Maastricht University Scholarships 2027–28 offer international students funding opportunities for bachelor’s and master’s degrees in the Netherlands. Maastricht University (UM) has opened applications for four scholarship programmes for the 2027–2028 academic year. These scholarships target non-EU/EEA students applying to eligible undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Applications are open until February 1, 2027, at 23:59 CET. However, you must complete your university admission application by December 10, 2026, to qualify for scholarship consideration.
Here is what many applicants overlook: Maastricht University allows you to apply for only one UM scholarship. Applying for multiple scholarships leads to disqualification, so you need to check your programme eligibility and choose carefully before submitting your application.
Maastricht University Scholarships 2027–28: Quick Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Host Country | Netherlands |
| University | Maastricht University (UM) |
| Academic Year | 2027–2028 |
| Scholarship Programmes | Four main UM scholarships |
| Degree Levels | Bachelor’s and Master’s |
| Eligible Nationalities | Non-EU/EEA applicants for the four listed UM scholarships |
| Application Opens | October 1, 2026 |
| Admission Application Deadline | December 10, 2026 |
| Scholarship Deadline | February 1, 2027, 23:59 CET |
| Selection Criteria | Academic excellence, extracurricular engagement, active citizenship and financial need |
| Application Method | Studielink, UM MyApplication portal and relevant scholarship procedure |
What Scholarships Does Maastricht University Offer for 2027–28?
Maastricht University offers four main scholarships for non-EU/EEA students. Each supports a particular degree level or group of academic programmes.
You should check your intended degree before selecting a scholarship. Not every UM scholarship covers every master’s programme, and only one of the four main opportunities specifically targets bachelor’s students.
1. UM NL-High Potential Scholarship 2027
The UM NL-High Potential Scholarship targets outstanding non-EU/EEA students who want to pursue participating master’s programmes at Maastricht University.
This opportunity suits applicants with strong academic records and evidence of engagement beyond the classroom.
The university assesses scholarship candidates using academic excellence, extracurricular activities, active citizenship and financial need.
Key details:
- Degree level: Master’s
- Nationality: Non-EU/EEA
- Eligible programmes: Selected UM master’s degrees
- Application deadline: February 1, 2027
- Programme admission deadline: December 10, 2026
Before applying, check the official list of participating master’s programmes.
You should not assume that admission to any Maastricht University master’s degree automatically qualifies you for this scholarship.
If you are comparing master’s scholarships in Europe, consider the Eiffel Scholarship 2027 in France, which offers €1,200 per month for master’s students and requires nomination through a French institution.
2. UM NL Brightlands Talent Scholarship 2027
The UM NL Brightlands Talent Scholarship offers another route for non-EU/EEA students interested in selected master’s programmes.
The participating programme list determines which students can pursue this scholarship.
You should compare the Brightlands programme list with the NL-High Potential list before making your decision. The university’s one-scholarship rule means you cannot submit applications to both.
Key details:
- Degree level: Master’s
- Nationality: Non-EU/EEA
- Eligible programmes: Participating master’s degrees
- Scholarship deadline: February 1, 2027
- Admission deadline: December 10, 2026
Check the Brightlands participating programmes for 2027–28.
3. UM NL Global Studies Scholarship 2027
The UM NL Global Studies Scholarship supports non-EU/EEA applicants interested in the bachelor’s programme in Global Studies.
Unlike the previous two scholarships, this opportunity targets undergraduate students.
That distinction makes it particularly relevant to international students who have completed secondary education and want to begin their university studies in the Netherlands.
Key details:
- Degree level: Bachelor’s
- Eligible programme: Global Studies
- Nationality: Non-EU/EEA
- Scholarship deadline: February 1, 2027
- Admission deadline: December 10, 2026
If you want to study a different bachelor’s programme, you should check the university’s scholarship guide rather than assuming this scholarship covers your chosen degree.
4. UM NL Social Justice Scholarship 2027
The UM NL Social Justice Scholarship targets non-EU/EEA applicants pursuing the master’s programme in Globalisation and Law.
Students interested in law, globalisation and related international issues should examine this opportunity.
However, the scholarship specifically identifies Globalisation and Law as its eligible programme. An interest in social justice alone does not establish eligibility.
Key details:
- Degree level: Master’s
- Eligible programme: Globalisation and Law
- Nationality: Non-EU/EEA
- Scholarship deadline: February 1, 2027
- Admission deadline: December 10, 2026
If your interests include international law, peace, security or sustainable development, explore the ILSPSD Erasmus Mundus Scholarship 2027. It offers €1,400 per month for 24 months and study opportunities across several European countries.
Who Can Apply for Maastricht University Scholarships 2027?
International students from outside the EU/EEA can apply for the four main Maastricht University scholarships for 2027–28, provided they meet the requirements of their chosen scholarship and degree programme. The university evaluates academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, active citizenship and financial need. Applicants must complete their programme admission application before pursuing scholarship selection.
