Maastricht University NL‑High Potential Scholarship 2026 , Netherlands (Fully Funded)
The Maastricht University NL‑High Potential Scholarship is a prestigious, fully funded opportunity for outstanding international students who wish to pursue a master’s degree in the Netherlands. Offered by Maastricht University (UM) in collaboration with the Dutch Ministry of Education, this scholarship supports highly talented students from outside the EU/EEA by covering tuition fees, living expenses, insurance, and visa-related costs.
This scholarship is extremely competitive and merit-based, making it one of the most sought-after funding options for international master’s students in Europe.
Degree Level
The scholarship is available for:
One-year Master’s programmes
Two-year Master’s programmes
Only selected full-time master’s programmes at Maastricht University are eligible. Applicants must apply to a participating programme to be considered for the scholarship.
Available Subjects
The Maastricht University NL‑High Potential Scholarship covers a wide range of disciplines, including but not limited to:
Health Sciences & Medicine
Epidemiology & Public Health
Law & European Studies
Artificial Intelligence & Technology
Sustainability & Environmental Sciences
Media Studies & Digital Cultures
Psychology, Neuroscience & Cognitive Science
Business, Economics & Policy Studies
Life Sciences & Systems Biology
Availability depends on the faculty and participating programmes offered by Maastricht University.
Benefits
The Maastricht University NL‑High Potential Scholarship provides comprehensive financial coverage, including:
Financial Benefits
Full tuition fee waiver
Monthly living allowance (covering accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses)
Health and liability insurance
Visa and residence permit costs
Pre-academic training programme costs
International Student Ambassador Programme participation
Accommodation
Mandatory university-arranged housing
Rent included within the living allowance
Accommodation preferences (including religious considerations) are taken into account
Note: Airfare is not included and must be paid by the student.
Eligible Nationalities
Applicants must:
Hold nationality from a country outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland, or Suriname
Not possess dual citizenship with an EU/EEA country or Switzerland
Be eligible to obtain a Dutch entry visa and residence permit
Students who previously studied in the Netherlands as exchange students may still apply.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must:
Be under 35 years of age at the start of the academic year
Have excellent academic performance (minimum GPA equivalent to 7.5/10)
Have applied for and met the admission requirements of an eligible UM master’s programme
Not have previously completed a degree-seeking programme in the Netherlands
Preferably not already hold a master’s degree
Be willing to act as a UM scholarship ambassador during and after studies
Submit only one scholarship application with complete documentation
Application Procedure
Step 1: Apply for a Master’s Programme
Submit your application through the official Dutch higher education portal
Choose a participating full-time master’s programme at Maastricht University
Receive your UM student ID number after applying
Step 2: Apply for the Scholarship
Log in using your UM account
Complete the online scholarship application form
Upload all required documents before submitting (only one submission allowed)
Required Documents
Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Motivation Letter (using the official scholarship template)
Academic transcripts showing GPA
Explanation of grading system
Personal financial needs statement
Reference letter from an academic or professional referee
Referee contact details (institutional email and work phone number)
Incomplete or incorrect applications are not considered.
Selection Procedure
Initial screening for completeness by UM International Services Desk
Faculty-level academic evaluation and ranking
Shortlisted candidates invited for an online interview
Final scholarship decisions communicated via email
Applicants may be selected, waitlisted, or rejected based on merit and availability.
Why Choose Maastricht University?
Globally recognized research-driven institution
Strong focus on problem-based learning (PBL)
Multicultural and international study environment
Excellent career prospects across Europe
Final Thoughts
The Maastricht University NL‑High Potential Scholarship is an exceptional opportunity for high-achieving international students seeking a fully funded master’s degree in the Netherlands. With comprehensive financial support and access to world-class education, this scholarship opens doors to global academic and professional success.
If you have a strong academic record and a clear motivation to study at Maastricht University, this scholarship is worth applying for.
