Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship 2027–2028 in the Netherlands

Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship 2027–2028 in the Netherlands

Scholarship Type: Fully Funded Master’s Scholarship
Study Destination: Netherlands
Eligible Applicants: International students from outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland, and Suriname, subject to the eligibility requirements
Academic Session: 2027–2028
Application Opens: 1 October 2026
Application Deadline: 1 February 2027

About the Scholarship

Maastricht University in the Netherlands is offering 18 full scholarships each academic year through its NL-High Potential Scholarship programme.

The scholarship combines the High Potential Scholarship, funded by the Maastricht University Scholarship Fund, and the NL Scholarship, financed by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science in collaboration with participating Dutch higher education institutions.

The programme supports talented international students admitted to eligible full-time master’s programmes at Maastricht University.

What Does the Scholarship Cover?

Successful applicants may receive the following benefits:

1. Living Expenses

• €20,150 for a 13-month master’s programme.
• €38,750 for a 25-month master’s programme.

2. Tuition Fees

• Full tuition fees covered.

3. Health and Liability Insurance

• Insurance coverage valued at approximately €700.

4. Visa Application Costs

• Covered at cost.

5. Pre-Academic Training

• Costs covered at cost.

6. International Student Ambassador Programme

• Costs covered for the first block.

Accommodation is part of the scholarship package. Awardees must accept the allocated room, which is provided until 16 July 2028. Students enrolled in two-year master’s programmes must arrange their own accommodation for the second year.

Please note that international flight tickets and an upfront cleaning fee of approximately €75 are not covered.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a national of a country outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland, and Suriname.
• Not hold dual nationality from an EU/EEA country or Switzerland.
• Meet the Netherlands’ visa and residence permit requirements.
• Have applied for admission to an eligible full-time master’s programme at Maastricht University for the 2027–2028 academic year.
• Submit a complete master’s programme application by 10 December 2026.
• Meet the specific admission requirements of the chosen master’s programme.
• Not have previously participated in a degree-seeking higher education programme in the Netherlands. Students who participated in exchange programmes in the Netherlands may apply.
• Be no older than 35 on 1 September 2027.
• Have an excellent academic record, with a minimum GPA equivalent to 7.5 out of 10, 75%, or 3.0 out of 4.0, depending on the grading system.
• Preferably not already hold a master’s degree, as preference is given to candidates without one.
• Agree to serve as an active scholarship ambassador during and after their studies.

The scholarship is highly competitive, with approximately 2% of applicants receiving an award.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must prepare the following documents:

1. An up-to-date CV of no more than two A4 pages.
2. A motivation letter using the university’s required template.
3. An official academic transcript or document confirming the most recent GPA.
4. A document explaining the university’s grading system.
5. A personal statement explaining financial need and relevant personal circumstances.
6. A reference letter from a former or current professor, lecturer, or employer.
7. Contact details for one referee, including their professional relationship to the applicant, work telephone number, and institutional email address.

Reference letters must be dated February 2026 or later and follow the university’s reference letter guidelines. Applicants must upload the reference letter themselves.

How to Apply

Step 1: Apply for an eligible master’s programme at Maastricht University through Studielink and complete the programme’s admission requirements. Obtain your Maastricht University student ID.

Important: Your complete master’s programme application must be submitted by 10 December 2026.

Step 2: Once you have your student ID, log in using your Maastricht University account and complete the scholarship application form.

Step 3: Upload all required documents and submit your application. You can submit only once, so ensure all documents and referee details are accurate before applying.

Important: The scholarship application portal is scheduled to be unavailable from 22 to 26 October 2026 due to an upgrade.

Application Deadline

1 February 2027, at 23:59 Central European Time (CET).

Selection Process

• February 2027: Applications are checked for completeness and forwarded to the relevant faculties.
• March 2027: Faculties select and rank their leading candidates.
• By the end of March 2027: Selected candidates are invited for online interviews.
• April 2027: Applicants are informed of their application status.
• By the beginning of May 2027: Final selection, waiting-list, or rejection decisions are communicated.

Successful applicants must attend a mandatory two-week pre-academic training programme starting in the first week of August 2027.

Official Scholarship Information and Application Details

For Enquiries: hhp.scholarship@maastrichtuniversity.nl

Prospective applicants should carefully review the official scholarship guidelines, eligible master’s programmes, and admission requirements before applying.