Maastricht University Scholarships 2027 in Netherlands | Fully Funded

Maastricht University Scholarships 2027 in the Netherlands | Fully Funded

Are you looking for a fully funded scholarship in the Netherlands for 2027? The Maastricht University Scholarships 2027 offer eligible international students an opportunity to pursue selected bachelor's and master's degree programmes with substantial financial support.

Located in Maastricht, the Netherlands, Maastricht University (UM) offers scholarships for talented students who demonstrate strong academic performance, personal development potential, community involvement, and financial need. Depending on the scholarship, funding may cover tuition fees, living expenses, health insurance, visa costs, and pre-academic training.

For the 2027–2028 academic year, international applicants can explore several scholarship opportunities, including the UM NL-High Potential Scholarship, UM NL Brightlands Talent Scholarship, and UM NL Global Studies Scholarship. The university also lists the UM NL Social Justice Scholarship for eligible master's applicants.

One important point: securing a scholarship requires more than completing an online form. Applicants must first apply for an eligible degree programme, meet the relevant admission requirements, and prepare a strong scholarship application.

In this guide, you will find details about the Maastricht University Scholarships 2027, available funding options, financial benefits, eligibility criteria, required documents, application deadlines, and how to apply.

Maastricht University Scholarships 2027: Overview

• Host Country: Netherlands

• Host Institution: Maastricht University (UM)

• Academic Year: 2027–2028

• Degree Levels: Bachelor's and master's

• Eligible Applicants: Qualifying international students from outside the EU/EEA

• Scholarship Coverage: Full funding under the relevant scholarship conditions

• Possible Benefits: Tuition fees, living expenses, health and liability insurance, visa costs, and pre-academic training

• Application Opening Date: 1 October 2026

• Scholarship Application Deadline: 1 February 2027, at 23:59 CET

• Important Admission Deadline: 10 December 2026 for the listed scholarship routes, subject to the requirements of the selected programme

• Application Method: Online

The university's scholarship conditions and participating programmes differ by award. Applicants should check the official scholarship page for the most up-to-date information before applying.

Scholarships Available at Maastricht University for 2027–2028

Maastricht University lists several scholarship options for international students. Each award has its own eligible programmes and selection conditions.

1. UM NL-High Potential Scholarship

The Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship supports academically talented international students pursuing participating master's degree programmes.

The scholarship combines funding from the Maastricht University Scholarship Fund with the Dutch government's NL Scholarship. It offers comprehensive financial assistance to eligible students who meet the academic, nationality, and other selection requirements.

The university lists 18 full scholarships under this programme each academic year, making it a highly competitive opportunity.

Study level: Master's degree

Eligible programmes: Selected full-time master's programmes at Maastricht University.

Applicants must meet the programme's admission criteria and the scholarship's additional requirements. Previous academic performance, financial circumstances, and extracurricular involvement may also contribute to the selection process.

2. UM NL Brightlands Talent Scholarship

The UM NL Brightlands Talent Scholarship is intended for high-performing international students admitted to participating master's programmes associated with the Brightlands innovation campuses.

These campuses connect education, research, industry, and innovation in areas such as health, data science, agrifood, smart digital services, and materials.

For the 2027–2028 academic year, eligible programmes associated with the Chemelot and Maastricht Health campuses are included, subject to the university's programme list.

The university offers two full-coverage scholarships per academic year under this programme.

Recipients must also participate in the associated thesis-internship programme, which involves completing a thesis linked to an assignment for a company at the relevant Brightlands campus.

Study level: Master's degree

Eligible programmes: Participating master's programmes associated with the designated Brightlands campuses.

3. UM NL Global Studies Scholarship

The UM NL Global Studies Scholarship is designed for eligible international students applying to Maastricht University's bachelor's programme in Global Studies.

The scholarship provides financial assistance for students who meet the programme's academic admission requirements and the scholarship's specific conditions.

It can be particularly relevant to students interested in understanding global challenges, international relationships, and the social, political, and economic issues affecting communities around the world.

Study level: Bachelor's degree

Eligible programme: Bachelor's in Global Studies.

4. UM NL Social Justice Scholarship

The university's official scholarship overview also lists the UM NL Social Justice Scholarship for eligible international applicants to the master's programme in Globalisation and Law.

Students interested in this route should check the dedicated scholarship information and confirm the programme requirements, funding terms, and application conditions before applying.

