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.

We are anchored in the Eu(region)

Maastricht University aims to play a leading role in the sustainable economic development of Limburg. We do this through Kennis-As Limburg, an ambitious strategic programme that aims to connect the campuses in Maastricht, Geleen, Venlo and Parkstad to form a single knowledge centre.

More about Kennis-as Limburg

We are ‘the young future of Europe’

UM is coordinator of Young Universities for the Future of Europe (YUFE). This alliance of eight universities is currently developing a model for a ‘truly European university’. Students will be able to follow a study programme comprised of courses from the eight partner universities.

More about YUFE

We collaborate within WUN and YERUN

UM is the only Dutch university in the Worldwide Universities Network (WUN), which consists of 18 research universities on six continents. As one of the top young universities in the world, UM is also one of the 18 founding members of the Young European Research Universities Network (YERUN).

More about WUN and YERUN

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.

Read more about our education

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.

Read more about our research

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.

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.

Recognition & Rewards

As part of the Dutch and international scientific community, Maastricht University has wholeheartedly joined the national initiative to redefine the recognition and rewards system for academics. In the coming years, we will ensure that academics are valued in a more equitable way for all of their tasks.

Diversity & Inclusivity

Maastricht University is committed to an inclusive culture, to an environment that is open and accessible to everyone. Where academic citizenship is part of who we are and it is recognised and rewarded. Where all students and staff feel at home. And where alumni are truly members of our community, in the Netherlands and around the world.

Sustainability

Maastricht University wants to contribute to a sustainable future for the planet, as described in the Sustainable Development Goals. By 2030, the university wants to be sustainable,. We will therefore reduce our ecological footprint in our business operations, focusing on a CO2-neutral future, circularity, and health and well-being.

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.

Take a tour!

Get a feel for the environment at UM and the city of Maastricht by taking the virtual campus tour.

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!

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.

Contact

Mailing address
P.O. Box 616
6200 MD Maastricht
The Netherlands
+31 43 388 2222 (switchboard)

Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
Linkedin
Youtube

Didn't find what you were looking for?
You can find more ways to contact us here.

Take a tour!
Students engage with the local community
This is Maastricht University
Facts & figures
Contact