NETHERLANDS · MAASTRICHT
Maastricht University
public · Founded 1976 · Languages: English, Dutch
In short
Maastricht University is a highly international public research university in the Netherlands, known for its unique Problem-Based Learning (PBL) approach. It offers a wide range of English-taught programmes in the historic and affordable city of Maastricht.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1976
- Students
- 21,085
- International students
- 12,000
- Acceptance rate
- 50%
- Tuition (intl)
- €9–20k/yr
- Languages
- ENGLISH, DUTCH
- Location
- Maastricht, Netherlands
Maastricht University (UM) is a public research university founded in 1976 in Maastricht, Netherlands, and one of Europe's most internationally oriented universities with approximately 55% international students. UM pioneered Problem-Based Learning (PBL), a student-centred pedagogy in which small groups collaboratively solve real-world problems, embedded across all six faculties. The university consistently ranks in the top 200 globally and top 5 in the Netherlands.
Why study here
- Experience Problem-Based Learning — UM's internationally acclaimed active-learning pedagogy.
- Join one of Europe's most international student communities, with 55% of students from abroad.
- Study in the historic, cosmopolitan city of Maastricht — minutes from Belgium and Germany.
- Choose from a wide range of English-taught bachelor's and master's programmes.
- Benefit from small tutorial groups, close faculty contact, and strong graduate employment outcomes.
Student life
Maastricht's compact, walkable city centre makes student life exceptionally social and community-oriented. The students' union (MUSST) and numerous faculty associations organise year-round events, study trips, and cultural activities. The city's café culture, historic architecture, and proximity to Belgium and Germany offer an authentically European experience. UM's campus is integrated into the city fabric, with buildings spread across central Maastricht.
Fees
InternationalNon-EEA international students typically pay €9,000–€20,000 per year depending on programme (bachelor's vs master's and specific field).
HomeEEA students and Dutch students pay the statutory tuition fee of approximately €2,530 per year for bachelor's programmes.
LivingLiving costs in Maastricht are approximately €800–€1,100 per month including shared accommodation, food, and transport — among the more affordable student cities in the Netherlands.
Scholarships are available for high-achieving international students. Check UM's scholarship finder for the latest awards.
Admissions
Bachelor's EntrySecondary school diploma equivalent to Dutch VWO (e.g., A-levels, International Baccalaureate, or national equivalents)
Master's EntryRelevant bachelor's degree from an accredited institution; minimum GPA requirements vary by programme
Numerus FixusSome programmes (e.g., Medicine, Psychology) have a selection procedure due to limited places
IELTS6.5 overall (6.0 minimum per component) for most programmes
TOEFL iBT90 overall
Cambridge C1/C2C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency accepted
Rankings
QS World University Rankings 2025167
Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025Top 200
THE Young University Rankings 2024Top 20 globally
University scholarships
UM High Potential ScholarshipFull or partial tuition fee waiver for outstanding non-EEA master's students
Holland Scholarship€5,000 one-time payment for non-EEA bachelor's or master's students from outside the EEA
Accreditation
Maastricht University is accredited by the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO). All degree programmes are quality-assured under Dutch higher education legislation (WHW). UM is a member of the League of European Research Universities (LERU).
For international students
NetherlandsStudent visa & funds
Non-EU students cannot apply for their own residence permit; only an IND-recognised institution (a registered sponsor) submits the application on their behalf. The permit is issued for up to five years and stays valid for three months after the programme ends. For university and HBO students the IND requires proof of at least €1,130.77 per month (the 2026 study norm) for living costs, held by the student or guaranteed by the institution. Students must also keep satisfactory progress — at least 50% of annual credits — to retain the permit.
Working while you study
Non-EU students may work a maximum of 16 hours per week during the academic year, or alternatively full-time during June, July and August. In either case the employer must first obtain a work permit (TWV) from the UWV before the student starts; the student cannot apply for it themselves. Internships that are a formal, graded part of the degree are exempt from the TWV requirement when a tri-party agreement is in place, as is volunteering with a Volunteer Declaration.