Important: You can apply for only one Maastricht University scholarship in the relevant application cycle. Review the options carefully before selecting the scholarship that best matches your academic plans and eligibility.

What Does the Maastricht University Scholarship Cover?

The financial benefits depend on the scholarship awarded. Under the relevant full-coverage scholarship schemes, support can include tuition fees, living expenses, health and liability insurance, visa application costs, and pre-academic training.

Tuition Fee Coverage

Eligible recipients receive tuition fee support according to the conditions of their scholarship. The university arranges payment of the covered tuition fees.

Monthly Living Allowance

The living allowance helps students manage everyday costs while studying in the Netherlands.

For the UM NL-High Potential and Brightlands scholarships, the published living allowance for the 2027–2028 cycle is:

• One-year master's programme: €20,150 for 13 months.

• Two-year master's programme: €38,750 for 25 months.

For the UM NL Global Studies Scholarship, the published living allowance is €20,150 per academic year, subject to the scholarship's terms.

These amounts are intended to help cover expenses such as accommodation, food, local transportation, study materials, and personal necessities.

Health and Liability Insurance

The relevant full-coverage scholarship schemes include health and liability insurance arrangements according to the university's published conditions.

Visa Application Costs

Eligible visa application expenses are covered under the applicable scholarship terms. Applicants should still follow the university's visa and residence permit instructions.

Pre-Academic Training

Some scholarship schemes include pre-academic training designed to help recipients prepare for their studies and transition into the university environment.

The precise arrangements depend on the scholarship awarded.

Accommodation Support

The university specifies accommodation arrangements for its relevant full-coverage scholarships. For the published 2027–2028 terms, a room is allocated until 16 July 2028.

This arrangement has important conditions:

• Scholarship recipients are required to accept the allocated room.

• Students on two-year master's programmes must arrange their own accommodation for the second year.

• Global Studies bachelor's recipients must arrange their own accommodation for the second and third years.

Applicants should carefully read the accommodation conditions before accepting an award.

Important funding note: Do not assume that every expense is covered. The university states that air tickets are not included under the UM NL-High Potential and Brightlands scholarship arrangements, and additional costs may apply. Check the terms of your specific scholarship before making financial commitments.

Scholarship Duration

The published funding periods differ according to the degree programme.

Degree programme	Scholarship duration
One-year master's	13 months
Two-year master's	25 months
Bachelor's in Global Studies	36 months

These periods refer to the listed scholarship arrangements. Applicants should confirm the exact duration for their programme and award.

Eligible Programmes at Maastricht University

The scholarships do not automatically cover every course offered by Maastricht University. Applicants must select a participating programme associated with the scholarship they intend to pursue.

The main options include:

• UM NL-High Potential Scholarship: Selected full-time master's programmes.

• UM NL Brightlands Talent Scholarship: Selected master's programmes associated with the participating Brightlands campuses.

• UM NL Global Studies Scholarship: Bachelor's in Global Studies.

• UM NL Social Justice Scholarship: Master's in Globalisation and Law.

The list of eligible programmes can change between academic years. Before starting an application, check the programme list on the relevant official scholarship page and confirm that your intended course qualifies for funding.

Eligibility Criteria for Maastricht University Scholarships 2027

Eligibility conditions vary by scholarship. Applicants should read the criteria for their preferred award and degree programme carefully.

For the scholarship routes described above, the requirements include the following.

Nationality Requirements

Applicants must generally hold eligible nationality from outside the EU/EEA. The relevant scholarship rules also exclude certain dual-nationality situations, including specified EU/EEA, Swiss, or Surinamese nationality combinations.

Check the exact nationality criteria on the scholarship page before applying.

Academic Admission

Applicants must apply to a participating degree programme and meet its admission requirements.

A scholarship application does not replace the university's academic admission process. Candidates must satisfy both sets of conditions.

Academic Performance

For the UM NL-High Potential and Brightlands scholarship routes, the published eligibility requirements include strong academic results, with a minimum GPA equivalent to 7.5 out of 10, or the relevant equivalent under the applicant's grading system.

Applicants should provide official academic records and the required explanation of their university's grading scale.

Age Requirement

The published eligibility conditions for the relevant scholarship routes state that applicants must not be older than 35 on 1 September 2027.

Confirm the age requirement for your chosen scholarship before applying.

