Maastricht University
Leading the way in international education and innovative learning.
📍 Maastricht, Netherlands 🇳🇱
🏆 #9 in Netherlands · QS World #239 · THE World #131 · ARWU #301
Quick Facts about Maastricht University
- Founded: 1976
- Type: Public
- Students: 22,976
- International: 59%
- Campus: Multiple Campuses
- Tuition: $14,000 – $20,000/year
- Language: English, Dutch
- Intakes: Fall, Spring
About Maastricht University
Academics
Maastricht University offers a wide array of academic programs across six faculties: Arts and Social Sciences, Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Law, Psychology and Neuroscience, Science and Engineering, and the School of Business and Economics. The university's distinctive Problem-Based Learning (PBL) approach encourages students to work in small groups to solve real-world problems, fostering critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills. Many programs are taught entirely in English and often have a unique international or European focus, integrating global issues and perspectives into the curriculum. UM also offers over 15 joint and double degree programs, allowing students to study at Maastricht University and a partner institution abroad.
International Students
Maastricht University is highly international, with over 50% of its students and 40% of its academic staff coming from abroad, representing more than 100 countries. The university provides extensive support services for international students, including an International Student Helpdesk (ISH) for assistance with Dutch correspondence and social benefits, an International Student Welcome Day, and a buddy program to help new students settle in. The UM Visa Office assists with residence permits and related travel matters. Many student organizations cater to international students, facilitating cultural integration and offering opportunities for networking and social events.
Campus & Location
Maastricht University's facilities are spread across the city, allowing students to engage with the vibrant city life. Maastricht itself is described as a small, historical city with a welcoming atmosphere. Cycling is a primary mode of transportation, with many inner-city faculties reachable within minutes. The city offers a blend of historical architecture and modern amenities, with various cultural and sports activities available. While student housing can be tight at the start of the academic year, there isn't a severe shortage of living space, though early searching is advised.
Career Outcomes
Maastricht University alumni demonstrate strong career outcomes, with over 75% working in jobs requiring at least a master's degree and logically related to their field of study. One and a half years after graduation, 95% of alumni are part of the labor force, with this figure rising to 98% five and ten years post-graduation. UM graduates are noted for their problem-solving abilities, project-based work, information navigation, and capacity for new ideas, making them independent team players. The university's Career Services offers support to students and recent alumni, including CV checks, career advice, workshops, and access to a vacancy database.
Information for International Students at Maastricht University
Maastricht University in Maastricht, Netherlands welcomes international students, with 59% of the student body coming from abroad.
- 59% of students are international
- Visa support available
- On-campus work allowed
- Student housing available (~$1250/month)
- Work placement / internship opportunities available
- Teaching languages: English, Dutch
Admissions Requirements for Maastricht University
Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to Maastricht University:
- IELTS minimum: 6.5
- TOEFL minimum: 90
- Duolingo minimum: 120
- GPA minimum: 3.2
- GRE required
- GMAT required
- Selectivity: Moderate (40-60%)
Programs at Maastricht University (18 programs)
Maastricht University offers 18 programs across Bachelor, Master, PhD levels.
Bachelor Programs (8)
- Arts and Culture (BA) — 36 months · English · €2,530/yr
Students explore the history, theory, and societal impact of various art forms and cultural expressions. The program fosters critical engagement with contemporary cultural debates.
Field: Arts and Culture
Career outcomes: Curator, Arts Administrator, Journalist, Cultural Policy Advisor, Researcher - Medicine (BSc) — 36 months · Dutch · €2,530/yr · STEM
This highly selective program provides a rigorous foundation in medical sciences, clinical skills, and patient care. It prepares students for further master's level medical training.
Field: Medicine
Career outcomes: Doctor (after Master's), Medical Researcher, Public Health Specialist - Health Sciences (BSc) — 36 months · English · €2,530/yr
Students explore health from a multidisciplinary perspective, including public health, health policy, and health promotion. The program prepares for careers in healthcare management and research.
