Scholarship
Maastricht University NL-High Potential scholarship
Sponsored by Maastricht University
1About this scholarship
The UM NL-High Potential Scholarship programme offers 18 full scholarships each academic year to highly talented non-EU students admitted to a master's programme at Maastricht University. It combines the High Potential Scholarship and the Dutch government-financed NL Scholarship. Awards cover a living-expenses stipend, tuition, insurance and other costs. It is very competitive, with only 2% of applicants awarded.
2Eligibility requirements
- Hold a nationality of a country outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland or Surinam and meet the requirements for a Dutch entry visa and residence permit
- Must not hold dual nationality from an EU/EEA country or Switzerland
- Must be no older than 35 years on 1 September 2027
- Preference given to candidates who have not yet obtained a Master's degree (preferred)
Education level: Graduate
Geographic eligibility: International
3Academic requirements
- Has never participated in a degree-seeking higher education programme in the Netherlands
- Meets the specific admission requirements of the UM master's programme applied to
4Application requirements
- Curriculum vitae (max two A4 pages)
- Letter of motivation (template)
- Proof of academic excellence (transcript with GPA 7.5/10 or higher and grade system explanation)
- Personal statement of financial needs
- Reference letter
- Contact details of one referee
- Admission application to a participating master's programme via Studielink by 10 December 2026
5Essays and recommendations
Essay: required — Letter of motivation using the provided template, plus a personal statement of financial needs.
Recommendations: required — One reference letter from a (former) professor, lecturer or employer (not family), dated no earlier than February 2026, plus the referee's contact details.
6Award amount and payment
- Amount
- Up to $38,750
- Type
- One-time
7Application deadline
- Deadline
- February 1, 2027 at 11:59 pm EST
- Applications open
- October 1, 2026
- Recurring
- Yes, this scholarship is offered each cycle
8How to apply
First apply for a participating master's programme via Studielink to receive a student ID, then fill out the scholarship application form logging in with your UM account and upload the required documents. The application can only be submitted once.
9Official application link
10Sponsor
Maastricht University
11Source of this information
Always confirm details with the sponsor before applying. The Giboney Foundation does not administer this scholarship.
12Last verification
Last verified November 11, 2026