The Maastricht University Holland Scholarships 2026 in the Netherlands offer one of the most prestigious and fully funded opportunities for international students pursuing Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in the heart of Europe. Below is a comprehensive guide covering everything applicants need to know about this life-changing scholarship

Basic Information about the Scholarships

The Maastricht University (UM) Holland Scholarships 2026 are designed for outstanding non-EU/EEA students seeking to pursue a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree. The application deadline for the 2026 intake is February 1, 2026.

• Offered by: Maastricht University (UM), Netherlands
• Scholarship Name: Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship & Holland-High Potential Scholarships
• Degree Levels: Master’s Programs
• Number of scholarships: 21 per academic year
• Total value: Approx. €34,000 per student
• For: Highly talented non-EU/EEA master’s students
• Programmes covered: Selected full-time Master’s programmes at UM
• Application Deadline: February 1, 2026
• Intake: September 2026
• Scholarship Duration:
  • 1-year master: 13 months
  • 2-year master: 25 months

University/Institution Details

Maastricht University is a highly international public research university located in Maastricht, the Netherlands. Known for its innovative teaching methods, international orientation, and interdisciplinary programs, the university boasts more than 56% international students, making it one of the most diverse universities in Europe.

Study Areas (Available Program Names)

Scholarships are available across a wide spectrum of faculties and programs for both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, including:

• Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences
  • MSc Global Health
  • MSc Epidemiology
  • MSc Health Education and Promotion
  • MSc Governance and Leadership in European Public Health
  • MSc Health and Digital Transformation
  • MSc Healthcare Policy, Innovation and Management
  • MSc Human Movement Sciences: spec. Sports and Nutrition
  • MSc Human Movement Sciences: spec. Health and Rehabilitation
• Faculty of Science and Engineering
  • MSc Systems Biology and Bioinformatics
  • MSc Imaging Engineering
  • MSc Biobased Materials

School of Business and Economics

• MSc Econometrics and Operations Research
• MSc Global Supply Chain Management & Change
• MSc International Business: spec. Strategic Corporate Finance
• MSc International Business: spec. Strategic Marketing
• Faculty of Psychology & Neuroscience
  • MSc Psychology: spec. Neuropsychology
• Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences
  • Master Globalisation and Development Studies
  • Master Media Studies: Digital Cultures
  • Research Master Cultures of Arts, Science & Technology
  • Research Master European Studies
• Faculty of Law
  • LLM European Law School: spec. European Business Law
  • LLM European Law School: spec. General programme
  • LLM European Law School: spec. European Public Law & Governance
  • LLM European Law School: spec. Law for a Sustainable Europe
  • LLM European Law School: spec. Law & AI
  • LLM Globalisation and Law: spec. Corporate and Commercial Law
  • LLM Forensics, Criminology and Law
  • LLM Globalisation and Law: spec. General programme
  • LLM Globalisation and Law: spec. International Trade and Investment Law
  • LLM Globalisation and Law: spec. Human Rights
  • LLM International and European Tax Law: spec. General Programme
  • LLM International and European Tax Law: spec. Tax and Technology
  • LLM International and European Tax Law: spec. Customs and International Supply Chain Taxation
  • LLM Advanced Master in Intellectual Property Law and Knowledge Management
  • MSc Advanced Master in Intellectual Property Law and Knowledge Management

Specific program names are available on the Maastricht University website and applicants are encouraged to check eligibility for each program.

Maastricht University Holland Scholarships Benefits

The Maastricht University Holland Scholarships provide an extensive range of benefits to international students:

• Tuition fees: Full waiver
• Monthly living stipend:
  • €15,925 (13 months)
  • €30,625 (25 months)
• Health & liability insurance: €700
• Visa & residence permit costs: Covered
• Pre-Academic Training: Covered (mandatory)
• Accommodation: Mandatory university-assigned room

Monthly Living Allowance Breakdown (approx. €1,225/month)

• Housing: €600
• Groceries & hygiene: €160
• Travel: €100
• Books & materials: €90
• Other expenses: €275

Benefits Not Included

While the scholarships are comprehensive, some expenses may not be covered:

• International airfare to the Netherlands (unless specified in special programs)
• Personal expenses unrelated to study or living (leisure, travel outside NL)
• Any costs above the provided monthly and annual allowances

Eligibility Criteria for the Maastricht University Holland Scholarships

To be eligible for the 2026 Holland-High Potential Scholarship, applicants must:

• Must be a non-EU/EEA, non-Swiss, non-Surinam national.
• Must have applied for a full-time participating master’s programme at Maastricht University by 8 December 2025.
• Not hold dual EU/EEA nationality
• Must meet visa/residence permit requirements for the Netherlands.
• Be under 35 years old on 1 September 2026
• Have never studied for a degree in the Netherlands
• Preference for those without a previous Master’s degree.
• Must meet programme-specific admission requirements.
• Be admitted to a participating UM Master’s programme
• Apply for the Master’s programme by 8 December 2025
• Must have an excellent academic record (GPA ≥ 7.5/10 or equivalent).
• Agree to act as a UM ambassador during & after studies
• Meet visa and residence permit requirements
• Can apply once and for one scholarship only.

Accommodation Rules

• University-assigned housing is mandatory
• Not suitable for families or children
• Refusing housing = scholarship cancelled

Selection Process

• Application screening
• Faculty shortlisting
• Online interviews
• Final decision by May 2026

Required Documents for the Application

Applicants should prepare the following documents to submit their scholarship application:

• Updated CV (max. 2 pages)
• Motivation letter (using UM template)
• Academic transcript + grading system explanation
• Personal financial statement
• 1 reference letter (from professor/employer)
• Referee contact details (official email & phone)

Maastricht University Holland Scholarships Application Process (Step-by-Step Guide)

1. Apply for a Master’s programme via Studielink
2. Receive UM student ID
3. Apply for the scholarship online using UM account
4. Upload all required documents
5. Attend online interview if shortlisted

Important Notes

• Only one application allowed
• Documents cannot be changed after submission
• Very competitive: only 2% of applicants are selected

Tips for a Successful Application

• Begin your application process early to allow ample time for gathering documents and preparing a winning motivation letter.
• Focus on academic excellence and include proof of awards, internships, and leadership roles.
• Personalize your motivation letter with concrete reasons for choosing Maastricht University and studying in the Netherlands.
• Ensure all documents are clear, complete, and submitted in the correct format.
• Highlight any extracurricular activities, community service, and unique interests that set you apart.
• Carefully review all eligibility requirements and double-check your submission before the deadline.

Monthly Living Expenses for International Students (in USD)

While the scholarship covers most essential expenses, here’s a general breakdown of average monthly expenses for international students in Maastricht:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost (USD)
Accommodation	$500 – $900
Food	$250 – $350
Health Insurance	$80 – $140 (covered by scholarship)
Books & Supplies	$50 – $100
Transportation	$50 – $100
Miscellaneous	$100 – $200
Total	$980 – $1,790

The provided stipend is sufficient for basic living expenses in Maastricht.

Why Choose This Scholarship? (Minimum 5 reasons)

• Fully Funded with Comprehensive Coverage:
  Waives tuition, provides monthly stipends, and covers insurance and visa costs, ensuring minimal out-of-pocket expenditure.
• High International Reputation:
  Maastricht University is globally ranked, progressive, and hosts over half its students from outside the Netherlands.
• Access to Top Programs in Diverse Fields:
  Choose from business, law, health, science, social sciences, and more.
• Networking and Professional Development:
  Join Europe’s leading academic community; benefit from internships, career events, and alumni networks.
• Gateway to Europe:
  Experience life in a safe, accessible city at the heart of Europe, with opportunities for travel and cultural exploration.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Scholarships

What is the application deadline for Maastricht University Holland Scholarships 2026?
February 1, 2026.

Can students from all countries apply?
No, these awards are only for citizens of countries outside the EU/EEA, Suriname, or Switzerland.

Do I have to apply for admission before applying for the scholarship?
Yes. Students must first be accepted to an eligible program at Maastricht University.

Are English language tests required?
Yes, unless you have previous education in English or your chosen program waives the requirement. Usually, IELTS or TOEFL is accepted.

Does the scholarship cover airfare?
No, airfare is not covered unless specified in exceptional scholarship tracks.

Is the stipend enough for living in Maastricht?
Yes. The monthly stipend is set according to the cost of living in the Netherlands for students.

How competitive is the selection?
Very competitive—selection is based on academic excellence, motivation, and fit with the chosen program.

Important Deadlines

• Master’s application deadline: 8 December 2025
• Scholarship application deadline:
  🕛 1 February 2026 (23:59 CET)
• Results announced: April–May 2026
• Programme start: August–September 2026

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Official Link:

The Maastricht University Holland Scholarships 2026 offer an unparalleled, fully funded educational opportunity for talented, ambitious international students seeking to study in one of Europe’s top universities in the Netherlands.