Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship 2027–2028
Offered by Maastricht University
Location
Netherlands
Funding
Fully Funded
Study level
Master's
Field of study
All Fields
Application deadline
February 1, 2027
About This Scholarship
The Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship is a competitive funding programme for academically outstanding international students who want to pursue an eligible full-time master's degree at Maastricht University in the Netherlands.
The programme combines the university's High Potential Scholarship, funded by the Maastricht University Scholarship Fund, with the NL Scholarship, financed by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science in cooperation with Dutch universities and universities of applied sciences.
For the 2027–2028 academic year, the programme offers 18 full scholarships to eligible students from outside the European Union and European Economic Area, Switzerland and Suriname. The awards are intended for candidates who demonstrate excellent academic performance, meet the university's admission requirements and show potential to contribute to the university's international academic community.
The scholarship is particularly valuable because it combines tuition-fee support with a substantial living allowance and assistance with several essential expenses associated with studying in the Netherlands. Successful applicants also receive health and liability insurance, support for visa application costs, mandatory pre-academic training and housing for a specified initial period.
Unlike scholarships that provide only a reduction in tuition fees, the NL-High Potential Scholarship is designed to support students through several aspects of their transition to postgraduate study. However, applicants must understand the exact conditions of the award, especially the accommodation arrangements for students enrolled in two-year master's programmes.
The award is highly competitive. Maastricht University states that approximately 2% of applicants receive the scholarship. Applicants should therefore prepare a strong academic application, carefully explain their motivation for the chosen programme and ensure that every required document is submitted correctly.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The scholarship combines financial assistance for living expenses with payment of eligible tuition and other approved costs. The precise arrangements depend on the university's published scholarship conditions.
1. Living Allowance
The scholarship provides the following living allowances for the 2027–2028 academic year:
One-year master's programme: €20,150 for 13 months.
Two-year master's programme: €38,750 for 25 months.
The living allowance is paid to students through Maastricht University's International Services Desk. It is intended to help recipients meet everyday expenses while studying in the Netherlands.
These expenses may include food, local transport, personal necessities and other ordinary living costs. Students should nevertheless prepare a realistic budget because their actual expenses will depend on their accommodation arrangements, lifestyle and study location.
The allowance is specified for the scholarship period rather than as an unrestricted payment for any purpose. Applicants should review the award terms to understand how and when payments are made.
2. Tuition Fees
The scholarship covers tuition fees according to the applicable programme and award conditions. Tuition payments are arranged through the university's International Services Desk.
This support can significantly reduce the financial burden of undertaking a master's degree in the Netherlands. However, applicants should confirm that their intended programme is included in the list of participating master's programmes before applying.
3. Health and Liability Insurance
The scholarship includes health and liability insurance, arranged and paid for by the university's International Services Desk.
Insurance is an important component of the funding package because international students must consider their healthcare and liability coverage while living abroad. Recipients should review the policy information provided by the university to understand the coverage, exclusions and procedures for accessing services.
4. Visa Application Costs
Visa application costs are covered according to the scholarship conditions and are arranged through the university's International Services Desk.
International students who require a Dutch entry visa or residence permit should follow the university's instructions and provide the necessary documentation promptly. Visa arrangements depend on the student's nationality and immigration circumstances.
5. Pre-Academic Training
Recipients must participate in a mandatory two-week pre-academic training programme scheduled to begin in the first week of August 2027.
This programme is an integral part of the scholarship rather than an optional activity. It helps prepare recipients for their studies and transition to the university's academic environment.
The associated training costs are covered according to the scholarship terms.
6. Initial Housing Support
The scholarship includes a room allocated to the recipient until 16 July 2028.
This arrangement is particularly important for students planning their accommodation before travelling to the Netherlands. However, students awarded the scholarship for a two-year master's programme must find and finance their own housing for the second year.
Applicants should therefore distinguish between the accommodation included during the initial period and their longer-term housing responsibilities. Students on a two-year programme should begin planning early for the additional accommodation costs.
7. International Academic and Professional Networking
Studying at Maastricht University provides opportunities to interact with students and academics from different countries and academic backgrounds.
Scholarship recipients also agree to act as university and scholarship ambassadors during and after their studies by sharing their experiences in at least one information session for students or other stakeholders.
