Maastricht University offers the NL-High Potential Scholarship to talented international students. The scholarship program includes the High Potential Scholarship, funded by the Maastricht University Scholarship Fund, and the NL Scholarship, financed by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science along with Dutch universities and applied sciences institutions. Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship is aimed at international students from outside the EU/EEA who wish to follow a full master’s degree program in the Netherlands. The Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship provides 21 full scholarships worth €34,000 annually, including tuition waivers and monthly stipends, for talented non-EU students admitted to UM master’s programs.
Maastricht University is highly regarded both within the Netherlands and internationally, frequently recognized for its strong emphasis on research and innovative teaching methods, including problem-based learning. Typically ranks within the top 250 globally QS World University Rankings (2024). Typically by February 1 each year (check the official site for updates).
University/Institution Details
- University Name: Maastricht University (UM)
- Location: Holland, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Ranking: Among top universities in the Netherlands and in global rankings (often within top 250 globally).
- The number of UM High Potential Scholarships: 21 full scholarships in the Netherlands
- Programs Offered: Full-time master’s programs
- Duration:
- 13 months for a one-year master programme
- 25 months for a two-year master programme
Study Areas
The Maastricht University (UM) Holland-High Potential Scholarship covers a wide range of master’s programs across several faculties, allowing students to pursue advanced studies in various disciplines. Here are some of the primary study areas:
- Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences
- MSc Epidemiology
- MSc Global Health
- MSc Governance and Leadership in European Public Health
- MSc Health and Digital Transformation
- MSc Health Education and Promotion
- MSc Healthcare Policy, Innovation and Management
- MSc Human Movement Sciences: spec. Health and Rehabilitation
- MSc Human Movement Sciences: spec. Sports and Nutrition
- MSc Occupational Health & Sustainable work
- Law
- LLM European Law School: spec. European Business Law
- LLM European Law School: spec. European Public Law & Governance
- LLM European Law School: spec. General programme
- LLM European Law School: spec. Law for a Sustainable Europe
- LLM European Law School: spec. Law & AI
- LLM Forensics, Criminology and Law
- LLM Globalization and Law: spec. Corporate and Commercial Law
- LLM Globalization and Law: spec. General programme
- LLM Globalization and Law: spec. Human Rights
- LLM Globalization and Law: spec. International Trade and Investment Law
- LLM International and European Tax Law: spec. International and European Tax Law
- LLM International and European Tax Law: spec. Customs and International Supply Chain
Taxation - LLM International and European Tax Law: spec. Tax and Technology
- LLM Advanced Master in Intellectual Property Law and Knowledge Management
- MSc Advanced Master in Intellectual Property Law and Knowledge Management
Business and Economics
- MSc Digital Business and Economics
- MSc Econometrics and Operations Research
- MSc Economic and Financial Research: spec. Econometrics
- MSc Economic and Financial Research: spec. Economic & Financial Research
- MSc Economics: spec. Inequality and social inclusion
- MSc Economics: spec. Sustainable and resilient economies
- MSc Economics: spec. Technology, markets and societal change
- MSc Economics and Strategy in Emerging Markets
- MSc Financial Economics: spec. Asset Pricing
- MSc Financial Economics: spec. Banking
- MSc Financial Economics: spec. Financial Analysis
- MSc Human Decision Science
- MSc International Business: spec. Accounting and Business Information Technology
- MSc International Business: spec. Accounting and Control
- MSc International Business: spec. Managerial Decision-Making and Control
- MSc International Business: spec. Entrepreneurship & Business Development
- MSc International Business: spec. Strategic Corporate Finance
- MSc International Business: spec. Information Management and Business Intelligence
- MSc International Business: spec. Marketing-Finance
- MSc International Business: spec. Organisation: Management, Change and Consultancy
- MSc International Business: spec. Strategic Marketing
- MSc International Business: spec. Strategy and Innovation
- MSc International Business: spec. Supply Chain Management
- MSc International Business: spec. Sustainable Finance
- MSc Learning and Development in Organizations
- MSc Public Policy and Human Development
- MSc Sustainability Science, Policy, & Society: spec. Policy for Sustainability
- MSc Sustainability Science, Policy, & Society: spec. Business for Sustainability
- MA Arts and Culture: spec. Arts and Heritage: Policy, Management and Education
- MA Arts and Culture: spec. Modern Political Culture: Ideas and Discourses in Context
- MA Arts and Culture: spec. Contemporary Literature and Arts: Cultural Interventions and
Social Justice - MSc Cultures of Arts, Science and Technology
- MA European Studies
- MSc European Studies: spec. Histories of European Integration
- MSc European Studies: spec. Democracy and Representation in Europe
- MSc European Studies: spec. Europe and the World
- MA European Studies on Society, Science and Technology
Arts and Social Science
- Psychology and Neuroscience
- MSc Forensic Psychology
- MSc Psychology: spec. Cognitive Neuroscience
- MSc Psychology: spec. Developmental Psychology
- MSc Psychology: spec. Health and Social Psychology
- MSc Psychology: spec. Legal Psychology
- MSc Psychology: spec. Neuropsychology
- MSc Psychology: spec. Work and Organisational Psychology
- Research Master Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience: spec. Clinical Psychology
- Research Master Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience: spec. Cognitive Neurosience
- Research Master Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience: spec. Fundamental Neuroscience
- Research Master Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience: spec. Neuropsychology
Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship Benefits
The UM Holland-High Potential Scholarship provides:
- Full tuition fee coverage
- Monthly stipend: This will cover living expense
- € 15,925* for 13 months masters degree program
- € 30,625* for 25 months masters degree program
- Health and liability insurance: Amounts of €700.
