Maastricht University (UM), one of the most prestigious universities in the Netherlands, is now accepting applications for the NL High Potential Scholarship 2025. This scholarship is specifically designed for talented students from outside the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) who are looking to pursue a master’s degree at UM. It provides full financial coverage for tuition fees, living expenses, visa costs, and health insurance, giving successful applicants the chance to focus entirely on their studies.
This article will guide you through the essential information about the scholarship, the eligibility criteria, the benefits, and how to apply for the program step by step.
What Is the NL High Potential Scholarship?
The NL High Potential Scholarship is a prestigious, fully-funded scholarship offered by Maastricht University to attract bright and highly motivated students from non-EU/EEA countries. The scholarship supports full-time master’s students across various academic disciplines and is awarded to those who have demonstrated excellent academic records and a strong motivation to succeed.
In 2025, this scholarship will be available for one-year and two-year master’s programs, allowing students to pursue a wide range of subjects.
Benefits of the NL High Potential Scholarship
The Maastricht University NL High Potential Scholarship offers substantial financial benefits, making it possible for students to study in one of Europe’s most exciting academic environments. Here’s a breakdown of the benefits:
- Tuition Fees: The scholarship fully covers the tuition fees for your selected master’s program.
- Monthly Living Allowance: The scholarship provides a monthly stipend of €12,350 (for 13 months) or €23,750 (for 25 months), depending on the length of your program. This stipend covers living expenses, including accommodation and daily needs.
- Visa Costs: The scholarship takes care of visa and residence permit fees, which can be quite expensive for non-EU/EEA students.
- Health Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance is included for the duration of the program.
- Pre-Academic Training: Scholarship recipients receive pre-academic training that helps them adjust to academic life in the Netherlands before starting their courses.
Who Can Apply for the NL High Potential Scholarship?
The NL High Potential Scholarship is highly competitive, and there are strict eligibility criteria that applicants must meet. To be eligible, you must:
- Be a Non-EU/EEA National: The scholarship is specifically aimed at students who are not citizens of countries within the EU/EEA, Switzerland, or Suriname.
- Have a Bachelor’s Degree: You must have completed a bachelor’s degree before applying for the scholarship. The degree should meet the entry requirements for the master’s program at Maastricht University.
- Not Have Previously Studied in the Netherlands: You should not have previously completed a degree in the Netherlands, except for those who have participated in a Maastricht University exchange program.
- Meet Admission Requirements: You must meet all academic and language proficiency requirements for your chosen master’s program at UM.
- Show High Academic Potential: Your academic record must reflect excellent performance, which is usually indicated by high grades or a strong motivation letter.
- Be 35 Years Old or Younger: The scholarship is only open to students who are 35 years of age or younger at the time of application.
How to Apply for the NL High Potential Scholarship 2025: Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to apply for the Maastricht University NL High Potential Scholarship 2025.
1. Choose a Master’s Program at Maastricht University
Before applying for the scholarship, you need to select a master’s program at Maastricht University. The scholarship is available for full-time one-year or two-year master’s programs in various disciplines. Visit the Maastricht University website to explore available programs and their specific entry requirements.
Tip: It’s important to choose a program that aligns with your academic interests and career goals.
- Explore master’s programs at Maastricht University here.
2. Check the Admission Requirements
Each master’s program has specific admission requirements, which you must meet before applying for the scholarship. The requirements usually include having a relevant bachelor’s degree, sufficient proficiency in English (as evidenced by a TOEFL or IELTS score), and other criteria specific to your program.
Be sure to check these requirements carefully to ensure you are eligible to apply for both the master’s program and the scholarship.
3. Apply for the Master’s Program
Once you’ve chosen your master’s program, you need to submit an application for admission to the program via Maastricht University’s official application portal. You will need to create an account and provide all the required documents, including:
- A copy of your bachelor’s degree certificate
- Official transcripts of your previous education
- Proof of English language proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent)
- A motivation letter (explaining why you want to join the program and your future career plans)
- A curriculum vitae (CV)
After submitting your application, make sure to keep a copy of your application and any confirmations you receive.
4. Prepare Your Scholarship Application
Now that you have applied for a master’s program, you can begin your scholarship application. To do this, you need to prepare several documents, including:
- Personal Statement: This should explain why you deserve the scholarship, your academic achievements, and how you plan to use the education you receive at Maastricht University to contribute to your home country.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): This document should include your educational background, work experience, and any leadership roles or achievements.
- Reference Letters: You will need at least one (preferably two) reference letters from professors or employers who can speak about your academic abilities, character, and leadership potential.
5. Submit the Scholarship Application
Once you have gathered all the required documents, you can submit your scholarship application through the Maastricht University online portal.
- Apply for the Maastricht University NL High Potential Scholarship here.
Make sure you have uploaded all the necessary documents and provided accurate information. Double-check your application before submitting it to avoid any errors that could disqualify you.
Important Deadlines
The application process for the NL High Potential Scholarship 2025 is time-sensitive. Here are the key deadlines you should keep in mind:
- Master’s Program Application Deadline: You must submit your application for the master’s program before January 1, 2025.
- Scholarship Application Deadline: The deadline to apply for the scholarship is February 1, 2025.
It’s highly recommended to submit your application as early as possible to avoid any last-minute issues.
What Happens After You Apply?
After submitting your scholarship application, the selection committee will review all applications. The committee will assess your academic achievements, motivation letter, reference letters, and overall fit for the scholarship.
If you are shortlisted, you may be invited for an interview as part of the selection process. The final results are usually announced in April or May 2025. If selected, you will receive an official offer letter with further instructions.
Conclusion
The NL High Potential Scholarship 2025 at Maastricht University is an incredible opportunity for highly talented and motivated students from outside the EU/EEA. This fully-funded scholarship offers financial support, academic training, and the chance to pursue a prestigious master’s degree in the heart of Europe.
To maximize your chances of success, carefully follow the step-by-step application process outlined in this guide, ensure all your documents are in order, and submit your application well before the deadline.
By taking this opportunity, you can shape your future, expand your knowledge, and contribute meaningfully to your home country. If you meet the eligibility criteria, don’t miss this chance to apply!
Apply for the Maastricht University NL High Potential Scholarship here.