Fully Funded Maastricht University Scholarships 2026 in the Netherlands

What if one decision, one carefully timed application, could change the direction of your career and pluck you out of the ordinary into a fully-funded master’s experience in the heart of Europe?

Maastricht University (UM) has quietly become a launchpad for global leaders, researchers, and change-makers. For 2026, UM’s scholarship portfolio offers rare, high-impact awards that do more than pay tuition they provide stipends, professional networks, and the freedom to pursue research without financial distraction. But here’s the catch: these are extremely competitive, highly targeted, and governed by strict eligibility rules. If you want in, preparation must begin now.

What scholarships are we talking about and why do they matter

Maastricht University runs several targeted scholarships for international students. The headline programme is the NL-High Potential Scholarship (Maastricht University edition), which bundles a tuition waiver with a monthly stipend, effectively a full scholarship for outstanding non-EU/EEA applicants admitted to a master’s programme. This award is limited in number and explicitly designed to attract high-calibre students who will contribute to the UM academic community and beyond.

UM also administers smaller but strategic awards, including the UM Brightlands Talent Scholarship (for candidates affiliated with the Brightlands campuses), the UM Global Studies Scholarship (for top-performing bachelor's applicants in that programme), and faculty- or programme-specific scholarships such as the Candriam Scholarship for first-generation students in selected sustainability and finance programmes. Each scholarship has its focus on some research potential, others prioritise social impact or first-generation scholars, so picking the right match is crucial.

Who can apply — eligibility (the fine print you must never miss)

These scholarships are not one-size-fits-all. Common eligibility features include:

• Non-EU/EEA nationality for many of the fully funded awards (particularly the NL-High Potential scheme).

• A recent admission or conditional offer to a full-time master’s programme at UM — you must apply for the programme before applying for the scholarship.

• Age and academic excellence thresholds may apply for specific awards (some programmes set an upper age limit or expect exceptional transcripts and references).

• One-scholarship rule: UM usually allows only one scholarship application per applicant; multiple submissions can lead to disqualification. Knowing these constraints prevents fatal application errors.

What the funding covers — read this like a checklist

Not all scholarships are identical, but the most generous UM awards commonly include:

• Tuition fee waiver (full or partial)

• Monthly stipend to cover living costs (values vary by award)

• Research and thesis allowances for some programmes

• Networking and professional development opportunities through UM and partner organisations

For example, the NL-High Potential scholarship historically packaged the tuition waiver with a monthly stipend, a combination that materially reduces the financial burden of studying in Maastricht and allows scholars to focus on academic and professional growth rather than survival.

Deadlines & application rhythm — timing is everything

Scholarship application windows are seasonal and strict. For many UM scholarships tied to the academic year, key actions follow this rhythm:

1. Apply to your chosen master’s programme through UM’s admissions portal (earlier the better).

2. Check scholarship eligibility specific to your nationality and programme (some scholarships exclude certain faculties).

3. Submit your scholarship application before the scholarship deadline—missing this nullifies your chances regardless of how strong your academic file is. UM typically publishes scholarships and deadlines on its scholarship pages. Always confirm dates on the official UM site, as third-party aggregators may lag or err.

How to build a standout application — academic, strategic, tactical

You may have top grades, but scores alone rarely win these awards. Reviewers evaluate impact, fit, and potential. Here’s how to tilt the odds in your favour:

1. Articulate a research or impact narrative. Link your academic trajectory to UM’s strengths, be specific about supervisors, research groups, or Brightlands industry collaborations that match your interests.

2. Demonstrate measurable impact. Funders love evidence: projects led, communities served, publications, conference presentations, or measurable outcomes from internships.

3. Secure targeted references. Choose referees who can speak to your research potential and leadership. Generic praise won’t cut it.

4. Polish a tailored motivation letter. Explain why Maastricht University, why this programme, and why this scholarship in that order. Make every sentence justify your selection.

5. Respect formal requirements. One submission only. Correct file formats. Meeting proof. These technical missteps disqualify the unwary.

Common pitfalls and mistakes that silent-kill applications

• Applying to the scholarship before your programme application is processed. UM requires conditional admission first.

• Ignoring nationality restrictions. Some scholarships exclude EU/EEA nationals or are targeted only at specific countries.

• Overlooking living expenses. Not all scholarships cover full living costs—budget realistically.

• Missing the “one scholarship” rule. Multiple entries = disqualification. Always read the scholarship’s terms.

Post-award: what to expect and how to maximise the opportunity

If you are fortunate enough to win a UM scholarship, treat it as more than financial aid, think of it as a professional springboard. Network relentlessly, engage in faculty research, present at conferences, and use the stipend to free up time for internships or entrepreneurial experiments. UM’s international campus, close ties to European policy centres, and Brightlands innovation ecosystem can convert your scholarship year into a lifetime of opportunities.

Final verdict — is it worth it?

Yes, if you are ready to commit. These scholarships offer rare financial freedom and a collegial environment that prizes interdisciplinary research and global impact. But the door only opens for applicants who prepare early, match their profile to the scholarship’s intent, and submit a flawless, targeted application.

If you want help reviewing your scholarship statement or tailoring your UM application, drop a message below. The next fully funded cohort will have fewer words and more decisive action will yours be among them?