Maastricht University Scholarships for Pakistani Students

Maastricht University High Potential Scholarships

Maastricht University High Potential Scholarships provide talented international students with opportunities to pursue eligible master's degree programmes in the Netherlands. The programme combines the university's High Potential Scholarship with the Dutch government's NL Scholarship to support outstanding students from outside the EU/EEA.

The scholarship is intended for academically excellent candidates who demonstrate personal development potential and financial need. Eligible Pakistani students can explore these opportunities, subject to the scholarship's nationality, academic, age, and admission requirements.

The scholarship package provides financial assistance for tuition fees, living expenses, health and liability insurance, visa costs, and certain preparatory training expenses. The exact funding and duration depend on the eligible master's programme and the applicable scholarship conditions.

Overview of the Scholarship Programme

The Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship is designed to help outstanding international students access postgraduate education at Maastricht University. The programme combines funding from the university's Scholarship Fund and the Dutch government's NL Scholarship initiative.

Each academic year, the university offers a limited number of full scholarships for eligible non-EU/EEA applicants admitted to participating master's programmes. Candidates are assessed based on academic achievement, extracurricular activities, active citizenship, and financial need.

The programme is suitable for international applicants who want to pursue a master's degree in a supportive, multicultural academic environment while developing their knowledge and professional skills.

Scholarship Coverage and Benefits

The scholarship provides financial and practical support to selected students throughout their approved period of study. The funding package for the 2027–2028 academic year includes:

Students enrolled in a two-year programme must arrange their own accommodation for the second year. International airfare and some additional personal expenses are not included in the published funding package. Applicants should plan their budgets accordingly.

Participating Master's Programmes

The scholarship is available for selected full-time master's programmes at Maastricht University. The participating programme list can change each academic year, so applicants should check the current offerings before applying.

Eligible academic fields may include subjects offered through the university's faculties, such as:

The availability of a particular course depends on the scholarship's current programme list. Applicants must also meet the admission requirements for their chosen master's programme before being considered for funding.

Eligibility Criteria for Pakistani Students

Applicants must meet the scholarship requirements and the admission criteria of their intended master's programme. For the 2027–2028 academic year, the main eligibility conditions include:

Preference is given to candidates who have not yet obtained a master's degree. Applicants should also confirm any additional academic or programme-specific conditions that apply to their chosen course.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare their scholarship application documents carefully and follow the university's prescribed requirements. Commonly required documents include:

Applicants must also submit all documents required for admission to their chosen master's programme. These may include degree certificates, language test results and additional academic records, depending on the course.

How to Apply for Maastricht University High Potential Scholarships

The application process involves applying for an eligible master's programme and then completing the scholarship application.

1. Select an Eligible Master's Programme

Explore the participating master's programmes and identify a course that matches your academic background, interests and career goals. Confirm that the programme is included in the scholarship's current eligibility list.

2. Apply for Admission

Complete the master's programme application through Maastricht University's admissions process. Applicants need their university student ID to access the scholarship application.

3. Prepare Your Scholarship Documents

Gather your CV, motivation letter, academic transcript, grading-system explanation, financial needs statement, and referee details. Review all documents to ensure they meet the university's requirements.

4. Complete the Scholarship Application

Access the university's scholarship application system using your student account. Fill in the required information and upload all supporting documents in the prescribed format.

5. Submit Your Application

Check your application carefully before submitting it. Ensure all required information and documents are included, as applicants may not be able to make changes after submission.

6. Wait for the Selection Decision

Complete applications are assessed by the relevant university teams. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an online interview before the final scholarship decisions are communicated.

Application Deadline for 2027–2028

Applicants must complete their admission application for an eligible master's programme by the December deadline. The scholarship application must then be submitted by the February deadline. Early preparation is recommended because obtaining academic records, language test results, and supporting documents may take time.

Selection Process

The scholarship selection process is competitive and involves several stages:

The assessment considers academic excellence, extracurricular involvement, active citizenship and financial need. Applicants should provide a clear explanation of their academic achievements, personal goals and financial circumstances.

Why Study at Maastricht University?

Maastricht University offers an international learning environment in the Netherlands, with students from a wide range of academic and cultural backgrounds. Its Problem-Based Learning approach encourages students to participate actively in discussions, collaborate with classmates and apply knowledge to practical challenges.

For Pakistani students, studying at Maastricht University can provide an opportunity to gain international academic experience, build professional connections and develop skills for their future careers. The scholarship can help reduce the financial burden of postgraduate study while supporting students in an international academic community.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Maastricht University High Potential Scholarships available for Pakistani students?

Yes. Pakistani students can apply because Pakistan is outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland and Suriname. Applicants must also meet the academic, age, admission and other scholarship requirements.

Are the scholarships fully funded?

The scholarship offers full tuition coverage and financial support for living expenses, insurance, visa costs and mandatory preparatory training, subject to the applicable conditions. International airfare and some additional expenses are not covered.

How many scholarships are available?

Maastricht University offers 18 full scholarships annually through its combined NL-High Potential Scholarship programme.

What GPA is required?

Applicants must demonstrate a latest GPA of at least 7.5 out of 10 or an equivalent result under their university's grading system, in addition to meeting the admission requirements of their selected programme.

What is the age limit?

For the 2027–2028 academic year, applicants must not be older than 35 years on 1 September 2027.

Can applicants apply for multiple scholarships?

Applicants may submit only one application for one Maastricht University scholarship. Submitting multiple scholarship applications can lead to disqualification.

Does the scholarship cover accommodation?

The scholarship includes allocated accommodation during the first scholarship year, subject to the university's housing conditions. Students in two-year programmes must arrange their accommodation for the second year themselves.

When is the application deadline?

For the 2027–2028 academic year, the scholarship application deadline is 1 February 2027 at 23:59 CET. The complete admission application for a participating master's programme must be submitted by 10 December 2026.

Final Thoughts

Maastricht University High Potential Scholarships provide talented international students, including eligible Pakistani applicants, with an opportunity to pursue postgraduate education in the Netherlands. The programme combines tuition support with financial assistance for living expenses and other eligible costs, helping selected students focus on their academic development.

Students planning to apply for 2027–2028 should start by choosing a participating master's programme, checking the admission and scholarship criteria, and preparing their supporting documents well in advance. Completing the admission process before the December deadline and submitting a complete scholarship application by February are important steps towards consideration.