If you’re considering a master’s degree abroad and want something that truly opens doors, then the Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship might just be one of those opportunities you don’t want to miss. It’s a chance to study in the Netherlands, at a globally-oriented university, with the financial burden dramatically reduced.
Brief description:
Coverage: Fully Funded (tuition + living costs)
Nationality: International (non-EU/EEA)
Degree Level: Master’s
Duration: 13 or 25 months (depending on programme)
University: Maastricht University (Netherlands)
Deadline: 1 February (for 2026/27 intake)
Purpose of the Programme
What’s the point of this scholarship? In simple terms: Maastricht University wants to attract top international talent from outside the EU/EEA, who might otherwise struggle with the costs of studying abroad. The NL-High Potential Scholarship is designed to support students who show strong academic promise, leadership potential, global awareness, and the ability to thrive in an international, multicultural learning environment.
Eligibility Criteria
Before you start dreaming, here are the must-haves. These are the criteria you’ll need to check off:
You must:
- Hold nationality outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland or Suriname.
- Meet requirements to obtain a Dutch entry visa/residence permit.
- Not hold dual nationality with an EU/EEA country or Switzerland.
- Have applied for admission to a full-time master’s programme at Maastricht University (and for the correct academic year) before the specified deadline.
- Have excellent academic results (for example GPA 7.5/10 or equivalent) and preferably be within top 5% of your class.
- Be 35 years of age or younger on 1 September of the intake year (for many cases).
- Have never studied for a full degree programme in the Netherlands (exchange programmes may be allowed).
- Commit to acting as an ambassador for the scholarship/university (e.g., sharing your experience).
- Submit only one application for the scholarship (multiple applications will be disqualified).
Because this is a competitive scholarship (only about 2% of applicants are selected) you’ll want to make sure your profile is strong.
Fields of Study
One of the great things about this scholarship is its broad applicability. If you’re admitted into a participating full-time master’s programme at Maastricht University, you may be eligible. These programmes span multiple faculties—arts & social sciences, law, business & economics, psychology & neuroscience, health & life sciences.
So whether you’re interested in public policy, international law, global health, neuroscience, or beyond—there’s a chance you’ll find a programme at UM that matches your interests and the scholarship criteria.
Benefits of the Scholarship
Here’s where the promise gets quite tangible. If you are selected, what exactly do you receive?
- Full tuition fee waiver for your master’s programme at UM.
- Coverage of living expenses: for a one-year master’s it’s around €15,925, for a two-year programme about €30,625.
- Health & liability insurance (~€700) covered.
- Visa application costs handled by UM’s International Services Desk.
- Pre-academic training costs included (preparation programme to help you adjust).
- Accommodation is provided (you must accept the housing provided, and partners or children may not be accommodated).
Put simply: this scholarship allows you to focus on your studies without the typical heavy financial burden. It gives you the space to engage fully—not just academically, but personally.
Deadline & Important Dates
The deadlines matter—big time. For the 2026/2027 intake for the UM NL-High Potential Scholarship:
- Applications for the master’s programme must be submitted by the programme’s admission deadline (varies by field).
- Scholarship application deadline: 1 February 2026, 23:59 CET.
- You’ll also typically need your student ID from UM (after applying to the master’s programme) before you can submit the scholarship form. So make sure you apply early for the programme itself.
Because the selection is competitive, the earlier you begin preparation, the better.
How to Apply
Here’s a step-by-step process to guide you through applying:
- Choose a master’s programme at Maastricht University that participates in this scholarship. Check that it’s full-time and aligns with your interests.
- Submit your application for admission to that master’s programme through Studielink (the Dutch admissions portal). Ensure you meet all the admission requirements (education background, language, etc.). After submission you’ll receive your UM student ID number.
- Check you meet eligibility for the scholarship: nationality outside EU/EEA/Switzerland/Suriname, age, academic excellence, no previous full degree in Netherlands, etc.
- Complete the scholarship application form via your UM account (once you have your student ID). Gather required documents:
- CV (maximum 2 pages)
- Motivation letter (use the UM template)
- Transcript or proof of academic excellence (GPA, ranking)
- Personal statement of financial need
- Reference letter(s) (preferably academic)
- Contact details of referee(s)
- Submit the scholarship application before the deadline (1 February 2026). Double-check everything because no additions are allowed after submission.
- Selection process: After the scholarship deadline, applications are checked for completeness, faculties select top candidates, interviews may follow, then final decisions are made. Be prepared for a high level of competition.
- If you receive an award, you’ll receive an offer letter which you must sign and return to confirm acceptance. Then you follow instructions for accommodation, visa, arrival, pre-academic training, etc.
Final Thoughts
Here’s the bottom line: if you’re a highly motivated student from outside the EU/EEA, you’ve got great academic results, you’re eager to embrace an international experience and want your education to count for something significant—then the Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship could be a perfect fit.
You’re ready for this. If you put in the effort, this could be the turning point in your academic and professional journey. Warmest encouragement: go ahead, apply with confidence, and imagine what you’ll achieve on the other side.
Official program website: https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/studeren/toelating-inschrijving/financing-your-studies/scholarships/maastricht-university-nl-high