Maastricht University Scholarship 2027–28 – Eligibility, Amount, Requirements & Application Process
The Maastricht University Scholarship 2027–28 is an excellent opportunity for talented international students who want to pursue a master’s degree in the Netherlands with financial support. Maastricht University (UM) offers several scholarship options for international students, including the highly competitive UM NL-High Potential Scholarship and the UM NL Brightlands Talent Scholarship.
For the 2027–28 academic year, the UM NL-High Potential Scholarship offers 18 full scholarships to eligible students from outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland and Surinam. The scholarship can cover tuition fees, living expenses, insurance, visa costs and other approved expenses during the scholarship period.
This guide explains the Maastricht University Scholarship eligibility criteria, scholarship amount, required documents, application deadlines, participating programmes and the complete application process.
What Is Maastricht University Scholarship?
Maastricht University scholarships are financial support opportunities for talented students who want to study at Maastricht University.
The university offers several scholarships for international students, but applicants must check the nationality, degree level and programme requirements before applying. For the 2027–28 academic year, Maastricht University lists the UM NL-High Potential Scholarship and UM NL Brightlands Talent Scholarship among its major opportunities for non-EU/EEA master’s applicants.
These scholarships are highly competitive. Therefore, meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not automatically guarantee selection.
Maastricht University Scholarship 2027–28 Latest Update
For students planning to start a master’s degree in September 2027, scholarship applications open on:
1 October 2026
The scholarship application deadline is:
1 February 2027 at 23:59 CET
However, students who want to be considered for the scholarship must complete their master’s programme admission application by the earlier deadline of:
10 December 2026
This distinction is extremely important. A student should not wait until February to complete the university admission application.
UM NL-High Potential Scholarship 2027–28
The UM NL-High Potential Scholarship is one of the main full scholarship opportunities at Maastricht University.
For the 2027–28 academic year, Maastricht University is offering:
- 18 full scholarships
- Master’s level study
- Applicants from outside the EU/EEA
- Full-time participating master’s programmes
- Scholarship duration of 13 months for a one-year master’s
- Scholarship duration of 25 months for a two-year master’s programme
The university describes this as a highly competitive scholarship, with only a small proportion of applicants ultimately receiving an award.
Maastricht University Scholarship Amount
One of the biggest advantages of the UM NL-High Potential Scholarship is its broad financial coverage.
For 2027–28, the listed support includes:
| Benefit | Scholarship Support |
|---|---|
| Living expenses – 13-month programme | €20,150 |
| Living expenses – 25-month programme | €38,750 |
| Health & liability insurance | €700 |
| Tuition fees | Covered at cost |
| Visa application costs | Covered at cost |
| Pre-Academic Training | Covered at cost |
| International Student Ambassador Programme | Covered for the first block |
The living-expense amounts are paid to students through the UM International Services Desk, while several other costs are arranged and paid directly by the university.
Students should always check the official scholarship page for the latest figures because scholarship amounts and arrangements can change for future academic years.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The scholarship is designed to cover many of the major costs associated with studying in the Netherlands.
Tuition Fees
The scholarship covers the applicable tuition fee for the participating master’s programme.
Living Expenses
Students receive financial support for living costs during the scholarship period.
For 2027–28, the university lists €20,150 for a 13-month programme and €38,750 for a 25-month programme.
Health and Liability Insurance
The scholarship includes health and liability insurance arrangements.
Visa Costs
Eligible visa application costs are covered according to the scholarship terms.
Pre-Academic Training
The scholarship includes a mandatory pre-academic training component before the academic programme begins.
Accommodation
A room is allocated to scholarship recipients as part of the scholarship arrangements. For students in a two-year programme, the accommodation arrangement does not automatically cover housing for the second year, so they need to make their own arrangements for that period.
Maastricht University Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must satisfy several conditions before they can be considered for the UM NL-High Potential Scholarship.
Non-EU/EEA Nationality
Applicants must have nationality from a country outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland or Surinam and meet the applicable requirements for obtaining a Dutch entry visa and residence permit.
Applicants should also carefully check the university’s nationality and residence requirements before applying.
Admission to a Participating Master’s Programme
Applicants must apply for a qualifying full-time master’s programme at Maastricht University for the 2027–28 academic year.
The complete programme admission application must be submitted by 10 December 2026.
Age Requirement
For the UM NL-High Potential Scholarship, applicants must be 35 years old or younger on 1 September 2027.
Academic Excellence
Applicants must demonstrate excellent academic performance.
The university requires a latest GPA of at least: 7.5 out of 10
Depending on the grading system, this is generally equivalent to at least 75% out of 100% or 3.0 out of 4.0, according to the university’s published guidance. Applicants must provide official evidence of their GPA and grading system.
Previous Study in the Netherlands
Applicants must not have previously participated in a degree-seeking higher education programme in the Netherlands.
Students who have previously completed an exchange programme in the Netherlands may still be eligible.
Master’s Degree
Preference is given to applicants who have not already obtained a master’s degree.
