Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship 2026 | €34,000 Fully Funded Master’s Scholarship in the Netherlands

Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship 2026: Overview

The Maastricht University (UM) NL-High Potential Scholarship is one of the most prestigious and competitive awards in Europe. Each academic year, Maastricht University offers 21 full scholarships worth €34,000, covering tuition, living expenses, visa, and insurance for outstanding students from outside the EU/EEA.

Funded jointly by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science and Maastricht University Scholarship Fund, this program supports exceptional international students who wish to pursue a full-time master’s degree at Maastricht University.

Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship 2026: Eligibility

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

• Hold a non-EU/EEA, non-Swiss, and non-Surinam nationality.

• Meet the requirements for obtaining a Dutch entry visa and residence permit.

• Have applied for a full-time master’s programme at Maastricht University for the 2026–2027 academic year before 8 December 2025.

• Meet the specific admission criteria for the chosen UM master’s programme.

• Have never completed a degree-seeking programme in the Netherlands (exchange students are welcome).

• Be 35 years old or younger as of 1 September 2026.

• Demonstrate outstanding academic performance (GPA ≥ 7.5/10 or equivalent).

• Agree to act as a Maastricht University ambassador during and after studies.

💡 Preference: Applicants who have not yet obtained a master’s degree.

Benefits

Each selected scholar receives a total package of €34,000, which includes:

Accommodation:
A furnished room will be provided. Accepting the scholarship means accepting the room — refusal cancels the scholarship. (Not suitable for partners/spouses/children.)

Duration

• 13 months for one-year master’s programmes.

• 25 months for two-year master’s programmes.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following documents (in PDF or Word format):

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV) – maximum two A4 pages.

2. Motivation Letter – using the provided template.

3. Proof of Academic Excellence – official transcript showing GPA ≥ 7.5/10 and an explanation of grading scale.

4. Personal Statement of Financial Need – explaining financial background and circumstances.

5. Reference Letter – written by a professor, lecturer, or employer (not a family member), dated no earlier than February 2025.

6. Referee’s Contact Details – institutional email and phone number.

Application Process

Step 1 – Apply for Admission

• Apply for your desired master’s programme via Studielink.nl before 8 December 2025.

• Obtain your UM student ID number, required for the scholarship application.

Step 2 – Apply for the Scholarship

• Log in with your UM account and complete the scholarship application form.

• Upload all required documents before 1 February 2026 (23:59 CET).

Selection Procedure

1. February 2026 – UM International Services Desk verifies all applications.

2. March 2026 – Faculties select and rank top five candidates each.

3. End of March 2026 – Shortlisted candidates invited for an online interview.

4. April–May 2026 – Final decisions announced (selected, waitlisted, or rejected).

5. August 2026 – Mandatory Pre-Academic Training begins in Maastricht.

Important Dates

• Application Portal Opens: 1 October 2025

• UM Admission Deadline: 8 December 2025

• Scholarship Deadline: 1 February 2026 (23:59 CET)

• Result Announcement: End of March 2026

• Pre-Academic Training Starts: August 2026

For more information and application: 

Visit the official website of the Maastricht University, NL-High Potential Scholarship 2026 | €34,000 Fully Funded Master’s Scholarship in the Netherlands