NL-High Potential Scholarship 2025 at Maastricht University

The Maastricht University (UM) NL-High Potential Scholarship is a prestigious opportunity designed for exceptionally talented students from outside the European Union (EU). Each year, Maastricht University offers 21 full scholarships worth €34,000, covering tuition fees, living expenses, and other essential costs. This scholarship is open to students who have been admitted to a master’s program at Maastricht University for the 2025-2026 academic year.

What this NL Scholarship is All About?

The UM NL-High Potential Scholarship consists of two key components:

1. The High Potential Scholarship, funded by the Maastricht University Scholarship Fund.
2. The NL Scholarship, financed by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science, alongside Dutch universities.

The scholarship targets international students from outside the EU/EEA who are eager to pursue a full master’s degree in the Netherlands.

Scholarship Benefits

The scholarship covers the following for the academic year 2025-2026:

• Living expenses: €15,925 for a 13-month program or €30,625 for a 25-month program.
• Health and liability insurance: €700.
• Visa application costs: Fully covered.
• Tuition fees: Fully covered.
• Pre-Academic Training: Fully covered.
• Participation in the International Student Ambassador Programme (ISAP): First block costs covered.

Additionally, recipients will be provided with accommodation. It is essential to note that this scholarship includes a mandatory accommodation arrangement, and refusal of the provided room will result in cancellation of the scholarship.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, applicants must meet the following conditions:

• Hold a nationality outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland, or Suriname, and fulfill the requirements for a Dutch visa and residence permit.
• Have no dual nationality from an EU/EEA country or Switzerland.
• Have applied for admission to a full-time master’s program at Maastricht University.
• Meet the specific admission criteria of the chosen UM master’s program.
• Not have previously completed a degree-seeking higher education program in the Netherlands (exchange students are still eligible).
• Be under 35 years of age as of 1 September 2025.
• Have an excellent academic record, with a GPA of 7.5 out of 10 or higher.

Application Process

Step 1: Register for a master’s program via Studielink.nl. Upon registration, you will receive a student ID number required for the scholarship application.

Step 2: Complete the scholarship application form via the UM portal. Submit the following documents:

• • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Motivation letter
  • Proof of academic excellence (GPA of 7.5 out of 10 or equivalent)
  • Personal financial statement
  • Reference letter from a professor or employer
  • Contact details of one referee (work phone and institutional email required)

The deadline to apply for this NL scholarship is 1 February 2025, 23:59 CET and call letter is available here https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/studeren/toelating-inschrijving/financing-your-studies/scholarships/maastricht-university-nl-high.