Eligible Maastricht University Master’s Programmes
Not every master’s programme at Maastricht University qualifies for the UM NL-High Potential Scholarship.
The participating programme list includes selected degrees across different faculties.
Examples include:
- Arts and Culture
- European Studies
- European Studies on Society, Science and Technology
- European Law School
- Globalisation and Law
- International and European Tax Law
- Forensics, Criminology and Law
- Epidemiology
- Global Health
- Health Education and Promotion
- Healthcare Policy, Innovation and Management
- Human Movement Sciences
- Forensic Psychology
- Psychology
- Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience
The official participating-programme list should be checked before submitting an application because eligibility depends on the specific programme.
Maastricht University Scholarship Application Deadline
Applicants should remember two different deadlines.
Master’s Admission Deadline
10 December 2026
The complete admission application for the participating master’s programme must be submitted by this date if the applicant wants to be considered for the scholarship.
Scholarship Application Deadline
1 February 2027 at 23:59 CET
The scholarship application itself must be submitted by this deadline.
Therefore, students should begin the process well before December rather than waiting for the scholarship deadline.
How to Apply for Maastricht University Scholarship?
The application process has two major stages.
Step 1: Apply for a Master’s Programme
First, choose a participating master’s programme at Maastricht University.
Applicants normally start their programme application through Studielink and then complete the required admission steps through the university’s application system.
Once the university application has been submitted, the applicant receives a UM student ID number.
This student number is needed for the scholarship application.
Step 2: Complete the Scholarship Application
After receiving the UM student number, eligible applicants can access the scholarship application form.
The application must be submitted through the university’s designated scholarship application system.
Applicants should prepare all documents before submitting because the university states that the scholarship application can only be submitted once.
Documents Required for Maastricht University Scholarship
Applicants should prepare strong and accurate supporting documents.
Depending on the scholarship and programme, these can include:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Motivation letter
- Academic transcript
- Official GPA information
- Grading-system explanation
- Financial-need statement
- Reference letter
- Referee contact details
- Other documents required by the selected master’s programme
For the UM NL-High Potential Scholarship, the university specifically requires official evidence of the applicant’s latest GPA and an explanation of the grading system.
How to Write a Strong Scholarship Motivation Letter?
The motivation letter is an important part of a competitive scholarship application.
A strong motivation letter should not simply repeat the information already written in the CV.
Instead, explain:
- Why you selected the specific master’s programme.
- Why Maastricht University is relevant to your academic goals.
- What academic achievements demonstrate your potential.
- What extracurricular activities show initiative.
- How your future goals connect with the scholarship.
- Why financial support would make a meaningful difference.
- How you can contribute to the university community.
The goal is to present a clear connection between your academic background, future plans and the scholarship’s objectives.
How Are Maastricht University Scholarships Selected?
The scholarship selection process is competitive.
For the UM NL-High Potential Scholarship, the International Services Desk first checks whether applications are complete.
Complete applications are then sent to the relevant faculties.
Faculties select and rank their strongest candidates. Selected candidates can subsequently be invited for an online interview.
The university expects to inform candidates about their application status during April 2027, with final outcomes for selected, waitlisted or rejected applicants expected by early May 2027 at the latest.
What Does Maastricht University Look for in Applicants?
Maastricht University states that scholarship applicants can be assessed on factors including:
- Academic excellence
- Extracurricular engagement
- Active citizenship
- Financial need
Because the number of scholarships is limited, applicants should demonstrate more than good grades alone.
A strong application should therefore show both academic ability and evidence of personal development, initiative and contribution.
UM NL Brightlands Talent Scholarship
Another important opportunity is the UM NL Brightlands Talent Scholarship.
For 2027–28, the programme offers two full-coverage scholarships for selected non-EU/EEA, non-Switzerland and non-Surinam students who are admitted to participating master’s programmes connected with the Brightlands campuses.
The scholarship includes tuition fees, living expenses, insurance, visa costs and pre-academic training under its published terms.
Brightlands Scholarship Requirements
Applicants generally need to:
- Be from an eligible non-EU/EEA country.
- Apply to a participating master’s programme.
- Meet the programme’s admission requirements.
- Be 35 or younger on 1 September 2027.
- Have a GPA of at least 7.5/10.
- Demonstrate personal development potential.
- Show motivation to contribute to the Brightlands campus community.
The scholarship also includes a mandatory thesis-internship programme connected to one of the Brightlands campuses.
Maastricht University Scholarship vs Brightlands Scholarship
Both scholarships provide substantial financial support, but they are not identical.
| Feature | UM NL-High Potential | UM NL Brightlands Talent |
|---|---|---|
| Level | Master’s | Master’s |
| Target applicants | Non-EU/EEA | Non-EU/EEA |
| 2027–28 awards | 18 | 2 |
| GPA requirement | 7.5/10 or higher | 7.5/10 or higher |
| Maximum age | 35 | 35 |
| Tuition | Covered | Covered |
| Living expenses | Included | Included |
| Visa costs | Included | Included |
| Insurance | Included | Included |
| Special requirement | UM ambassador activities | Brightlands thesis-internship programme |
Both are highly competitive and require admission to an eligible programme.
