OpenFieldMaastricht University Holland-High Potential Master's Scholarships
Prestigious all-inclusive scholarship awarded to highly talented non-EU students pursuing a full-time Master's degree at Maastricht University.
Maastricht University (Universiteit Maastricht)
Established in 1976 in the historic Roman-founded city of Maastricht, Maastricht University (Universiteit Maastricht - UM) is widely recognized as the most international university in the Netherlands, with over 55% of its student body originating from outside the country. Renowned globally for pioneering Problem-Based Learning (PBL) in Europe, UM excels in European and International Law, Cognitive Neuroscience, Data Science and AI, and Sustainable Health. Doctoral researchers are employed as salaried academic staff members under Dutch university agreements. Explore verified academic courses, scholarship packages, and faculty leadership.
Verified degree programs and opportunities
Review checked academic pathways and funding options below:
Maastricht PhD in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (Salaried)
Four-year salaried doctoral research appointment at the Department of Advanced Computing Sciences (DACS) investigating neural symbolic AI, reinforcement learning, and complex networks.
Maastricht Master of Science (MSc) in Artificial Intelligence
Two-year research-intensive Master's degree using Problem-Based Learning to master machine learning algorithms, multi-agent modeling, and computer vision.
Maastricht PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging at Brains Unlimited
Four-year doctoral appointment utilizing the ultra-high-field MRI facilities (7 Tesla and 9.4 Tesla) at the Brains Unlimited scanner lab in Maastricht Health Campus.
Maastricht Master of Laws (LL.M.) in European Law School
One-year advanced legal master's examining constitutional integration, EU competition policy, fundamental rights, and transnational commercial dispute resolution.
Maastricht Sustainability Institute (MSI) Summer Research Placement
Six-week research placement at MSI evaluating cross-border circular economy policies and sustainable urban mobility models in the Meuse-Rhine Euregion.
Maastricht Postdoctoral Researcher in Circular Bio-based Materials at Brightlands
Two-year postdoctoral position located at the Brightlands Chemelot Campus in Geleen, developing upcyclable polymers and circular chemical processes.
Admissions, language requirements & application process
- Master's admission eligibility
- Recognized Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in an aligned discipline with high academic standing (Dutch grading equivalent 7.0/10 or international GPA 3.2+/4.0).
- Doctoral admission eligibility
- Recognized Master's degree (or equivalent 120 ECTS postgraduate degree) in an aligned discipline with demonstrable thesis research capability.
- Language proficiency
- Academic IELTS 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in writing) or TOEFL iBT 90 (minimum 20 in writing); higher for law and psychology (IELTS 7.0/TOEFL 100).
- Research statement / Proposal
- For doctoral candidates, an extensive 3 to 5-page research plan detailing theoretical context, research questions, experimental design, and prospective UM faculty mentors.
- Application fee
- €100 handling fee for non-EU applicants with non-Dutch diplomas via Studielink and MyUM portals (reimbursed upon registration).
- Required documentation
- Certified university transcripts, degree certificates, detailed curriculum vitae, letter of motivation, and two academic recommendation letters.
Tuition fees and verified scholarship systems
In the Netherlands, PhD candidates are not students but university employees ('promovendus') hired on salaried contracts governed by the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU). Doctoral salaries start at €2,770/month gross in year 1 and rise to €3,539/month gross in year 4, plus an 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus (SEK/EUR zero tuition charged). For Master's programs, the UM Holland-High Potential Scholarship covers full tuition fees plus an annual living allowance of €15,300.
Verified faculty profiles and research leaders
Distinguished researchers and laboratory heads at Maastricht University:
Dr. Rainer Goebel
Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience & Director of Brains Unlimited Scanner Lab; specializing in High-Field fMRI, Visual Perception, Brain-Computer Interfaces.
Dr. Michel Dumontier
Professor of Data Science & Head of Department of Advanced Computing Sciences; specializing in Semantic Web, FAIR Data Principles, Biomedical Informatics.
Dr. Bruno De Witte
Professor of European Union Law & Co-Director of Maastricht Centre for European Law; specializing in European Union Law, Constitutional Law, Internal Market Law.
Important verification note
Facts reflect official Maastricht University documentation reviewed 2026-10-14. Degree admissions, scholarship awards, and employment positions are subject to formal university review. OpenField does not charge students application fees.
Reviewed 2026-10-14 · Editorial standards · Report an issue