Maastricht University Brightlands Talent Scholarship for Master’s Degree 2027-2028

The UM Brightlands Talent Scholarship offers an exceptional opportunity for top-performing non-EU/EEA students to pursue a master’s degree at Maastricht University (UM) in the Netherlands. The program is linked to the Brightlands innovation campuses in Limburg—Maastricht, Heerlen, Sittard-Geleen, and Venlo—where students, researchers, and entrepreneurs collaborate to drive innovation in health, chemistry, materials, agrifood, data science, and innovative digital services.

Each year, four full scholarships are awarded to outstanding students who demonstrate academic excellence and strong potential for personal development. The scholarship covers full tuition, a monthly living allowance, health insurance, visa costs, and housing. A key feature of the program is the Thesis-Internship Programme (TIP), which allows recipients to conduct their master’s thesis with one of the companies based at a Brightlands campus, gaining valuable hands-on experience.

Applicants must be non-EU/EEA nationals, under 35 years of age, with a GPA of at least 7.5/10 or equivalent, and must have applied for admission to an eligible UM master’s program. Selected scholars will begin their studies in September 2027 after completing a mandatory pre-academic training in August.

Selection Process

The following are the highlights of the selection procedure:

• Step 1: UM International Services Desk reviews all applications for completeness after 1 February 2027.
• Step 2: Complete applications are forwarded to the relevant UM Faculty in February 2027.
• Step 3: The Faculty Admission Office and program coordinators rank candidates based on UM scholarship criteria and nominate the top 5 applicants.
• Step 4: The Brightlands Scholarship Selection Committee (UM, Brightlands management, Province of Limburg) conducts online interviews with top candidates and finalizes selections. Non-selected applicants may be placed on a reserve list.
• Step 5: Applicants are informed of their status (selected, waitlisted, or rejected) between April and early May 2026. Waitlisted statuses are finalized by May 2027.
• Step 6: Selected awardees receive details about the Pre-Academic Training (mandatory, held in August 2026) and must sign and return the award letter to confirm acceptance.

Applicants should submit the following documents

Updated Curriculum Vitae (max two pages)

Motivation Letter (using the official template)

Proof of Academic Excellence (official transcript showing GPA ≥ 7.5/10)

Personal Statement of Financial Need

Reference Letter (from a professor, lecturer, or employer—not family)

Referee’s Contact Information (official institutional email and phone number)

Applicants must

Must hold nationality from a country outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland.

Must meet visa and residence permit requirements for the Netherlands.

No dual nationality with an EU/EEA country or Switzerland.

Must have applied for admission to a participating UM master’s program

Must meet all academic admission requirements of the chosen master’s program.

No prior degree-seeking studies in the Netherlands (exchange students may apply).

Preference for candidates without a previous master’s degree.

Must be under 35 years old as of 1 September 2027.

Must have a GPA of 7.5/10 or higher (or equivalent).

Must agree to act as a Brightlands and UM ambassador during and after studies.

Can apply only once and for one scholarship; documents cannot be changed after submission.

The scholarship program will provide the following benefits for the selected candidates

Living Expenses

€20,150 (13 months) / €38,750 (25 months) — paid monthly (€1550/month)

Tuition Fees

Health & Liability Insurance

Visa Application Costs

Pre-Academic Training & ISAP

Guaranteed room provided by UM (mandatory acceptance required)

The €15,925 13 months living stipend breakdowns are as follows

Housing: €960

Groceries & hygiene: €160

Telephone: €60

Travel: €100

Books & study materials: €90

Clothing, hobbies & leisure: €125

Miscellaneous: €55

Note: Airfare is not included.

Apply for admission to an eligible master’s program via Studielink.

Once you receive your UM student ID, access the UM Brightlands Scholarship Application Form.

Upload all required documents (PDF or .doc/.docx).

Submit before 1 February 2027 (23:59 CET) — applications cannot be edited afterward.

Further details are available on the UM’s official website. For any inquiries or questions, email the UM International Services Desk: [email protected]

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