Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship

Maastricht University Scholarship Fund & Dutch Ministry of Education (NL Scholarship)

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Dates and amounts change every year. Always confirm on the official page.

Who can apply

Non-EU/EEA, non-Swiss and non-Surinamese citizens aged under 35 on 1 September 2027; never enrolled in a degree-seeking programme in the Netherlands; GPA of at least 7.5/10 in prior degree; applied to a participating full-time Master programme at Maastricht University.

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

Combining the Maastricht University Scholarship Fund and the NL Scholarship, the UM NL-High Potential Scholarship awards 21 full scholarships annually to talented non-EU/EEA students admitted to participating 1-year or 2-year Master programmes at Maastricht University.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. Non-EU/EEA, non-Swiss and non-Surinamese citizens aged under 35 on 1 September 2027; never enrolled in a degree-seeking programme in the Netherlands; GPA of at least 7.5/10 in prior degree; applied to a participating full-time Master programme at Maastricht University.
2. Note the deadline. Dec 10, 2026 (MSc admission registration) / Feb 1, 2027 (Scholarship application deadline) Confirm the exact date on the official page.
3. Prepare your documents. Studielink Master admission application (student ID required); UM Scholarship Application Form; Proof of academic excellence (transcript showing GPA >= 7.5/10); Personal statement of financial need; Motivation letter; Contact details of 1 referee (professor or employer).
4. Apply on the official page. Open the official application page and submit your application before the deadline.

How applicants are selected

Faculty ranking of top 5% candidates in February -> UM International Services Office verification in March -> Final selection decision announced in April

Free materials

Templates, checklists and guides to help you apply.

Browse all free materials →

Tips from our advisors

1. Register for your Master programme in Studielink before 10 December so you receive your UM student ID in time
2. Remind your referee to submit their reference via the online form before 1 February
3. Read the eligibility line by line before you write anything. Most rejections are eligibility mismatches, not weak essays.
4. Show a clear link between your past studies, this programme and your career goal. Committees look for a story, not a list.
5. Spend most of your time on the criteria with the highest weight in the selection breakdown above.
6. Start at least 8 to 12 weeks early. Certified transcripts, translations and referee letters usually take longer than expected.
7. Ask your referees at least 4 weeks ahead and give them your CV, your draft SOP and the deadline.
8. Support your financial-need statement with clear documents and keep the numbers consistent across forms.

Quick answers

Who can apply for Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship?

Non-EU/EEA, non-Swiss and non-Surinamese citizens aged under 35 on 1 September 2027; never enrolled in a degree-seeking programme in the Netherlands; GPA of at least 7.5/10 in prior degree; applied to a participating full-time Master programme at Maastricht University.

What does Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship cover?

Up to EUR 36,000+ per year covering full tuition fee waiver, living expenses (EUR 20,150 for 13 mos or EUR 38,750 for 25 mos), health & liability insurance (EUR 700), visa costs and pre-academic training

When is the deadline for Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship?

Dec 10, 2026 (MSc admission registration) / Feb 1, 2027 (Scholarship application deadline) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

Where can I study or work with Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship?

Host countries: Netherlands.

What documents do I need for Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship?

Studielink Master admission application (student ID required); UM Scholarship Application Form; Proof of academic excellence (transcript showing GPA >= 7.5/10); Personal statement of financial need; Motivation letter; Contact details of 1 referee (professor or employer).

How are applicants selected for Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship?

Faculty ranking of top 5% candidates in February -> UM International Services Office verification in March -> Final selection decision announced in April

How much work is the Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship application?

High: Studielink MSc application + UM portal scholarship form + referee letter submitted directly by referee