Field: Health Sciences
Career outcomes: Public Health Specialist, Health Policy Analyst, Healthcare Manager, Epidemiologist, Health Promotion Officer - European Studies (BA) — 36 months · English · €2,530/yr
This program offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding Europe, its history, politics, economics, and cultures. Students develop critical thinking skills to analyze complex European issues.
Field: European Studies
Career outcomes: Policy Advisor, Diplomat, Journalist, Researcher, EU Institutions - Law (LLB) — 36 months · Dutch · €2,530/yr
Students gain a comprehensive understanding of legal systems, principles, and practices, with a focus on European and international law. The program develops analytical and argumentative skills.
Field: Law
Career outcomes: Lawyer (after Master's), Legal Advisor, Judge (after Master's), Policy Maker, Mediator - Economics and Business Economics (BSc) — 36 months · English · €2,530/yr
This program provides a strong foundation in economic theory, quantitative methods, and business principles. Students learn to analyze economic phenomena and business challenges.
Field: Economics
Career outcomes: Economist, Financial Analyst, Consultant, Market Researcher, Data Analyst - Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (BSc) — 36 months · English · €2,530/yr · STEM
Students gain expertise in data analysis, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and programming. The program focuses on applying computational methods to solve real-world problems.
Field: Computer Science
Career outcomes: Data Scientist, AI Engineer, Machine Learning Engineer, Business Intelligence Analyst, Software Developer - Biomedical Sciences (BSc) — 36 months · English · €2,530/yr · STEM
This program focuses on the biological and molecular processes underlying human health and disease. Students gain hands-on experience in laboratory research and scientific inquiry.
Field: Biomedical Sciences
Career outcomes: Medical Researcher, Laboratory Scientist, Pharmaceutical Industry, Biotechnology Specialist, Public Health
Master Programs (8)
- Master of Science in Global Health (MSc) — 12 months · English · €16,000/yr
This program addresses complex global health challenges, focusing on health inequalities, policy, and interventions. Students develop skills for leadership in international health organizations.
Field: Public Health
Career outcomes: Global Health Specialist, Policy Advisor, Researcher, NGO Program Manager, International Organizations - Master of Science in International Business (MSc) — 12 months · English · €16,000/yr
This program offers various specializations within international business, such as Marketing, Finance, Strategy, and Supply Chain Management. It deepens students' understanding of global business challenges.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: International Business Consultant, Global Marketing Manager, Financial Manager, Operations Manager, Entrepreneur - Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence (MSc) — 12 months · English · €16,000/yr · STEM
This program provides advanced knowledge and skills in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science. Students engage in cutting-edge research and develop innovative AI solutions.
Field: Computer Science
Career outcomes: AI Researcher, Machine Learning Engineer, Data Scientist, AI Consultant, Software Architect - Master of Science in Psychology (MSc) — 12 months · English · €16,000/yr
Students specialize in various areas of psychology, such as Cognitive Neuroscience, Developmental Psychology, or Health Psychology. The program emphasizes research and clinical application.
Field: Psychology
Career outcomes: Clinical Psychologist (with further training), Researcher, Neuropsychologist, Health Psychologist, Organizational Psychologist - Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences (MSc) — 24 months · English · €16,000/yr · STEM
Students delve into specialized areas of biomedical research, such as Cardiovascular Biology, Oncology, or Neuroscience. The program emphasizes advanced laboratory techniques and scientific communication.
Field: Biomedical Sciences
Career outcomes: Biomedical Researcher, Pharmaceutical Scientist, Biotechnology Specialist, Medical Writer, Clinical Research Associate - Master of Science in European Studies (MSc) — 12 months · English · €16,000/yr
This program offers in-depth analysis of European integration, governance, and policy-making. Students specialize in areas like European Public Policy or European Culture and Society.
