Maastricht University High Potential Scholarship 2027
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Overview
The Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship offers 18 full scholarships each year to highly talented students from outside the EU who are admitted to a participating Master’s programme at Maastricht University in the Netherlands. It pays your tuition fees and a monthly stipend of EUR 1,550, and it covers your health and liability insurance. Only about 2% of applicants receive an award. For the full list of benefits, see what the scholarship covers.
What to know before applying
You must hold a nationality outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland and Suriname, with no dual EU/EEA or Swiss nationality. You also need a GPA of at least 7.5 out of 10 (75% or 3 out of 4), and you must be no older than 35 on 1 September 2027. You cannot have taken part in a degree-seeking programme in the Netherlands before, although exchange students are welcome, and candidates without a Master’s degree get preference. The scholarship application needs a CV, a letter of motivation, your transcript, a personal statement of financial needs and a reference letter dated no earlier than February 2026. You upload the reference letter yourself, and family members cannot be referees.
A room is allocated to you and is mandatory, so refusing it cancels the scholarship. Rent comes out of your monthly stipend. Air tickets are not included, and the housing is not suitable for partners, children or pets. Scholars also agree to act as UM ambassadors and complete a two-week Pre-Academic Training in August 2027. To compare other Dutch and European options, see the NL Scholarship, the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship, fully funded scholarships and more Master’s scholarships.
Timeline notes
You must first apply for your Master’s through Studielink and complete your admission file by 10 December 2026. The scholarship form is open from 1 October 2026 until 1 February 2027, and the portal is unavailable from 22 to 26 October because of an upgrade. Online interviews follow in late March 2027, and you learn your status in April or by the beginning of May 2027 at the latest. See the application deadline section for the current status.
About the Maastricht University High Potential Scholarship
The Maastricht University High Potential Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship offered by Maastricht University, with the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science for study in Netherlands. The scholarship supports students pursuing Masters studies in Participating full-time Master's programmes at Maastricht University only. The list is on the official page. Recipients receive EUR 1,550 per month for living expenses, paid as EUR 20,150 for 13 months or EUR 38,750 for 25 months. Amounts may change for 2028-2029 for a duration of 13 months for a one-year Master's programme and 25 months for a two-year programme.
Eligible applicants: Nationals of countries outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland and Suriname who do not hold dual EU/EEA or Swiss nationality. Academic standing: A GPA of 7.5 out of 10 or higher, equal to 75% or 3 out of 4.
If you meet the eligibility requirements and align with the Maastricht University High Potential Scholarship selection criteria, this represents a life-changing opportunity to study with full financial support. Read the sections below carefully to understand the benefits, eligibility, application process, and deadline before applying.
Scholarship Benefits & What's Covered
Selected recipients of the Maastricht University High Potential Scholarship receive a comprehensive funding package. Here's what the scholarship covers:
- Stipend and allowances: EUR 1,550 per month for living expenses, paid as EUR 20,150 for 13 months or EUR 38,750 for 25 months. Amounts may change for 2028-2029
- Tuition fees: Yes, tuition fees are arranged and paid by the UM International Services Desk
- Accommodation: A room is allocated until 16 July 2028 and is mandatory, with the rent paid from the monthly living expenses amount. Two-year students find housing themselves for the second year
- Airfare / travel: No, air tickets are not included
- Health insurance: Yes, health and liability insurance of EUR 700 is arranged and paid by the UM International Services Desk
- Family / dependants: No. The accommodation is not suitable for partners, spouses, children or pets
- Program duration: 13 months for a one-year Master's programme and 25 months for a two-year programme
- Number of awards per year: 18 full scholarships per academic year
The scholarship is classified as Fully Funded. This means recipients receive complete financial coverage throughout their study period, allowing them to focus entirely on their academic and research goals without financial burden.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the Maastricht University High Potential Scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements. Applications from ineligible candidates are automatically rejected, so review these carefully before applying.
Academic requirements
- Minimum degree level: Admission to a participating full-time Master's programme at Maastricht University. Preference goes to candidates who do not yet hold a Master's degree
- Academic standing: A GPA of 7.5 out of 10 or higher, equal to 75% or 3 out of 4
- Academic background: You must never have taken part in a degree-seeking higher education programme in the Netherlands, although exchange students are welcome. You can apply once and for one scholarship only. Only about 2% of applicants are awarded the scholarship
- Fields of study: Participating full-time Master's programmes at Maastricht University only. The list is on the official page
Nationality & residency
- Eligible countries: Nationals of countries outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland and Suriname who do not hold dual EU/EEA or Swiss nationality
- Residency: You must meet the requirements for an entry visa and residence permit for the Netherlands. A residence permit for another Schengen country must be valid until at least 2 September 2027
Language requirements
- Language of instruction: Not communicated
- Language test: Set by the admission requirements of your Master's programme
- Minimum score: Not communicated
Other requirements
- Age: Not older than 35 on 1 September 2027
- Gender: Not communicated
How to Apply for the Maastricht University High Potential Scholarship
Applications for the Maastricht University High Potential Scholarship are submitted through the official channels of Maastricht University, with the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science. Follow these steps to submit a strong application:
Step 1: Verify eligibility. Confirm you meet every requirement listed above, particularly nationality, academic level, and language proficiency. Applications from ineligible candidates are automatically rejected without review.
Step 2: Prepare required documents. You will need to submit: CV of up to two pages, a letter of motivation on the official template, a transcript or official document showing your latest GPA with a document explaining your grade system, a personal statement of financial needs, a reference letter dated no earlier than February 2026 and the contact details of one referee. Visa costs, the two-week Pre-Academic Training and the first block of the International Student Ambassador Programme are paid by the university. Prepare each document carefully, reviewers typically shortlist based on document quality and completeness.
Step 3: Secure reference letters. Yes, one letter from a former professor, lecturer or employer, uploaded by you. Family members cannot be referees. Contact your referees early. References take time to prepare.
Step 4: Submit the application. Complete the application on the official portal before the deadline. The application deadline for this scholarship is 1 Feb 2027. Late or incomplete applications are not considered.
Step 5: Await response. Shortlisting typically takes 4–8 weeks after the deadline. Successful candidates are invited to interview or additional assessment. Final decisions are announced 3–6 months after the application deadline.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the Maastricht University High Potential Scholarship is 1 Feb 2027. Application window: 2026-10-01.
We strongly recommend starting your application at least 6–8 weeks before the deadline to allow sufficient time for document preparation, reference letter requests, and revisions to your personal statement. Rushed applications are visibly weaker and reduce your chance of shortlisting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Maastricht University High Potential Scholarship fully funded?
The scholarship is classified as Fully Funded. This means it covers all or most major costs — see the Benefits section above for a full breakdown.
Who can apply for the Maastricht University High Potential Scholarship?
Applicants must be from Nationals of countries outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland and Suriname who do not hold dual EU/EEA or Swiss nationality. Additionally, applicants must hold Admission to a participating full-time Master's programme at Maastricht University. Preference goes to candidates who do not yet hold a Master's degree. Full eligibility criteria including language, age, and academic requirements are detailed in the Eligibility section above.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline for the Maastricht University High Potential Scholarship is 1 Feb 2027. Late applications are not accepted, so aim to submit at least 2 weeks in advance.
Is there a bond or return obligation?
You agree to be an active UM NL High Potential and UM ambassador during and after your studies by sharing your experience in at least one information session.
Where do I apply?
Apply directly on the official portal: Application Link. ScholarshipSpace does not process applications on their behalf.