The UM Brightlands Talent Scholarship supports outstanding non‑EU/EEA students accepted into select master’s programs at Maastricht University (UM) that are connected to the Brightlands innovation campuses. It fully funds tuition and helps cover living and research‑related expenses while you study in the Netherlands.

About the UM Brightlands Talent Scholarship

This scholarship awards a full tuition fee waiver and a monthly living stipend to top‑performing applicants who have been (conditionally) admitted to eligible master’s programs linked to the Brightlands campuses (in Maastricht, Venlo, Sittard‑Geleen, or Heerlen). As part of the award, recipients must participate in the thesis‑internship programme (TIP) and complete their thesis in collaboration with an industry partner on a Brightlands campus, fostering both academic and professional development.

Why Choose The UM Brightlands Talent Scholarship?

This scholarship removes significant financial barriers and provides structured support while you pursue a master’s degree in an internationally oriented research environment. You will gain practical experience through an internship‑linked thesis, engage with innovation ecosystems on the Brightlands campuses, and build networks with companies and researchers working in fields like health, data science, agrifood, chemistry, and smart digital services.

UM Brightlands Talent Scholarship Summary

  • Host Country: Netherlands
  • Host Institution: Maastricht University (UM)
  • Scholarship Name: UM Brightlands Talent Scholarship
  • Study Level: Master’s (Postgraduate)
  • Program: Eligible Brightlands‑linked Master’s Programmes at UM
  • Coverage: Full tuition fee waiver; monthly stipend; insurance; visa support; pre‑academic training
  • Application Deadline: 1 February 2026, 23:59 CET
  • Program Start: September 2026
  • Eligible Applicants: Non‑EU/EEA nationals who hold an admission offer for an eligible UM master’s program and meet the selection criteria

Scholarship Benefits

  • Tuition fees: Fully covered by UM.
  • Living stipend: Approximately €15,925 for a one‑year programme or €30,625 for a two‑year programme (paid by UM).
  • Health & liability insurance: Covered by UM.
  • Visa costs: Covered by UM.
  • Pre‑academic training: Covered by UM.
  • Mandatory residence: Scholarship includes assigned accommodation and associated support arrangements.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet all of the following:

  • Be a national of a non‑EU/EEA country and meet visa/residence requirements for the Netherlands.
  • Have applied (and have been conditionally or unconditionally admitted) to a participating master’s programme at Maastricht University for the 2026–27 academic year.
  • Meet the admission requirements of the chosen master’s programme.
  • Have excellent academic results, typically a GPA equivalent to 7.5 out of 10 or higher.
  • Be no older than 35 years on 1 September 2026.
  • Not have previously completed a degree‑seeking programme in the Netherlands.
  • Show demonstrated motivation and potential to contribute to the Brightlands campus community and act as a UM ambassador.

Required Documents

Prepare and submit:

  • Curriculum Vitae (CV) with academic and extracurricular details.
  • Letter of motivation using the specified template.
  • Proof of academic excellence (transcripts showing GPA).
  • Personal statement of financial need.
  • Reference letter (written no earlier than February 2025) and referee contact details.

Application Process & Timeline

  • Apply for admission to a participating master’s program at Maastricht University via Studielink.
  • Receive a UM student ID number after applying.
  • Access and complete the Brightlands Talent Scholarship application form using your UM login.
  • Upload all required documents and submit before the 1 February 2026 deadline.
  • UM verifies applications and forwards complete files to faculty committees for ranking.
  • Top candidates are invited for an online interview with the scholarship selection committee.
  • UM notifies successful and waitlisted applicants by May 2026.
  • Accept your award and begin plans to study in Maastricht, including attendance at mandatory pre‑academic training before the program starts.