Previous Study in the Netherlands

For the UM NL-High Potential and Brightlands scholarships, the university states that applicants must not have previously participated in a degree-seeking higher education programme in the Netherlands. Participation in an exchange programme does not automatically exclude an applicant.

Additional Bachelor's Scholarship Condition

Applicants for the UM NL Global Studies Scholarship must also meet the specific bachelor's scholarship criteria. The published conditions state that candidates who already hold a higher education diploma equivalent to a bachelor's degree are not eligible.

Financial Need and Personal Development

Maastricht University considers financial need, academic excellence, extracurricular engagement, and active citizenship in its scholarship assessment.

Applicants should therefore prepare an application that demonstrates not only their academic ability but also their personal circumstances, involvement in their community, and motivation for pursuing the chosen programme.

Meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee selection because the number of scholarships is limited.

Required Documents for the Maastricht University Scholarship

Prepare your application documents well in advance. The exact requirements can vary, but the published scholarship application instructions include the following:

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV): An up-to-date CV describing your education, work experience, achievements, and relevant activities. The Brightlands guidance specifies a maximum of two A4 pages.

2. Motivation letter: A letter explaining your motivation for receiving the scholarship. Use the official template where required.

3. Academic transcript or GPA evidence: An official document showing your academic results and confirming that you meet the required standard.

4. Grading system explanation: A document explaining your university's grading scale, where required.

5. Personal statement of financial need: An explanation of your financial circumstances and how receiving the scholarship would support your education.

6. Reference letter: A recommendation from an eligible referee, such as a former professor, lecturer, or employer, according to the scholarship guidelines.

7. Referee contact details: Current contact information, including an institutional or work email address and telephone number, where required.

8. Degree application materials: Any certificates, transcripts, identification documents, or other items required by your chosen degree programme.

Read the official document instructions carefully. Some scholarships require specific templates or formats, and an incomplete application may not be considered.

Maastricht University Scholarship 2027 Application Deadline

The scholarship application window for the 2027–2028 academic year opened on 1 October 2026 and closes on 1 February 2027 at 23:59 Central European Time (CET), according to the university's published scholarship information.

However, applicants should pay close attention to the earlier programme admission deadline.

For the listed scholarship routes, the university states that applicants must apply for their participating programme and submit a complete admission application before 10 December 2026.

This means you should not wait until February 2027 to begin the admission process. You need time to receive your Maastricht University student number and complete the scholarship application.

Always check the deadline on your chosen programme's page, as admission requirements and dates can differ between courses.

How to Apply for Maastricht University Scholarships 2027

The application process has two main stages: applying for admission to a participating degree programme and completing the scholarship application.

Step 1: Choose an Eligible Programme

Visit the official Maastricht University website and identify a bachelor's or master's programme that qualifies for your chosen scholarship.

Review the course requirements, tuition fees, admission documents, and application deadlines before proceeding.

Step 2: Apply for Admission Through Studielink

Register for the selected degree programme through studielink, the Dutch higher education registration system.

Follow the university's instructions to complete your programme application and submit the necessary supporting documents.

Step 3: Complete the Admission Requirements

Make sure that your application file is complete and meets the programme's admission requirements by the applicable deadline.

For the listed scholarship routes, Maastricht University states that the complete admission application must be submitted before 10 December 2026.

Step 4: Obtain Your Maastricht University Student Number

After submitting your programme application through Studielink, you will receive a Maastricht University student number.

You will need this number to complete the scholarship application.

Step 5: Complete the Scholarship Application Form

Log in using your UM account and access the application form for your chosen scholarship.

Complete the form carefully and ensure that your information is consistent with your degree application and supporting documents.

Step 6: Upload the Required Documents

Upload the required CV, motivation letter, academic records, grading system explanation, financial need statement, and reference letter, as applicable.

Use the official templates where requested and check that your files meet the university's document requirements.

Step 7: Review and Submit Your Application

Before submission, make sure that every required document is included and that your referee's contact information is correct.

The university warns that scholarship applications can generally be submitted only once, and documents cannot necessarily be added or replaced after submission.

Complete your scholarship application by 1 February 2027 at 23:59 CET.

Why You Should Apply for the Maastricht University Scholarship

At ScholarJobs Hub, we encourage applicants to look beyond the scholarship headline and consider how an opportunity fits their long-term academic and career goals.

The Maastricht University scholarships are worth exploring for several reasons.

First, they can reduce the financial burden of studying abroad. Depending on the award, support may include tuition fees, living expenses, insurance, and other study-related costs. This can make international education more accessible to eligible students who would otherwise struggle to finance it.

