About this opportunity
The Maastricht University NL High Potential Scholarship 2027/28 offers 18 full scholarships to talented non EU students for full time master's programmes in the Netherlands. Funded jointly by the Maastricht University Scholarship Fund and the Dutch Ministry of Education, it covers full tuition, a €1,550 monthly living allowance, health and liability insurance and visa costs. The scholarship application deadline is 1 February 2027, but the complete master's admission file must be submitted by 10 December 2026.
The Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship 2027/28 is a fully funded scholarship offered by Maastricht University for applicants heading to Netherlands. Applications close on Feb 1, 2027.
Who should apply?
This may be a fit if the following points describe you. Always use the official criteria as the final check.
- Hold the nationality of a country outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland and Suriname, and meet the requirements for a Netherlands entry visa and residence permit
- Not hold dual EU/EEA or Swiss nationality
- Have applied for a participating full time master's programme at Maastricht University for the 2027/28 academic year
- Meet the specific admission requirements of the chosen master's programme
- Have excellent academic results, with a GPA equivalent to at least 7.5 out of 10
- Be no older than 35 on 1 September 2027
- Not have completed a full degree seeking programme in the Netherlands previously
- Be willing to become an active student ambassador for Maastricht University
What the opportunity may offer
- Full tuition fees covered at actual cost
- Living expenses of €20,150 for a 13 month master's programme or €38,750 for a 25 month programme (€1,550 per month)
- Health and liability insurance of €700
- Visa application costs covered
- Pre academic training costs covered
- A room allocated as part of the scholarship arrangement
- Participation in the International Student Ambassador Programme
Required documents
- Curriculum vitae of maximum two A4 pages
- Motivation letter using the university's scholarship template
- Academic transcript with grading scale explanation
- Personal statement explaining financial need
- Reference letter from a professor, lecturer or employer
- Contact details of the referee's institutional affiliation
- Complete master's admission application submitted through Studielink by 10 December 2026
Application process
- Check the list of participating master's programmes on the official UM scholarships page
- Apply for a participating full time master's programme through Studielink
- Complete the admission file by 10 December 2026 and obtain your UM student ID
- Log in to the scholarship form using your UM student ID from 1 October 2026
- Upload the CV, motivation letter, transcript, financial needs statement and reference letter
- Submit the scholarship application by 1 February 2027 at 23:59 CET
- Await the selection decision; note that only one UM scholarship application per person is allowed
Before you apply
- □Apply before Feb 1, 2027 — confirm the date in your own time zone
- □Confirm that you meet every eligibility condition set by Maastricht University
- □Prepare your 7 required documents in the format asked for
- □Ask referees early and share the official instructions
- □Review the official source once more before submitting
Deadline notes
The scholarship application closes 1 February 2027 at 23:59 CET, but your complete master's admission application must be submitted by 10 December 2026.
Frequently asked questions
How many NL High Potential scholarships are awarded?
18 full scholarships are awarded for the 2027/28 academic year, with roughly 2 percent of applicants receiving one.
What are the two deadlines?
Your complete master's admission application must be submitted by 10 December 2026, and the separate scholarship application by 1 February 2027 at 23:59 CET.
Who is eligible?
Talented students from outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland and Suriname, with a GPA of at least 7.5 out of 10 equivalent, aged 35 or under on 1 September 2027.
Is it fully funded?
Yes, it covers tuition at cost, €1,550 per month living expenses, insurance, visa costs, pre academic training and an allocated room; airfare is not covered.
Can I apply for more than one UM scholarship?
No, you may apply for only one UM scholarship, and multiple applications lead to disqualification.
Programme details can change. Check the original listing before you prepare or submit an application.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-25UShireZone is not affiliated with Maastricht University. We never charge applicants to apply. Always verify details and submit through the official website.