UM Brightlands Talent Scholarship 2025-2026 Available

Maastricht University (UM) in collaboration with the Brightlands innovation campuses is offering the prestigious UM Brightlands Talent Scholarship for the 2025-2026 academic year. The program targets top-performing non-EU/EEA master’s students with high potential for personal development who are interested in contributing to cutting-edge fields like chemistry, materials science, health, agrifood, data science, and smart digital services.

The scholarship supports students who have been (conditionally) admitted to a master’s program connected to the Brightlands campuses situated in Maastricht, Heerlen, Sittard-Geleen, or Venlo.

Benefits of the UM Brightlands Talent Scholarship

Selected students will receive comprehensive support, including:

• Tuition Fee Waiver: Full coverage of tuition costs for the selected master’s program.
• Monthly Stipend: €15,925 for a one-year program (13 months) or €30,625 for a two-year program (25 months) to cover living expenses, including accommodation.
• Health & Liability Insurance: Arranged and covered by the UM International Services Desk.
• Visa and Permit Costs: Managed and paid for by the UM International Services Desk.
• Pre-Academic Training Costs: Covered as part of the scholarship package.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Hold a nationality outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland.
• Fulfill the criteria for obtaining an entry visa and residence permit for the Netherlands.
• Have no prior degree-seeking education in the Netherlands (students who have completed exchange programs are eligible).
• Be under 35 years old as of 1 September 2025.
• Have applied for and meet the requirements for a participating master’s program at UM.
• Commit to becoming an active ambassador for UM and Brightlands during and after studies.

Application Process

1# Register for a Master’s Program:

• • Apply for an eligible master’s program at UM through Studielink. You will receive a student ID number, necessary for the scholarship application.
  • Ensure that you meet all the master’s program requirements before the scholarship deadline.

2# Submit the Scholarship Application:

• • Fill out the scholarship application form using your UM account. Required documents include:
    • Updated CV (no longer than two A4 pages).
    • Motivation letter using the provided template.
    • Proof of academic excellence (transcripts or a letter stating your class ranking).
    • Personal statement explaining financial needs.
    • Reference letter from a professor, lecturer, or employer.
    • Contact details of one referee (including work telephone number and institutional email).

Selection Procedure

1. The UM International Services Desk will review applications for completeness after the 1 February 2025 deadline.
2. Eligible applications are forwarded to the respective UM Faculty for ranking, in collaboration with the program coordinators.
3. The top five candidates are shortlisted and invited for an online interview by the Brightlands Talent Scholarship selection committee.
4. Candidates will be informed of their status by May 2025 (selected, waitlisted, or rejected). Waitlisted applicants may be reconsidered depending on availability.

Deadline

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