The UM Brightlands Talent Scholarship 2025 provides a fully funded opportunity for talented non-EU/EEA students to pursue a master’s degree at Maastricht University (UM) in the Netherlands. This scholarship supports students accepted into master’s programs related to one of the four Brightlands innovation campuses: Maastricht, Heerlen, Sittard-Geleen, or Venlo, which focus on areas such as chemistry and materials, health, agrifood, data science, and smart digital services.
Scholarship Overview:
- Degree Level: Master’s
- Available Subjects: All subjects offered at Maastricht University
- Funding Type: Fully Funded
- Eligible Nationalities: Non-EU/EEA and Swiss students
- Application Deadline: February 1, 2025
Scholarship Benefits:
Recipients of the UM Brightlands Talent Scholarship receive the following benefits:
- Full coverage of tuition fees for the selected master’s program.
- A monthly living allowance: €15,925 for one-year programs or €30,625 for two-year programs.
- Health and liability insurance coverage.
- Visa application costs covered.
- Participation in a pre-academic training program.
- Guaranteed accommodation provided by the scholarship.
Why Study at Brightlands Campuses?
The Brightlands campuses are renowned for fostering innovation and research in cutting-edge fields. Students benefit from access to industry leaders, real-world problem-solving, and the Thesis-Internship-Programme (TIP), which allows students to work on industry-relevant thesis projects and gain professional experience.
Eligibility Criteria:
To be eligible for the UM Brightlands Talent Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Nationality: Must be from a non-EU/EEA country and Switzerland.
- Visa Requirements: Must meet the visa and residence permit requirements for the Netherlands.
- Previous Education: Must not have been enrolled in any degree-seeking higher education program in the Netherlands.
- Age: Must be under 35 years old by September 1, 2025.
- Admission: Must have been conditionally admitted to a participating master’s program at Maastricht University.
- Academic Excellence: Demonstrate academic excellence and a motivation to contribute to the Brightlands innovation ecosystem.
Application Procedure:
The application process involves the following steps:
- Register for a Master’s Program:
- Apply for admission to a participating master’s program via Studielink.nl. Once registered, you will receive a student ID number, which is required for the scholarship application.
- Submit the Scholarship Application Form:
- After obtaining your student ID, complete the scholarship application form and submit the following documents:
- An updated CV.
- A motivation letter (using the provided template).
- Proof of academic excellence, such as transcripts or a letter stating class ranking.
- A personal statement of financial need.
- A reference letter from a professor, lecturer, or employer.
- Contact details for one referee for verification.
Selection Process:
The scholarship selection process is competitive. It involves the following steps:
- Application Review: The UM International Services Desk reviews all applications for completeness.
- Ranking: Candidates are ranked by the respective UM Faculty based on academic performance, motivation, and potential impact on the Brightlands campuses.
- Interview: Shortlisted candidates are invited for an online interview with a scholarship committee.
- Final Decision: Final results are communicated by April 2025.
Why Apply for the UM Brightlands Talent Scholarship?
The UM Brightlands Talent Scholarship offers not only financial support but also access to a dynamic academic and professional network, including hands-on industry experience and interaction with cutting-edge research. It is an excellent opportunity for students interested in making meaningful contributions to innovation, sustainability, and research in fields such as health sciences, agrifood, and data science.
Application Deadline:
- February 1, 2025
Start your academic journey in one of the Netherlands’ most innovative regions by applying for the UM Brightlands Talent Scholarship today.
