Apply to Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship 2027–2028
Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship 2027–2028
Overview
Host Institution: Maastricht University, Netherlands
Study Destination: Netherlands
Scholarship Type: Fully Funded Master’s Scholarship
Academic Session: 2027–2028
Number of Awards: 18 full scholarships per academic year
Application Timeline:
Portal Opens: 1 October 2026
Master’s Admission Deadline: 10 December 2026
Scholarship Deadline: 1 February 2027 (23:59 CET)
Scholarship Benefits
The award combines the High Potential Scholarship (Maastricht University Scholarship Fund) and the NL Scholarship (Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science):
Living Expenses:
€20,150 for a 13-month master’s programme (~€1,550/month)
€38,750 for a 25-month master’s programme
Tuition Fees: Full tuition fee waiver covered at cost
Insurance: Health and liability insurance coverage (~€700)
Administrative Costs: Visa application costs and pre-academic training covered at cost
Accommodation: Allocated room included as part of the package (provided until 16 July 2028; two-year students must arrange their own housing for year two)
Note: International flights and a one-time upfront cleaning fee (~€75) are excluded from coverage.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for this highly competitive programme (approx. 2% acceptance rate), applicants must fulfill the following criteria:
Nationality: Hold citizenship in a country outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland, or Suriname, and meet Dutch visa/residence permit requirements. Dual nationals with an EU/EEA country or Switzerland are ineligible.
Academic Record: Possess an excellent academic track record with a minimum GPA of 7.5 out of 10 (or 75%, or 3.0 out of 4.0 depending on the system).
Age Limit: Be no older than 35 as of 1 September 2027.
Educational Background: Never have participated in a degree-seeking higher education programme in the Netherlands (exchange programmes are permitted). Preference is given to applicants who do not already hold a master’s degree.
Admission Status: Must have applied for an eligible full-time master’s programme at Maastricht University and completed the admission requirements by 10 December 2026.
Commitment: Agree to serve as an active student ambassador during and after the study period.
Required Application Documents
Prepare digital copies (PDF, Doc, or Docx) of the following materials:
Curriculum Vitae (CV): Up-to-date and maximum of two A4 pages.
Motivation Letter: Must use the university’s official required template.
Academic Transcripts: Official documents showing your latest GPA/grades.
Grading System Explanation: Official documentation clarifying your home institution’s grading scale.
Personal Statement: Detailing financial need and relevant personal background.
Reference Letter: Dated February 2026 or later, written by a former/current professor, lecturer, or employer, following university guidelines.
Referee Details: Contact information, professional relationship, work phone number, and institutional email of one referee.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
Step 1: Choose & Apply for a Master’s Programme
Select an eligible full-time master’s programme and apply via Studielink. Complete all university admission prerequisites and submit your full admission file by 10 December 2026 to secure your Maastricht University student ID.
Step 2: Complete the Scholarship Form
Log in to your Maastricht University account using your student ID, access the scholarship application portal, upload your documents, and submit. (Note: The portal will experience brief downtime for maintenance from 22 to 26 October 2026).
Step 3: Final Submission
Ensure all files are accurate. Applications can only be submitted once; documents cannot be swapped or replaced post-submission.
Selection Process Timeline
February 2027: Initial administrative review for completeness; applications forwarded to faculties.
March 2027: Faculty-level candidate selection and ranking.
End of March 2027: Shortlisted candidates are invited to online interviews.
April – May 2027: Final decisions, waitlist options, or rejections communicated.
August 2027 (First Week): Mandatory two-week pre-academic training kicks off for successful awardees.
Official Inquiries & Links
Support Email: hhp.scholarship@maastrichtuniversity.nl
