The Maastricht University Scholarship is a prestigious award designed to attract highly talented students from outside the European Union (EU). Each academic year, 21 full scholarships worth €34,000 are granted. These scholarships include a tuition fee waiver and a monthly stipend, providing comprehensive financial support for selected master’s degree candidates at Maastricht University in the Netherlands.
This scholarship is a combination of the High Potential Scholarship funded by the Maastricht University Scholarship Fund and the NL Scholarship supported by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science. It targets international students from non-EU/EEA countries who are pursuing a full-time master’s programme in the Netherlands.
Who Is Eligible?
To apply for the UM NL-High Potential Scholarship, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Hold a nationality outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland, or Suriname and meet the visa and residence requirements for the Netherlands.
- Not possess dual nationality from an EU/EEA country or Switzerland.
- Have applied for admission to a participating full-time master’s programme at Maastricht University for the 2026-2027 academic year before 8 December 2025.
- Meet the specific admission requirements of the chosen master’s programme.
- Have never been enrolled in a degree-seeking programme in the Netherlands (exchange students may apply).
- Be younger than 35 years of age on 1 September 2026.
- Demonstrate excellent academic results, with a GPA of at least 7.5 out of 10 or equivalent.
- Commit to acting as a UM NL High Potential and UM ambassador during and after studies.
- Apply for only one scholarship with complete and correct documentation.
Apply also: Leiden University Scholarship
Please note that the competition is highly intense, with only about 2% of applicants receiving the award.
Maastricht University Scholarship Duration
- 13 months for a one-year master’s programme
- 25 months for a two-year master’s programme
Apply also: Delft University of Technology Scholarship
Scholarship Value
The scholarship covers the following expenses:
- Living expenses: €15,925 (13 months) or €30,625 (25 months), paid directly to students
- Health and liability insurance: €700
- Visa application costs: At cost
- Tuition fees: At cost
- Pre-Academic Training costs: At cost
- ISAP costs (first block only): At cost
Apply also: Utrecht University Scholarship
Note: Scholarship students are provided with housing, which is mandatory to accept. The accommodation is not suitable for partners or children. Airfare is not included in the scholarship.
Monthly Living Expenses Breakdown (€1,225/month):
- Housing: €600
- Groceries & personal hygiene: €160
- Telephone: €60
- Travel: €100
- Study materials: €90
- Clothing & leisure: €125
- Miscellaneous: €90
Apply also: Saxion Universities Scholarship
Maastricht University Scholarship Application Procedure
Step 1: Apply for a Master’s Programme
Apply for one of the eligible master’s programmes via Studielink.nl. You must complete your application before 8 December to receive a student ID from UM, which is required for the scholarship application.
Step 2: Submit the Scholarship Application Form
Once you receive your UM student ID, complete the scholarship application via the application form. Upload all required documents (PDF, .doc, or .docx only):
- CV (maximum two A4 pages)
- Motivation letter (using the provided template)
- Proof of academic excellence: recent GPA transcript and grading system explanation
- Personal statement of financial need
- Reference letter (follow the scholarship’s reference letter guidelines)
- Referee contact details: Include relationship, institutional email, and work telephone
Apply also: Stenden University Scholarship
Pre-Academic Training
Selected scholars must attend a two-week Pre-Academic Training in Maastricht starting in the first week of August 2026. Acceptance of the scholarship requires signing and returning the award letter to UM.
Contact Information
UM International Services Desk
Email: [email protected]