The Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship is one of the best scholarships in the Netherlands. It gives students a chance to study at Maastricht University, which is a top university in Europe. This scholarship is for both European students and non-European students. Every year, 21 scholarships are offered.
The value of the scholarship is very high. The total amount is around €34,000. This money is not given directly to the student as cash. Instead, it is used to cover the main costs of studying and living in the Netherlands. The scholarship pays the full tuition fees, which are often very high for international students. It also gives money for living expenses, health insurance, and visa costs.
The program is designed for very talented students who want to study a master’s degree. It does not support bachelor’s studies. The goal of the scholarship is to bring bright minds from all over the world to Maastricht. These students can then join the international community at the university and learn in a global environment.
Maastricht University is famous for its problem-based learning system. This way of teaching is interactive and practical. Students do not just sit in lectures. They work in small groups, share ideas, and solve problems together. With the scholarship, students can enjoy this style of learning without worrying about money.
The scholarship is very competitive. Only students with strong academic records, motivation, and ambition are selected. Applicants must first be admitted to a master’s program at Maastricht University. Then, they can apply for the scholarship.
This opportunity helps students gain a world-class education, grow in their careers, and build strong international networks. The Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship truly changes lives.
Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship Details
Host Country: Netherlands
Field of Study: Master’s Degree Programs
University: Maastricht University
Scholarship Type: Fully Funded Scholarship
Scholarship Value: €34,000 (covers tuition fees, living costs, visa, and insurance)
Eligible Nationalities: Students from all countries (including Afghanistan)
Gender: Male and Female can apply
Application Deadline: December 8, 2025
Who Can Apply for the Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship?
To apply for this scholarship, you must follow these rules:
You must be from a country outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland, or Surinam.
You need a valid visa and residence permit for the Netherlands.
If you already have a residence permit from another Schengen country, it must be valid until 2 September 2026.
You cannot have dual nationality with an EU/EEA country or Switzerland.
You must apply for a full-time master’s program at Maastricht University for 2026–2027 before 8 December 2025.
You must meet all admission rules of the master’s program.
You must not have studied a full degree in the Netherlands before. (Short exchange programs are okay.)
Students without a master’s degree will get preference.
You must be 35 years old or younger on 1 September 2026.
You must have very good grades (GPA 7.5/10 or higher).
You must agree to join events and share your study experience as a Maastricht University ambassador.
You can only apply once and for one scholarship.
Duration and Value of Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship
Duration
1 year Master’s program: 13 months
2 year Master’s program: 25 months
What the Scholarship Covers
Living costs: €15,925 (13 months) or €30,625 (25 months)
Health & insurance: €700
Visa fees: Paid by the university
Tuition fees: Paid by the university
Pre-academic training: Paid by the university
Ambassador program costs: Paid by the university
Housing Rule
A room is given to you by the university.
You must accept this room.
The room is only for you (not for family).
If you refuse the room, you lose the scholarship.
Living Costs Breakdown (per month)
Housing: €600
Food & hygiene: €160
Phone: €60
Travel: €100
Books: €90
Clothing & hobbies: €125
Other needs: €90
How to Apply for Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship
Step 1 – Apply for a Master Program
Choose a master program that is part of this scholarship.
Apply through Studielink on the UM website.
After applying, you will get a student ID number.
You need this ID to apply for the scholarship.
Apply for the master program before 8 December 2025.
Make sure you meet all admission rules before 1 February 2026.
If your program has an application fee, you must pay it yourself.
You must show your GPA of 7.5/10 or higher with proof from your university.
Step 2 – Apply for the Scholarship
Log in with your UM account and fill in the scholarship form.
Upload all documents in PDF or Word format.
You can apply only once, so check everything carefully.
Documents Required
CV (maximum 2 pages, include awards if any).
Motivation letter (use UM template, explain why you want this scholarship).
Academic proof (transcript with GPA 7.5/10 or 75% or 3/4 + grade system explanation).
Financial statement (explain why you need financial help).
Reference letter (from professor, lecturer, or employer; not family).
Referee details (job title, phone with country code, work email).
Important Notes
Reference letters must be recent (not older than February 2025).
Only work or university emails are accepted (no personal emails).
Scholarship application deadline: 8 December 2025.
Selection Process for Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship
Step 1
After 1 February 2026, UM International Services Desk checks if applications are complete.
Step 2
In February 2026, all complete applications are sent to UM Faculties.
Step 3
Each Faculty chooses and ranks their top 5 students.
These lists go back to the Services Desk in March 2026.
Step 4
End of March 2026, the Services Desk confirms selections.
Shortlisted students are invited for an online interview.
Step 5
April 2026: All students are informed of results.
Results can be: Selected, Waitlisted, or Rejected.
By May 2026, waitlist students will get final results.
Selected students get details about Pre-Academic Training (2 weeks in August 2026).
Step 6
Awarded students must sign and return the award letter to confirm the scholarship.
FAQ – Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship
Q1: Who can apply for this scholarship? Students from all countries outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland, and Surinam.
Q2: What level of study is covered? Master’s degree programs only.
Q3: What is the value of the scholarship? Up to €34,000 (covers tuition, living costs, visa, and insurance).
Q4: What is the age limit? Maximum 35 years old on 1 September 2026.
Q5: What GPA is required? At least 7.5 out of 10 (or equivalent).
Q6: Do I need IELTS/TOEFL? Yes, you must meet the English requirements of the master’s program.
Q7: Can I apply without admission to a master’s program? No, you must first apply to a UM master program and get a student ID.
Q8: When is the deadline? 8 December 2025.
Q9: Is housing included? Yes, a room is provided and you must accept it.
Q10: Are flight tickets included? No, travel costs are not covered.
