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:
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- 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:
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- 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).
- Fill out the scholarship application form using your UM account. Required documents include:
Selection Procedure
- The UM International Services Desk will review applications for completeness after the 1 February 2025 deadline.
- Eligible applications are forwarded to the respective UM Faculty for ranking, in collaboration with the program coordinators.
- The top five candidates are shortlisted and invited for an online interview by the Brightlands Talent Scholarship selection committee.
- Candidates will be informed of their status by May 2025 (selected, waitlisted, or rejected). Waitlisted applicants may be reconsidered depending on availability.
Deadline
