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Maastricht University

Maastricht, Netherlands · Public · Est. 1976

Updated 23 Oct 2026

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Established

1976

Type

Public

Location

Maastricht, Netherlands

QS World University Rankings 2027

254th in the world

About the university

Maastricht University (UM) opened in 1976, starting with a medical faculty, and grew quickly into a broad research university. From the start it built its teaching around Problem-Based Learning (PBL): instead of large lectures, students work in tutorial groups of about 10–15, tackling real-world problems and preparing independently before each session.

UM is strong in business and economics, health and life sciences, law, psychology and European studies. Its School of Business and Economics (SBE) holds the 'triple crown' of AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA accreditation and runs a long list of one-year master's in international business, finance, economics and data-related fields.

Maastricht is a historic city in the far south of the Netherlands, wedged between Belgium and Germany, with cobbled streets, cafés and a strong European identity. Faculties sit in the city centre and at the Randwyck health campus. The city is small and walkable, and Brussels, Liège, Aachen and Cologne are close by.

UM is one of the most international universities in Europe, with around 62% international students and almost all programmes taught in English. For Indian students, the one-year SBE master's are the main draw. PBL suits students who like discussion and group work; those used to lecture-based learning should expect an adjustment in the first months.

Founded
1976, the youngest of the Dutch research universities at the time
Type
Public research university known for Problem-Based Learning
Students
22,231 in THE World University Rankings 2027 data
International students
62% (THE World University Rankings 2027 data), one of the highest shares in Europe
Student–staff ratio
15.8 to 1 (THE World University Rankings 2027 data)
Business school
School of Business and Economics (SBE), accredited by AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA
Non-EEA tuition
SBE master's €21,500 for 2026/27; 2027/28 tiers €21,800–€32,000 for master's and €13,400–€32,000 for bachelor's

Rankings

  • QS World University Rankings 2027

    254th in the world

  • THE World University Rankings 2027

    =133rd in the world

Popular courses with Indian students

View all 16 courses with filters

Fees for international students

Course fees
CourseDurationFee / year (EUR)Approx. in rupees
MSc International Business: Strategy and Innovation1 year€21,500≈ ₹22.8 lakh
MSc International Business: Supply Chain Management1 year€21,500≈ ₹22.8 lakh
MSc International Business: Strategic Corporate Finance1 year€21,500≈ ₹22.8 lakh
MSc International Business: Sustainable Finance1 year€21,500≈ ₹22.8 lakh
MSc International Business: Information Management and Business Intelligence1 year€21,500≈ ₹22.8 lakh
MSc Business Intelligence and Smart Services1 year€21,500≈ ₹22.8 lakh
MSc Digital Business and Economics1 year€21,500≈ ₹22.8 lakh
MSc Economics1 year€21,500≈ ₹22.8 lakh

Fees are for international students for the entry year shown on each course page and can rise each year. Approximate exchange rates (based on ECB reference rates, March 2026). Actual rates on your payment date will differ.

Want a course shortlist with fees?Our counsellor will compare courses at Maastricht University with similar universities in the Netherlands.

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Scholarships

  • Master's, non-EEA students

    UM NL-High Potential Scholarship

    Value: Covers tuition and a contribution to living costs; a small number of awards

    Eligibility: Highly talented non-EEA applicants to a UM master's. Deadlines are early in the year and you must apply for the programme first; check the current date.

    Official page (opens in a new tab)
  • Non-EEA bachelor's and master's students at participating institutions

    NL Scholarship

    Value: €5,000, paid once in the first year (not a full scholarship)

    Eligibility: For students who have not studied in the Netherlands before. Each participating university sets its own deadline and criteria.

    Official page (opens in a new tab)
  • Joint master's run by European university groups

    Erasmus Mundus Joint Master scholarships

    Value: Programme costs, travel and visa costs, and a monthly living allowance

    Eligibility: Top applicants from any country. Applications usually open between October and January.

    Official page (opens in a new tab)

Admission requirements

Undergraduate

  • Indian Class 12 (CBSE/ISC) with high marks and the required subjects; some programmes ask for mathematics at a set level. UM publishes country-specific requirements.
  • Apply through Studielink. Many bachelor's close on 1 May for non-EU students; numerus fixus programmes close on 15 January.

Postgraduate

  • A bachelor's degree in a related subject. SBE master's check your academic record and prior knowledge of business, economics, mathematics or statistics.
  • Some SBE master's ask for a GMAT or GRE score, especially if your degree is from outside the EU; check your programme.
  • Apply through Studielink and UM's application portal. Apply early: non-EU students need time for the visa, and scholarship deadlines come first.
  • Your university applies for your entry visa (MVV) and residence permit on your behalf; you show proof of funds of €1,130.77 a month (IND, 2026).

