The Maastricht University (UM) NL-High Potential Scholarship 2026–2027 offers an incredible opportunity for outstanding international students from outside the EU/EEA to pursue a fully funded master’s degree in the Netherlands. Each year, 21 full scholarships worth up to €34,000 (including tuition, living expenses, and insurance) are awarded to exceptional candidates who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a strong desire to make an impact in their field.

This prestigious scholarship is a joint initiative of the Maastricht University Scholarship Fund and the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, as part of the national NL Scholarship programme. It aims to attract top global talent to study at Maastricht University, one of Europe’s leading research institutions, and support their professional and personal development in a world-class academic environment.

Applicants must come from outside the EU/EEA, meet the admission criteria for a participating master’s programme, and hold an outstanding academic record (minimum GPA 7.5/10 or equivalent). Selected students will benefit from complete financial coverage, pre-academic training, and the chance to become ambassadors of Maastricht University’s global community.

A €100 handling fee (excluding bank costs) is required for all UM bachelor’s, master’s, and pre-master’s programs if your diploma is from a non-EU/EEA curriculum. The fee covers administrative costs for assessing prior education. Applications will not be processed without payment.

Handling Fee Exemptions 

You are exempt if you:

• Previously paid the UM handling fee or studied at UM (any program/exchange).
• Completed education in the UK or Switzerland.
• Hold a VWO diploma from Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, or Suriname.
• Completed an IB or European Baccalaureate diploma.
• They were pre-assessed by a partner university in a UM double-degree program.
• Have refugee status or a valid refugee residence permit (type III/IV) in the Netherlands.
• They are financially supported by UAF (Foundation for Refugee Students).
• Are Ukrainians with Temporary Protection Directive status.

Key Details and Dates

• Application Deadline: 1 February 2026 (23:59 CET)
• Result Announcement: April–May 2026
• Pre-Academic Training: August 2026
• Funding Type: Fully Funded
• Organizer/Host Institution: Maastricht University (UM)
• Eligible Countries: All non-EU/EEA, Switzerland, and Suriname countries
• Eligible Gender: Male/Female
• Target Group: International students with outstanding academic records
• Field: All full-time master’s programmes at UM
• Study Level: Master’s degree
• Degree Required: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
• Number of Opportunities: 21 scholarships
• Duration: 13 months (1-year master) or 25 months (2-year master)
• Program Language: English
• Host Country: Netherlands

Benefits and Financial Aids

Each UM NL-High Potential Scholarship covers the following items with a total of €34,000:

• Living Expenses: €15,925 (13 months) / €30,625 (25 months)
• Tuition Fees: Fully covered
• Health & Liability Insurance: €700 (arranged by UM)
• Visa Application Costs: Fully covered
• Pre-Academic Training Costs: Fully covered
• Accommodation: Mandatory housing provided by UM
• ISAP Programme Costs: Covered for the first study block

Note: Airfare is not included. Accommodation is single-occupancy and not suitable for families.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Hold a nationality outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland, or Surinam.
• Meet visa and residence requirements for the Netherlands.
• Have applied for admission to an eligible full-time master’s programme by 8 December 2025.
• Be under 35 years old as of 1 September 2026.
• Have an excellent academic record (minimum GPA 7.5/10, or equivalent 75%/3.0 CGPA).
• Not having studied for a degree in the Netherlands before (exchange students are eligible).
• Preferably, not hold a prior master’s degree.
• Commit to serving as a UM ambassador during and after the scholarship.
• Submit one complete application per academic year.

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents:

• Updated Curriculum Vitae (max two pages)
• Motivation Letter (using UM template)
• Proof of Academic Excellence (official transcript & grading scale explanation)
• Personal Statement of Financial Need
• One Reference Letter (from a professor/employer; not family)
• Referee Contact Details (institutional email required)

Selection Process 

The highlights of the selection procedure are as follows:

• Applications checked for completeness by the UM International Services Desk after 1 February 2026.
• Complete applications forwarded to UM Faculties in February 2026.
• Each Faculty selects and ranks its top 5 candidates and submits them in March 2026.
• Final selections confirmed and online interviews held by the end of March 2026.
• Candidates notified of results in April–May 2026 (selected, waitlisted, or rejected).
• Awardees will receive details for the mandatory Pre-Academic Training starting in August 2026.
• Selected candidates must sign and return the award letter to confirm acceptance.

Note: This is a highly competitive scholarship. Only about 2% of applicants are selected.

How to Apply?

Step 1: Apply for admission to an eligible UM master’s programme via Studielink.nl by 8 December 2025 to obtain your student ID number.

Step 2: Use your UM account to access and complete the Scholarship Application Form. Upload all required documents in PDF or DOC format.

Further details are available on the official UM website.

Check More Scholarships:

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