Study in Europe: Apply now for the fully funded Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship 2026
So you want to study in Europe? The Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship 2026 is a chance for you. This scholarship is designed for students from non-EU countries who want to obtain a Master’s degree without the financial burden.
The initiative offers 21 scholarships worth approximately €34,000 each. These are awarded annually to talented international students to help them achieve their best and demonstrate their potential on an international level. Funded by the Maastricht University Scholarship Fund and the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, this is a fully funded opportunity you should not miss.
Scholarship Details at a Glance
- Host Country: Netherlands
- University: Maastricht University (UM)
- Degree Level: Master’s
- Financial Coverage: Fully Funded (Tuition + Stipend)
- Deadline: February 1, 2026
About Maastricht University
Maastricht University is a special place, hosting a diverse community of over 16,000 students from all over the world. It is renowned for its innovative research and unique teaching methods (Problem-Based Learning). The university prides itself on being a hub where people from different countries come together to learn, collaborate, and innovate.
Comprehensive Financial Benefits
The Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship covers all major expenses, allowing students to focus entirely on their studies.
What the Scholarship Covers
- Full Tuition Waiver: The scholarship covers 100% of your tuition fees.
- Living Expenses Stipend: A generous allowance to cover daily living costs:
- €15,925 for a 13-month program.
- €30,625 for a 25-month program.
- Insurance: Coverage for health and liability insurance (approx. €700).
- Visa Costs: The scholarship covers the fees for your visa application.
- Pre-Academic Training: Costs for pre-academic training are covered by the UM International Services Desk.
Eligibility Criteria
This award is highly competitive. To be considered, applicants must meet the following strict criteria:
- Nationality: You must be a citizen of a country outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland, or Suriname.
- Age Limit: Applicants must be under 35 years of age as of September 1, 2026.
- Admission Status: You must apply for a participating full-time Master’s program at Maastricht University for the 2026-2027 academic year.
- Educational Background: You must not have previously participated in a degree-seeking higher education program in the Netherlands (exchange programs are the only exception).
- Academic Excellence: You must demonstrate excellent results in your prior studies. (Typically, only the top 5% of applicants are selected).
Available Fields of Study
Scholarships are available across various faculties, including:
- Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences
- Faculty of Psychology & Neuroscience
- School of Business and Economics
- Faculty of Science and Engineering
Required Documents
To apply, you must upload the following documents in .doc, .docx, or PDF format:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Letter of Motivation
- Proof of Academic Excellence (Official Transcript)
- Personal Statement of Financial Needs
- Reference Letter (including contact details of the referee)
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
The application process consists of two distinct steps that must be completed in order.
- Register for Admission: Apply for one of the participating Master’s programs via Studielink. Once registered, you will receive a Student ID number from Maastricht University.
- Submit Scholarship Application:
- Log in to the UM portal using your new Student ID.
- Fill out the scholarship application form.
- Upload all required documents.
- Submit your application.