Full Program Details
Maastricht University is one of the best-known young universities in Europe, famous for small-group, problem-based teaching. Every year it gives 18 full scholarships to master's students from outside the European Union through its NL-High Potential programme. Only about 2% of applicants win, so it is tough, but it pays for nearly everything, and students from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and other African countries are eligible.
The scholarship pays your tuition, a living allowance of EUR 1,550 a month, health and liability insurance, and your visa application costs.
Details at a glance:
- Host: Maastricht University, funded by the UM Scholarship Fund and the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science
- Level: full-time master's programmes on the 2027-2028 participating list
- Awards: 18 full scholarships
- Location: Maastricht, Netherlands
- Deadline to apply for your master's: 10 December 2026, with a complete file
- Scholarship application window: 1 October 2026 to 1 February 2027, 23:59 CET
What the Scholarship Covers
- Tuition fees, paid directly by the university
- Living expenses of EUR 20,150 for a one-year master's (13 months) or EUR 38,750 for a two-year master's (25 months), which works out to EUR 1,550 a month
- Health and liability insurance arranged and paid by the university
- Visa application costs
- A room in student housing arranged for you, paid from your allowance
Air tickets are not included, and you pay a cleaning fee of about EUR 75 upfront. The housing offered is not suitable for partners, children or pets, and refusing the room cancels the scholarship.
Who Can Apply
- You hold the nationality of a country outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland or Suriname, with no dual EU/EEA or Swiss nationality
- You have applied to a participating full-time master's programme at Maastricht for 2027-2028 and submitted a complete file before 10 December 2026
- You have not studied in a degree programme in the Netherlands before. Former exchange students can apply.
- You are not older than 35 on 1 September 2027
- Your latest transcript shows a GPA of 7.5 out of 10 or higher, or the equivalent
- You agree to act as a UM ambassador during and after your studies
Preference goes to candidates who do not yet hold a master's degree. You can apply only once and for one scholarship.
How to Apply
- Check the list of participating master's programmes for 2027-2028 on the official scholarship page.
- Apply for your master's through Studielink and submit your full application file to Maastricht before 10 December 2026.
- Log in to the UM scholarship form with your UM account. Note that the portal is offline from 22 to 26 October 2026.
- Upload a CV of no more than two A4 pages, a motivation letter written on the university's template, and proof of academic excellence such as your transcript.
- Send your referee the university's reference letter guidelines. The letter must come from a professor, lecturer or employer, using a work email address.
- Make sure you have met all admission requirements and submit the scholarship form before 23:59 CET on 1 February 2027.
Selection Timeline
- Applications checked for completeness: after 1 February 2027
- Faculties rank their top candidates: February and March 2027
- Online interviews for shortlisted candidates: March 2027
- Results: April 2027, with all statuses final by May 2027
Two deadlines, not one
Your master's application must be complete by 10 December 2026, 23:59 CET to be considered. The scholarship application itself is open from 1 October 2026 to 1 February 2027. Missing the December programme deadline rules you out, even if you apply for the scholarship in January.
Where the money goes
Maastricht's breakdown of the €1,550 monthly stipend includes about €960 for housing. Health and liability insurance (listed at €700) is covered, but air tickets are not, so plan for your own flight. Winners must attend a two-week Pre-Academic Training programme starting in August 2027, and results are sent by early May 2027.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an age limit?
Yes. You must not be older than 35 on 1 September 2027.
What grade do I need?
A GPA of 7.5 out of 10 or higher, or the equivalent.
Can I hold an EU passport as well?
No. Applicants with dual EU, EEA or Swiss nationality are not eligible.
GizPulse Verdict
Who this is for: Strong African graduates under 35 with excellent grades who want a one or two-year master's in Europe and can finish their programme application early.
Who should pause: If you already have a master's degree, your chances drop because preference goes to first-time master's students. If your grades are below the 7.5 out of 10 level, look at other options first.
One tip to stand out: The real deadline is 10 December, not 1 February. Apply to your programme in November so any missing documents can be fixed in time, and use the motivation letter to link your course to a specific problem you want to solve at home.
Read the full rules and the list of participating programmes on the official Maastricht University scholarship page.