Can Pakistani Students Apply for Maastricht University Scholarship?
Pakistani students can potentially apply if they meet the relevant non-EU/EEA nationality, academic, age, programme and other scholarship requirements.
However, nationality alone does not guarantee eligibility.
A Pakistani applicant should first confirm that the selected master’s programme participates in the scholarship and then complete the university admission process within the required deadline.
The applicant should also check Maastricht University’s visa and residence requirements for international students.
Is Maastricht University Scholarship Fully Funded?
The UM NL-High Potential Scholarship is described as a full scholarship and includes tuition fees, living expenses, insurance, visa costs and pre-academic training under the published terms.
However, applicants should read the detailed terms carefully because not every personal expense is necessarily covered.
For example, the Brightlands scholarship information states that air tickets are not included, and certain accommodation-related costs can also remain the student’s responsibility.
Therefore, “fully funded” should not be interpreted as every possible expense being paid.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applying for the Scholarship Before the Master’s Programme
Students need to apply for the relevant Maastricht University master’s programme first.
Missing the 10 December Admission Deadline
This is one of the most important dates for scholarship applicants.
The scholarship deadline is in February, but the complete programme admission application must be submitted by December 10, 2026.
Applying to an Ineligible Programme
Not every master’s degree participates in the scholarship.
Always check the official participating-programme list.
Submitting Multiple Scholarship Applications
Maastricht University states that applicants are allowed to apply for only one UM scholarship. Multiple applications can result in disqualification.
Providing an Incorrect GPA
Applicants must provide official documentation showing their GPA and grading system.
Waiting Until the Last Day
Because the scholarship is highly competitive and documents need to be prepared carefully, applicants should start well before the final deadline.
Maastricht University Scholarship 2027–28 Timeline
Here is a simple timeline for students planning to apply:
1 October 2026: Scholarship applications open.
10 December 2026: Complete master’s admission application deadline for scholarship consideration.
1 February 2027: Scholarship application deadline.
February 2027: Complete applications are reviewed and sent to faculties.
March 2027: Faculties rank candidates and submit their selections.
April 2027: Candidates are informed about their scholarship status following the selection process.
May 2027: Final selected, waitlisted or rejected statuses are expected to be confirmed.
August 2027: Mandatory pre-academic training takes place for scholarship recipients.
These dates are based on the university’s published 2027–28 scholarship information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Maastricht University Scholarship 2027–28?
It is a group of scholarship opportunities offered by Maastricht University for eligible international students. One of the major options is the UM NL-High Potential Scholarship for non-EU/EEA master’s students.
How many UM NL-High Potential Scholarships are available?
For 2027–28, Maastricht University offers 18 full scholarships under the UM NL-High Potential Scholarship programme.
What GPA is required?
The published minimum GPA requirement is 7.5 out of 10 or higher. The university also requires supporting documentation explaining the grading system.
What is the scholarship application deadline?
The scholarship application deadline for 2027–28 is 1 February 2027 at 23:59 CET.
When is the master’s admission deadline?
Students applying for scholarship consideration must complete their master’s programme admission application by 10 December 2026.
Can Pakistani students apply?
Yes, Pakistani students can potentially apply if they meet the applicable non-EU/EEA eligibility requirements and all academic, programme and scholarship conditions.
Is tuition fee covered?
For the UM NL-High Potential Scholarship, tuition fees are covered at cost according to the scholarship terms.
Does the scholarship cover living expenses?
Yes. For 2027–28, the published living-expense support is €20,150 for a 13-month programme and €38,750 for a 25-month programme.
Can I apply for more than one Maastricht University scholarship?
No. Maastricht University states that applicants can apply for only one UM scholarship.
Is the scholarship guaranteed if I meet the GPA requirement?
No. Meeting the minimum GPA and other requirements makes an applicant eligible for consideration, but the scholarship is highly competitive and selection depends on the university’s assessment process.
Final Conclusion
The Maastricht University Scholarship 2027–28 provides an important opportunity for talented international students who want to study for a master’s degree in the Netherlands.
The UM NL-High Potential Scholarship is particularly attractive because it offers 18 full scholarships and can cover tuition fees, living expenses, insurance, visa costs and pre-academic training. Applicants need a strong academic record, with a minimum published GPA of 7.5/10, and must satisfy the nationality, age and programme requirements.
The most important thing for applicants is to understand the difference between the master’s admission deadline of 10 December 2026 and the scholarship deadline of 1 February 2027. Waiting until February to complete the university admission application could mean missing the opportunity to be considered for the scholarship.
Students should carefully check the official Maastricht University scholarship page and the admission requirements of their selected master’s programme before submitting an application. Requirements can vary by programme, and scholarship information may be updated by the university.