About UM
Maastricht University (UM) is the most international university in the Netherlands and, with nearly 22,000 students and 4,400 employees, is still growing. The university distinguishes itself with its innovative education model, international character and multidisciplinary approach to research and education.
Thanks to its high-quality research and education, as well as a strong focus on social engagement, UM has quickly built a solid reputation. Today, it is considered one of the best young universities in the world. Below, you can read more about:
UM: The European university of the Netherlands
Our innovative education
Our cutting-edge research
What we stand for
More information or contact us
The European university of the Netherlands
Located in the heart of Europe, UM can rightly call itself the European university of the Netherlands. More than half of our student population and almost half of our academic staff come from abroad. Together, they represent more than 100 different nationalities.
Innovative education
Small-scale and international
Problem-Based Learning
Since our establishment, we have fully implemented Problem-Based Learning (PBL) in our teaching and we are continuously developing it further. Students are challenged not only to develop professional expertise, but also to work on their talents, interests and skills. PBL helps them become true global citizens.
International orientation
UM can rightly call itself the European university of the Netherlands. This starts with our international students and staff, who represent more than 100 nationalities. But it is also reflected in the content of our programmes, most of which are taught in English. We see ourselves as a 'living lab' and a centre of expertise for Europe.
Employability
Providing excellent preparation for the labour market—that is our commitment. At Maastricht University, students are given the space to develop academically, professionally and personally. This helps them become active, globally-oriented citizens with 21st-century skills or, in other words, easily employable professionals.
Cutting-edge research
Working on the important issues of today
Transdisciplinary
Research at UM is interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary in nature. It is inspired by contemporary social issues and seeks to contribute to their solutions. To this end, researchers not only cooperate with colleagues from other disciplines and UM faculties, but also with Dutch and international institutions and businesses. Our research is also integrated with education at every level.
Research themes
Maastricht's identity is determined by its history, location and the people who live and work here. Maastricht University's research reflects this and is centred on four themes: Quality of Life, Learning and Innovation, Europe in a Globalising World, and Sustainability and Circularity. Some of the issues that fall under these themes are healthy ageing, climate change, demographic changes, the impact of technological developments, ageing populations, healthy and affordable food, and the European integration process.
STEM research and education
For a number of years, Maastricht University has been hard at work on scientific research and education in the STEM* disciplines (science, technology, engineering and mathematics; known as ‘bèta’ in Dutch). In our Sciences+, the plus refers to the cross-fertilisation between the exact, medical, and social sciences, as well as the humanities. That is because it is precisely at these interfaces where the opportunities lie to make a difference for the future, also together with public and private partners.
Maastricht Young Academy
Maastricht Young Academy (MYA) consists of a group of nearly 20 young academics who give a voice to their own and other young academics concerns, opinions and ideas and try to make Maastricht University a better place. MYA collaborates closely with the UM Executive Board and is regularly consulted on important matters, such as Covid-19 policies around research and the Recognition and Rewards project. In addition MYA organises activities such as Growing Up in Science, intercultural trainings or topical film screenings at Lumière Cinema.
Read more about the Maastricht Young Academy
We know what we stand for
Maastricht University is a young university in the heart of Europe with a clear global perspective. We see ourselves first and foremost as an open and inclusive academic community that strives for a good mix of Dutch, European and other international students and that addresses both European and global issues in our education and research programmes.
Want to know more?
Want to know more about UM? Follow these links for more information about studying at Maastricht University, our education, research, life in Maastricht or our international position in Europe and in the world. You can also find more below.
Students engage with the local community
The university maintains close ties with the city of Maastricht and the surrounding region. We also encourage our students to get involved with the city and its residents. The Match project provides a platform where students and civil society organisations work together. It connects the community’s needs for social services with what our students have to offer. One of the main goals of Match is to have the city and its residents benefit from the presence of its many students
This is Maastricht University
In this short video, you get a brief introduction to Maastricht University and its education, research, collaborations and community. This is my university, this is UM!
Facts & figures
Fast facts
the youngest and most international university in the Netherlands
nearly 22,000 students, nearly 5,000 staff, 80,000 alumni
one of the best young universities in the world (THE, QS)
coordinator of YUFE (Young Universities for the Future of Europe)
Figures
You can find the most recent figures of Maastricht University here, including a link to the Annual Report.
