The Maastricht NL-High Potential Scholarship gives highly talented international students a route to a fully funded master’s degree at Maastricht University in the Netherlands. For the 2027–2028 academic year, the university lists 18 full scholarships for eligible students from outside the EU/EEA. The award combines a tuition fee waiver with living support and other essential study costs.
Applications open on 1 October 2026 and close on 1 February 2027 at 23:59 (timezone not specified). Candidates must first complete an application to an eligible full-time master’s programme, with the admission file completed by 10 December 2026. This guide summarizes the verified benefits, eligibility rules, documents, application steps, and deadline.
Maastricht NL-High Potential Scholarship Details
The scholarship is administered by Maastricht University for selected international master’s applicants. It combines the university-funded High Potential Scholarship with the NL Scholarship supported by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science and participating Dutch higher-education institutions.
The Maastricht NL-High Potential Scholarship is highly competitive: Maastricht University states that only about 2% of applicants receive an award. The scholarship lasts 13 months for a one-year master’s programme or 25 months for a two-year programme.
Host | Maastricht University |
|---|---|
Study level | Participating full-time master’s programmes |
Country | Netherlands |
Number of awards | 18 full scholarships |
Duration | 13 months or 25 months |
Applications open | 1 October 2026 |
Scholarship deadline | 1 February 2027, 23:59 (timezone not specified) |
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Maastricht NL-High Potential Scholarship Benefits
The award covers major study and living costs. Maastricht University lists €20,150 for living expenses during a 13-month programme or €38,750 during a 25-month programme, equivalent to €1,550 per month under the current published package.
The package also covers tuition fees, visa application costs, health and liability insurance, pre-academic training, and the first block of the International Student Ambassador Programme at the applicable cost. Air tickets are not included, and the university notes that an approximate €75 cleaning fee must be paid separately.
Scholarship recipients must accept the university’s allocated room until 16 July 2028; refusing it cancels the award. The accommodation is not suitable for partners, children or pets. Two-year recipients must arrange their own housing for the second year.
For another European graduate funding route, compare the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship and its institution-led application process.
The Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships offer a separate Oxford graduate route with course-specific deadlines.
Maastricht NL-High Potential Scholarship Eligibility
Applicants must hold nationality from outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland, and Surinam, and they must meet Dutch entry-visa and residence-permit requirements. Applicants must not hold dual nationality from an EU/EEA country or Switzerland, and they must apply to a participating full-time Maastricht University master’s programme for 2027–2028.
Candidates must be 35 or younger on 1 September 2027 and show strong academic performance, with a latest transcript equivalent to at least 7.5 out of 10. They must not have previously taken part in a degree-seeking higher-education programme in the Netherlands, although prior exchange study there is allowed.
Applicants considering a joint master’s can review the Erasmus Mundus EMABG Scholarship, which has different academic entry requirements.
Required Documents for the Maastricht Scholarship
The scholarship form requires an up-to-date curriculum vitae, a motivation letter using Maastricht University’s template, and proof of academic excellence. The CV should be no longer than two A4 pages, while academic evidence should include the latest transcript or official GPA document plus an explanation of the grading system.
Applicants also need a personal statement explaining financial need, a reference letter, and current referee contact details. Maastricht University requires the applicant to upload the reference letter directly, so all files should be checked carefully before submission because the scholarship application can only be submitted once.
How to Apply
The application has two linked stages: admission to an eligible Maastricht University master’s programme and submission of the scholarship form. Applicants should complete the admission file early because the university requires the eligible programme application to be complete by 10 December 2026. Start from the official Maastricht University scholarship page.
After applying through Studielink, Maastricht University issues a student ID that is needed for the scholarship application. Candidates then sign in with their UM account, complete the scholarship form, upload the required documents, review the information carefully, and submit before the scholarship deadline.
Maastricht Scholarship Application Deadline
Applications for the 2027–2028 scholarship cycle are open from 1 October 2026 until 1 February 2027 at 23:59 (timezone not specified). This is the final scholarship deadline stated by Maastricht University for the current cycle.
A separate earlier milestone applies to programme admission: the full application file for the participating master’s programme must be submitted and meet the stated admission requirements by 10 December 2026. Applicants should treat both dates as mandatory and avoid waiting until the final days.
The official page warns that the UM portal will be unavailable from 22 to 26 October because of an upgrade. Plan submission around this interruption; it does not extend the scholarship deadline.
Maastricht Scholarship FAQ
These answers cover the most important questions applicants usually have about funding, eligibility, timing, and the application sequence. They are based on Maastricht University’s current 2027–2028 scholarship information.
Programme-specific admission requirements can differ, so applicants should also read the official page for their chosen master’s programme. The scholarship page remains the authoritative source for scholarship-wide rules.
How many Maastricht NL-High Potential Scholarships are available?
Maastricht University lists 18 full scholarships for highly talented students from outside the EU/EEA who are admitted to participating master’s programmes.
What is the monthly living allowance?
The current published living allowance is €1,550 per month, totaling €20,150 for 13 months or €38,750 for 25 months.
What GPA is required for the scholarship?
Applicants need academic results equivalent to at least 7.5 out of 10 on Maastricht University’s stated scale, supported by a transcript or official GPA document and grading-system explanation.
Conclusion
The Maastricht NL-High Potential Scholarship is a comprehensive funding option for outstanding non-EU/EEA students pursuing selected master’s programmes in the Netherlands. Its package can cover tuition, living expenses, insurance, visa costs, and required university training, making it one of Maastricht University’s most substantial international awards.
Eligible candidates should complete their master’s admission file by 10 December 2026 and submit the scholarship application by 1 February 2027 at 23:59 (timezone not specified). Check the official scholarship page before submission for any programme-specific or procedural updates.