Main eligibility requirements
- Nationality: You must meet the nationality requirements of your chosen scholarship. All four main UM scholarships in this overview target non-EU/EEA applicants.
- Academic background: You must qualify for admission to the relevant bachelor’s or master’s programme.
- Programme eligibility: Your intended degree must appear among the eligible programmes for the scholarship.
- Scholarship limit: You can apply for only one UM scholarship.
- Selection criteria: UM evaluates academic excellence, extracurricular engagement, active citizenship and financial need.
Maastricht University also considers students’ potential to contribute to their communities and represent the university during and after their studies.
f you want to study humanitarian action rather than a conventional single-university master’s degree, the NOHA Erasmus Mundus Scholarship 2027 offers a two-year international master’s programme with scholarships worth up to €33,600.
How to Apply for Maastricht University Scholarships 2027–28
Maastricht University uses Studielink and its own MyApplication portal for degree admission.
Follow these steps in the correct order.
Step 1: Choose your degree programme
Explore the university’s academic offerings and identify a programme that matches your qualifications and interests.
You can browse:
Read the admission requirements for your chosen programme carefully.
Step 2: Check your scholarship eligibility
Use the official Maastricht University Scholarship Guide.
The guide asks a series of yes-or-no questions and identifies scholarships that match your answers.
This helps you narrow down your options before applying.
Step 3: Apply through Studielink
Once you confirm that you meet your programme’s admission requirements, begin your application through Studielink.
Apply Here for Maastricht University Admissions 2027
Studielink manages applications and enrolments for higher education institutions in the Netherlands.
Step 4: Complete your MyApplication requirements
After you apply through Studielink, Maastricht University sends you an email explaining how to access its MyApplication portal.
Use the portal to upload the documents required for your programme admission.
Check the programme’s admission page for its specific document requirements and any additional selection procedures.
Step 5: Complete your admission application by December 10
Make sure you complete the relevant programme admission application by December 10, 2026.
Do not confuse this date with the February scholarship deadline.
Step 6: Apply for your chosen UM scholarship
Follow the application instructions on your selected scholarship’s official page.
Maastricht University Scholarships for international students
Submit only one UM scholarship application.
The university explicitly warns that multiple UM scholarship applications lead to disqualification.
Complete the scholarship process before February 1, 2027, at 23:59 CET.
Careers Help Desk Counter Angle: How to Make Your Application More Competitive
Many students approach scholarships as a grades competition. Maastricht University’s published assessment criteria show why that approach is incomplete.
The university evaluates four dimensions, and your application should address each one.
1. Strong grades alone do not tell your full story
An excellent transcript establishes academic strength, but it does not automatically demonstrate extracurricular engagement or active citizenship.
Think about what you have done outside formal coursework.
For example, if you organised a student initiative, supported a community project or helped solve a practical problem, explain your actual contribution.
Focus on evidence. Describe your responsibility, the problem and the outcome instead of relying on general statements about leadership.
2. Choose your scholarship before investing time in the application
Maastricht University’s one-scholarship restriction changes how you should plan.
An applicant who qualifies academically for more than one scholarship cannot simply apply to every available option.
Compare programme eligibility, nationality rules and funding coverage first.
Then choose the scholarship that fits your intended degree and financial situation.
A carefully selected application makes better use of your preparation time than several applications that violate the university’s rules.
3. Explain financial need with academic purpose
Maastricht University includes financial need among its selection criteria.
You should explain your circumstances clearly and connect the requested support to your ability to pursue the degree.
Avoid treating financial need as a substitute for academic merit or community involvement. The university considers all four criteria.
A strong application gives the selection committee enough specific information to understand both your achievements and the financial barriers you face.
The practical advantage: Build your application around evidence that addresses the university’s actual assessment criteria. Do not rely on a generic motivation statement that you could send unchanged to any institution.
If your academic interests focus on public policy, consider the Mundus MAPP Scholarship 2027. Selected students receive €1,400 per month for 24 months plus a full tuition waiver, with a scholarship application deadline of December 1, 2026.
Other Maastricht University Scholarships for 2027–28
Beyond the four main UM scholarships, Maastricht University lists several external scholarships for specific nationalities, faculties and degree programmes.
