Maastricht University High Potential Scholarship 2026

Overview

The Maastricht University (UM) High Potential Scholarship is a prestigious award offered by Maastricht University in the Netherlands to attract and support the most talented international students who wish to pursue a Master’s degree at the university. The scholarship is highly selective and is designed to reward exceptional academic achievement, as well as the potential to make a meaningful contribution to society.

Maastricht University is renowned for its innovative problem-based learning (PBL) approach, strong international orientation, and excellent research profile. The High Potential Scholarship reflects the university’s commitment to fostering a diverse and talented student body drawn from across the world.

What’s Included?

The UM High Potential Scholarship provides a one-off grant to cover the major costs associated with studying at Maastricht University. The scholarship package includes:

• Tuition fees: Full coverage of the tuition fee (€13,100 for most programmes; €17,500 for specific programmes such as Medicine)
• Living expenses: A contribution of €10,500 towards accommodation and daily living costs
• Health insurance: A contribution of €520 towards health insurance costs
• Visa and residence permit costs: A contribution of €311 towards immigration costs

Please note that the scholarship covers specific fixed amounts towards each cost category. The living allowance, insurance contribution, and visa allowance are fixed regardless of actual costs. As the scholarship does not cover all possible expenses for the full duration of your studies, students should plan their finances carefully and may need to seek supplementary funding for multi-year programmes.

Eligibility

The UM High Potential Scholarship is open to international students (non-EEA/non-Dutch nationals) who are applying for a Master’s programme at Maastricht University. To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be a non-EEA national (EU/EEA citizens are generally not eligible for this specific scholarship)
• Be applying to or be admitted to an eligible Master’s programme at Maastricht University
• Have an outstanding academic record, demonstrating consistent high achievement throughout prior study
• Demonstrate leadership potential and extracurricular involvement
• Meet the English language entry requirements of the chosen Master’s programme (usually IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 90+)

How to Apply

The scholarship application is submitted as part of the Maastricht University admissions process. The key steps are:

• Apply for admission to your chosen Master’s programme at Maastricht University through the UM online application portal
• During the application process, indicate your wish to be considered for the High Potential Scholarship
• Prepare a strong personal statement and provide evidence of your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and any relevant work or community experience
• Submit all required documents including academic transcripts, English language test results, CV, and letters of recommendation
• Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview with the scholarship selection committee

Competition for the UM High Potential Scholarship is very strong. Applicants are advised to apply well ahead of the deadline and to ensure their application materials clearly demonstrate both academic excellence and personal potential.

Key Dates

Event	Date
Application Deadline	28 February 2026
Programme Start	September 2026
Scholarship Duration	1–2 years (depending on Master’s programme)

Contact Information

For further information about the scholarship criteria, eligible programmes, and the application process, visit the Maastricht University scholarships page or contact the university’s Student Services Centre.

Official Website: https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/studeren/toelating-inschrijving/financing-your-studies/scholarships