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Maastricht University

Most Maastricht bachelors are open-admission, but selective and numerus fixus programmes want a sharp motivation letter. Here is how to write one.

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Application route

Studielink + MyApplication portal

Written material

Motivation letter (1-2 pages, English)

Admissions test

None for most bachelors

Interview

Only for some selective programmes (e.g. UCM)

What Maastricht rewards

Maastricht University does not use the US Common App, and for many programmes it does not ask for an essay at all. You apply through Studielink, the Dutch national application system, and then upload documents in Maastricht's own MyApplication portal. Whether you write anything substantial depends entirely on your programme. Open-admission ("free") bachelors mostly select on diplomas and grades, so a strong transcript can be enough. Selective programmes, numerus fixus (capped) programmes, and University College Maastricht run a real selection procedure that includes a motivation letter, and sometimes an interview or assessment.

The core challenge for Americans is twofold. First, the motivation letter is not the Common App personal essay: Maastricht wants a focused, professional case for why you fit this specific programme and its problem-based learning (PBL) method, not a coming-of-age story. Second, the binding deadline is early and firm. Most non-EU/EEA applicants and all selective or numerus fixus programmes close on 15 January 2026, and non-EU applicants also pay a EUR 100 handling fee that must clear before your file is processed. Miss either and your application does not move.

01Fit with the programme, stated concretely. Maastricht reads the motivation letter to check match, not charisma. The strongest letters name the specific bachelor, reference real courses or themes from its curriculum, and explain why those, not a generic interest in the field, pull the applicant. Vague enthusiasm for 'business' or 'psychology' reads as a letter that could have been sent anywhere.
02Readiness for problem-based learning. Almost every Maastricht programme runs on PBL: small tutorial groups where you drive your own learning, prepare independently, and contribute to discussion rather than absorb lectures. Showing that you understand this method, and that you have evidence of working well in collaborative, self-directed settings, signals fit far more than top grades alone.
03Evidence over adjectives. Calling yourself motivated, curious, or international means nothing on its own. Maastricht rewards proof: a project you ran, a book or debate that changed how you think, a course you sought out, an experience abroad that taught you something specific. One concrete example outweighs a paragraph of self-description.
04Clear, professional English. The letter doubles as evidence you can study in an English-taught, internationally mixed environment. Clean structure, a defined purpose, and correct, unpretentious English matter. This is a formal document closer to a statement of purpose than a creative essay, so polish and clarity are part of what is being assessed.

Essay prompts for 2026-2027

1 prompt for Maastricht, each broken down with annotated examples.

Motivation letterAbout 1-2 pages (roughly 400-700 words)

Write a motivation letter (about one to two pages, in English) explaining why you want to study this specific bachelor's programme at Maastricht University, why you are suited to it and to problem-based learning, and what you hope to do with it. Use the format provided in the MyApplication portal.

See all 1 prompt and get a read

Your chance

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Add your GPA, test scores, and profile to estimate your odds at Maastricht and build a balanced list.

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Deadlines

Non-EU/EEA applicants (most bachelors)15 January
Selective & numerus fixus programmes15 January
EU/EEA applicants (open-admission)Often until 1 May, check programme
IND visa file sentBefore 1 July for September start

Cost

Sticker price$28,500
Avg net after aid$28,500
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How to get inAcceptance rate, the GPA and SAT profile, and what Maastricht weighs most Supplemental essays1 prompt, each broken down with annotated examples Cost & financial aidAverage $28,500/yr after aid · net price by income + calculator InterviewDoes Maastricht interview? Format, tips, and practice The Maastricht Reader ProScore your draft against Maastricht's exact prompts
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Maastricht FAQ

What is Maastricht's acceptance rate?

Maastricht does not publish an official acceptance rate. Independent estimates put it near 50% overall, but this is misleading on its own: open-admission bachelors admit nearly all qualified applicants, while selective and numerus fixus programmes (and University College Maastricht) run real selection and reject many. Roughly 53% of students are international, so as an American you are applying into a genuinely global, not token, cohort. At Maastricht, a strong application essay and a well-balanced school list matter alongside your grades and test scores.

What supplemental essays does Maastricht require?

Maastricht requires 1 supplemental essay on its application. On EssayLens each prompt is broken down with annotated examples, and you can get a free admissions-style read of your draft against the exact prompt.

How much does Maastricht cost?

Maastricht's published sticker price is about $28,500 per year, but the average family pays $28,500 after financial aid. Your net price depends on your family income; use the calculator to estimate yours.

When are Maastricht's application deadlines?

Maastricht's application deadlines are Non-EU/EEA applicants (most bachelors) 15 January; Selective & numerus fixus programmes 15 January; EU/EEA applicants (open-admission) Often until 1 May, check programme; IND visa file sent Before 1 July for September start. Add Maastricht to your plan on EssayLens to track its deadlines automatically.

Campus photo via Wikipedia.

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