Applications are open for the Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship 2027 in the Netherlands. This fully funded scholarship is available to talented international students from outside the EU/EEA who want to pursue a participating Master’s degree at Maastricht University (UM) during the 2027–2028 academic year.
The scholarship programme offers 18 full scholarships each academic year. The award includes tuition fees, living expenses, health and liability insurance, visa costs, pre-academic training, and other approved costs. The scholarship is highly competitive, and Maastricht University states that approximately 2% of applicants receive an award.
The UM NL-High Potential Scholarship combines the High Potential Scholarship funded by Maastricht University with the NL Scholarship supported by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science. Applicants must first apply for an eligible Master’s programme at Maastricht University before submitting the scholarship application.
For the 2027–28 academic year, scholarship applications are open from 1 October 2026 until 1 February 2027. However, applicants must complete their Master’s programme admission application by 10 December 2026 to remain eligible for the scholarship. The duration are into which includes the 13 months for a one-year Master’s programme and 25 months for a two-year Master’s programme.
Successful applicants get to enjoy the following benefits:
- Living expenses: €20,150 for a 13-month Master’s programme or €38,750 for a 25-month Master’s programme.
- Health and liability insurance: €700.
- Tuition fees: Covered at cost.
- Visa application costs: Covered at cost.
- Pre-Academic Training: Covered at cost.
- International Student Ambassador Programme: Covered for the first block.
- Accommodation: A room is allocated to scholarship recipients as part of the scholarship arrangement.
To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must possess the following qualifications
- Be nationals of a country outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland or Suriname.
- Meet the requirements for obtaining a Dutch entry visa and residence permit.
- Not hold dual nationality from an EU/EEA country or Switzerland.
- Apply for a participating full-time Master’s programme at Maastricht University for the 2027–2028 academic year.
- Submit a complete Master’s admission application and meet all admission requirements by 10 December 2026.
- Meet the specific admission requirements of the selected Master’s programme.
- Not have previously participated in a degree-seeking higher education programme in the Netherlands. Students who previously completed an exchange programme in the Netherlands may still apply.
- Be 35 years old or younger on 1 September 2027.
- Have excellent academic results, with the latest transcript showing a GPA of at least 7.5 out of 10, or an equivalent according to the applicable grading system.
- Agree to participate as a UM NL High Potential and UM ambassador during and after their studies.
The application consists of five stages. The stages include
Step 1: Apply for a Participating Master’s Programme
First, select an eligible Master’s programme at Maastricht University and apply through Studielink. After submitting your Studielink application, you will receive a UM student ID number. This number is needed to complete the scholarship application.
Step 2: Complete the Master’s Admission Application
Complete the admission procedure for your chosen Master’s programme and submit all required documents by 10 December 2026.
Step 3: Prepare Your Scholarship Documents
- Prepare your:
- CV
- Motivation letter
- Academic transcript
- Grading-system document
- Financial-need statement
- Referee details
Step 4: Complete the Scholarship Application
After receiving your UM student number, log in to your UM account and complete the scholarship application form. The scholarship application must be submitted by 1 February 2027 at 23:59 CET.
Step 5: Selection and Interview
Maastricht University’s International Services Desk first checks the applications for completeness. Complete applications are then sent to the relevant faculties.
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Author
Paul Olayioye