This responsibility offers an opportunity to contribute to the university community, communicate the value of international education and support prospective students who want to learn about studying at Maastricht University.
Who Can Apply?
The scholarship is intended for academically excellent international students who meet the university's nationality, admission, age and academic requirements.
1. Eligible Nationality
Applicants must be nationals of a country outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland and Suriname and meet the requirements for obtaining an entry visa and residence permit for the Netherlands.
Applicants must not hold dual nationality from an EU/EEA country or Switzerland.
Nationality rules are an essential part of the eligibility assessment. Applicants should consult the university's official conditions if they hold multiple citizenships or have an existing residence permit in another European country.
2. Admission to an Eligible Master's Programme
Applicants must apply for an eligible full-time master's programme at Maastricht University for the 2027–2028 academic year.
Only programmes listed by the university as participating in the NL-High Potential Scholarship are eligible. Applying to an unrelated master's programme at Maastricht University does not automatically qualify a student for this award.
Before beginning the scholarship application, identify the exact programme name and confirm that it appears on the official participating-programme list.
3. Complete Admission Application by 10 December 2026
Applicants must submit their master's programme application through Studielink and complete the required admission file, meeting the programme's admission requirements, by 10 December 2026.
This is separate from the scholarship deadline of 1 February 2027.
Students who miss the admission deadline may be unable to qualify for the scholarship even if the scholarship application portal remains open. Applicants should therefore begin the admission process as early as possible.
4. Academic Performance and Minimum GPA
Applicants must demonstrate excellent academic results. Maastricht University requires a minimum GPA of 7.5 out of 10, or an equivalent of at least 75% on a 100-point scale or 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, depending on the grading system.
Applicants must provide an official document from their previous university showing their most recent GPA, along with a document explaining the institution's grading system.
Because grading systems differ between countries and institutions, applicants should not rely solely on self-calculated conversions. Submit the official documentation requested by the university.
Meeting the minimum GPA requirement does not guarantee a scholarship, as the programme is highly competitive and the university considers the overall application.
5. Age Requirement
Applicants must be no older than 35 years of age on 1 September 2027.
Candidates should confirm their eligibility against this specific date rather than using their age on the day they submit the application.
6. Previous Study in the Netherlands
Applicants must never have participated in a degree-seeking higher education programme in the Netherlands.
Students who have participated in an exchange programme in the Netherlands may still be eligible, provided they meet all the other requirements.
Applicants who previously studied in the country should review this condition carefully before applying.
7. Preference for Applicants Without a Previous Master's Degree
The university states that preference will be given to candidates who have not yet obtained a master's degree.
This is a selection preference rather than a blanket statement that every applicant with a previous master's degree is automatically ineligible. Applicants with an existing master's qualification should nevertheless consider the published preference when assessing their chances.
8. Ambassador Commitment
Successful applicants must agree to become active Maastricht University NL-High Potential ambassadors during and after their studies.
This includes participating in at least one information session for students or other stakeholders and sharing their experiences of the scholarship and university.
Applicants should understand that the scholarship involves a commitment to contribute to the university community, not just receive financial support.
Can Nigerian Students Apply?
Nigerian students may apply if they meet all the scholarship requirements.
Nigeria is outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland and Suriname, so Nigerian nationality can satisfy the nationality component of the eligibility rules. However, nationality alone is not sufficient.
A Nigerian applicant must also:
Apply for a participating full-time master's programme at Maastricht University.
Submit a complete admission application by 10 December 2026.
Meet the minimum GPA requirement or its accepted equivalent.
Be no older than 35 on 1 September 2027.
Meet the relevant visa and residence-permit conditions.
Satisfy the restrictions on previous degree-seeking study in the Netherlands.
Submit the scholarship application and all required documents by 1 February 2027.
Applicants from Nigeria and other eligible countries should check the university's official list of participating master's programmes before beginning the application.
Which Master's Programmes Are Eligible?
Not every master's degree offered by Maastricht University qualifies for the NL-High Potential Scholarship.
The university publishes a specific list of participating programmes for each academic year. Eligible programmes span selected areas of study across participating faculties, but availability depends on the official 2027–2028 list.
