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Erasmus guide Maastricht University

Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at Maastricht University in Maastricht, the Netherlands.

City

Maastricht

Country

the Netherlands

Tuition

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.

Problem-Based Learning European Studies Psychology Health and Life Sciences Business and Economics Law
🗣️

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.

🗓️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.

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.

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

Campus services

Exchange information

Faculty-based exchange route and application guidance.

Visit

Housing guidance

Maastricht Housing registration and housing advice.

Visit

Student support

Wellbeing, study support, and practical services.

Visit

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. 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. 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. 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.

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