as as Theatre, Tourism, Business, Home Economics, Media, Sports, Fine Arts are not accepted.
New Zealand
National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) Level 3 plus University Entrance
Approved general academic subjects: at least 14 credits in each of three subjects at Level 3
Applied/Practical subjects are not accepted
Disclaimer: This information is provided with the greatest possible care, Erasmus University Rotterdam cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information. The content therefore is not legally binding. Erasmus University Rotterdam accepts no liability for any errors, omissions, or misinterpretations which might arise from the content of this information. Admissibility can only be determined after you have submitted a complete application via the EUR Admissions Portal. Inquiries regarding diploma and admissibility will not be handled by email or telephone.