The Maastricht University (UM) is partnering with the Brightlands innovation campuses to award the esteemed UM Brightlands Talent Scholarship. Top-performing master’s students from outside the EU and EEA who have a strong desire to grow personally and who want to work in cutting-edge domains like chemistry, materials science, health, agrifood, data science, and smart digital services are the program’s target audience.
When is the Application Deadline:
Applications are open until February 1, 2025, 23:59 CET.
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Tell Me About The Award:
The UM Brightlands Talent Scholarship provides four full scholarships per academic year for top-performing non-EU/EEA master’s students with exceptional potential. This scholarship is linked to Maastricht University’s master’s programs connected to the Brightlands innovation campuses in Limburg, Netherlands. The campuses focus on chemistry, materials, health, agrifood, data science, and digital services.
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Recipients receive full tuition fee waivers, a monthly stipend, and must participate in the thesis-internship program (TIP), which involves writing a thesis based on an assignment from a Brightlands campus company. Scholarship recipients will also serve as ambassadors for Brightlands and Maastricht University during and after their studies.
Which Fields Are Eligible?
Master’s programs related to the Brightlands campuses, focusing on:
- Chemistry and materials
- Health
- Agrifood
- Data science and smart digital services
Type:
Full coverage scholarship (tuition waiver, monthly stipend, and additional benefits).
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Who Can Apply for the UM Brightlands Talent Scholarship in the Netherlands?
Applicants must:
- Be non-EU/EEA citizens, without dual nationality from an EU/EEA country or Switzerland.
- Be admitted (conditionally or fully) to a master’s program connected to the Brightlands campi at Maastricht University.
- Meet the specific admission requirements of the chosen program.
- Be under 35 years old by September 1, 2025.
- Have never previously participated in a degree-seeking higher education program in the Netherlands.
- Commit to becoming a Brightlands and UM ambassador during and after studies.
How are Applicants Selected?
Selection is based on:
- Academic excellence (GPA or class ranking proof required).
- A motivation letter.
- A financial needs statement.
- An up-to-date CV.
- A reference letter (from a professor, lecturer, or employer).
- Applicants may be invited for an online interview as part of the final selection process.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
All non-EU/EEA countries (including Switzerland).
Where will the Award be Taken?
Maastricht University, Netherlands, in conjunction with the Brightlands campuses in Maastricht, Heerlen, Sittard-Geleen, or Venlo.
How Many Awards?
Four scholarships are available per academic year.
What is the Benefit of the Award?
The UM Brightlands Talent Scholarship covers:
- Full tuition fees.
- Living expenses (€15,925 for 13 months or €30,625 for 25 months, subject to change).
- Health and liability insurance.
- Visa application costs.
- Pre-academic training costs.
- Participation in the International Student Ambassador Programme (ISAP).
A mandatory part of the scholarship is the provision of housing, which the recipient must accept. The accommodation is not suitable for partners, spouses, or children.
How Long Will the Award Last?
- 13 months for one-year master’s programs.
- 25 months for two-year master’s programs.
How to Apply for the UM Brightlands Talent Scholarship in the Netherlands:
- Step 1: Register for a participating master’s program at Maastricht University via Studielink.nl.
- Step 2: Complete the UM Brightlands Talent Scholarship application form after receiving your student ID from UM.
Required documents include:- Updated CV (maximum 2 pages).
- Motivation letter (using the provided template).
- Proof of academic excellence.
- Personal statement of financial need.
- Reference letter and referee contact details.
The application must be submitted by February 1, 2025.
Selection Procedure:
- The UM International Services Desk will check if applications are complete after February 1, 2025.
- Complete applications will be forwarded to the respective UM faculty for ranking based on the scholarship selection criteria.
- The top five applicants will be interviewed by the Brightlands Talent Scholarship selection committee.
- Applicants will be notified of their status (selected, waitlisted, or rejected) by May 2025.
For more information, contact the UM International Services Desk at [email protected].