Documents

  • Valid passport
  • Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets (bachelor's) or bachelor's transcripts and degree certificate (master's)
  • English test score (IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT or another test the programme accepts)
  • CV
  • Motivation letter or statement of purpose
  • One or two reference letters, where the programme asks for them
  • GMAT or GRE score, only for programmes that ask for it
  • Course descriptions or a list of courses, for programmes that check your prior knowledge

Check if you are eligibleShare your marks and test scores and our counsellor will tell you which courses you can apply for.

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English language requirements

English requirements
Test or routeTypical requirement
IELTS Academic6.5 overall is typical for SBE master's; check each programme's minimum and section scores.
TOEFL iBTAccepted; minimum set by each programme.
Cambridge EnglishC1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency accepted by most programmes.

Accommodation and living costs

Maastricht is a small city with high demand for rooms. UM's Housing Office and partner providers reserve some furnished rooms for new international students. Book as soon as you are admitted, as rooms run out before September.

Accommodation and living costs
ItemIn EURApprox. in rupees
Non-EEA SBE master's tuition, 2026/272027/28 SBE fee not yet published€21,500per year≈ ₹22.8 lakh
Rent for a student roomMaastricht is usually cheaper than Amsterdam or Utrecht, but demand is high€450–900per month≈ ₹47,700 – ₹95,400
Groceries and meals€200–300per month≈ ₹21,200 – ₹31,800
Health and liability insuranceDutch basic health insurance is required, at a higher cost, if you take a paid job€80–120per month≈ ₹8,480 – ₹12,720
Public transportMany students cycle, which keeps this low€50–70per month≈ ₹5,300 – ₹7,420
IND proof of funds for living costs, 2026The amount the IND expects students to have; about €13,570 a year€1,131per month≈ ₹1.2 lakh

Campus and location

Maastricht is a historic city of about 120,000 people on the Maas river, close to Belgium and Germany, with a lively student scene and a European outlook.

  • Most faculties, including SBE, are in the inner city.
  • The Randwyck campus hosts health, medicine and life sciences, next to the Maastricht University Medical Center+.
  • Teaching is in small Problem-Based Learning tutorial groups.
  • Liège, Aachen and Brussels are within easy reach by train or bus.

Careers and graduate outcomes

SBE graduates go into consulting, finance, supply chain and multinational companies across Europe. UM's international environment and PBL teaching are valued by employers. The figures below are general rules and statistics, not a promise of a job.

Graduate outcomes
WhatFigureSource
Orientation year permit after graduating1 year to look for work, with no work permit neededIND: residence permit for the orientation year
Work allowed while studyingUp to 16 hours a week, or full-time in June, July and August (not both); employer needs a work permit (TWV)IND: student residence permit
Minimum wage from 1 July 2026 (age 21+)€14.99 an hour grossGovernment of the Netherlands: minimum wage
International students at Maastricht University62%Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2027

Studying in the Netherlands

Visa rules, work rights and living costs apply to every university in the Netherlands. Our country guide covers them in detail:

Other universities in the Netherlands

Compare all universities in the Netherlands

FAQs

What is Problem-Based Learning?

Instead of large lectures, you work in small tutorial groups on real problems, research independently and discuss your findings. It takes active participation.

How much does a Maastricht SBE master's cost?

€21,500 for 2026/27 for non-EEA students. The 2027/28 fee per programme was not yet published when we checked; UM's 2027/28 master's tiers range from €21,800 to €32,000.

How long are SBE master's?

Most take one year.

Is Maastricht very international?

Yes. Around 62% of students are international, and nearly all programmes are taught in English.

Can I work after graduating?

Yes. You can apply once for the one-year orientation year permit.

Sources

  1. Maastricht University: MSc International Business – Strategy and Innovation, tuition fees (opens in a new tab)
  2. MiM in Europe: Maastricht University fees 2026/27 (citing UM) (opens in a new tab)
  3. StudyU: Maastricht University fee tiers 2027/28 (citing UM) (opens in a new tab)
  4. Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2027: Maastricht University (opens in a new tab)
  5. QS World University Rankings 2027: Maastricht University (opens in a new tab)
  6. Study in NL: NL Scholarship (opens in a new tab)
  7. Study in NL (Nuffic): tuition fees (opens in a new tab)
  8. IND: student residence permit for university education (opens in a new tab)
  9. IND: required amounts (income requirements) (opens in a new tab)
  10. IND: residence permit for the orientation year (opens in a new tab)
  11. Government of the Netherlands: minimum wage amounts 2026 (opens in a new tab)

Official website: www.maastrichtuniversity.nl (opens in a new tab)

Check the latest details

We researched this page on 23 Oct 2026. Fees, entry requirements and scholarships change every year, so confirm them on the university's website before you apply. Listing a university doesn't mean Admission Mantra represents it.

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