The Maastricht University (UM) NL-High Potential Scholarship is one of the most competitive and prestigious opportunities in the Netherlands for international students. Every year, 21 full scholarships worth €34,000 are awarded to exceptionally talented non-EU students who have been admitted to a full-time master’s programme at Maastricht University for the 2026–2027 academic year.
This scholarship combines funding from the Maastricht University Scholarship Fund and the NL Scholarship, co-financed by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science. It’s designed to attract bright minds from outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland, or Suriname who want to pursue a complete master’s degree in the Netherlands and contribute meaningfully to global development.
Scholarship Coverage
Each selected student receives a comprehensive funding package that includes:
- Living expenses: €15,925 (for 13 months) or €30,625 (for 25 months)
- Full tuition fee waiver (at cost)
- Health and liability insurance: €700
- Visa and residence permit costs (covered by the university)
- Pre-Academic Training & International Student Ambassador Programme costs
Please note: A university-provided room is mandatory for scholarship holders and is included in the award. Accommodation preferences (such as religious considerations) are taken into account, but the rooms are not suitable for partners or families.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Hold non-EU/EEA nationality and meet Dutch visa requirements.
- Have applied to a participating full-time master’s programme at Maastricht University for 2026–2027 before 8 December 2025.
- Be 35 years old or younger on 1 September 2026.
- Have never participated in a degree-seeking program in the Netherlands (exchange students are eligible).
- Show outstanding academic results – a GPA of at least 7.5/10 (75%) or equivalent.
- Meet all programme-specific admission requirements.
- Demonstrate financial need and agree to serve as a UM ambassador during and after studies.
Only 2% of applicants are selected annually, making this one of the most selective scholarship programs in Europe.
Application Process
The process involves two main steps:
Step 1 – Apply for a Master’s Programme:
Submit your application via Studielink.nl before 8 December 2025. You’ll receive a student ID necessary for the scholarship application.
Step 2 – Apply for the Scholarship:
Use your UM account to submit the Scholarship Application Form before 1 February 2026 (23:59 CET).
You’ll need to upload:
- Updated CV (max two pages)
- Motivation letter (using the official UM template)
- Proof of academic excellence (transcripts & grading system)
- Personal statement of financial need
- Reference letter from a professor, lecturer, or employer (dated after February 2025)
Selection Timeline
- February 2026: UM checks completeness of applications.
- March 2026: Faculties shortlist top 5 candidates.
- Late March 2026: Final verification and interview invitations.
- April–May 2026: Selection results announced (selected, waitlisted, or rejected).
- August 2026: Pre-Academic Training begins (mandatory two-week program).
Application Deadline
The application portal opens on 1 October 2025 and closes on 1 February 2026 (23:59 CET).
Admission applications to master’s programmes must be completed by 8 December 2025.
