About the program

The UM NL-High Potential Scholarship is a combination of two funding sources: the High Potential Scholarship, funded by the Maastricht University Scholarship Fund, and the NL Scholarship, financed by the Dutch Ministry of  Education, Culture, and  Science. The program is designed for international students from outside the EU/EEA who have been admitted to one of the participating master’s programs at Maastricht University.

Eligible Nationalities

This scholarship is open to international students of all nationalities. (except  EU/EEA, Swiss, or Surinamese nationality)

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility Criteria for the Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship

To be eligible for this scholarship, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Non-EU/EEA nationality: Applicants must not hold an EU/EEA, Swiss, or Surinamese nationality.
• Entry visa requirements: Applicants must meet the criteria for obtaining an entry visa (MVV) and a residence permit for the Netherlands.
• Application for a UM Master’s Program: Students must have applied for a full-time master’s program at Maastricht University for the 2025-2026 academic year.
• No previous degree-seeking education in the Netherlands: Students who have completed exchange programs in the Netherlands are eligible, but those who have pursued a full degree in the Netherlands are not.
• Age limit: Candidates should not be older than 35 years of age by September 1, 2025.
• Academic excellence: Applicants must demonstrate outstanding academic performance with a GPA of 7.5 out of 10 or higher.
• Single application submission: Ensure that all documents are correctly submitted as the application can only be submitted once.

Application Procedure

How to Apply for the Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship

Step 1: Register for a Master’s Program at Maastricht University

• Before applying for the scholarship, students must first apply for a master’s program at UM via Studielink.nl. Upon successful registration, applicants will receive a UM student ID number, which is required to complete the scholarship application form.

Step 2: Complete the Scholarship Application Form

Log in using your UM account to fill out the application form and submit the following required documents:

• Curriculum vitae (CV): A concise, two-page CV detailing your educational background and relevant work experience.
• Motivation letter: Explaining why you deserve the scholarship. Use the provided template.
• Proof of academic excellence: University transcript showing a GPA of 7.5 out of 10 or higher, and a document explaining your university’s grading system.
• Personal financial statement: Outline any personal circumstances (financial difficulties, refugee status, etc.) that support your need for the scholarship.
• Reference letter: Written by a professor or employer. The letter must be dated no earlier than February 2024.

Application Deadline

The application deadline for the Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship is February 1, 2025, by 23:59 CET.

Selection Process

• February 2025: The UM International Services Desk reviews all submitted applications.
• March 2025: UM faculties select and rank the top 5% of applicants. These selections are forwarded to the UM International Services Desk for final checks.
• April-May 2025: Candidates are invited for online interviews, and decisions are communicated to applicants by early May 2025.
• follow its instructions to finish all the required application procedures. 
• Applicants must apply the system as requested within the application period 

Application deadline 

Deadline: February 01, 2025

For more information you could go to Official website