FAQ – International students at UM

Are international students still welcome at UM?
Yes! Maastricht University is proud of its international appeal and international student population and of being the most European university in the Netherlands. Dutch universities, including UM, do strive for a good balance between international and Dutch students, taking into account each university's profile.

What about the other Dutch universities?
The problems associated with the rapid growth in the number of international students are particularly acute in the western part of the country. Overly rapid growth can put educational quality at risk, as well as student accommodation. In each city, the situation is different.

Does UM face similar accommodation problems? 
Not to the same extent. Maastricht University has had a large proportion of international students for many years. There is no sudden growth, which limits the challenges here. Regarding student housing, Maastricht also experiences tightness at the beginning of the academic year, but there is no serious shortage of living space. However, in Maastricht as well, the advice holds: start searching on time. Read more about student housing in Maastricht.

Why are international students so important to UM? 
Surrounded by 'more foreign than domestic,' it's no surprise that Maastricht has the highest percentage of international students among all universities in the Netherlands. For decades, UM has cherished the diversity of its students. Why? Internationalisation enriches the educational and research environment and contributes to the regional economy, as well as enhancing the atmosphere in the city and the region.

Will there be an exception for Maastricht in the new measures, given its geographic position? 
It is still unclear which measures the government will exactly implement to achieve a better balance between international and Dutch students. At the moment, there seems to be a consideration for customisation: each university has its own profile and operates in a region with its unique challenges. This also applies to UM: an international university with a unique profile, deeply rooted in an international region. The diversity of our community - both students and staff - is of great value to ourselves and our surroundings. As an international university, we continue to play our role as a driver for socio-economic development in the region.

Will there be a limit on the number of international students? 
Although it is still unclear which measures the government will exactly take, it seems unlikely for the coming academic year. Legislative changes required for that would take a significant amount of time.

Will studying become more expensive for international students? Will scholarships only be awarded to Dutch students? 
For the upcoming academic year, this does not seem likely at all.

Will Dutch now become the main language of instruction? 
Maastricht University is a bilingual university. A transition to only Dutch is currently not under consideration. To strengthen the Dutch language, universities are working on offering more programs in Dutch. Maastricht University is also examining the possibility of having Dutch-language tracks for certain programs. Additionally, UM is working on enhancing Dutch language proficiency, and the measures for this will be developed in the coming months.

Will UM offer courses in Dutch? What are the costs?
Yes, at all levels, from beginner to advanced. Read more about course dates and fees on this page of the Language Centre.

What is going to happen next?
There is still a lot of uncertainty. Dutch universities have outlined their own plans to achieve a good balance between international and Dutch students. Customisation is the guiding principle: each university has its own profile and operates in a region with its unique challenges. What will exactly change in government regulations for the influx of international students and the distribution of English-Dutch as the language of instruction in the coming years is uncertain. For Maastricht University, it is clear: the diversity of our community - both students and staff - is of great value to ourselves and our surroundings.