Maastricht University Netherlands NL - High Potential Scholarship 2026 (Fully Funded)
About this scholarship
Are you a highly talented student from outside the European Union (EU) and seeking an opportunity to pursue a master’s degree in the Netherlands? The Maastricht University (UM) NL-High Potential Scholarship 2026 offers a golden opportunity for exceptional students. This prestigious program awards 21 full scholarships, each valued at €34,000, which includes tuition fee waivers, monthly stipends, and other significant benefits for the 2026-2027 academic year.
The UM NL-High Potential Scholarship is a combination of two funding sources: the High Potential Scholarship, funded by the Maastricht University Scholarship Fund, and the NL Scholarship, financed by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science. The program is designed for international students from outside the EU/EEA who have been admitted to one of the participating master’s programs at Maastricht University.
About Maastricht University
Founded in 1976, Maastricht University (UM) is one of Europe’s most international universities, located in the Netherlands’ southernmost city. Known for its Problem-Based Learning (PBL) approach, UM emphasizes interactive, research-driven, and global education. It is ranked among the top young universities in the world and attracts students from over 100 nationalities each year.
What the award covers
The scholarship covers:
- Living expenses: €15,925 (for 13 months) or €30,625 (for 25 months).
- Health & liability insurance: €700.
- Visa application costs: Covered by the UM International Services Desk.
- Tuition fees: Covered in full.
- Pre-Academic Training costs: Covered by the UM International Services Desk.
Note: Scholarship recipients are provided with accommodation, which is mandatory to accept. However, it is not suitable for partners or children.
Study levels
The UM NL-High Potential Scholarship is available for all full-time Master’s degree programs .
Subjects
The UM NL-High Potential Scholarship is available for all full-time Master’s degree programs at Maastricht University that participate in the scheme. Eligible fields include:
- Business and Economics
- Arts and Social Sciences
- Law and International Relations
- Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences
- Psychology and Neuroscience
- Science and Engineering
- Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Sustainability Studies
Duration:
- 13 months for a one-year Master’s program
- 25 months for a two-year Master’s program
All programs begin in September 2026.
Who can apply
This scholarship is open to international students of all nationalities. (except EU/EEA, Swiss, or Surinamese nationality)
Eligibility
To be eligible for this scholarship, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Non-EU/EEA nationality: Applicants must not hold an EU/EEA, Swiss, or Surinamese nationality.
- Entry visa requirements: Applicants must meet the criteria for obtaining an entry visa (MVV) and a residence permit for the Netherlands.
- Application for a UM Master’s Program: Students must have applied for a full-time master’s program at Maastricht University for the 2025-2026 academic year.
- No previous degree-seeking education in the Netherlands: Students who have completed exchange programs in the Netherlands are eligible, but those who have pursued a full degree in the Netherlands are not.
- Age limit: Candidates should not be older than 35 years of age by September 1, 2026.
- Academic excellence: Applicants must demonstrate outstanding academic performance with a GPA of 7.5 out of 10 or higher.
- Single application submission: Ensure that all documents are correctly submitted as the application can only be submitted once.
How to apply
The application process for the 2026–2027 Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship consists of two main steps:
Step 1: Apply for Admission to a Master’s Program
- Apply for one of the eligible Master’s programs at Maastricht University via Studielink.nl before 8 December 2025.
- After applying, you’ll receive a student ID number, required to complete the scholarship application.
Step 2: Apply for the Scholarship
- Complete the online scholarship application form using your UM account.
- Upload the required documents (in PDF or DOC format):
- Curriculum Vitae (max. 2 pages)
- Motivation letter (using the UM template)
- Proof of academic excellence (latest transcript + grade system explanation)
- Personal statement of financial need
- Reference letter (from professor, lecturer, or employer; dated after February 2025)
- Referee contact details (with work email and phone number)
Application deadline: 1 February 2026 (23:59 CET)
The application portal opens on 1 October 2025.
Selection Procedure
- February 2026: UM checks if all applications are complete.
- March 2026: Faculties shortlist and rank their top 5 candidates.
- Late March 2026: Shortlisted applicants are invited for online interviews.
- April–May 2026: Final results are announced (selected, waitlisted, or rejected).
- August 2026: Selected students participate in the mandatory Pre-Academic Training program before the start of their studies.
Please note that the UM NL-High Potential Scholarship is highly competitive - only about 2% of applicants are awarded the scholarship each year.
Why Apply for the UM NL-High Potential Scholarship 2026–2027
- Study at one of Europe’s top international universities.
- Receive €34,000 in full financial support.
- Join a global academic community in a world-class research environment.
- Gain access to career-building networks and professional training.
- Experience life and study in the heart of Europe.
Applications are made on the awarding body's own site. educads does not collect applications or fees.