Maastricht University High Potential Scholarship
The Maastricht University High Potential Scholarship is one of the most generous Dutch awards for non-EEA international Master's students — covering the full overseas tuition fee (approximately EUR 17,000/year for most Master's = LKR 5.9M/year), plus a EUR 11,400/year living allowance (LKR 3.9M/year), residence permit fees, and health insurance. Approximately 25-30 scholarships are awarded annually across Maastricht's Master's programmes. Maastricht is Netherlands' youngest leading research university (founded 1976) and a pioneer of problem-based learning. Sri Lankan applicants are eligible for the High Potential Scholarship; selection is competitive and based on academic excellence, motivation, and Maastricht's commitment to global diversity in its student body.
September 2027 intake: applications close 1 February 2027 (scholarship); Master's applications close 1 May 2027
Maastricht University
University-funded
emoji_events Award Overview
Value
EUR ~28,000/yr (Tuition + Allowance)
Duration
Full Master's (1-2 yrs)
Extras
Visa Fees + Health Insurance
info How this award actually works
Who awards it
Maastricht University — not Lanka Scholar. We are not the awarding body and cannot grant, reserve or guarantee this award.
How you are considered
Through your admission application. Awards like this are usually assessed automatically from the application you already submit — there is typically no separate scholarship form to fill in.
What it covers
Full Tuition + EUR 11,400/Year Living Allowance + Visa. This is a reduction in tuition, not a full ride. You still fund the remainder, plus living costs and the balance your visa requires you to show.
Where we come in
We make the admission application strong enough to be competitive — course choice, documents, references and deadlines. The funder makes the decision.
fact_check Eligibility Criteria
Master's Application to Maastricht
You must be applying to or admitted to an eligible Master's programme at Maastricht University. Most Master's programmes participate (Public Policy, International Business, Globalisation and Law, Public Health, Sustainability, etc.). MBA and some specialist Master's are excluded.
Non-EEA Nationality
Must be a non-EEA citizen. Sri Lankan citizens applying from Sri Lanka are exactly the target profile. EU/EEA citizens are not eligible (they pay much lower EU tuition fees and have separate Dutch funding routes).
Outstanding Academic Record
First-class or strong second-upper Bachelor's degree (top 10-15% of cohort). For Sri Lankan applicants: a first-class from Colombo, Peradeniya, Moratuwa, or strong second-upper from international universities. GMAT/GRE recommended for some programmes.
English Proficiency
All Maastricht Master's programmes are taught in English. Required: IELTS 6.5+ (with no band below 5.5) or TOEFL iBT 90+. Sri Lankan applicants with English-medium degrees may qualify for the MOI-letter waiver.
account_tree Application Process
Apply to Maastricht Master's by 1 February
Submit your Maastricht Master's application via the online portal by 1 February 2027 to be eligible for scholarship consideration (the Master's deadline alone is later, 1 May, but for scholarship consideration you must apply by 1 February).
Submit the High Potential application
Complete the High Potential Scholarship application via the Maastricht scholarship portal — a separate form to the Master's application. Required: motivation letter for the scholarship, personal statement, and CV. Submit by 1 February.
Selection by Faculty + International Office
Each Maastricht faculty reviews scholarship applications and forwards top candidates to the central Scholarship Selection Committee. Awards are typically notified in April-May.
Acceptance + Dutch student visa
Successful candidates accept both the Master's offer and scholarship via the portal. Maastricht's IO handles MVV (entry visa) and residence permit applications directly with IND on the student's behalf — much smoother than typical European visa processes.
Why Maastricht?
Maastricht University was founded in 1976 and is now one of the world's leading 'young' universities. Known globally as the birthplace of the Maastricht Treaty (1992) that established the EU, the university maintains a strong European/international identity — over 50% of students are international. Maastricht pioneered problem-based learning (PBL) and remains its global flagship. Strong in Business, Economics, Public Health, Law, and European Studies.
#235
QS World Ranking 2026
#3
Top 'Young' University Globally
50%+
International Students
Looking for a scholarship because of the cost?
Then start here instead. Scholarships are competitive, usually partial, and decided by someone else — they are the least reliable way to make studying abroad affordable. Your destination and course choice move the number far more, and both are entirely within your control.
Work out your real number
Tuition, living costs, visa funds and flights for your destination — so you know the gap you are actually trying to close.
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The full catalogue, cheapest tuition first. Changing course or country saves far more than most awards are worth.
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Tuition, living costs and the total first-year figure for NL, in LKR as well as local currency.
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Every student visa requires you to show funds. Find out what you need before you commit to an application.
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