These options matter because students who do not qualify for the main non-EU/EEA scholarships may find a more suitable alternative.
| Scholarship | Degree | Target applicants or programmes |
|---|---|---|
| NL MPP Scholarship | Master’s | Non-EU/EEA; UNU-MERIT and SBE |
| Candriam Scholarship | Master’s | EU/EEA, Swiss or Surinamese applicants; SBE |
| Changemaker Scholarship | Master’s | EU/EEA; participating programmes |
| China Scholarship Council | Master’s | Applicants from China; Public Policy and Human Development |
| LKPU Management Consulting Scholarship | Master’s | German applicants; SBE |
| Rachel and Alan Wyatt STS Scholarship | Master’s | EU/EEA; Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences |
| Prof. Jo Ritzen Scholarship | Bachelor’s | Belgian, Luxembourgish and French applicants; Law |
| UM First Generation Students Scholarship | Bachelor’s | Dutch applicants; participating programmes |
| Stichting De Ridder Scholarship | Bachelor’s | Dutch applicants meeting specified local residency rules |
| Stichting Mia Keulaerds Scholarship | Bachelor’s | Dutch applicants meeting specified Parkstad regional requirements |
| Fulbright / Maastricht University Award | Master’s | Students enrolled at US higher education institutions |
| UCM/MSP Tuition Fee Waiver | Bachelor’s | EU/EEA; Liberal Arts & Sciences |
The NL MPP Scholarship closes on February 1, 2027, at 23:59 CET.
Several other external scholarships list February 1, 2027, as their opening date rather than their closing date. The Fulbright/Maastricht University Award had an October 6, 2026 deadline, which has already passed.
Check the individual scholarship pages for the correct application procedure.
If you are considering universities outside Europe, explore the HBKU Scholarship 2027 in Qatar. Selected international master’s and PhD students can receive tuition support and monthly stipends, with an application deadline of February 1, 2027.
Common Mistakes That Can Disqualify Applicants
Maastricht University identifies several application rules that students should take seriously.
- Applying for multiple UM scholarships: The university disqualifies multiple scholarship applications.
- Missing the admission deadline: Complete the programme admission process by December 10 rather than waiting until the February scholarship deadline.
- Choosing an ineligible degree: Check the participating programme list before selecting a scholarship.
- Ignoring nationality restrictions: Each scholarship has specific nationality rules.
- Assuming every scholarship covers living expenses: Verify whether the award covers tuition only or provides broader financial support.
- Starting document preparation too late: Allow enough time for the university to evaluate your admission documents.
One additional point deserves attention: some bachelor’s and master’s programmes have their own selection processes. Check the admission page for your intended programme before starting.
Maastricht University Scholarship Benefits and Funding
Maastricht University offers scholarships to help high-performing students who face financial barriers to higher education.
However, scholarship coverage varies by programme. You should examine the financial terms of your chosen scholarship rather than assume that every UM scholarship provides the same benefits.
The university specifically advises students to check whether a scholarship covers only tuition fees.
If you receive tuition-only support, you must arrange sufficient funding for your living expenses throughout your studies.
These expenses include accommodation, food and insurance.
This distinction is especially important for students searching for fully funded scholarships in the Netherlands. A scholarship’s name or eligibility criteria do not establish whether it covers your complete cost of attendance.
If you are interested in environmental science, sustainability or policy, compare the MESPOM Erasmus Mundus Scholarship 2027. This two-year master’s programme includes study across Austria, Sweden, the UK and Greece, with financial support available to selected students.
Ready to Apply for Scholarships and Study in Netherlands
Maastricht University Scholarships 2027–28 provide several opportunities for international students who want to pursue bachelor’s or master’s degrees in the Netherlands. Your first priority should be selecting an eligible programme and completing its admission application by December 10, 2026. After that, concentrate on one scholarship that matches your nationality, academic plans and financial circumstances. Maastricht University evaluates more than academic results. Use your application to demonstrate your achievements, contributions beyond the classroom, active citizenship and financial need.
Official application resources:
For scholarship-related questions, contact the UM Scholarship Office at scholarships@maastrichtuniversity.nl.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the Maastricht University Scholarship 2027 open?
Yes. Applications for the four main Maastricht University scholarships opened on October 1, 2026, for the 2027–2028 academic year.
What is the Maastricht University Scholarship 2027 deadline?
February 1, 2027, at 23:59 CET is the scholarship application deadline. You must complete your study programme admission application by December 10, 2026.
Can non-EU students apply for Maastricht University scholarships?
Yes. The UM NL-High Potential, Brightlands Talent, Global Studies and Social Justice scholarships target non-EU/EEA applicants who meet their respective programme requirements.
Can I apply for two Maastricht University scholarships?
No. Maastricht University allows only one UM scholarship application and disqualifies applicants who submit multiple applications.
Does Maastricht University offer scholarships for bachelor’s students?
Yes. The UM NL Global Studies Scholarship targets non-EU/EEA students applying for the bachelor’s programme in Global Studies. Other listed scholarships support particular undergraduate groups.
Do I need university admission before applying for a scholarship?
Yes. Maastricht University requires you to apply for a study programme before applying for a UM scholarship. The university lists December 10, 2026, as the complete admission application deadline for the four main scholarship opportunities.
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