Applicants should follow these steps before applying:
Search Maastricht University's official master's programme catalogue.
Identify a programme that matches your academic background and career goals.
Open the programme's admission requirements page.
Check the entry qualifications, English-language requirements and supporting documents.
Confirm that the programme appears on the NL-High Potential Scholarship's participating-programme list.
Verify the deadline for submitting the complete admission file.
This process is important because an applicant can meet the general scholarship conditions but still be ineligible if their chosen master's programme is not included.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
The application process has two main parts: applying for admission to the master's programme and completing the separate scholarship application.
Step 1: Choose an Eligible Master's Programme
Review the participating-programme list on the official scholarship page. Choose a programme that matches your previous qualifications, academic interests and professional goals.
Read the programme's admission requirements carefully and check whether you need specific prerequisite courses, relevant academic experience, proof of English proficiency or other documents.
Step 2: Apply Through Studielink
Submit your application for the master's programme through Studielink, the Dutch national higher-education application system.
Follow the university's instructions for completing the programme application and uploading the required documents through Maastricht University's application portal.
Step 3: Complete Your Admission File by 10 December 2026
Ensure that all required admission documents have been submitted and that you meet the programme's admission requirements by 10 December 2026.
Do not confuse this deadline with the later scholarship deadline. Your admission application must be complete in time for you to qualify for scholarship consideration.
If your programme requires an application or handling fee, check the relevant instructions and arrange payment by the required date. The scholarship does not cover programme handling fees that applicants are required to pay during the admission process.
Step 4: Obtain Your Maastricht University Student Number
After applying through Studielink, you will receive a Maastricht University student ID number.
You need this number to access and complete the scholarship application form. Keep your student number and university account details secure and accessible.
Step 5: Prepare Your Scholarship Documents
The scholarship application requires applicants to provide specific information and supporting documents. Prepare the following in advance:
Your most recent official academic transcript.
An official document showing your GPA.
An explanation of the grading system used by your previous university.
Your academic and personal information.
The required motivation statement and supporting application materials.
Your referee's professional contact details, including a work telephone number and institutional email address.
The university requires the referee's work or institutional email address. References that use only a personal email address will be rejected.
Check the official application instructions for the exact format and content required for each document.
Step 6: Complete the Scholarship Application Form
Log in using your Maastricht University account and complete the NL-High Potential Scholarship application form.
Enter your information accurately and upload all required documents in an accepted format, such as DOC, DOCX or PDF, as specified by the university.
The university states that applicants can submit the scholarship application only once. Documents cannot be added or replaced after submission, so review the application thoroughly before finalising it.
Step 7: Submit Before 1 February 2027
The scholarship application closes on 1 February 2027 at 11:59 p.m. CET.
Submit your application well before the deadline. Make sure that all required documents are present, the referee's details are correct and the file meets the university's requirements.
Retain any submission confirmation and check your university email account for further instructions.
Step 8: Prepare for the Selection Process
After the application deadline, Maastricht University's International Services Desk checks whether applications are complete. Complete applications are then forwarded to the relevant faculties for assessment.
Faculty representatives review and rank applicants according to the scholarship selection criteria. The faculties submit their leading candidates for further review.
The university plans to invite selected candidates for online interviews after the faculty selection stage. Applicants should monitor their email and be prepared to discuss their academic background, programme choice, motivation and plans for using their education.
Step 9: Accept the Scholarship Offer
The university expects to communicate scholarship decisions during April 2027, with selected, waitlisted or rejected status communicated by the beginning of May 2027 at the latest.
Successful applicants must sign and return the award letter to the International Services Desk to accept the scholarship.
Read the award conditions carefully before accepting, particularly the funding arrangements, mandatory pre-academic training, housing period and ambassador responsibilities.
How to Prepare a Strong Scholarship Application
1. Demonstrate Academic Excellence
The minimum GPA is an eligibility threshold, not a guarantee of selection. Applicants should present their academic record accurately and ensure that all transcripts and grading information are complete.
If your university uses a grading scale that differs from the Dutch system, provide the official explanation requested by Maastricht University rather than relying on an informal conversion.
2. Write a Specific Motivation Statement
Explain why you have chosen your master's programme, how it connects to your previous academic experience and what you hope to achieve after graduation.