Field: European Studies
Career outcomes: EU Policy Advisor, Lobbyist, Journalist, Researcher, International Relations Specialist - Master of Laws (LL.M.) (LLM) — 12 months · English · €16,000/yr
Students can specialize in various legal fields, such as European Law, International Law, or Forensics, Criminology and Law. The program provides advanced legal expertise and research skills.
Field: Law
Career outcomes: Lawyer, Legal Counsel, Judge, International Legal Advisor, Academic - Master of Science in Economics (MSc) — 12 months · English · €16,000/yr
This program offers advanced training in economic theory, econometrics, and applied economics. Students develop strong analytical and quantitative skills for economic analysis.
Field: Economics
Career outcomes: Economist, Financial Analyst, Consultant, Researcher, Policy Analyst
PhD Programs (2)
- PhD in Health Sciences (PhD) — 48 months · English
This program focuses on original research in various health science domains, including public health, epidemiology, and health services research. Candidates contribute to improving health outcomes.
Field: Health Sciences
Career outcomes: University Professor, Public Health Researcher, Epidemiologist, Policy Analyst, Healthcare Consultant - PhD in Law (PhD) — 48 months · English
This doctoral program allows candidates to conduct original research in various fields of law under expert supervision. It culminates in a dissertation that contributes new knowledge to legal scholarship.
Field: Law
Career outcomes: University Professor, Legal Scholar, High-level Policy Advisor, International Legal Expert, Judge
Scholarships & Tuition at Maastricht University
Annual tuition for international students: $14,000 – $20,000/year
✅ Maastricht University offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.
Rankings of Maastricht University
- National Ranking: #9 in Netherlands
- QS World University Ranking: #239
- Times Higher Education (THE): #131
- Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU): #301
- Ranking tier: Top 200
- Research output: Very High
Campus & Facilities at Maastricht University
- Student housing available
- Sports facilities available
- No disability support info
- Campus type: Multiple Campuses
- Average class size: 12
- Housing cost: ~$1250/month
Key Highlights
- Problem-Based Learning educational model
- Most international university in Netherlands
- Leading European public research institution
- Strategic location in Meuse-Rhine Euroregion
- Triple Crown accredited business school
- Member of Young European Research Universities
Accreditation
- Dutch-Flemish Accreditation Organisation (NVAO)
- AACSB
- EQUIS
- AMBA
Fields of Study at Maastricht University
- Law
- Business
- Medicine
- Psychology
- European Studies
Notable Alumni
- Carlos Cadena Gaitan
- Toine Manders
- Pieter van den Hoogenband
- Julia Shaw
- Vivianne Heijnen
Frequently Asked Questions about Maastricht University
What is Maastricht University?
Maastricht University is a public university located in Maastricht, Netherlands, founded in 1976. It has approximately 22,976 students, with 59% being international students.
How much does it cost to study at Maastricht University?
Tuition fees at Maastricht University for international students range from $14,000 – $20,000/year. Student housing costs approximately $1250/month. Scholarships are available for international students.
What are the admission requirements for Maastricht University?
IELTS minimum: 6.5. TOEFL minimum: 90. Duolingo minimum: 120. GPA minimum: 3.2. GRE required. GMAT required. Selectivity: Moderate (40-60%).
What language are courses taught in at Maastricht University?
Courses at Maastricht University are taught in English and Dutch. International students need a minimum IELTS score of 6.5.
How many programs does Maastricht University offer?
Maastricht University offers 18 programs: 8 Bachelor's, 8 Master's, and 2 PhD programs across various fields of study.
What is Maastricht University ranked?
#9 in Netherlands · QS World #239 · THE World #131 · ARWU #301.
Does Maastricht University offer scholarships?
Yes, Maastricht University offers scholarships for international students. Visit the university's official financial aid page for current opportunities, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.
Does Maastricht University provide visa support?
Yes, Maastricht University provides visa support for international students. Student housing is also available. On-campus work opportunities are available.
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