To do
What do I need to take care of?
Participating in a foreign exchange program is a big change for most students. Living in another country, adapting to its laws and customs, and surviving culture shock are things through which anyone must go in a foreign country. Other matters of business include obtaining visas, registering with the local government, arranging accommodations, etc. Here is some information intended to assist students in handling these matters in a correct and timely manner.
Application information
To participate in the UCM exchange student programme, students must be both nominated by their home universities and accepted by UCM. Acceptance here relies on an agreement on students' selected courses and confirmation of their eligibility for the selected courses. Since the problem-based learning method requires active participation and self-guided initiative from students, course prerequisites are quite important. We therefore do not allow students to enroll in courses for which they are not qualified.
To apply, please complete the online application as explained in the Online Application Manual.
You will need to complete and digitally upload a list of courses you wish to take during your semester. You can find the Course selection form for Spring 2016 here. You can find an overview of the UCM courses in our course catalogue.
Application deadlines
| Date | Semester |
|---|---|
| 1 May | Students starting in Fall (late August) |
| 1 November | Students starting in Spring (late January) |
For questions or information, please contact:
UCM International Relations Office
ucm-international@maastrichtuniversity.nl
+31 43 3885475 / +31 43 3885197
+31 43 3884882
Accomodations
Exchange students and Study Abroad students can book a room online at the university's Guesthouse Maastricht on a first-come-first-served basis. Students are advised to book accommodation as soon as they know they plan to come to Maastricht. Once you have made your reservation, the Guesthouse Maastricht notifies the International Relations Office of UCM, who will give clearance for the actual reservation.
Reservations can be made online at http://www.maastrichthousing.com or by phone at (+31) 43-346-7210. The reservation staff speaks English.
The main Guest house UM reception desk is located at Brouwersweg 100, and is open on weekdays (Monday through Friday) between 08:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. A passport copy is required for check-in, and fees are payable in cash, with Eurasia, credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Expres), or bankcard.
Students arriving in Maastricht when the Guesthouse UM is closed can check the Stayokay Hotel (Tel. +31 43 7501790), or: maastricht@stayokay.com, an inexpensive youth hostel. Another option is the hostel Randwyck (+31) 43-361-6835, also inexpensive.
Passport/Visa and Insurance
To study in the Netherlands, most students need to have a visa. There are different rules for students from different countries, and there are procedures which must be followed. For more information, visit one of these websites:
Nuffic (go to Preparation & Stay, go to Visa & Permits)
Study in Holland
Immigration Services
All international students will need to obtain a residence permit to study in The Netherlands. Some also need a so-called MVV, which is an entry visa. Requirements for the residence permits may differ. Students should check with the nearest Dutch consulate or embassy for the requirements. Information can also be found on the above mentioned websites. Students should not hesitate to contact UCM well in advance if there is any doubt regarding the entry visa/residence permit. UCM will assist exchange students in this matter.
The costs for a residence permit for non-EU citizens are 308 Euro (January 2015); the costs for an MVV including a residence permit, are 308 Euro (January 2015). The costs for a residence permit for EU-citizens are considerably lower, 53 Euro (January 2014).
Under special conditions, Canadian students can come on the WHP (Working Holiday Program), and Australian and New Zealand students can come on the WHS (Working Holiday Scheme). These special permits only cost approximately 55 Euro, but students can only apply for one of these permits once in a lifetime and only before you turn 27. You are allowed to stay a full year on this permit. For more information visit the Study in Holland website.
Insurance
Medical costs can be very high in the Netherlands, especially if specialized help from a hospital is required. Therefore it is important to be properly insured.
International students in the Netherlands are required by law to have adequate health and third party liability insurance. We strongly recommend you to take out travel insurance as well, especially if you plan to travel during your stay.
You are responsible for taking out insurance; Maastricht University will NOT do this for you. Please check if your insurance policy in your home country covers your stay in The Netherlands, otherwise you will have to take out private insurance. You are free to find your own, but it is always your responsibility to check whether coverage is sufficient.
You are responsible for taking out insurance; Maastricht University will NOT do this for you. Please check if your insurance policy in your home country covers your stay in The Netherlands, otherwise you will have to take out private insurance. You are free to find your own, but it is always your responsibility to check whether coverage is sufficient.
Arrival directions
It is best to either fly into Amsterdam Schiphol airport or to fly into Brussels airport and take the train to Maastricht Central Station.
Amsterdam to Maastricht by train
Taking a train from Schiphol/Amsterdam Airport to Maastricht Central Station is less expensive than flying, and it leads directly to the city. A train trip takes approximately two and a half hours and costs 27,50 Euros for a one-way ticket. Trains usually run twice every hour, and there will be a transfer in Utrecht. In Sittard (the stop after Roermond) the train splits; one part goes to Maastricht, the other to Heerlen. Listen to the announcement in the train to check whether you are in the right train. After arrival at Maastricht Central Station, you can take a taxi or bus to your arranged accommodations. A train timetable is available at: www.ns.nl (from: Schiphol; to: Maastricht). If you have registered for UCM's pick up service, you will be met at the railway station in Maastricht.
Brussels to Maastricht by train
There are no direct flights from Brussels to Maastricht, so the best way of transportation to Maastricht from Brussels is the train. A one-way ticket costs approximately 30 Euros. From the airport Zaventem, take the train to Bruxelles-Nord where you can board on a direct train to Maastricht Central Station. After arrival at Maastricht Central Station, you can take a taxi or bus to your arranged accommodations. If you have registered for UCM's pick up service, you will be met at the railway station in Maastricht. For more information about the Belgian railway, consult a travel agent or surf to http://www.b-rail.be.