- Visa application costs
- Pre-Academic Training costs
- International Student Ambassador Programme (ISAP)
- Accommodation provided to Scholarship students is not suitable for partners/spouses and/or children.
Benefits Not Included
- Travel expenses (except visa fees)
- Optional study trips or extracurricular activity costs
- Personal expenses beyond the stipend
Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship Eligibility
- Applicants must be citizens of non-EU/EEA countries. (hold nationality in a country outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland or Surinam)
- Must obtained excellent results during prior education programs, as demonstrated by your latest grade transcript showing a GPA of 7,5 out of 10 or higher.
- Age Limit: Not older than 35 years of age on 1 September 2025.
- Candidates should have applied to a full-time master’s program at UM.
- Applicants should meet the admission requirements for their program.
- Priority given to students with excellent academic records and motivation for studying in the Netherlands.
- You can only apply once, please make sure all documents meet the requirements before you start your application.
- Do not have dual nationality from an EU/EEA country or Switzerland.
- Never participated in a degree-seeking higher education program in the Netherlands. Students who have completed exchange programs in the Netherlands are welcome to apply.
- Please note, this is a very competitive scholarship, only 2% of the applicants get awarded the scholarship.
Required Documents
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): should not be longer than two A4 pages.
- Motivation letter
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of excellence in previous studies
- Personal statement of financial needs.
- Recommendation letters: Recommendation letters should be dated and written no earlier than February 2024. Letters that do not adhere to the guidelines are not taken into account, which means your application is incomplete. You need to upload the reference letter yourself, this cannot be done by your referee.
- The contact details of one referee
- Passport copy
Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship Application Process
- Apply for a master’s program at Maastricht University and ensure you meet admission requirements.
- Register in UM’s online application portal.
- Complete the scholarship application and upload all required documents.
- Submit before the specified deadline.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Highlight academic achievements and leadership skills.
- Articulate a clear motivation for choosing Maastricht and the Netherlands.
- Include specific career goals and how the scholarship will help you achieve them.
- Provide strong recommendation letters.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students
Estimated monthly expenses for international students in Maastricht:
- Accommodation: €400 – €600
- Food: €200 – €300
- Transport: €50 – €100
- Other personal expenses: €100 – €150
- Total: Approximately €750 – €1,200 per month
Why Choose Maastricht University?
Maastricht University is renowned for its problem-based learning approach, international environment, and research opportunities. Located in a vibrant, student-friendly city, UM provides an excellent academic foundation for globally-minded students seeking innovation and diversity.
FAQs about Maastricht University Scholarship
- Who can apply for the UM Holland-High Potential Scholarship?
Non-EU/EEA students who meet the admission requirements of Maastricht University master’s programs. - What does the scholarship cover?
Full tuition, monthly stipend, visa fees, insurance, and pre-academic training. - Can I apply if I am a current student at Maastricht University?
No, this scholarship is specifically for new students applying to a master’s program. - Is it renewable for multiple years?
Yes, for programs lasting up to two years, subject to academic progress. - When will I know if I received the scholarship?
Notification is typically sent by April, following the application review process.
Official Link for Details and Application
For detailed information and application, visit Maastricht University Scholarship Page.