About the opportunity
Maastricht University (UM) provides several scholarship schemes to support top-performing undergraduate and graduate students facing financial difficulties. Grounded in small-scale Problem-Based Learning (PBL) within an international academic setting, these scholarships aim to nurture globally oriented thinkers and active citizens who will serve as university ambassadors during and after their degree programs. Offerings include institutional schemes such as the UM NL-High Potential Scholarship, UM NL Brightlands Talent Scholarship, UM NL Global Studies Scholarship, and UM NL Social Justice Scholarship, as well as faculty-specific and externally funded awards.
Funding and benefits
- Full and partial funding opportunities depending on the specific scholarship awarded
- Coverage options ranging from complete tuition fee waivers and living expense stipends to partial fee reductions
- Access to Maastricht University's international Problem-Based Learning academic community
Who can apply?
- Must apply for an eligible Maastricht University undergraduate or master's degree program prior to submitting a scholarship application
- Demonstrated academic excellence
- Active extracurricular engagement and civic commitment
- Demonstrated financial need or difficulty in financing studies at Maastricht University
- Must meet the specific nationality criteria of the chosen scholarship (e.g., non-EU/EEA for UM NL scholarships, or EU/EEA/specific regions for other designated funds)
- Applicants may apply for only one Maastricht University scholarship; submitting multiple UM scholarship applications leads to disqualification
Required documents
- Completed application for an eligible Maastricht University degree programme
- Academic transcripts and evidence of academic excellence
- Documentation demonstrating financial need
- Curriculum vitae highlighting extracurricular involvement and active citizenship
- Any additional program-specific supporting materials required by the chosen scholarship track
When to apply
- Degree program complete admission application deadline: December 10, 2026 (for study programs linked to UM NL scholarships)
- UM scholarship application window opens: October 1, 2026
- UM scholarship application deadline: February 1, 2027 at 23:59 CET
- External and partner scholarships opening date: February 1, 2027 (unless otherwise stated, such as Fulbright on October 6, 2026)
How to apply
- Check specific eligibility rules regarding nationality, faculty, and study programme for the scholarship of interest
- Submit a complete application for admission to an eligible Maastricht University degree program before the December 10 study programme deadline
- Select and prepare the single UM scholarship for which you meet all criteria
- Submit the online scholarship application through the university portal between October 1, 2026 and February 1, 2027 at 23:59 CET
Additional information
- Scholarship recipients are expected to act as ambassadors for Maastricht University during and after their studies.
- If awarded a scholarship that covers only tuition fees, students are responsible for securing sufficient funds for rent, food, and health insurance across their entire period of study.
- Inquiries can be directed to the UM Scholarship Office at scholarships@maastrichtuniversity.nl.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- High-performing international or domestic applicants with strong academic records who require financial support to study in the Netherlands.
- Students with demonstrated community leadership, social engagement, or extracurricular achievements who thrive in small-scale, collaborative Problem-Based Learning formats.
- Candidates targeting specific eligible bachelor's or master's faculties such as SBE, FASoS, LAW, FHML, or FSE.
What should you think carefully about?
- Strict rule allowing only one scholarship application per applicant, meaning you must carefully evaluate which scheme best matches your profile.
- Tight sequential timeline requiring a complete degree admission application by December 10 before the scholarship portal closes on February 1.
- Partial awards require personal financial capacity to cover living costs, rent, and insurance in Maastricht.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This opportunity is designed for talented students aiming to complete a full undergraduate or master's degree in an innovative, internationally focused European university. It directly supports individuals who have the academic capability and civic drive to excel but need substantial financial backing to pursue international higher education.
Our take
Strong candidates with clear financial need and exceptional academic records should prioritize meeting the early December degree application cutoff. Those unwilling to commit to the single-application constraint or unable to supplement partial funding should consider broader external alternatives.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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