Maastricht University (UM) in the Netherlands offers 18 full scholarships each year through the NL-High Potential Scholarship for talented students from outside the EU/EEA, including Africa. It covers tuition, €1,550 a month for living costs, insurance, visa costs and pre-academic training for a one- or two-year master’s.
Two deadlines: complete your master’s application by 10 December 2026, then apply for the scholarship by 1 February 2027, 23:59 CET.
Key Details
- University: Maastricht University, Netherlands
- Scholarships: 18 per year
- Level: full-time master’s (participating programmes)
- Open to: non-EU/EEA nationals
- Master’s application deadline: 10 December 2026
- Scholarship deadline: 1 February 2027, 23:59 CET
Benefits
- tuition fees paid in full
- living allowance of €1,550 a month: €20,150 for a 13-month award or €38,750 for 25 months
- health and liability insurance (about €700)
- visa application costs
- pre-academic training costs
Not covered: air tickets to and from the Netherlands.
Eligibility
- a nationality outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland or Suriname, with no dual EU/EEA or Swiss nationality
- eligible for a Dutch entry visa and residence permit
- applied in full to a participating UM master’s programme for 2027–2028 before 10 December 2026, meeting all admission requirements
- never enrolled in a degree programme in the Netherlands (exchange students are fine)
- preference for candidates who don’t already hold a master’s degree
How to Apply
- Check the participating programmes on the official UM NL-High Potential Scholarship page.
- Apply to your chosen UM master’s programme and complete your full file by 10 December 2026.
- Submit the scholarship application between 1 October 2026 and 1 February 2027, 23:59 CET.
- Wait for UM’s decision, then arrange your visa with the International Services Desk if selected.
Tips
- Don’t miss 10 December: without a complete master’s application, you can’t get the scholarship.
- With only 18 awards, show excellent grades and a clear plan for using your degree back home.
- Budget for your flight, which the scholarship doesn’t cover.
- Choose a programme where your background fits closely; admission is the first filter.