A convincing statement should demonstrate that you understand the programme and can explain why it is appropriate for your academic development. Avoid generic statements that could be used for any university or scholarship.
3. Explain Your Academic and Professional Goals
Describe the knowledge and skills you want to develop and how the degree relates to your longer-term plans.
Where relevant, discuss the issues you want to investigate, the professional area you hope to enter or the contribution you would like to make in your community or field.
4. Select an Appropriate Referee
Choose a referee who can provide a credible assessment of your academic ability, potential and suitability for the scholarship.
Make sure the person is available before the deadline and can provide the required professional contact information. Explain the programme and scholarship requirements to the referee early.
5. Review Every Document Before Submission
Because the university allows only one scholarship application submission and does not permit documents to be added or replaced afterwards, document preparation is especially important.
Check that names, dates, qualifications and GPA information are consistent. Ensure that every file opens correctly and follows the required format.
6. Understand the Financial Arrangements
Although the scholarship covers major expenses, students should understand the limits of the housing arrangement and the amount of the living allowance.
Students on a two-year master's programme must plan for their own accommodation after 16 July 2028. Applicants should also budget for any costs that are not explicitly covered by the scholarship.
Important Deadlines at a Glance
Application stage
Deadline
Scholarship applications open
1 October 2026
Complete master's admission application
10 December 2026
NL-High Potential Scholarship application
1 February 2027, 11:59 p.m. CET
Expected selection interviews
March–April 2027
Expected scholarship decisions
April–early May 2027
Mandatory pre-academic training begins
First week of August 2027
The admission deadline is particularly important. Applicants must not wait until February to begin applying for their master's programme.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship fully funded?
The scholarship provides tuition-fee support, a living allowance, health and liability insurance, visa application costs and pre-academic training according to the official terms. It also includes an initial housing arrangement. Applicants should review the conditions carefully because some expenses and second-year accommodation costs may remain their responsibility.
2. How much is the living allowance?
The published allowance is €20,150 for a 13-month scholarship period for a one-year master's programme, or €38,750 for a 25-month period for a two-year programme.
3. Can Nigerian students apply?
Yes, provided they meet the nationality, admission, GPA, age, previous-study and other scholarship conditions.
4. What is the minimum GPA?
The university requires a GPA of at least 7.5 out of 10, or an accepted equivalent such as 75% out of 100% or 3.0 out of 4.0, depending on the grading system.
5. Do I need to apply for admission before the scholarship?
Yes. Applicants must apply for an eligible master's programme through Studielink, complete the admission file and meet the programme's requirements by 10 December 2026. They can then complete the scholarship application using their Maastricht University account.
6. Can I apply for any master's programme at Maastricht University?
No. Only participating master's programmes listed on the official scholarship page are eligible.
7. Can I apply if I already have a master's degree?
The university gives preference to applicants who have not yet obtained a master's degree. Applicants with a previous master's degree should review the full eligibility criteria and understand that this preference may affect selection.
8. Can I apply if I previously participated in an exchange programme in the Netherlands?
Yes. The university states that participation in an exchange programme does not automatically disqualify an applicant. However, previous participation in a degree-seeking higher-education programme in the Netherlands is excluded.
9. Is the scholarship guaranteed if I meet the GPA requirement?
No. The scholarship is highly competitive, and meeting the minimum GPA and other eligibility requirements does not guarantee selection. Applicants are assessed on their complete application.
10. When is the scholarship deadline?
The application closes on 1 February 2027 at 11:59 p.m. Central European Time. However, the complete master's admission application must be submitted by 10 December 2026.
Final Advice
The Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship 2027–2028 offers academically excellent international students an opportunity to pursue an eligible master's degree in the Netherlands with substantial financial support.
The scholarship is particularly attractive because it combines tuition-fee coverage with living expenses, insurance, visa support, pre-academic training and initial housing. Nevertheless, applicants should understand the programme's strict eligibility requirements, the separate admission deadline and the accommodation conditions for two-year master's degrees.
The most important first step is to identify a participating master's programme and complete the admission application by 10 December 2026. Applicants should then prepare their academic evidence, GPA documentation, motivation statement and referee details well before the scholarship deadline of 1 February 2027.
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