The Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship (formerly known as the UM High Potential Scholarship) is a prestigious, fully funded scholarship program offered by Maastricht University (UM) in the Netherlands. Financed jointly by the Maastricht University Scholarship Fund and the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, it targets outstanding non-EU/EEA students applying to selected Master’s degree programs.
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📊 Scholarship / Opportunity Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | Maastricht University (UM) |
| Location | Maastricht, Netherlands |
| Study Level | Master’s Degree (MSc, MA, LLM, etc.) |
| Coverage Type | Fully Funded (Tuition Waiver + Living Allowance + Visa + Health Insurance) |
| Living Allowance (13-Month) | €15,925 total living allowance (1-Year Master) |
| Living Allowance (25-Month) | €30,625 total living allowance (2-Year Master) |
| Eligible Target Group | Non-EU/EEA Citizens (Outside EU, EEA, Switzerland, Surinam) |
| Application Opens | October 1, 2026 |
| Program Admission Deadline | December 10, 2026 |
| Final Scholarship Deadline | February 1, 2027 (23:59 CET) |
| Application Fee | Dependent on program/Studielink registration requirements |
| Application Mode | Online via Studielink & UM Scholarship Portal |
📌 About the Scholarship / Opportunity
The UM NL-High Potential Scholarship supports highly talented international scholars who wish to pursue a full-time Master’s program in Europe. Designed to encourage global talent and foster leadership, the award provides holistic coverage, allowing recipients to concentrate fully on academic success, collaborative projects, and intercultural participation in the Netherlands.
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🏛️ Eligible Academic Programmes
Scholarships are valid across participating full-time Master’s programs across various faculties at Maastricht University:
- Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
- Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Science and Engineering
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience
- School of Business and Economics
(Note: Applicants must verify if their chosen Master’s specialization is listed under the official UM participating scholarship programs for the 2027/2028 academic year).
Maastricht University
💰 What Does It Cover?
- 🎓 100% Tuition Fee Waiver: Full payment of tuition fees directly covered at cost.
- 💵 Living Allowance Stipend: Paid directly to the student (€15,925 for 13-month programs; €30,625 for 25-month programs). Scholars4Dev
- 🏥 Health & Liability Insurance: Standard health and liability policy covered (€700 value). Scholars4Dev
- 🛂 Visa Application Costs: Full reimbursement of entry visa (MVV) and residence permit processing fees.
- 📚 Pre-Academic Training: Registration costs for UM’s mandatory pre-academic preparation program.
👤 Who Can Apply?
- Nationality: Non-EU/EEA, non-Swiss, and non-Surinamese citizens who meet Dutch entry visa and residence permit requirements. Maastricht University
- Academic Background: Holds a recognized Bachelor’s degree equivalent to a Dutch university standard.
- Academic Merit: Excellent previous educational results with a minimum cumulative GPA of 7.5 out of 10 (or equivalent). Maastricht University
- Age Requirement: Maximum 35 years old on 1 September 2027. Maastricht University
- Education History: Must never have enrolled in a degree-seeking higher education program in the Netherlands (exchange programs are permitted). Maastricht University
🇳🇬 Can Nigerians Apply?
Yes. Nigerian graduates with a strong Bachelor’s degree, strong academic transcripts, and excellent command of English are fully eligible to apply for this scholarship.
✅ Eligibility Requirements
- Complete Program Admission: Submitted a complete admission file for an eligible Master’s program by December 10, 2026. Maastricht University
- English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS Academic: Minimum overall score of 6.5 (with specific subscore requirements depending on the program). UNHCR Help
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 90. UNHCR – The UN Refugee Agency
- Single Application: Only one scholarship application per candidate is allowed. Maastricht University
- Ambassadorial Commitment: Agreement to act as an active UM NL-High Potential ambassador during and after studies. Maastricht University
📅 Important Application Deadlines (2027 Entry)
- Scholarship Portal Opens: October 1, 2026
- Program Admission File Deadline: December 10, 2026 Maastricht University
- Final Scholarship Application Deadline: February 1, 2027 (23:59 CET)
- Award Selection Results: End of April / Early May 2027
- Academic Year Starts: September 1, 2027 Maastricht University
📝 How to Apply (3-Step Process)
Step 1: Register for the Master’s Program
Register for an eligible full-time Master’s program via Studielink. Receive your Maastricht University Student ID number after submission.
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Step 2: Complete the Program Admission File
Ensure all required program documents (transcripts, degree certificates, language proof) are submitted to UM before December 10, 2026 to secure admission consideration.
Step 3: Fill Out the Scholarship Form
Log into the Maastricht University scholarship portal using your student credentials, complete the online application form, attach required documents, and submit before February 1, 2027.
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🔗 Official Application Link
🔗 Official Webpage: Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship Portal- 📧 Admissions Support Email:
scholarships@maastrichtuniversity.nl - 📅 Final Deadline: February 1, 2027 (23:59 CET)
Disclaimer: Scholarship availability, criteria, and terms are managed directly by Maastricht University. Always verify requirements on the official portal.
📄 Documents to Prepare
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) emphasizing academic background, leadership, and extracurricular achievements
- Motivation Letter written specifically using the official UM scholarship template
- Official Transcripts and Bachelor’s Degree Certificate (with clear GPA indicators) Scholars4Dev
- Proof of Academic Excellence (a letter from your university certifying top academic ranking, if available) PREpare Overseas
- Contact details of one referee (Academic reference)
- Copy of Passport
- Proof of English Proficiency (IELTS / TOEFL) UNHCR – The UN Refugee Agency
⭐ Why Apply for This Opportunity?
- Generous Financial Package: Covers tuition, monthly allowance, visa fees, and health insurance completely. Scholars4Dev
- World-Class Education: Maastricht University uses Problem-Based Learning (PBL), prioritizing real-world collaborative skills.
- Gateway to Europe: Studying in the Netherlands offers international networking and post-study work opportunities.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is the UM NL-High Potential Scholarship fully funded?
Yes. It covers full tuition fees, health insurance, visa costs, and provides a comprehensive living stipend.
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Can I apply for the scholarship before receiving my program admission decision?
Yes. You can apply for the scholarship using your student ID once your Master’s application is submitted via Studielink. However, your program application file must be complete by December 10, 2026.
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Are double EU citizens eligible?
No. Candidates holding dual nationality from any EU/EEA country are not eligible for this award.
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💡 Important Tips for Applicants
- Submit your Master’s program application well ahead of the December 10 complete-file deadline to avoid processing delays. Maastricht University
- Strictly follow the Maastricht University Motivation Letter template and adhere to the specified word limits.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying for the scholarship without first registering for a Master’s degree on Studielink. Scholars4Dev
- Submitting incomplete transcripts or missing the proof of academic ranking. Scholars4Dev
- Attempting to replace or modify documents after final scholarship submission. Maastricht University