Second, there are options for both bachelor's and master's applicants. The Global Studies Scholarship provides a route for eligible undergraduate applicants, while the High Potential and Brightlands scholarships support selected master's programmes.

Third, academic ability is not the only thing that matters. The university also considers factors such as financial need, extracurricular engagement, active citizenship, and personal development potential. This gives applicants an opportunity to explain their wider achievements and circumstances.

Finally, the Brightlands route may offer useful exposure to industry. Its thesis-internship requirement can connect eligible master's students with companies working in innovation-related fields.

Still, these are competitive scholarships, not automatic funding offers. Check the eligibility requirements early, prepare your documents carefully, and make sure that the selected programme genuinely matches your qualifications and future plans.

Tips for a Strong Maastricht University Scholarship Application

A good application should make it easy for the scholarship committee to understand your academic strengths, personal circumstances, and reasons for applying.

Here are practical steps to help you prepare:

• Start with the degree admission process: The scholarship application depends on first applying to an eligible programme, so begin well before the December admission deadline.

• Choose one scholarship strategically: UM generally allows applicants to apply for only one scholarship. Compare eligibility, degree options, and funding arrangements before making your choice.

• Explain your academic performance clearly: Provide official transcripts, meet the required academic standard, and include the grading scale explanation if requested.

• Write a specific motivation letter: Explain why you selected the programme, how it fits your plans, and what makes you a suitable scholarship candidate.

• Be honest about financial need: Describe your circumstances clearly and explain how the scholarship would help you complete your studies.

• Show meaningful involvement: Include relevant volunteer work, leadership, community participation, awards, projects, or extracurricular activities in your CV.

• Choose your referee carefully: Select an eligible academic or professional referee who can provide a credible recommendation and respond to verification requests.

• Check every document before submitting: Since the university may not allow replacements after submission, review file formats, names, dates, and completeness before sending your application.

The goal is to submit a complete and convincing application that demonstrates both your academic potential and your reasons for needing and deserving the award.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are Maastricht University Scholarships 2027 fully funded?

Some of the university's listed scholarships provide comprehensive funding, including tuition fees and living expenses, with additional support for items such as insurance, visa costs, and pre-academic training. However, specific benefits and accommodation arrangements vary. Airfare is not included under the published High Potential and Brightlands arrangements.

2. Can international students apply?

Eligible international applicants from outside the EU/EEA can apply for the scholarship routes described in this guide, subject to nationality restrictions and the specific conditions of each award.

3. Can I apply for the scholarship before receiving admission?

You must first apply for admission to a participating programme and obtain your Maastricht University student number. You can then complete the scholarship application according to the university's instructions.

4. What is the deadline for Maastricht University Scholarships 2027?

The general scholarship application deadline is 1 February 2027 at 23:59 CET. For the listed scholarship routes, the university also specifies 10 December 2026 as the deadline for submitting the complete degree admission application. Check your programme's official page for any additional deadlines.

5. Can I apply for more than one Maastricht University scholarship?

The university states that applicants can apply for only one UM scholarship in the relevant application cycle. Submitting multiple scholarship applications may result in disqualification.

6. Is there a Maastricht University scholarship for bachelor's students?

Yes. The UM NL Global Studies Scholarship is listed for the bachelor's programme in Global Studies, subject to the scholarship's eligibility requirements.

7. Does the scholarship cover accommodation?

Accommodation is included through specified arrangements under the relevant scholarship schemes. However, the allocated room is only guaranteed for a defined period under the published conditions. Students may need to arrange and finance accommodation for later years of their studies.

Conclusion

The Maastricht University Scholarships 2027 in the Netherlands provide eligible international students with opportunities to pursue selected bachelor's and master's degrees with substantial financial assistance.

Scholarship options include the UM NL-High Potential Scholarship, UM NL Brightlands Talent Scholarship, UM NL Global Studies Scholarship, and UM NL Social Justice Scholarship. Depending on the award, benefits may include tuition fees, living expenses, health insurance, visa costs, and pre-academic training.

If you intend to apply, start by choosing an eligible degree programme and completing the admission process. Remember that the complete admission application deadline for the listed scholarship routes is 10 December 2026, while the scholarship application deadline is 1 February 2027 at 23:59 CET.

Visit the official Maastricht University scholarship pages to confirm the requirements and begin your application.