Maastricht University Scholarship, The NL-High Potential Scholarship at Maastricht University is one of the most attractive fully funded scholarships in the Netherlands for international students. The program supports talented students from outside the EU who want to pursue a master’s degree at a leading European university.
Funded by the Dutch government together with Maastricht University, the scholarship can be worth around €34,000 per year, covering tuition fees, living expenses, health insurance, and visa costs.
From my experience reviewing scholarship opportunities for international students, this program stands out because it not only covers tuition but also provides a monthly stipend that helps students live comfortably in the Netherlands, which is often a major concern for applicants planning to study abroad.
What Is the NL-High Potential Scholarship?
The NL-High Potential Scholarship is designed to attract highly talented non-EU/EEA students to pursue master’s degrees at Maastricht University.
Each year, the university selects a limited number of outstanding candidates based on:
- Academic excellence
- Leadership potential
- Motivation to contribute to the university community
Students selected for this scholarship are also expected to act as ambassadors for Maastricht University, helping promote the institution among future international applicants.
Maastricht University Scholarship Coverage and Financial Benefits
The NL-High Potential Scholarship is considered fully funded because it covers most essential study expenses in the Netherlands.
Successful applicants receive:
- Full tuition fee waiver
- Monthly living allowance
- Health and liability insurance
- Visa and residence permit costs
- Pre-academic training before the program begins
Estimated Funding Amount
The total funding depends on the duration of the master’s program:
- €15,925 for 13-month programs
- €30,625 for 25-month programs
Additional coverage includes:
- Around €700 for health and liability insurance
- Visa and residence permit application costs
- Pre-academic training organized by Maastricht University
In total, the scholarship package can reach approximately €34,000 per year, making it one of the most competitive scholarships offered by universities in the Netherlands.
Eligibility Criteria for International Students
To apply for the NL-High Potential Scholarship, applicants must meet several academic and personal requirements.
Students must:
- Hold non-EU/EEA nationality
- Be under 35 years old by September 1, 2026
- Apply for a full-time master’s program at Maastricht University
- Demonstrate excellent academic performance
Academic Requirements
Applicants should have:
- A GPA equivalent to at least 7.5 out of 10
- Or a top 5% ranking in their graduating class
Another important condition is that applicants must not have previously studied for a degree in the Netherlands.
Participating Master’s Programs
Not all master’s programs at Maastricht University are eligible for this scholarship.
Before applying, students should carefully check whether their chosen program participates in the scholarship scheme.
For example, eligibility may vary across faculties such as:
- Business and Economics
- Health, Medicine and Life Sciences
- Psychology and Neuroscience
- Law
The most reliable way to confirm eligibility is by checking the official scholarship information page at Maastricht University or reviewing the specific master’s program webpage.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Applying for the NL-High Potential Scholarship requires two main steps.
1. Apply for a Master’s Program
First, you must submit your application to a master’s program through Studielink.
After completing this step, you will receive a student ID number, which is required for the scholarship application.
2. Submit the Scholarship Application
Once your master’s application is submitted, you can apply for the scholarship by completing the online scholarship form.
Typical documents include:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivation letter using the Maastricht University template
- Academic transcripts
- Proof explaining the grading system used by your university
From what many scholarship applicants report, the motivation letter plays a major role in selection, so it’s important to clearly explain your academic goals and why you chose Maastricht University.
Application Deadline
For the September intake, the scholarship deadline is usually around:
February 1
However, deadlines can change each year, so applicants should always verify the latest dates on the official website of Maastricht University.
Because the selection process is competitive, it is highly recommended to prepare your documents several weeks before the deadline.
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Winning
Based on patterns seen in many successful scholarship applications, students should focus on the following:
- Maintain a strong academic record
- Write a clear and focused motivation letter
- Show leadership activities or extracurricular achievements
- Explain how studying in the Netherlands will help achieve long-term goals
Scholarship committees often prefer candidates who demonstrate both academic excellence and a clear vision for their future career.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the NL-High Potential Scholarship fully funded?
Yes. It covers tuition fees, living expenses, insurance, and visa costs.
How many scholarships are offered each year?
Around 21 scholarships are awarded annually.
Can EU students apply?
No. The scholarship is only available for non-EU/EEA international students.
Can I apply without first applying to a master’s program?
No. You must first apply through Studielink to obtain a student ID before submitting the scholarship application.
Final Thoughts
The NL-High Potential Scholarship at Maastricht University is an excellent opportunity for talented international students who want to pursue a fully funded master’s degree in the Netherlands.
Because the scholarship is highly competitive and limited in number, early preparation and a strong academic profile can significantly improve your chances of selection.
