Founded in 1976, Maastricht University is one of the leading research universities in the Netherlands, renowned for its innovative Problem-Based Learning approach and highly international campus. Located in Maastricht, near the borders of Belgium and Germany, the university consistently ranks among the Top 300 universities worldwide and welcomes students from over 100 countries. Maastricht University is particularly recognised for its international outlook, small-group teaching, and research excellence. The university is home to over 22,000 students, with more than half of its student population coming from outside the Netherlands. Maastricht University is especially known for excellence in Business, Economics, Medicine, Health Sciences, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Psychology, Law, Public Policy, Sustainability, and Life Sciences. It offers a wide range of English-taught bachelor's and master's programmes, making it one of Europe's most popular destinations for international students. Whether you're planning to pursue a bachelor's degree, master's programme, or PhD, this guide provides an overview of Maastricht University admissions, available programmes, scholarships, admission requirements, and career opportunities for international students.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Location | Maastricht, Netherlands |
| Program Levels | UG · Master's · MBA · PhD |
Which Program Level Fits You?
Maastricht University offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programmes across multiple disciplines.
| Program Level | Overview |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's (Undergraduate) | Undergraduate programmes in Business, Economics, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Psychology, European Studies, Law, Health Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, and Liberal Arts. |
| Master's (Postgraduate Taught) | Advanced master's programmes in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Business Analytics, Finance, Public Health, Sustainability, Law, Biomedical Sciences, and more. |
| PhD (Research) | Research-intensive doctoral programmes across business, medicine, health sciences, psychology, data science, law, and life sciences. |
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements vary depending on the programme and level of study.
| Requirement | Typical Requirement |
|---|---|
| Academic Qualifications | Strong academic performance with programme-specific entry requirements |
| GPA | Competitive academic record |
| IELTS Academic | Generally 6.5–7.0+ depending on the programme |
| TOEFL iBT | Generally 90–100+ depending on the programme |
| Cambridge English | Accepted for eligible programmes |
| Other Requirements | |
| Academic transcripts, motivation letter, CV/résumé (where applicable), letters of recommendation, and programme-specific documents |
Cost of Attendance
The Maastricht University tuition fees vary depending on the programme and whether students are from the EU/EEA or outside the EU/EEA. Students should also budget for accommodation, health insurance, transportation, books, and living expenses while studying in Maastricht. The university provides guidance on tuition fees, payment options, and estimated living costs to help students plan their finances.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Maastricht University offers several merit-based scholarships, faculty-specific awards, graduate funding, and external scholarship opportunities for international students. Many scholarships are highly competitive and require applicants to first secure admission to an eligible programme. Popular scholarship opportunities include:
- Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship
- NL Scholarship
- UM Brightlands Talent Scholarship
- UM Global Studies Scholarship
- UM Social Justice Scholarship
- Faculty-specific Scholarships
- Graduate Fellowships
- PhD Funding Opportunities
- Erasmus+ Scholarships
- External Government Scholarships
The university also offers a Scholarship Guide to help prospective students identify funding opportunities based on their nationality and chosen programme.
Campus Life & Student Experience
Maastricht University provides a highly international and student-focused learning environment. Students benefit from:
- A unique Problem-Based Learning teaching approach
- Modern research laboratories and learning facilities
- Career counselling and internship support
- Entrepreneurship and innovation programmes
- International exchange opportunities
- Student associations and cultural organisations
- Sports, recreation, and wellness facilities
- A welcoming international community with students from over 100 countries
Maastricht is one of the Netherlands' most picturesque student cities, offering a safe environment, rich cultural heritage, and easy access to other European countries.
Research & Global Reputation
Maastricht University is internationally recognised for research excellence and innovative education. Highlights include:
- Ranked among the Top 300 universities worldwide
- One of Europe's leading universities for Problem-Based Learning
- Strong research in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Health Sciences, Medicine, Psychology, Sustainability, Neuroscience, Business, Economics, and Law
- Home to internationally recognised faculties including the School of Business and Economics, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, and Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience
- Strong partnerships with employers and organisations including Philips, Deloitte, KPMG, PwC, ING, Unilever, Maastricht University Medical Center+, European institutions, and leading international research organisations
- Excellent graduate employability supported by international collaborations and applied research
Visa & Post-Study Work
International students from outside the EU/EEA generally require a Dutch Student Residence Permit to study in the Netherlands. After graduation, eligible students may apply for the Orientation Year Visa, allowing them to remain in the Netherlands for up to one year to search for employment or start a business.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Student Residence Permit | International students from outside the EU/EEA generally require a Dutch Student Residence Permit (MVV/Residence Permit) to study in the Netherlands. |
| Orientation Year (Zoekjaar) | Eligible graduates may apply for the Orientation Year (Zoekjaar) Visa, allowing them to live and work in the Netherlands for up to one year after graduation. |
How to Apply
Every study level follows a similar application process, although deadlines, admission criteria, and required documents vary depending on the programme.
- Undergraduate — choose your programme — Choose your preferred programme. Apply through Studielink, the Dutch national application system.
- Undergraduate — submit documents — Submit academic transcripts and supporting documents. Meet English language and programme-specific requirements.
- Undergraduate — accept your offer — Receive and accept your admission offer. (Maastricht University).
- Postgraduate — apply online — Apply through the Maastricht University online application portal. Upload academic transcripts and required documents.
- Postgraduate — meet requirements and accept — Meet programme-specific admission requirements. Receive your admission decision. Accept your offer and complete your Dutch student visa or residence permit process.
- Complete your Dutch student residence permit process — After accepting your offer, complete your Dutch student visa or residence permit process.
FAQs About Studying Here
Is Maastricht University good for international students?
Yes. Maastricht University is one of the Netherlands' leading international universities, offering globally recognised degrees, innovative teaching through Problem-Based Learning, and excellent graduate employability.
Does Maastricht University offer scholarships for international students?
Yes. Maastricht University offers the NL-High Potential Scholarship, NL Scholarship, Brightlands Talent Scholarship, Global Studies Scholarship, faculty-specific scholarships, and several external funding opportunities.
What English language tests does Maastricht University accept?
The university accepts IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge English qualifications, and other approved English language proficiency tests. Programme-specific score requirements may vary.
How do I apply to Maastricht University?
Undergraduate applicants apply through Studielink, while postgraduate applicants apply through the Maastricht University online admissions portal.
Can international students work after graduating from Maastricht University?
Yes. Eligible graduates may apply for the Orientation Year Visa, allowing them to stay and work in the Netherlands for up to one year after graduation.
Does Maastricht University provide career support?
Yes. Maastricht University offers career counselling, internship support, employer networking events, entrepreneurship programmes, international exchange opportunities, and comprehensive career development services to help students build successful global careers.
Get personalized study abroad advice
Chat with our AI advisor about this university guide — tailored to your profile.
Start conversation