After you graduate
After a bachelor’s, master’s or PhD at a Dutch institution, non-EU graduates may apply for the orientation year permit (zoekjaar), valid for one year and not extendable. During this year the holder may work freely — no employer TWV is needed — and may also freelance or start a business. The application must be made within three years of graduating. Graduates of a foreign university ranked in the global top 200 can also qualify with English proficiency at IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.
English tests
- IELTS6.0–6.5 for bachelor’s; 6.5–7.0 for most master’s; specialist master’s up to 7.0–7.5
- TOEFL iBT80–90 for bachelor’s; 90–100 for master’s; some research universities require 100
Main intakes
SeptemberFebruary
Typical living cost
€1,200/month
Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.
Scholarships
for Netherlands
full fundingDutch Research Council (NWO)
NWO Rubicon Programme
For researchers who have recently completed (or are about to complete) a PhD, who want to gain research experience at a foreign institution (or at a Dutch institution if coming from abroad). It is a postdoctoral programme; applicants must have obtained their doctorate within the last ~12 months and apply through NWO with a host.
full
Funding
€180k
Max
Mar 31, 2027
Deadline
full fundingNuffic (Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP) Scholarships
Open to mid-career professionals who are nationals of, and currently living and working in, one of the listed OKP partner countries. Applicants must have proficiency in English or French, be in work that aligns with one of the priority areas designated for their country, be able to show they will use and transfer their new knowledge within their employing organization, and agree to comply with the obligations and conditions of the OKP. A limited number of awards is granted to motivated female and male professionals.
full
Funding
€40k
Max
Mar 31, 2027
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of Groningen
Welcoming International Talent (WIT) PhD Fellowship
Open to Early-Stage Researchers of any nationality who, at the call deadline, have no more than four years of full-time-equivalent research experience and have not yet been awarded a doctoral degree. Applicants must hold a qualification that grants access to doctoral studies, meet the MSCA mobility rule (not having lived or worked in the host country for more than 12 months in the previous three years), and have at least certified B2-level English.
full
Funding
€32k
Max
Mar 18, 2027
Deadline
full fundingMaastricht University
UM Brightlands Talent Scholarship
Open to non-EU/EEA and Swiss nationals under 35 who have conditional admission to a participating master's programme affiliated with a Brightlands campus, have not previously enrolled in Dutch higher education, and demonstrate strong academic performance.
full
Funding
€31k
Max
Feb 1, 2027
Deadline
full fundingMaastricht University
Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship
Open to talented students from outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland and Suriname who have applied for admission to a participating full-time Master's programme at Maastricht University, meet the programme's admission requirements, have not previously studied for a degree in the Netherlands, and are no older than 35 on the cycle's start date.
full
Funding
€30k
Max
Feb 1, 2027
Deadline
full fundingDelft University of Technology (TU Delft)
Justus & Louise van Effen Excellence Scholarship
For exceptional non-EU/EEA students applying for an MSc programme at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) with an excellent academic record. The scholarship is merit-based and competitive; you apply for it after applying for admission to an eligible TU Delft master's, by the deadline (commonly 1 December).
full
Funding
€30k
Max
Dec 1, 2026
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What is Maastricht University's unique teaching style?
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Maastricht University pioneered Problem-Based Learning (PBL), a student-centered approach where small groups collaboratively solve real-world problems. This active-learning pedagogy is embedded across all six faculties and is internationally acclaimed.
How international is the student community at Maastricht University?
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Maastricht University is one of Europe's most internationally oriented universities, with approximately 55% of its students coming from abroad. This creates a diverse and multicultural learning environment.
What are the estimated living costs for students in Maastricht?
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Living costs in Maastricht are estimated to be between €800–€1,100 per month, which includes accommodation, food, and transport. This makes it one of the more affordable student cities in the Netherlands.
What are the English language proficiency requirements for international students?
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For most programmes, international students need an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each component, or a TOEFL iBT score of 90. Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency are also accepted.
Does Maastricht University offer scholarships for international students?
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Yes, Maastricht University offers scholarships for high-achieving international students. Examples include the UM High Potential Scholarship for master's students and the Holland Scholarship for bachelor's and master's students.
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