The UM NL Brightlands Talent Scholarship 2027-2028 offers full scholarships for eligible non-EU/EEA master’s students at Maastricht University, including tuition, living expenses and insurance.
The UM NL Brightlands Talent Scholarship 2027-2028 at Maastricht University offers full-coverage scholarships to selected high-performing international students pursuing participating master’s programmes connected to the Brightlands campuses in the Netherlands.
For the 2027-2028 academic year, the programme offers two full-coverage scholarships per academic year to eligible non-EU/EEA, non-Switzerland and non-Surinam students who demonstrate strong academic performance and personal development potential.
Scholarship recipients must also participate in the Thesis-Internship Programme (TIP) and write their thesis based on an assignment from a company located on the relevant Brightlands campus.
Scholarship Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship | UM NL Brightlands Talent Scholarship |
| University | Maastricht University |
| Study level | Master’s |
| Academic year | 2027-2028 |
| Location | Netherlands |
| Scholarships available | 2 per academic year |
| Target group | Eligible non-EU/EEA, non-Switzerland and non-Surinam students |
| One-year Master’s duration | 13 months |
| Two-year Master’s duration | 25 months |
| Application opens | October 1, 2026 |
| Scholarship deadline | February 1, 2027, 23:59 |
| Master’s application deadline | December 10, 2026 |
| Minimum GPA | 7.5/10 or equivalent |
| Age requirement | Not older than 35 on September 1, 2027 |
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The scholarship provides full coverage for several major study and living costs.
For a one-year programme, the scholarship lists €20,150 in living expenses over 13 months. For a two-year programme, the listed living-expense amount is €38,750 over 25 months.
The scholarship also covers or arranges:
- Tuition fees.
- Health and liability insurance.
- Visa application costs.
- Pre-Academic Training costs.
- International Student Ambassador Programme costs for the first block.
The scholarship includes mandatory accommodation. Students receiving a scholarship for a two-year programme must arrange their own accommodation for the second year.
Living Expenses
The stated €20,150 living allowance for a 13-month programme is based on approximately €1,550 per month and includes estimated expenses for housing, groceries and personal hygiene, telephone, travel, books and study materials, clothing, hobbies and miscellaneous costs.
Air tickets are not included and must be paid for by the candidate. A cleaning fee of approximately €75 is also not included.
Who Is Eligible?
Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Hold nationality from a country outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland or Surinam.
- Meet the requirements for obtaining a Dutch entry visa and residence permit.
- Not hold dual nationality from an EU/EEA country, Switzerland or Surinam.
- Apply for admission to a participating Maastricht University master’s programme for 2027-2028.
- Submit the complete master’s application before December 10, 2026.
- Meet the specific admission requirements of the chosen master’s programme.
- Have never participated in a degree-seeking higher education programme in the Netherlands. Exchange students in the Netherlands may apply.
- Preferably not already hold a master’s degree.
- Be 35 years old or younger on September 1, 2027.
- Have a latest GPA of 7.5/10 or higher, or the equivalent in another grading system.
- Agree to become an active Brightlands and Maastricht University ambassador during and after the studies.
Applicants can submit only one scholarship application and apply for one scholarship. Documents cannot be replaced or added after submission.
Important Application Deadlines
There are two important deadlines applicants should know:
December 10, 2026: Applicants must have submitted their complete application for a participating master’s programme and met its admission requirements.
February 1, 2027 at 23:59: Final deadline for the Brightlands Talent Scholarship application. Applications open on October 1, 2026.
How to Apply
Step 1: Apply for a Participating Master’s Programme
Applicants must first apply for one of the participating Maastricht University master’s programmes through Studielink.
After submitting the master’s application, applicants receive a Maastricht University student number, which is required for the scholarship application.
The complete master’s application must be submitted by December 10, 2026.
Step 2: Complete the Scholarship Application
After receiving a UM student number, applicants can log into their UM account and complete the scholarship application form.
The application can only be submitted once, so applicants should ensure that all documents and referee information are correct before submitting.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare:
- Curriculum Vitae: Maximum two A4 pages, highlighting education, work experience, extracurricular engagement, active citizenship and awards.
- Motivation letter: Using the scholarship’s required template.
- Academic transcript: Showing a GPA of at least 7.5/10 or equivalent.
- Grade-system document: Explaining how the applicant’s university grading system works.
- Personal statement of financial needs: Explaining financial circumstances and why the scholarship would be beneficial.
- Reference letter: From a former/current professor, lecturer or employer.
- Referee contact details: Including the referee’s relationship to the applicant, work telephone number and institutional email address.
Reference letters must be dated February 2026 or later, and family members cannot serve as referees.
Selection Process
After the February 1, 2027 scholarship deadline, Maastricht University’s International Services Desk checks applications for completeness.
Complete applications are then sent to the relevant faculty. The faculty and programme coordinators rank applications according to the scholarship selection criteria and propose a top five to the Brightlands Talent Scholarship selection committee.
The top five applicants are invited for an online interview. After the interviews, applicants are informed of their status in April 2027, with final selected, waitlisted or rejected statuses expected by the beginning of May 2027.
Pre-Academic Training
Scholarship recipients must participate in a two-week mandatory Pre-Academic Training programme, scheduled for the first week of August 2027.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
The UM NL Brightlands Talent Scholarship combines master’s-level study with financial support, mandatory pre-academic training and practical thesis work connected to companies on Brightlands campuses.
Applicants should pay particular attention to the 7.5/10 minimum GPA, the December 10 master’s application deadline, the February 1 scholarship deadline, and the requirement to apply to a participating master’s programme before submitting the scholarship application.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the UM NL Brightlands Talent Scholarship 2027-2028 open?
Applications open on October 1, 2026.
What is the scholarship deadline?
The scholarship application deadline is February 1, 2027 at 23:59.
What is the master’s programme deadline?
Applicants must submit their complete master’s programme application by December 10, 2026.
How much is the living allowance?
The scholarship lists €20,150 for 13 months for a one-year master’s and €38,750 for 25 months for a two-year master’s.
What GPA is required?
Applicants need a GPA of 7.5 out of 10 or higher, or an equivalent grade under their university’s grading system.
Is tuition covered?
Yes. Tuition fees are included in the scholarship coverage and are arranged and paid by the Maastricht University International Services Desk.
Are flights covered?
No. The scholarship information specifically states that air tickets are not included and must be paid by the candidate.
How many scholarships are available?
The programme offers two full-coverage scholarships per academic year for the selected eligible master’s applicants.
Is the scholarship available to students from outside Europe?
Yes. The target group is non-EU/EEA, non-Switzerland and non-Surinam students who meet the stated eligibility requirements.
Official Application Information
Maastricht University – UM NL Brightlands Talent Scholarship
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