Maastricht University (UM) Scholarship, Netherlands – A highly prestigious scholarship designed to attract top talent from outside the European Union to pursue Master's programs at Maastricht University. This scholarship offers an exceptional opportunity to 21 exceptionally talented international students each academic year. The scholarship covers full tuition fees, provides a monthly stipend, and offers various other benefits to support students throughout their academic journey. The program targets promising minds with the potential to make valuable contributions to their communities and a commitment to creating positive social change. The scholarship program consists of two components:

1. A high-potential scholarship , funded by the Maastricht University Scholarship Fund.
2. The Netherlands Scholarship , which is funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science in cooperation with Dutch universities and universities of applied sciences.

These scholarships aim to attract highly qualified international students who wish to pursue full-time Master's programs at Maastricht University in the Netherlands.

Benefits and duration of scholarships

The Maastricht University Netherlands scholarship offers the following benefits to high-potential students:

• Living costs : €15,925 for a 13-month Master's program or €30,625 for a 25-month Master's program.
• Health and liability insurance : 700 euros
• Visa application fees : Paid by Maastricht University
• Tuition fees : Covered by the scholarship
• Pre-academic training costs : These are covered by the scholarship.
• International Student Ambassador Program (ISAP) : Costs are covered for the first block.

These figures are subject to change, and the scholarship covers a wide range of expenses to ensure that students can fully concentrate on their studies without worrying about financial burdens.

Scholarship duration:

• 13 months : For one-year master's programs
• 25 months : For two-year master's programs

Eligibility criteria for the NL-High Potential scholarship

In order for candidates to be eligible for the Maastricht University Netherlands High Potential Student Scholarship, they must meet the following criteria:

• Nationality : Must be a national of a country outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland, or Suriname, and meet the visa and residence permit requirements for the Netherlands.
• Dual nationality : You must not hold dual nationality from one of the EU/EEA countries or Switzerland.
• Admission to a Master's program : You must have applied for and been accepted into a full-time Master's program at Maastricht University for the 2025-2026 academic year. A list of eligible programs is available on the Maastricht University website.
• No prior university degree in the Netherlands : You must not have previously participated in a higher education program leading to a university degree in the Netherlands. Students who have completed exchange programs in the Netherlands are still eligible.
• Maximum age limit : You must not be older than 35 years of age on September 1, 2025.
• Academic Excellence : You must have achieved excellent results in your previous studies. A minimum cumulative GPA of 7.5 out of 10 (or equivalent) is required. You must submit an official document showing your cumulative GPA and the grading system you use.
• Maximum application limit : You may only submit one scholarship application, so please ensure all your documents meet the requirements before submitting your application. No documents can be added or replaced after submission.

Application procedures for the 2025/2026 scholarship

The application process for the Maastricht University scholarship for high-potential students is competitive and requires meticulous attention to detail. Here is a step-by-step application guide:

Step 1: Register for the Master's program at Maastricht University

You must first apply to one of the participating Master's programs at Maastricht University. The application is submitted via the Studielink platform, where you will receive a student ID number. This number is necessary to complete the scholarship application form. Be sure to review the specific admission requirements for your chosen Master's program, as these must be met before the application deadline.

Step 2: Complete the scholarship application form

After obtaining your student ID number, you can fill out the scholarship application form, available on Maastricht University's website. The application requires uploading several important documents in PDF or Word format:

• Curriculum Vitae : Your curriculum vitae should highlight your educational background, work experience, and any awards or achievements. It should not exceed two A4 pages.
• Motivational letter : Use the provided template to write a strong motivational letter explaining why you are applying for the scholarship and how it aligns with your future goals.
• Proof of academic excellence : Upload your university transcript showing your most recent GPA, along with documentation explaining your chosen grading system. Only applicants with a GPA of 7.5 out of 10 or higher will be considered.
• Personal statement about financial needs : Write a personal statement explaining your financial circumstances and why receiving the scholarship might benefit you.
• Letter of Recommendation : Obtain a letter of recommendation from a professor, lecturer, or previous employer. The letter of recommendation must be dated after February 2024. Ensure you follow the guidelines for letters of recommendation issued by Maastricht University.
• Contact information for the arbitrator : Please state your relationship to them, their work phone number, and their work or organizational email address. Personal email addresses will not be accepted.

After gathering all the required documents, submit a completed scholarship application form. Remember that incomplete applications will not be considered.

Selection process

The Maastricht University scholarship for high-potential students features a highly competitive selection process. Here's how it works:

Step 1: Review the application

After the application deadline (February 1, 2025), the UM International Services Office reviews all submitted applications to ensure they are complete.

Step 2: Faculty Review

Completed applications are sent to the relevant faculties at Maastricht University, where they are evaluated based on academic excellence, personal motivation and other factors.

Step 3: Selecting and classifying faculty members

Each college selects and ranks the top 5% of scholarship applicants and sends the rankings to the UM International Services Office for final review in March 2025.

Step 4: Final Selection and Interview

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online interview, after which a final decision will be made. Candidates will be notified of the status of their applications by April 2025.

Step 5: Award Notification

Successful applicants will be notified of their selection and will receive further details about the pre-academic training at UM, a mandatory three-week component of the scholarship program commencing in August 2025.

Important Dates

• Application deadline : February 1, 2026, 23:59 Central European Time
• Faculty Review : March 2026
• Final selection : April 2026
• Pre-academic training : August 2026

Pre-academic training

All recipients of the Maastricht University High Potential Scholarship must participate in the Maastricht University Pre-Academic Training Program , a mandatory three-week course designed to help students prepare for their academic journey in the Netherlands. The program focuses on developing academic skills, understanding Dutch culture, and building a network with other international students.

Student certificates

Many students who received the Maastricht University Netherlands High Potential Student Scholarship share their experiences and how the scholarship impacted their academic and professional lives:

• Amara from Nigeria : "The Maastricht University Scholarship for high-potential students in the Netherlands gave me the opportunity to fulfill my dream of studying international law at one of the best European universities. The financial support and academic training I received helped me develop academically and personally."
• Sasha from Ukraine : "I wouldn't have been able to study data science without this scholarship. The support I received throughout the master's program was invaluable and prepared me to make a real difference in my field."

The Maastricht University Scholarship for High-Potential Students is an exceptional opportunity for talented students from outside the EU/EEA to realize their academic dreams at one of the Netherlands' leading universities. This scholarship covers full tuition fees, provides a monthly stipend, and offers various other benefits, and is designed to ease the financial burden on students, enabling them to focus on their education and personal growth.

However, given its competitive nature (with scholarships awarded to only 2% of applicants), prospective candidates should carefully prepare their applications and demonstrate strong academic achievement, personal motivation, and financial need. If selected, students will not only receive a world-class education but will also join a vibrant international community dedicated to creating positive social change.