Maastricht University (UM) in the Netherlands annually offers 21 fully funded scholarships with a total value of up to €34,000 (covering full tuition fee waiver + monthly living allowance) for talented international students from outside the EU/EEA who have been admitted to a full-time master’s program at the university.
The Maastricht University Master’s Scholarship combines:
- High Potential Scholarship (funded by the Maastricht University Scholarship Fund).
- NL Scholarship (funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science in collaboration with Dutch universities).
The Scholarship aims to attract outstanding international students from outside the EU/EEA to pursue a full master’s degree in the Netherlands.
Scholarship Details
- Funding bodies: Maastricht University and the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science in collaboration with Dutch universities.
- Host institution: Maastricht University, the Netherlands.
- Study level: Full-time Master’s degree.
- Type of funding: Fully funded.
- Duration: 13 months for one-year master’s programs, and 25 months for two-year master’s programs.
Scholarship Value and Benefits
The scholarship covers:
- Living expenses:
- €15,925 for 13 months (≈ €1,225/month).
- €30,625 for 25 months.
- €15,925 for 13 months (≈ €1,225/month).
- Health & liability insurance: €700.
- Visa application costs: Covered by the university.
- Tuition fees: Fully covered.
- Pre-Academic Training Program: Covered by the university.
- International Student Ambassador Programme (ISAP): Costs covered in the first semester.
Breakdown of estimated monthly budget (€1,225):
- Housing: €600
- Food & hygiene: €160
- Phone: €60
- Transportation: €100
- Books & study materials: €90
- Clothing & leisure: €125
- Other expenses: €90
Important Note:
- Flight ticket is not included.
- University housing is a mandatory part of the scholarship. Refusal leads to cancellation of funding. Housing is not suitable for families (spouse/children).
Important Dates
- Applications open: 1 October 2025
- Application deadline: 1 February 2026 (23:59 CET)
- Deadline for master’s program application at UM: 8 December 2025
- Start of Pre-Academic Training: First week of August 2026
- Start of studies: September 2026
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet all of the following:
- Hold nationality of a country outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland, and Suriname.
- Meet the requirements to obtain a Dutch entry visa and residence permit (MVV).
- Must not hold dual nationality with an EU/EEA country or Switzerland.
- Must have applied for an eligible master’s program at UM for 2026-2027 by 8 December 2025.
- Must meet the admission requirements of the chosen master’s program.
- Must not have previously enrolled in a degree program in the Netherlands (exchange programs are exempt).
- Preference is given to applicants who have not yet obtained a master’s degree.
- Must be under 35 years old on 1 September 2026.
- Must have excellent academic results (GPA ≥ 7.5/10).
- Commitment to act as a Maastricht University ambassador during and after studies by participating in student promotion activities.
- Applicants may apply only once and for one scholarship.
- All documents must be complete and accurate at submission (no edits/additions allowed afterward).
Application Steps
Step 1: Apply for a master’s program at UM
- Apply via Studielink.nl.
- After registration, you will receive a Student ID, required for the scholarship application.
- All admission requirements must be met by 1 February 2026 (except legal residence, tuition payment, and original diploma submission).
- Some programs may charge a Handling Fee, which must be paid before 8 December 2025 (not covered by the scholarship).
- You must upload an official transcript showing your GPA (≥ 7.5/10) + a document explaining the grading system.
Step 2: Submit the scholarship application via UM account
Required documents (PDF or Word format):
- CV (max. 2 pages).
- Motivation letter (using the required template).
- Proof of academic excellence (transcript + grading scale explanation).
- Personal statement of financial need.
- Recommendation letter (from a professor, academic supervisor, or employer – not family).
- Referee’s details (name, relationship, work phone, official email).
Selection Process
- February 2026: International Services Desk screens applications for completeness.
- February 2026: Complete applications sent to faculties.
- March 2026: Each faculty nominates its top 5 candidates.
- End of March 2026: Final review and invitation to online interview.
- April 2026: Online interviews held; all applicants notified (Selected – Waitlisted – Rejected).
- May 2026: Final updates of status.
- August 2026: Mandatory Pre-Academic Training begins.
