Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship 2025: Netherlands

The Maastricht University (UM) NL-High Potential Scholarship 2025 is a prestigious opportunity for highly talented international students from outside the EU/EEA. Maastricht University (UM) NL-High Potential Scholarship offers 21 full scholarships worth €34,000 each year. It combines the High Potential Scholarship (funded by the Maastricht University Scholarship Fund) and the NL Scholarship (financed by the Dutch Ministry of Education). The scholarship is for students wishing to pursue a full degree in the Netherlands.

Maastricht University ranked among the top 200 universities globally. The Maastricht University (UM) NL-High Potential Scholarship includes a tuition fee waiver and a monthly stipend. The scholarship is available to highly talented students from outside the EU who have been admitted to a master’s program at UM. The application deadline is February 1, 2025.

University/Institutions

Name: Maastricht University (UM)
Location: Maastricht, Netherlands
Ranking: Top 200 worldwide in major university rankings
Programs: Full-time master’s programs (including Pre-Master’s if applicable)
Duration:
- 13 months for a one-year master programme
- 25 months for a two-year master programme

Study Areas

The scholarship is open to students applying for full-time master’s programs in various fields, including:

Arts and Culture
Health and Life Sciences
Law
Psychology and Neuroscience
Science and Engineering
Social Sciences

For specific program details, you should check the available master’s programs on the official Maastricht University website

Maastricht University (UM) NL-High Potential Scholarship Benefits

Amount of the NL-High Potential scholarship programme 2025-2026

Living expenses	€ 15,925* (13 months) or € 30,625* (25 months)	Paid to students by the UM International Services Desk
Health & liability insurance	€ 700*	Arranged for and paid by the UM International Services Desk
Visa application costs	At cost	Arranged for and paid by the UM International Services Desk
Tuition fees	At cost	Arranged for and paid by the UM International Services Desk
Pre-Academic Training costs	At cost	Arranged for and paid by the UM International Services Desk
International Student Ambassador Programme (ISAP)	At cost for first block only	Arranged for and paid by the UM International Services Desk

*These amounts are subject to change for academic year 2026-2027

Benefits Not Included

Travel expenses to/from Maastricht
Additional personal expenses outside the provided stipend

Eligibilities of Maastricht University (UM) NL-High Potential Scholarship

Nationality: Must be from a non-EU/EEA country, Switzerland, or Suriname.
Visa Requirements: Must meet requirements for an MVV visa or residence permit for the Netherlands.
Dual Nationality: Cannot have dual nationality from an EU/EEA country or Switzerland.
Admission: Must have applied for a participating full-time master’s program at Maastricht University for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Previous Education: Cannot have previously participated in a degree-seeking program in the Netherlands (except for exchange programs).
Age Limit: Must be under 35 years old on 1 September 2025.
Academic Excellence: Must have a GPA of 7.5 out of 10 or higher.
One Application: Can only submit one application, and no changes to documents after submission.
Competition: Only 2% of applicants are awarded the scholarship.

Required Documents

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Up-to-date and relevant education and job experience
Maximum of two A4 pages
Include awards or prizes

.2. Letter of Motivation

Use the provided template
Focus on motivation for the scholarship

3. Proof of Academic Excellence

University transcript or official document showing a GPA of 7.5/10 or higher
Document explaining your grade system (e.g., a 3/4 equivalent to 7.5/10)

4. Personal Statement of Financial Needs

Explain why you need the scholarship
Mention any financial difficulties or personal circumstances (e.g., sole parent, medical condition, refugee status)

5. Reference Letter

From a professor, lecturer, or employer (not family members)
Follow scholarship reference letter guidelines
Dated no earlier than February 2024
Upload the letter yourself (not submitted by referee)

6. Contact Details of One Referee

Relationship to applicant (e.g., professor, employer)
Work telephone number (with country code)
Institutional email address (no personal emails)

Maastricht University (UM) NL-High Potential Scholarship Application Process

Apply for one of the participating master programmes at UM
Students must receive a conditional offer of admission to the master’s program.
Log in with your UM account
Please fill out the application form here.
Upload the required documents as part of the application.
Submit the application before the deadline: February 1, 2025.
Wait for selection results, which are typically announced in April.

Tips for a Successful Application

Start early to gather and refine your documents.
Clearly articulate your motivation and academic achievements in the motivation letter.
Obtain strong recommendation letters that emphasize your qualifications.
Highlight extracurricular activities, leadership skills, or community involvement.
Double-check all forms and ensure you meet deadlines.

Living Expenses in Maastricht for International Students

The cost of living in Maastricht is relatively affordable compared to other European cities. Here’s a breakdown:

Accommodation: €500–€800/month (depending on shared or private housing)
Food and Groceries: €250–€300/month
Transportation: €50–€100/month (Maastricht is bike-friendly, so cycling can reduce costs)
Books and Study Materials: €50–€100/month
Health Insurance: Covered by the scholarship but typically costs €100–€120/month
Miscellaneous Expenses: €100–€200/month

Total Estimated Cost: €900–€1,400/month

Why Choose This Opportunity?

This scholarship offers comprehensive financial support, allowing you to focus entirely on your studies and professional growth. Maastricht University provides a vibrant international community, innovative teaching methods, and world-class facilities, making it an excellent choice for academic and personal development.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply if I have dual nationality, including an EU/EEA nationality?
No, the scholarship is only open to non-EU/EEA nationals.
Are part-time programs eligible for this scholarship?
No, only full-time master’s programs are eligible.
Can I work during my studies while on this scholarship?
Yes, but it’s recommended to focus on studies as the scholarship covers living expenses.
What are the chances of being selected?
It’s highly competitive, so a strong academic record and motivation letter significantly increase your chances.
Is the scholarship renewable for the second year of a two-year program?
Yes, provided you meet the academic progress requirements set by the university.

Official Link for More Details and Application

Visit the official Maastricht University scholarship page: Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship