Maastricht University is offering its NL-High Potential Scholarship for the 2027–2028 academic cycle to highly talented international students applying for eligible full-time master’s programmes in the Netherlands. The award combines university and Dutch government funding and is aimed at applicants from outside the EU/EEA who can meet the academic and admission requirements.
Key facts
- The scholarship is offered by Maastricht University and combines the High Potential Scholarship with the NL Scholarship.
- It is intended for international students from outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland and Surinam.
- Maastricht University says it offers 21 full scholarships each academic year.
- Applications open on 1 October 2026 and close on 1 February 2027 at 23:59 CET.
- The package includes tuition, living expenses, insurance, visa-related costs and Pre-Academic Training costs.
What does this mean for students?
For applicants, the scholarship can substantially reduce the cost of studying a master’s degree at Maastricht University. The published package covers tuition fees at cost, a living allowance, health and liability insurance, visa application costs, and required Pre-Academic Training costs. It also covers the first block of the International Student Ambassador Programme.
The scholarship is limited and highly competitive. Maastricht University says roughly 2% of applicants receive the award, so students need to prepare both the master’s programme application in Studielink and the separate scholarship application carefully. A student ID number is required before the scholarship form can be completed.
- Eligible applicants must apply to a participating full-time master’s programme.
- Applicants must hold nationality from outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland and Surinam.
- Academic excellence is a core requirement, with a stated benchmark of at least 7.5 out of 10 or an equivalent grade.
- The scholarship includes mandatory accommodation; refusing the allocated room cancels the award.
How much funding does the scholarship provide?
The published support depends on programme length. For a one-year master’s programme, Maastricht University lists a living allowance of €20,150 over 13 months. For a two-year programme, the allowance is €38,750 over 25 months. The university also lists approximately €700 for health and liability insurance. Tuition fees are covered at cost through the International Services Desk.
Air tickets are not included. Maastricht University states that applicants must budget separately for international travel and other personal costs that are not part of the award.
What are the main eligibility rules?
Applicants must meet both scholarship and programme admission requirements. They must apply for a participating Maastricht University master’s programme, satisfy the programme’s own entry rules, and have not previously taken part in a degree-seeking higher education programme in the Netherlands. Exchange study in the Netherlands does not disqualify an applicant.
The published criteria also give preference to applicants who do not already hold a master’s degree. For the 2026–2027 cycle, applicants were required to be no older than 35 years on 1 September 2026, and Maastricht University says the corresponding age cut-off for 2027–2028 should be checked once the updated conditions are published.
How do applicants apply?
The process has two parts. First, students apply to an eligible master’s programme through Studielink and receive a Maastricht University student ID number. Second, they use the university’s scholarship form to submit the scholarship application.
Maastricht University says candidates can submit the scholarship application only once and for one scholarship only, so the required documents must be complete before submission. Those documents include a CV, a motivation letter using the university’s template, proof of academic excellence, a statement of financial need and a reference letter.
Frequently asked questions
Are family members allowed to live in the scholarship accommodation?
No. Maastricht University says the accommodation attached to the scholarship is not suitable for partners, spouses or children, and accepting the room is mandatory. Refusing the allocated room results in cancellation of the scholarship.
Do applicants need to show academic excellence?
Yes. The university requires evidence of strong prior academic performance, including a transcript or official document showing the latest GPA and a document explaining the grading system. The stated benchmark is at least 7.5 out of 10, or an equivalent recognized standard.
