The Maastricht University (UM) NL-High Potential Scholarship is a prestigious opportunity designed for exceptionally talented students from outside the European Union (EU). Each year, Maastricht University offers 21 full scholarships worth €34,000, covering tuition fees, living expenses, and other essential costs. This scholarship is open to students who have been admitted to a master’s program at Maastricht University for the 2025-2026 academic year.
What this NL Scholarship is All About?
The UM NL-High Potential Scholarship consists of two key components:
- The High Potential Scholarship, funded by the Maastricht University Scholarship Fund.
- The NL Scholarship, financed by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science, alongside Dutch universities.
The scholarship targets international students from outside the EU/EEA who are eager to pursue a full master’s degree in the Netherlands.
Scholarship Benefits
The scholarship covers the following for the academic year 2025-2026:
- Living expenses: €15,925 for a 13-month program or €30,625 for a 25-month program.
- Health and liability insurance: €700.
- Visa application costs: Fully covered.
- Tuition fees: Fully covered.
- Pre-Academic Training: Fully covered.
- Participation in the International Student Ambassador Programme (ISAP): First block costs covered.
Additionally, recipients will be provided with accommodation. It is essential to note that this scholarship includes a mandatory accommodation arrangement, and refusal of the provided room will result in cancellation of the scholarship.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Hold a nationality outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland, or Suriname, and fulfill the requirements for a Dutch visa and residence permit.
- Have no dual nationality from an EU/EEA country or Switzerland.
- Have applied for admission to a full-time master’s program at Maastricht University.
- Meet the specific admission criteria of the chosen UM master’s program.
- Not have previously completed a degree-seeking higher education program in the Netherlands (exchange students are still eligible).
- Be under 35 years of age as of 1 September 2025.
- Have an excellent academic record, with a GPA of 7.5 out of 10 or higher.
Application Process
Step 1: Register for a master’s program via Studielink.nl. Upon registration, you will receive a student ID number required for the scholarship application.
Step 2: Complete the scholarship application form via the UM portal. Submit the following documents:
-
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivation letter
- Proof of academic excellence (GPA of 7.5 out of 10 or equivalent)
- Personal financial statement
- Reference letter from a professor or employer
- Contact details of one referee (work phone and institutional email required)
The deadline to apply for this NL scholarship is 1 February 2025, 23:59 CET and call letter is available here https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/studeren/toelating-inschrijving/financing-your-studies/scholarships/maastricht-university-nl-high.
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