Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship 2027: Full Master’s Funding in the Netherlands
Quick Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship 2027-2028 |
| Funded by | Maastricht University Scholarship Fund + Dutch Ministry-linked NL Scholarship |
| Coverage | Tuition fee waiver, living stipend, insurance, visa costs, pre-academic training, first ISAP block |
| Deadline | February 1, 2027, 23:59 hrs |
| Master’s admission file deadline | December 10, 2026 |
| Opens | October 1, 2026 |
| Awards | 18 full scholarships per academic year |
| Eligible applicants | Non-EU/EEA students admitted to participating full-time UM master’s programmes |
| Official URL | https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/studeren/toelating-inschrijving/financing-your-studies/scholarships/maastricht-university-nl-high |
The Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship 2027 offers 18 full scholarships for highly talented students from outside the EU who are admitted to participating full-time master’s programmes at Maastricht University. The official page confirms that applications run from October 1, 2026 to February 1, 2027, but applicants must complete their master’s admission file by December 10, 2026.
If you are comparing Dutch funding, also read the fully funded Dutch university scholarships guide and the NL Scholarship guide.
What Does It Cover?
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Living expenses | €20,150 for 13 months or €38,750 for 25 months |
| Monthly breakdown | Official page states €1,550 per month for living expenses |
| Tuition fees | Paid at cost by UM International Services Desk |
| Health and liability insurance | €700 arranged and paid by UM |
| Visa application costs | Paid at cost |
| Pre-Academic Training | Paid at cost |
| ISAP | First block paid at cost |
| Duration | 13 months for one-year master’s; 25 months for two-year master’s |
The official page notes that amounts are subject to change for future academic years and that airfare is not included. Scholarship students must also accept the allocated room; refusing it cancels the scholarship.
Eligibility
✅ You Must:
- Hold nationality from a country outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland, and Surinam.
- Meet Dutch visa and residence permit requirements.
- Apply to a participating full-time Maastricht University master’s programme for 2027-2028.
- Submit your master’s admission file in full by December 10, 2026.
- Meet the specific admission requirements of your programme.
- Have no dual nationality from an EU/EEA country or Switzerland.
- Have never participated in a degree-seeking higher education programme in the Netherlands.
- Be no older than 35 on September 1, 2027.
- Show excellent prior results, with latest GPA equivalent to at least 7.5 out of 10.
- Agree to act as a UM NL High Potential and UM ambassador.
❌ Not Eligible If:
- You are an EU/EEA, Swiss, or Surinamese national.
- You already completed a degree-seeking higher education programme in the Netherlands.
- You miss the December 10 master’s admission file deadline.
- You are older than 35 on September 1, 2027.
- Your GPA does not meet the 7.5/10 equivalent threshold.
- You apply for a non-participating programme.
How to Apply: Step by Step
Step 1: Apply to a participating master’s programme
You must first apply through Studielink and receive a Maastricht University student ID. Without the student number, you cannot complete the scholarship form.
Step 2: Complete your admission file by December 10, 2026
This is the hidden priority date. The scholarship deadline is February 1, but the official page says your master’s application file must be complete and meet admission requirements by December 10, 2026.
Step 3: Prepare scholarship documents
The required materials include a CV, motivation letter using the official template, proof of academic excellence, grade system explanation, personal statement of financial need, reference letter, and referee contact details.
Step 4: Submit the scholarship application form
Use your UM account to complete the scholarship application form. The official instructions state that applicants can submit only once, and documents cannot be added or replaced after submission.
Step 5: Watch selection stages
After February 1, UM checks completeness, faculties rank candidates, selected applicants are invited for online interviews, and final status updates are expected in April or early May 2027.
Comparison With Related Netherlands Scholarships
| Scholarship | Best for | Value | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maastricht NL-High Potential | Non-EU master’s applicants at UM | Full scholarship + stipend | Feb 1, 2027 |
| NL Scholarship | Non-EEA bachelor’s/master’s applicants | Often €5,000 first year | Institution-specific |
| Orange Tulip Scholarship | Selected countries and Dutch institutions | Varies by institution | Varies |
| Leiden Excellence Scholarship | Strong non-EEA master’s applicants | Tuition reduction | Feb/Mar 2027 patterns |
Insider Tips
1. Treat December 10 as your real deadline
The scholarship closes February 1, but you must have your UM master’s admission file complete by December 10. Missing that date can make you ineligible.
2. Do not submit the form until every document is final
UM states that documents cannot be added or replaced after submission. Check file names, signatures, referee details, and grade conversion evidence before clicking submit.
3. Make financial need specific
The scholarship asks for a personal statement of financial needs. Explain your circumstances clearly, including family obligations, refugee status, disability, medical costs, or income limitations where relevant.
4. Show ambassador potential
The scholarship expects recipients to act as UM ambassadors. Mention communication, mentoring, leadership, student societies, outreach, or international community experience.
5. Prepare for a very competitive rate
The official page says only about 2% of applicants are awarded the scholarship. Your application must be specific, complete, and programme-aligned.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many awards are available?
Maastricht University states that the programme offers 18 full scholarships each academic year.
What is the final scholarship deadline?
Applications close on February 1, 2027, at 23:59 hrs.
What is the master’s programme deadline?
Applicants must submit the participating master’s programme application file in full by December 10, 2026.
Does the scholarship include living expenses?
Yes. The official amount is €20,150 for 13 months or €38,750 for 25 months, paid as living support by UM.
Is airfare covered?
No. The official page states that air tickets are not included and must be paid by the candidate.
Timeline Table
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| Oct 1, 2026 | Scholarship applications open |
| Dec 10, 2026 | Master’s admission file must be complete |
| Feb 1, 2027 | Scholarship application closes |
| Feb-Mar 2027 | Completeness check and faculty ranking |
| Late Mar 2027 | Candidates invited for online interviews |
| Apr-May 2027 | Final status updates expected |
| Aug 2027 | Pre-Academic Training begins |
Your Action Plan
1. Choose a participating Maastricht master’s programme.
2. Apply through Studielink early enough to receive your UM student ID.
3. Complete your master’s admission file by December 10, 2026.
4. Prepare GPA evidence and grade conversion documentation.
5. Draft a motivation letter and financial need statement.
6. Submit the scholarship form before February 1, 2027.
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