Maastricht University NL‑High Potential Scholarship 2027 , Netherlands (Fully Funded)
The Maastricht University NL‑High Potential Scholarship is a prestigious, fully funded opportunity for outstanding international students who wish to pursue a master’s degree in the Netherlands. Offered by Maastricht University (UM) in collaboration with the Dutch Ministry of Education, this scholarship supports highly talented students from outside the EU/EEA by covering tuition fees, living expenses, insurance, and visa-related costs.
This scholarship is extremely competitive and merit-based, making it one of the most sought-after funding options for international master’s students in Europe.
Scholarship Overview
- Fully Funded
- Maastricht University
- Masters
- All Subjects
- International Students
- Netherlands
Degree Level
The scholarship is available for:
- One-year Master’s programmes
- Two-year Master’s programmes
Only selected full-time master’s programmes at Maastricht University are eligible. Applicants must apply to a participating programme to be considered for the scholarship.
Available Subjects
The Maastricht University NL‑High Potential Scholarship covers a wide range of disciplines, including but not limited to:
- Health Sciences & Medicine
- Epidemiology & Public Health
- Law & European Studies
- Artificial Intelligence & Technology
- Sustainability & Environmental Sciences
- Media Studies & Digital Cultures
- Psychology, Neuroscience & Cognitive Science
- Business, Economics & Policy Studies
- Life Sciences & Systems Biology
Availability depends on the faculty and participating programmes offered by Maastricht University.
Benefits
The Maastricht University NL‑High Potential Scholarship provides comprehensive financial coverage, including:
Financial Benefits
- Full tuition fee waiver
- Monthly living allowance (covering accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses)
- Health and liability insurance
- Visa and residence permit costs
- Pre-academic training programme costs
- International Student Ambassador Programme participation
Accommodation
- Mandatory university-arranged housing
- Rent included within the living allowance
- Accommodation preferences (including religious considerations) are taken into account
Note: Airfare is not included and must be paid by the student.
Eligible Nationalities
Applicants must:
- Hold nationality from a country outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland, or Suriname
- Not possess dual citizenship with an EU/EEA country or Switzerland
- Be eligible to obtain a Dutch entry visa and residence permit
Students who previously studied in the Netherlands as exchange students may still apply.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must:
- Be under 35 years of age at the start of the academic year
- Have excellent academic performance (minimum GPA equivalent to 7.5/10)
- Have applied for and met the admission requirements of an eligible UM master’s programme
- Not have previously completed a degree-seeking programme in the Netherlands
- Preferably not already hold a master’s degree
- Be willing to act as a UM scholarship ambassador during and after studies
- Submit only one scholarship application with complete documentation
Application Procedure
Step 1: Apply for a Master’s Programme
- Submit your application through the official Dutch higher education portal
- Choose a participating full-time master’s programme at Maastricht University
- Receive your UM student ID number after applying
Step 2: Apply for the Scholarship
- Log in using your UM account
- Complete the online scholarship application form
- Upload all required documents before submitting (only one submission allowed)
Required Documents
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivation Letter (using the official scholarship template)
- Academic transcripts showing GPA
- Explanation of grading system
- Personal financial needs statement
- Reference letter from an academic or professional referee
- Referee contact details (institutional email and work phone number)
Incomplete or incorrect applications are not considered.
Selection Procedure
- Initial screening for completeness by UM International Services Desk
- Faculty-level academic evaluation and ranking
- Shortlisted candidates invited for an online interview
- Final scholarship decisions communicated via email
Applicants may be selected, waitlisted, or rejected based on merit and availability.
Why Choose Maastricht University?
- Globally recognized research-driven institution
- Strong focus on problem-based learning (PBL)
- Multicultural and international study environment
- Excellent career prospects across Europe
Final Thoughts
The Maastricht University NL‑High Potential Scholarship is an exceptional opportunity for high-achieving international students seeking a fully funded master’s degree in the Netherlands. With comprehensive financial support and access to world-class education, this scholarship opens doors to global academic and professional success.