Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship in the Netherlands 2025

The Maastricht University (UM) NL-High Potential Scholarship is a distinguished chance reserved for extraordinarily gifted students from non-EU countries. Maastricht University awards 21 full scholarships worth €34,000 a year, which pay for living expenses, tuition, and other necessary expenses. Students who have been accepted into Maastricht University’s master’s program for the 2025–2026 academic year are eligible for this scholarship.

When is the Application Deadline:

February 1, 2025, at 23:59 CET.

Tell Me About The Award:

The Maastricht University (UM) NL-High Potential Scholarship is a prestigious and highly competitive scholarship program designed to support exceptionally talented non-EU/EEA students pursuing a master’s degree at Maastricht University. Each academic year, 21 full scholarships of €34,000 are awarded, covering tuition fees and providing a monthly stipend. The scholarship is a collaboration between the Maastricht University Scholarship Fund and the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science. Recipients are expected to demonstrate high academic performance and the potential to contribute significantly to the university and its communities.

Which Fields are Eligible?

The scholarship is available for master’s programs connected to the Brightlands innovation campuses, focusing on the following fields:

• Chemistry and Materials
• Health
• Agrifood
• Data Science and Smart Digital Services

Type:

Full coverage scholarship, including:

• Tuition fee waiver
• Monthly stipend
• Additional benefits (e.g., accommodation, insurance)

Read Also: Apply for the UM Brightlands Talent Scholarship in the Netherlands 2025/2026

Who Can Apply for the Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship?

Eligible applicants must:

• Be non-EU/EEA/Swiss/Surinamese citizens.
• Have been admitted (conditionally or fully) to a full-time master’s program at Maastricht University for the 2025-2026 academic year.
• Not have participated in a degree-seeking higher education program in the Netherlands before.
• Be under 35 years of age on September 1, 2025.
• Possess a GPA of at least 7.5 out of 10 or equivalent.
• Demonstrate a substantiated motivation to contribute to the Brightlands campuses’ development.
• Commit to becoming an active Brightlands and UM ambassador during and after studies.
• Apply through an authorized Deakin agent based in India (specific to Deakin scholarships; for UM scholarships, ensure application through proper channels).

How are Applicants Selected?

Selection is based on:

1. Academic Excellence: Proven by a GPA of 7.5/10 or higher.
2. Personal Statement: Demonstrating motivation and personal circumstances.
3. Curriculum Vitae: Highlighting education, work experience, extracurricular activities, and awards.
4. Reference Letters: From professors, lecturers, or employers, attesting to community engagement and leadership.
5. Interview: Top applicants may be invited for an online interview.
6. Overall Potential: Assessment of the applicant’s ability to contribute to the Brightlands community and their personal development potential.

Which Countries Are Eligible?

Students from all countries outside the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Surinam are eligible to apply.

Where will the Award be Taken?

The scholarship will be utilized at Maastricht University’s Brightlands innovation campuses located in:

• Maastricht
• Heerlen
• Sittard-Geleen
• Venlo
  All campuses are situated in Limburg, the Netherlands.

How Many Awards?

21 full scholarships are available each academic year.

What is the Benefit of the Award?

Recipients of the UM NL-High Potential Scholarship receive:

• Tuition Fee Waiver: Full coverage of tuition fees as stated in the Letter of Offer.
• Monthly Stipend: Living expenses covered (€15,925 for 13 months or €30,625 for 25 months).
• Health & Liability Insurance: Covered by UM International Services Desk (€700).
• Visa Application Costs: Covered by UM.
• Pre-Academic Training Costs: Covered by UM.
• Accommodation: A mandatory room allocation (not suitable for partners/spouses or children).
• Participation in International Student Ambassador Programme (ISAP): Included at no additional cost for the first block.
• Thesis-Internship Program (TIP): Scholarship recipients must write their thesis based on an assignment from a Brightlands campus company.
• Professional Development: Participation in the UM Pre-Academic Training programme.

How Long Will the Award Last?

• 13 months for a one-year master’s program.
• 25 months for a two-year master’s program.

How to Apply for the Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship:

1. Register for a Master’s Program:
   • Apply for a participating master’s program at Maastricht University via Studielink.nl.
   • Upon submission, receive a UM student ID number.
2. Complete the Scholarship Application Form:
   • Log in with your UM account.
   • Fill out the application form available here (replace with actual link).
   • Upload the following documents in .doc, .docx, or PDF format:
     • Curriculum Vitae: Up-to-date, max two A4 pages, highlighting education, work experience, extracurricular activities, and awards.
     • Letter of Motivation: Using the provided template, outlining your motivation for the scholarship.
     • Proof of Academic Excellence: University transcript showing GPA of 7.5/10 or higher and a document explaining your grade system.
     • Personal Statement of Financial Needs: Detailing personal circumstances and financial need.
     • Reference Letter: From a professor, lecturer, or employer, following the provided guidelines.
     • Referee’s Contact Details: Work telephone number with country code and institutional email address.
3. Submit Application:
   • Ensure all documents are complete and accurate before submission, as only one submission is allowed.

Visit the Award Webpage for Details:
For more information and to apply, visit the UM NL-High Potential Scholarship Webpage or contact the UM International Services Desk at hhp.scholarship@maastrichtuniversity.nl.