Japa to the Netherlands? The Fully Funded €34,000 Maastricht Scholarship Explained

Are you a high-achieving Nigerian graduate looking for a fully funded route to a Master’s degree in Europe? If you’ve been eyeing the Netherlands, specifically Maastricht University (UM), you need to pay close attention to this post.

The Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship is one of the most generous packages available for non-EU students. We are talking about a package worth €34,000 (over ₦50 Million) that covers practically everything.

Here is the catch: The deadline is fast approaching.

If you have already applied for admission to a Master’s program at Maastricht University, you have a critical window right now to secure this funding. If you haven’t applied yet, keep reading—you need to know this for the next cycle!

What’s on the Table?

This isn’t just a tuition waiver. This is a “full ride.” The scholarship is designed to let you focus 100% on your studies without worrying about bills.

Here is the breakdown of the €34,000 value:

• Living Expenses: You receive a monthly stipend (approx. €1,225) to cover rent, food, and transport.
• Tuition Fees: Fully covered (waived).
• Health & Liability Insurance: Paid for by the university (€700 value).
• Visa Costs: Covered (€210).
• Pre-Academic Training: Costs covered.

For a Nigerian student, this removes the biggest barrier to studying abroad: Proof of Funds.

Are You Eligible?

To qualify for the 2026-2027 academic session, you must check these boxes:

1. Nationality: You are Nigerian (Non-EU/EEA).
2. Age: You must be 35 years or younger on September 1, 2026.
3. Grades: You need a high GPA. The requirement is a minimum of 7.5 out of 10. In the Nigerian 5.0 scale context, this typically translates to a strong Second Class Upper (2:1) or a First Class.
4. History: You have never studied a degree program in the Netherlands before (Exchange programs don’t count, so if you did a semester abroad, you are still good!).

The “Hidden” Deadline Rule (Important!)

Here is the tricky part that trips people up. The scholarship application process has two steps with two different deadlines:

1. Admission Deadline (Passed): You must have applied for a Master’s program via Studielink by December 8, 2025.
2. Scholarship Deadline (ACTIVE): If you met the December deadline, you must submit your specific scholarship application by February 1, 2026 (23:59 CET).

If you applied for admission in December but haven’t submitted the scholarship form yet, STOP SCROLLING AND GO DO IT NOW. You have less than two weeks left!

How to Apply (For those who met the Dec 8 Cutoff)

Since you already have your UM Student ID from your admission application:

1. Log in to the scholarship portal using your UM account.
2. Upload your CV (keep it under 2 pages, professional format).
3. Upload a Letter of Motivation (Use the template provided by the university—don’t freestyle it!).
4. Upload your Transcript (Must show your GPA).
5. Upload a Reference Letter (From a professor or employer, with contact details).
6. Submit before February 1st.

Missed the December Deadline?

If you are reading this and realizing you didn’t apply for admission by December 8, 2025, you cannot apply for this specific scholarship for the September 2026 start date.

However, don’t lose hope. This scholarship runs annually.

• Action Plan: Bookmark this page. Prepare your documents now. The application cycle for the 2027-2028 session will open around October 2026.
• Get Ready: Ensure your transcript is ready and maintain a good relationship with your referees so you can hit the ground running when the portal opens later this year.