Maastricht University - MPP Scholarship

MPP Scholarship

You get your full tuition fee of 21,500 EUR paid for the one-year Master of Science in Public Policy and Human Development (MPP). You also get your Aon student insurance of 680.40 EUR covered. The award runs for 12 months, the length of the Master's. Both amounts can change slightly from year to year. It is given by Maastricht University together with UNU-MERIT, the joint research institute of the United Nations University and Maastricht University. Only one scholarship is awarded each year. It does not cover living costs, only tuition and insurance.

Who can apply

• Nationality: You hold a nationality from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland. You can meet the requirements for a Dutch entry visa and residence permit.
• Programme: You are admitted, or at least conditionally admitted, to the MPP Master at UNU-MERIT/Maastricht University in Maastricht, the Netherlands.
• Previous degree: You hold a Bachelor's or pre-Master's degree.
• No degree abroad yet: You have never completed a full degree programme abroad. An exchange abroad is fine and does not rule you out.
• Age: No age limit, from recent graduates to mid-career professionals.
• Financial need: You can explain your financial situation, for example financial hardship, single-parent responsibility, a medical condition, a disability or refugee status.

How to apply

First register for the MPP Master through Studielink to get a Maastricht University student number. Then complete the online scholarship application form. You upload your CV, motivation letter, transcript, a statement on your financial situation and a reference letter. The deadline is 15 February 2026 for the 2026/27 year. The top-ranked candidates are invited to an online interview before the decision is made.

How realistic are your chances?

Only one scholarship is awarded per year for a single Master's programme, so competition is sharp even though the eligible group is narrow. You need to be a strong candidate, already admitted to the MPP, with a clear record of academic results and community engagement, plus a genuine case of financial need. If you fit that profile and apply well before the February deadline, you have a real shot. Selection is far from guaranteed.