NL‑High Potential Scholarship – Eligibility, Benefits & How to Apply

🌟 About the Scholarship

Opens1 Oct, 2025
Closes1 Feb, 2026

The Maastricht University NL‑High Potential Scholarship is a fully funded, highly competitive master’s scholarship for exceptional international students from outside the EU, EEA, Switzerland, and Surinam. Recipients receive full tuition coverage, a living allowance, insurance, and support for visa application costs.

🎓 Scholarship Snapshot

Here’s everything you need at a glance: the documents to prepare, what the award covers, and key dates so you don’t miss a beat. From transcripts and essays to tuition and living support, this gives you a clear picture of the NL‑High Potential Scholarship before you apply.

Eligible Countries

Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Greenland, Grenada, Guam, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Laos, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nauru, Nepal, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, North Korea, North Macedonia, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Palestine, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Seirra Leone, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Korea, South Sudan, South-Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Syrian Arab Republic, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tokelau, Trinidad-Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vatican City, Venezuela, Vietnam, Wales, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Study Fields

All fields

GPA / Grade

GPA 3.0

Languages

B2 First 173, IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 80

Tests

Study Levels

Master's

Total Scholarships

Transcripts

Yes

Degrees

Yes

Essay

Yes

Passport ID

Recommendation Letters

Result Date

Program Start

September 2026

Tuition Fee

Covered

Living Allowance

Yes

€15,925- €30,625

Travel Allowance

Research Grant

Health Insurance

Yes

Visa Assistance

Yes

🩺 Health Insurance

Health and liability insurance covered (~€700).

📞 Contact Information

Call if you want a quick answer, send an email for detailed questions, or follow the university’s social channels to keep an eye on updates and reminders. Use whatever fits your style and timezone.

Scholarship Summary

Award Amount€15,925- €30,625
Deadline1 Feb, 2026
LevelMaster's
InstitutionMaastricht University
CountryNetherlands
ModeOnline
TypeFully funded

Apply Now

The Maastricht University NL‑High Potential Scholarship is a fully funded, highly competitive master’s scholarship for exceptional international students from outside the EU, EEA, Switzerland, and Surinam. Maastricht University offers this scholarship to attract top global talent to its full-time master’s programs. These programs use the internationally recognized Problem-Based Learning (PBL) approach to deliver high-quality education.

Background and Purpose

The scholarship aims to identify and support students with outstanding academic records. It also targets those who demonstrate leadership potential and a strong commitment to academic excellence. By bringing highly qualified students to Maastricht University, the program strengthens the university’s international profile. In addition, it fosters global engagement through ambassadorial activities.

NL‑High Potential Scholarship Benefits

Recipients receive full tuition coverage, a living allowance, insurance, and support for visa application costs. The scholarship also requires participation in a mandatory pre-academic training program. This program prepares scholars for academic success at Maastricht University. Beyond financial support, students serve as university ambassadors during their studies and after graduation. They promote the university’s mission worldwide.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must be under 35 years of age at the cut-off date. They must demonstrate excellent academic performance, with a minimum GPA equivalent to 7.5/10. In addition, candidates must meet Dutch visa and residence requirements. Applicants also need to show strong commitment to academic achievement and engagement with the university community.

NL‑High Potential Scholarship Application Process

To apply, students must first gain admission to a participating master’s program. Then, they must submit a complete scholarship application by the deadline, typically 1 February of the year before the program starts. Shortlisted candidates may attend an interview as part of the selection process. This process ensures that only the most qualified applicants are chosen.

Opportunities for Scholars

Scholars gain financial support, academic preparation, and international exposure. They develop leadership skills and act as ambassadors for Maastricht University. As a result, they enhance their personal and professional growth. Moreover, they contribute to the university’s global network of talented graduates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is eligible to apply?

International students from outside the EU/EEA with excellent academic records, admitted to a master’s program at UM, and under age 35.

What are the application requirements?

You must apply for admission to a participating master’s program, meet visa/residence conditions, and submit all required documents in one complete application.

Is the NL‑High Potential Scholarship competitive?

Yes, selection is very competitive, with only about 2% of applicants awarded