The Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship 2023-2024

The Maastricht University (UM) NL-High Potential Scholarship program offers 24 full scholarships annually, each valued at €30,000. This generous package encompasses the coverage of tuition fees and the provision of a monthly stipend. These scholarships are designed to support exceptionally talented students from non-European Union (EU) countries who have been admitted to a master’s program at UM.

This scholarship initiative is a combination of two funding sources: the High Potential Scholarship, backed by the Maastricht University Scholarship Fund, and the NL Scholarship, financed by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science in partnership with Dutch universities and universities of applied sciences. Its primary aim is to assist international students from outside the EU/EEA in their pursuit of a complete degree program in the Netherlands.

About Maastricht University:

Maastricht University (UM) is a renowned academic institution nestled in the historic city of Maastricht, Netherlands. Established in 1976, it swiftly garnered a reputation for excellence in both research and education. UM is celebrated for its pioneering Problem-Based Learning (PBL) teaching method, which cultivates active student participation and critical thinking. The university offers an extensive array of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs spanning diverse fields, with a strong emphasis on internationalization and interdisciplinary approaches. Maastricht University consistently ranks among the world’s top universities and is distinguished for its profound commitment to societal impact and the pursuit of global challenges through research and education.

Internationalization is a cornerstone of Maastricht University’s identity, boasting a diverse and inclusive student body originating from over 100 different countries. This global perspective permeates the university’s curricula, research ventures, and collaborations. UM’s dedication to innovation and sustainability is exemplified through its various research hubs and projects aimed at addressing intricate global issues, encompassing health, sustainability, and technological advancements. Situated in the heart of Maastricht, a lively and culturally diverse city renowned for its rich history, the university’s campus provides an ideal backdrop for students to thrive academically and personally.

Maastricht University is celebrated for its unwavering commitment to effecting positive change in society. Its focus on research that tackles real-world challenges and its provision of scholarships and opportunities for gifted students worldwide underscore its dedication to social responsibility. Through a fusion of academic excellence, a multicultural milieu, and a forward-looking approach to education and research, Maastricht University stands as a distinguished institution in the global academic landscape. For additional information regarding scholarships at UM.

Degree Level:

The Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship for 2024 in the Netherlands is a fully funded opportunity open to students pursuing master’s level programs at Maastricht University.

Available Subjects:

This scholarship program offers the opportunity to study a wide range of subjects, encompassing all academic disciplines.

Scholarship Benefits:

Under this scholarship program, students can enjoy the following financial support:

1. Living Expenses: For a 13-month period, students will receive €12,350, and for 25 months, the amount is €23,750. These funds are provided to students through the UM International Services Desk.
2. Health and Liability Insurance: The cost of health and liability insurance, totaling €700, is covered and managed by the UM International Services Desk.
3. Visa Application: The expense associated with the visa application, which amounts to €210, is facilitated and covered by the UM International Services Desk.
4. Tuition Fees: Tuition fees will be determined based on the specific costs of the program, and these fees will be taken care of by the UM International Services Desk.
5. Pre-Academic Training: Costs related to pre-academic training, as required by the program, will be arranged and paid for by the UM International Services Desk.

Eligible Nationalities:

This scholarship is available to students from all around the world, regardless of their nationality.

Eligibility Criteria:

To be considered for this scholarship, all applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Nationality: You must hold citizenship in a country outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland, or Surinam, and you must fulfill the requirements for obtaining an entry visa and residence permit for the Netherlands.
2. Single Nationality: It’s essential that you do not possess dual nationality from an EU/EEA country.
3. Program Application: You must have submitted an application for admission to a full-time master’s program at Maastricht University for the academic year 2024-2025. Your chosen program should be one of the participating programs.
4. Admission Requirements: You need to meet the specific admission requirements of the Maastricht University master’s program you have applied for.
5. Prior Education: You should not have previously participated in a degree-seeking higher education program in the Netherlands. However, students who have completed exchange programs in the Netherlands are encouraged to apply.
6. Age Limit: You must not be older than 35 years of age on September 1, 2024.
7. Academic Excellence: Applicants are required to have achieved outstanding academic results in their prior education programs, as evidenced by their most recent grade transcript or certified by an academic excellence document. In cases where multiple applicants have equivalent qualifications, UM will prioritize those whose academic transcripts or certified letters of academic excellence demonstrate that they rank among the top 5% of scholarship program applicants for the 2024-2025 academic year.

Please note that this is a highly competitive scholarship, with only 2% of applicants receiving the award.

Application Procedure:

Here are the steps to apply for the Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship:

Step 1: Register for a Participating Master’s Program

• Begin by registering for one of the participating master’s programs at Maastricht University.
• Once you’ve submitted your application for the master’s program through Studielink, you’ll receive a student ID number from UM. This ID is essential for completing and submitting the Scholarship Application Form (Step 2).
• Please note that only master’s programs on the list provided are eligible for the UM NL-High Potential Scholarship.
• Additionally, you must be conditionally approved for admission to your chosen master’s program to be considered for the scholarship.
• If your chosen study program requires a handling fee as part of its admissions procedure, please be aware that the UM International Services Desk does not cover handling fees. You are responsible for paying any required handling fee by February 1, 2024. You can check if your program requires a handling fee on your program’s webpage under the ‘Admission requirements’ menu.

Step 2: Fill in the Application Form

• Complete the application form using this link. Note that applications are only accepted via this form.
• Upload the following documents in .doc, .docx, or PDF format and submit your application. You can only submit your application once, so make sure all your documents and referee contact details are up-to-date.
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV): Your CV should be current, include relevant details about your education and work experience, and not exceed two A4 pages.
  • Letter of Motivation: Please use the provided template for the motivation letter, focusing on your motivation for the scholarship.
  • Proof of Academic Excellence: You can provide one of the following documents to demonstrate academic excellence:
    1. University transcript explicitly stating your grade point average or class ranking for your entire study program.
    2. A letter signed by your institution’s Head of Department or Registrar confirming that you are one of the top 20 students in the graduating year of your study program. This letter should include your Head of Department or Registrar’s contact details.
  • Personal Statement of Financial Needs: Explain why you would benefit from receiving the scholarship and describe your personal circumstances, such as financial difficulties, sole parent/caretaking responsibilities, medical conditions, disabilities, refugee status, etc.
  • Reference Letter: Share the scholarship reference letter guidelines with your referee. Referees should be (former) professors, lecturers, or employers, not family members. The reference letters should be dated and written no earlier than February 2024.
  • Contact Details of One Referee: Ensure you provide details such as your referee’s relationship to you, work telephone number (including the country calling code), and work or institutional email address. Letters referencing only a personal email address will not be accepted. Please note that UM may contact your referee to verify their authenticity.

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