Erasmus guide Maastricht University
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at Maastricht University in Maastricht, the Netherlands.
City
MaastrichtCountry
the NetherlandsTuition
EUR 0 / year
International
61% foreign students in 2024; 134 student nationalities
Study abroad at Maastricht University: overview
Study abroad at Maastricht University means choosing a 23,000+ student, highly international Maastricht research university known for Problem-Based Learning, European Studies, psychology, health, law and business. In practice, the useful context is enrollment: 23,324 enrolled students in 2024; international mix: 61% foreign students in 2024; 134 student nationalities; academically it fits best around Problem-Based Learning, European Studies, Psychology, Health and Life Sciences. The part to check without romanticising it: language, course access, seat limits and housing timing need checking before you choose it on name alone.
Enrollment
23,324 enrolled students in 2024
International Mix
61% foreign students in 2024; 134 student nationalities
Why students choose it
Best fit: students who want Problem-Based Learning, European Studies, Psychology, Health and Life Sciences in Maastricht, with a course list that genuinely matches their home degree. Do not choose it on reputation alone; watch this trade-off: language, course access, seat limits and housing timing need checking before you choose it on name alone.
Language of instruction: English, Dutch
Exchange & application at Maastricht University
Exchange at UM is faculty-specific, so check whether your agreement matches the right school and PBL course load. Housing should start early because the city is compact and the international share is high.
✅Requirements
- Home-university nomination
- Faculty-specific exchange application
- Learning agreement
- Transcript
- Proof of English where required
📨Nomination Process
Students nominated by a Maastricht University partner institution for an exchange period in an eligible faculty.
🧭Orientation Week
🗓️Deadlines by intake
| Intake | Nomination deadline | Application deadline |
|---|---|---|
| 1st semester | Usually spring; confirm the current partner deadline with your home university. | Usually late spring or early summer after nomination; faculty pages can differ. |
| 2nd semester | Usually autumn; spring-intake places and courses can be more limited. | Usually autumn after nomination; do not book housing or flights before acceptance. |
Arrival Checklist
- Register for housing early
- Prepare for PBL tutorial participation
- Join faculty orientation and ESN Maastricht
- Arrange Dutch municipal registration if required
Academics & courses at Maastricht University
Problem-Based Learning means preparation, discussion and small-group participation matter. It can be excellent, but it is not a passive lecture semester.
📝Course Registration
Course access is faculty-specific; exchange students should confirm course packages and prerequisites before finalizing the learning agreement.
🎓Credit System
ECTS
💯Grading System
Grades normally use the Dutch 1-10 scale; conversion depends on the home university.
✍️Exam Culture
Expect continuous assessment, group work and exam or resit windows; do not book return travel before exam dates are final.
📚Library Access
Library, digital systems and study spaces are normally activated after enrolment/orientation.
Tuition & fees at Maastricht University
Partner exchange normally means no UM tuition, while full-degree students follow Dutch statutory or institutional fees. Maastricht is cheaper than Amsterdam, but limited housing can still push costs up.
| Student Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EXCHANGE | EUR 0 / semester at host | Partner exchange students normally pay their home university, not Maastricht University. |
| Full degree - EU/EEA statutory fee | EUR 2,694 / year (2026-27 statutory tuition) | Dutch statutory tuition is set nationally by DUO; programme exceptions can apply. |
| Full degree - non-EU/EEA institutional fee | Programme-specific institutional fee | Non-EU/EEA full-degree fees vary by programme; use the official tuition calculator/page before applying. |
EUR 0 / semester at host
Partner exchange students normally pay their home university, not Maastricht University.
EUR 2,694 / year (2026-27 statutory tuition)
Dutch statutory tuition is set nationally by DUO; programme exceptions can apply.
Programme-specific institutional fee
Non-EU/EEA full-degree fees vary by programme; use the official tuition calculator/page before applying.
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Student housing at Maastricht University
Use UM housing guidance and verified platforms early. The city is walkable, but late searches can force awkward commutes into Belgium or nearby Limburg towns.
Full housing guide
Find housing in Maastricht
Official contacts, student residences, private platforms, tips & red flags.
Insurance & campus support at Maastricht University
UM international services, faculty coordinators and orientation are important because PBL, course registration and local admin all start quickly.
🛡️Mandatory Insurance
Yes
🇪🇺EHIC Accepted
Yes
EHIC for eligible EU/EEA students
Private international student insurance for non-EU students
Student life at Maastricht University
Student life is international, compact and cross-border. It suits students who like cafes, associations, multilingual circles and weekend travel rather than a huge-city feel.
Student Clubs
- ESN Maastricht
- Faculty study associations
- UM sports and culture communities
Buddy Program
Faculty orientation and ESN-style onboarding
Sports & Recreation
- UM sports routes and local gyms
Public Groups & Communities
ESN Maastricht
MyMaastricht
Your First 2 Weeks
- Secure housing
- Attend faculty orientation
- Learn PBL expectations
- Join ESN Maastricht
Key exchange dates at Maastricht University
Nomination, application, PBL/course registration, housing and orientation are the critical sequence. Keep arrival flexible until faculty dates are confirmed.
-
1
Nomination and application
Spring for first semester; autumn for second semester
Your home university nominates first; the host application and Learning Agreement come after that.
-
2
Housing and course registration
As soon as acceptance and portal access arrive
Rooms in Maastricht move early. Check course approval before signing a long commute or private contract.
-
3
Arrival and orientation
Late August / early September or late January / early February
Use orientation for registration, campus systems, student associations, insurance and daily-life setup.