Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship in the Netherlands 2027 (Opens: 1 Oct 2026)

The Maastricht University (UM) NL-High Potential Scholarship programme offers 18 full scholarships, including tuition fee waiver and monthly stipend, each academic year for highly talented students from outside the European Union (EU) who have been admitted to a master’s programme at UM.

Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship in the Netherlands

Application Deadline

Opens: 1 October 2026

Closes: 1 February 2027 (23:59 CET)

Tell Me About The Scholarship

The NL‑High Potential Scholarship at Maastricht University (UM), Netherlands combines the High Potential Scholarship (UM Scholarship Fund) and the NL Scholarship (Dutch Ministry of Education). It offers 18 full scholarships annually to highly talented non‑EU/EEA students admitted to eligible Master’s programmes.

Which Fields are Eligible

Participating UM Master’s programmes (full‑time, taught at UM).

Covers a wide range of disciplines; applicants must check the official list of participating programmes.

Type

Master’s Scholarship | Fully Funded | Netherlands

Who Can Apply

Applicants must

Hold nationality outside EU/EEA, Switzerland, Surinam.

Meet visa/residence permit requirements for the Netherlands.

Apply for admission to a participating UM Master’s programme by 10 December 2026.

Be under 35 years old on 1 September 2027.

Have excellent academic results (GPA ≥ 7.5/10 or equivalent).

Not have previously studied a full degree in the Netherlands.

Preference given to those without a prior Master’s degree.

Commit to being an active UM ambassador during and after studies.

How Are Scholars Selected

UM International Services Desk checks applications.

Faculties rank top candidates.

Final selection includes an online interview.

Only ~2% of applicants are awarded.

Which Countries are Eligible

Global – all non‑EU/EEA countries (except Switzerland and Surinam).

Where Will the Scholarship Be Taken

Maastricht University, Netherlands.

How Many Scholars

18 scholarships awarded annually.

What is the Benefit of the Scholarship

Living expenses: €20,150 (13 months) or €38,750 (25 months).

Tuition fees: fully covered.

Health & liability insurance: €700.

Visa application costs: covered.

Pre‑Academic Training costs: covered.

Accommodation: mandatory room allocation until July 2028 (not suitable for families/pets).

How Long Will the Scholarship Last

13 months (one‑year Master’s).

25 months (two‑year Master’s).

Required Documents

CV (max 2 pages).

Motivation letter (template provided).

Proof of academic excellence (transcript + GPA system explanation).

Personal statement of financial need.

Reference letter (professor/employer, not family).

Referee contact details (institutional email required).

How to Apply

Apply for a UM Master’s programme via Studielink.nl by 10 December 2026.

Receive UM student ID.

Complete scholarship application form (via UM portal).

Upload required documents in PDF/Word format.

Await selection process (Feb–May 2027).

If selected, sign award letter and attend mandatory Pre‑Academic Training (Aug 2027).

🌐 Visit the application webpage for details

Hold nationality outside EU/EEA, Switzerland, Surinam.