Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship 2027: Fully Funded Master’s Opportunity
Overview
The Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship funds international students from outside the European Union to complete a participating full-time master's programme in the Netherlands. For 2027-2028 there are 18 full scholarships. The award combines the High Potential Scholarship, funded by the Maastricht University Scholarship Fund, with the NL Scholarship, financed by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science together with Dutch universities and universities of applied sciences.
It lasts 13 months for a one-year master's and 25 months for a two-year master's.
What you get
The living allowance is €1,550 per month: €20,150 for 13 months or €38,750 for 25 months. The scholarship also covers tuition fees, health and liability insurance, visa application costs, pre-academic training and the first block of the International Student Ambassador Programme. A room is allocated as a mandatory part of the award, and students on two-year programmes must arrange housing for their second year. Airfare is not included, and an approximately €75 cleaning fee is payable upfront to Maastricht Housing.
Who can apply
Applicants must hold a nationality outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland and Suriname, cannot hold dual nationality from an EU/EEA country or Switzerland, and must meet Dutch visa and residence rules. They must be no older than 35 on 1 September 2027 and have a GPA of at least 7.5 out of 10 (75 percent, or 3.0 out of 4). They must never have taken part in a degree-seeking higher education programme in the Netherlands, though exchange students may apply.
Requirements
Documents include a CV of up to two A4 pages, a motivation letter on the university template, proof of academic excellence, an explanation of the grading system, a personal statement on financial need and a reference letter from a professor, lecturer or employer dated no earlier than February 2026. Family members cannot act as referees.
How to apply
First apply for a participating master's through Studielink to receive a student number, then complete the scholarship form with your UM account. Only one scholarship application is allowed, and documents cannot be changed after submission.
Key dates
Applications open on 1 October 2026. The complete admission application is due by 10 December 2026 and the scholarship deadline is 1 February 2027 at 23:59 CET. Interviews are online, with outcomes in April and early May 2027. A two-week pre-academic training starts in the first week of August 2027.