Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship for 2025/2026

The Maastricht University (UM) NL-High Potential Scholarship is a highly prestigious scholarship designed to attract top talent from outside the European Union (EU) to pursue master’s degree programs at Maastricht University. This scholarship provides an exceptional opportunity for 21 highly talented international students each academic year. It covers full tuition, provides a monthly stipend, and includes various other benefits to support students in their academic journey. The program targets bright minds who have the potential to make significant contributions to their communities, and are committed to creating positive social change.The scholarship program consists of two components:

1. High Potential Scholarship, funded by the Maastricht University Scholarship Fund.
2. NL Scholarship, which is financed by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science in collaboration with Dutch universities and universities of applied sciences.

These scholarships are aimed at attracting highly qualified international students who wish to pursue full-time master’s degree programs at Maastricht University in the Netherlands.

Scholarship Benefits and Duration

The Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship offers the following benefits:

• Living expenses: €15,925 for a 13-month master’s program or €30,625 for a 25-month master’s program.
• Health & liability insurance: €700
• Visa application costs: Paid for by Maastricht University
• Tuition fees: Covered by the scholarship
• Pre-Academic Training costs: Covered by the scholarship
• International Student Ambassador Programme (ISAP): Costs are covered for the first block

These figures are subject to change, and the scholarship covers a wide range of expenses to ensure that students can focus entirely on their studies without worrying about financial burdens.

Duration of the Scholarship:

• 13 months: For one-year master’s programs
• 25 months: For two-year master’s programs

Eligibility Criteria for the NL-High Potential Scholarship

To be eligible for the Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship, candidates must meet the following criteria:

1. Nationality: You must hold a nationality in a country outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland, or Surinam and meet the visa and residence permit requirements for the Netherlands.
2. Dual nationality: You must not hold dual nationality from an EU/EEA country or Switzerland.
3. Admission to a Master’s Program: You must have applied for and been admitted to a full-time master’s program at Maastricht University for the 2025-2026 academic year. The list of eligible programs is available on the Maastricht University website.
4. No Previous Degree in the Netherlands: You must not have previously participated in a degree-seeking higher education program in the Netherlands. Students who have completed exchange programs in the Netherlands are still eligible.
5. Age Limit: You must not be older than 35 years of age on 1 September 2025.
6. Academic Excellence: You must have obtained excellent results during your prior education. A minimum GPA of 7.5 out of 10 (or its equivalent) is required. You must submit an official document showing your GPA and explaining your grade system.
7. Application Limit: You can only submit one scholarship application, so make sure all your documents meet the requirements before submitting your application. Documents cannot be added or replaced after submission.

Application Procedure for the 2025/2026 Scholarship

The application process for the Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship is competitive and requires careful attention to detail. Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying:

Step 1: Register for a Master’s Program at Maastricht University

You must first apply for admission to one of the participating master’s programs at Maastricht University. The application is submitted via Studielink, where you will receive a student ID number. This student number is necessary to complete the scholarship application form. Be sure to check the specific admission requirements for your chosen master’s program, as these must be met by the time the scholarship deadline approaches.

Step 2: Complete the Scholarship Application Form

Once you have your student ID number, you can proceed with filling out the scholarship application form, which is available on Maastricht University’s website. The application requires you to upload several important documents in PDF or Word format:

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV): Your CV should highlight your educational background, job experience, and any awards or achievements. It should not exceed two A4 pages.
2. Letter of Motivation: Use the provided template to write a strong letter of motivation explaining why you are applying for the scholarship and how it aligns with your future goals.
3. Proof of Academic Excellence: Upload your university transcript showing your most recent GPA and a document explaining your grade system. Only applicants with a GPA of 7.5 out of 10 or higher will be considered.
4. Personal Statement of Financial Need: Write a personal statement detailing your financial circumstances and why receiving the scholarship would benefit you.
5. Reference Letter: Obtain a reference letter from a former professor, lecturer, or employer. The reference letter should be dated and written after February 2024. Be sure to follow the reference letter guidelines provided by Maastricht University.
6. Contact Details of Your Referee: Include your referee’s relationship to you, their work telephone number, and their work or institutional email address. Personal email addresses will not be accepted.

Once you’ve gathered all the required documents, submit your completed scholarship application form. Remember that incomplete applications will not be considered.

Selection Process

The Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship has a highly competitive selection process. Here’s how the selection works:

Step 1: Application Review

After the application deadline (1 February 2025), the UM International Services Desk reviews all submitted applications to ensure completeness.

Step 2: Faculty Review

Complete applications are sent to the respective faculties at Maastricht University, where they are evaluated based on academic excellence, personal motivation, and other factors.

Step 3: Faculty Selection and Ranking

Each faculty selects and ranks its top 5% of scholarship applicants and submits the rankings to the UM International Services Desk for final review in March 2025.

Step 4: Final Selection and Interview

The top-ranked candidates are invited for an online interview, after which the final selection is made. Candidates will be notified of their application status by April 2025.

Step 5: Award Notification

Successful applicants will be informed of their selection and will receive further details about the UM Pre-Academic Training, which is a mandatory three-week component of the scholarship program starting in August 2025.

Important Dates

• Application Deadline: 1 February 2025, 23:59 CET
• Faculty Review: March 2025
• Final Selection: April 2025
• Pre-Academic Training: August 2025

Pre-Academic Training

All recipients of the Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship must participate in the UM Pre-Academic Training Program, a three-week mandatory course designed to help students prepare for their academic journey in the Netherlands. The program focuses on developing academic skills, understanding Dutch culture, and building a network with other international students.

Student Testimonials

Several students who have received the Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship share their experiences and how the scholarship impacted their academic and professional careers:

• Amara from Nigeria: “The Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship gave me the opportunity to pursue my dream of studying international law in one of the best universities in Europe. The financial support and the academic training I received helped me grow both academically and personally.”
• Sasha from Ukraine: “I would not have been able to study data science without this scholarship. The support I received throughout my master’s program was invaluable, and it prepared me to make a real difference in my field.”

The Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship is an exceptional opportunity for talented students from outside the EU/EEA to pursue their academic dreams at one of the leading universities in the Netherlands. With full tuition coverage, a monthly stipend, and various other benefits, this scholarship is designed to alleviate financial burdens and allow students to focus on their education and personal growth.

However, given its competitiveness (only 2% of applicants are awarded), prospective candidates should carefully prepare their application materials and demonstrate strong academic achievement, personal motivation, and financial need. If selected, students will not only gain access to world-class education but also be part of a vibrant international community dedicated to creating positive social change.

For more information and to begin your application, visit the Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship page.