The 2026 Maastricht University Scholarship in the Netherlands is a prestigious fully funded opportunity designed for international students outside the EU/EEA who wish to pursue a master’s degree in Europe. Offering a €34,000 annual scholarship covering tuition fees and a monthly stipend, it delivers both financial support and academic excellence recognition for prospective students.
Overview of the 2026 Maastricht University Scholarship
Maastricht University (UM) offers the NL-High Potential Scholarship aimed at talented students admitted to their master’s programmes. This scholarship is fully financed either through the Maastricht University Scholarship Fund or the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science. It targets international students from countries outside the EU/EEA who haven’t previously enrolled in a Dutch university degree programme.
Key Features:
- Location: Netherlands
- Study Level: Postgraduate (Master’s degree)
- Fully Funded: Covers tuition fees and includes a monthly stipend, total value €34,000 per academic year
- Eligibility: International students outside the EU/EEA
- Duration: 13 months for 1-year programmes, 25 months for 2-year programmes
- Application Deadline: February 1, 2026
This makes the Maastricht University Scholarship a top choice for international students seeking affordable, quality education in Europe.
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Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must fulfill the following conditions to qualify:
- Nationality outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland, or Surinam (no dual EU/EEA nationality allowed)
- Admission to a participating full-time master programme at UM for the 2026-2027 academic year
- Meet specific UM programme admission requirements
- No prior degree-seeking higher education in the Netherlands (exchange experience allowed)
- Age must be 35 or younger by September 1, 2027
- Demonstrate excellent academic achievements (top grades or certified academic excellence)
If there are tied applicants, preference is given to those ranked in the top 5% academically among all applicants.
Required Application Documents
Candidates must prepare and submit the following:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Up-to-date, max two A4 pages, covering education and experience
- Letter of Motivation: Using the official template emphasizing scholarship interest
- Proof of Academic Excellence: Latest transcripts or letter confirming top academic standing
- Personal Statement of Financial Need: Explanation of financial challenges, special circumstances (e.g., disability, refugee status)
- Reference Letter: From a former professor, lecturer, or employer (not family), following scholarship guidelines
- Referee Contact Details: Relationship to applicant, work phone with country code, and institutional email
Preparing these documents carefully increases your chances of success.
How to Apply
Applying for the Maastricht University Scholarship involves the following steps:
- Apply and obtain admission to one of UM’s participating full-time master’s programmes via Studielink.
- Receive your UM student number after admission.
- Use the student number to complete the Scholarship Application Form available on the official scholarship webpage.
- Submit the required documents through the “CLICK HERE TO APPLY” button before the deadline on February 1, 2026.
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Why Choose Maastricht University?
Maastricht University is renowned for its international orientation, innovative teaching methods, and high-quality research programmes. Located in the Netherlands, UM offers a welcoming environment for students seeking to experience European culture and education.
Related Scholarships and Opportunities
If you’re interested in similar international scholarships, these are top picks frequently featured on NaijOnline’s Scholarships category:
- McCall MacBain Scholarship at McGill University (Canada) – Fully funded master’s opportunity for global students.
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarship (Europe) – Covers tuition and living expenses across multiple European universities.
Checking these opportunities can broaden your options for funded international education.
Tips for Success in Scholarship Applications
- Thoroughly research the scholarship and ensure you meet all eligibility criteria.
- Present a compelling motivation letter aligned with the scholarship’s goals.
- Seek strong academic and professional references who know your capabilities well.
- Highlight any special financial needs or unique circumstances in your personal statement.
- Apply early and confirm receipt of all required documents.
Conclusion
The 2026 Maastricht University Scholarship offers an exceptional platform for international students committed to academic excellence who want to study in the Netherlands. With full financial coverage and a clear support system, it’s a valuable chance to pursue a master’s degree at one of Europe’s reputable universities.
To maximize your scholarship search efforts, also explore related categories like Masters Scholarships and Postgraduate Scholarships on NaijOnline, which regularly update global scholarship calls and guidance.
