Maastricht University’s NL-High Potential Scholarship programme offers 18 fully funded places for 2027-28 to eligible international students from outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland and Suriname. The award supports full-time master’s study in the Netherlands and covers tuition, living costs and several associated expenses for selected applicants.
Key facts
- The scholarship is for full-time master’s programmes at Maastricht University for 2027-28.
- There are 18 full scholarships available.
- Living support is listed at €20,150 for 13-month programmes and €38,750 for 25-month programmes.
- Tuition fees, visa application costs at actual cost, health and liability insurance, and pre-academic training are covered.
- The application deadline is 10 December 2026.
What this means for students
The scholarship matters most for applicants who are ready to begin an eligible master’s degree at Maastricht University and who meet the programme’s admission rules. It is aimed at students with a passport from a country outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland or Suriname, and it requires applicants to qualify for a Dutch entry visa and residence permit.
Applicants must first register for a participating master’s programme through Studielink, obtain a UM student ID and then complete the scholarship application in a UM account. The programme notes that candidates should not already have completed a full degree in the Netherlands, should be under 35 years old, and should have excellent academic results, with a GPA of 7.5/10 or higher. Preference is given to candidates without a previous master’s degree.
- Where: Maastricht University, the Netherlands.
- When to apply: By 10 December 2026.
- What to prepare: CV, motivation letter, transcript with GPA evidence, personal financial statement and a reference letter.
- What to note: Applicants can apply only once and for one scholarship.
What does the scholarship cover?
The award is described as fully funded and includes tuition fees at actual cost, a living allowance, health and liability insurance, visa application costs at actual cost, and pre-academic training costs. The living stipend is listed as €1,550 per month, either for 13 months or 25 months depending on the length of the master’s programme.
The scholarship also covers the first block of the International Student Ambassador Programme. If selected, recipients are expected to act as UM ambassadors and share their experience with future students and stakeholders.
Which master’s programmes are eligible?
The scholarship applies to a wide set of participating master’s degrees across Maastricht University, including programmes in arts and social sciences, law, health and life sciences, psychology and neuroscience, and business and economics.
Examples listed in the programme include European studies, several law specialisations, public health and health management programmes, psychology tracks, and multiple business and economics options such as finance, economics, international business and sustainability-related degrees.
How do applicants apply?
Applicants must register for a participating master’s programme via Studielink, receive a student ID, and then submit the scholarship application through a UM account. The required documents are listed as a CV of up to two pages, a motivation letter using the provided template, proof of academic excellence, a personal financial statement and a reference letter from a professor or employer.
Documents must be submitted in.doc,.docx or PDF format. The listing also says applicants are responsible for any programme-specific handling fees and should ensure that all admission requirements are met before the scholarship deadline.
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for the Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship?
Applicants must hold a passport from outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland or Suriname, qualify for a Dutch entry visa and residence permit, meet the admission requirements for a participating Maastricht University master’s programme, and be under 35 years old. Preference is given to candidates without a previous master’s degree.
What is the deadline for the 2027 scholarship?
The application deadline listed for the Maastricht University scholarship is 10 December 2026.
