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Netherlands September 2027 intake: applications close 1 February 2027 (scholarship); Master's applications close 1 May 2027

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.

Maastricht University

University-funded

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Value

EUR ~28,000/yr (Tuition + Allowance)

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Duration

Full Master's (1-2 yrs)

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Extras

Visa Fees + Health Insurance

fact_check Eligibility Criteria

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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.

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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).

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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.

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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.