Maastricht University - Fulbright / Maastricht University Award

Fulbright / Maastricht University Award

You get 1,750 EUR per month for 10 months to complete a one-year master's programme at Maastricht University in the Netherlands. You also get a full tuition waiver, so you pay no course fees. On top of that you receive a 1,000 EUR travel allowance for your flights to and from the Netherlands, reimbursement of your residence-permit cost (currently about 243 EUR), health and accident insurance, and reimbursement of public transport to the programme's mandatory meetings. Extra perks include a museum card for more than 400 Dutch museums, a 24/7 mental-health support line, and Non-Competitive Eligibility status for US federal jobs for 12 months (a status that lets US agencies hire you without the usual open competition). If you join the Pre-Academic Training in August, you get two extra weeks of funding. The award is funded jointly by the US and Dutch governments and Maastricht University, which offers 2 places each year.

Who can apply

• Your current studies: You study at a US higher education institution at bachelor's, master's or doctoral level when you apply.
• Nationality: You are a US citizen. You cannot apply if you also hold Dutch or EU citizenship.
• Residence: You have not been living in the Netherlands in the year before the grant. A stay under one month is fine.
• Field of study: Any subject works, since any Maastricht master's programme qualifies.
• Programme length: The award funds a one-year master's. It does not cover the second year of a two-year programme.
• Language: You do not need Dutch, as almost all master's programmes are taught in English. Some Dutch helps for daily life.
• Admission: You are admitted to a Maastricht master's programme, or get admitted during selection, and can show proof of acceptance.

How to apply

Applying has two separate steps. First, submit your Fulbright application on the US Fulbright website and select "Maastricht University" as the award. The national deadline for the 2027/28 year is 6 October 2026 at 17:00 Eastern Time. Second, apply separately to Maastricht University for your master's programme through Studielink by 15 January 2027. Shortlisted candidates may be interviewed in person or online and may be asked for extra essays on their career goals.

How realistic are your chances?

With only 2 places a year, this award is competitive. But the field is narrow: you must be a US student, not hold Dutch or EU citizenship, and gain admission to a Maastricht master's. Selection weighs your grades alongside your commitment to society, so a clear, well-evidenced case matters as much as marks. Start early, since you need a master's admission on top of the Fulbright application, and both have firm deadlines.