Science and Health in Europe

 Following the current spring semester, the programme previously known as Public Health and Medicine in Europe will continue as Science and Health in Europe.

Maastricht, the Netherlands, is the perfect location to examine the scientific and health-related questions shaping contemporary Europe. Situated at the crossroads of the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany, Maastricht offers a uniquely international setting where cross-border collaboration in science, health care, and research is part of everyday life.

The Science and Health in Europe programme explores cutting-edge scientific and health challenges through a European lens. Students can engage with key themes driving research and policy across the continent, including personalised medicine, pandemic preparedness, climate change, AI ethics, and sustainability. These are central to major European initiatives such as Horizon Europe and reflect the EU’s commitment to addressing global challenges through interdisciplinary research and innovation.

Alongside health-focused topics, the programme draws on academic perspectives from biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer science, and AI. Through academic study, case discussions, and exposure to European research initiatives, students develop the knowledge, skills, and global outlook needed for future careers in science, health, and related fields.

At CES we have a small team of young-hearted, dedicated people ready to help you, so you can focus on the things that really matter during your stay abroad.

 More information about CES services

Students are directly enrolled at Maastricht University and can take classes at the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML), the Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE), the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASoS), and the Center for European Studies (CES).

The programme starts with a two-week introduction, which includes CES services, the Dutch Discovery Trip, a tour of Maastricht and the surrounding area, UM orientation, a Problem-Based Learning (PBL) workshop, a cultural awareness lecture and integration into Dutch student life.

Dutch Discovery Trip
Our Dutch Discovery Trip is an exciting journey through the Netherlands, where students will immerse themselves in culture, history and unique experiences at iconic sites such as Kinderdijk.

Paris Cultural Weekend
Students will discover the grand boulevards and renowned architecture of the City of Light, and experience its rich history, artistic beauty and cuisine.

Belgian Day Trip
This trip is filled with exploration and charm. After witnessing some of nature’s most stunning underground treasures at the Caves of Han, students will travel to the rolling countryside for a guided tour of the historic Val-Dieu Abbey.

Acceptance to the open enrolment programmes is competitive and early application is recommended. While most students participating in our open enrolment programmes are undergraduates at the junior or senior level, applications by motivated students at the sophomore and/or freshman level with a good GPA will be considered too.

You should have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in order to apply for a CES open enrolment programme. If you have a lower GPA you can request to be considered if you can show a recommendation from a professor or academic advisor at your home university or college with specific details about your academic development so far.

Applicants must be proficient in English. Non-native speakers are required to demonstrate proof of English language proficiency.

Students with an International Baccalaureate or European Baccalaureate diploma are exempted, as are EU-nationals. International students who are enrolled as fulltime students at university or college in a native-speaking country where English is the language of instruction are also exempted.

All other prospective students must present a current TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Testing System), score before they can be admitted.

Your TOEFL test score has to be at least:

^{* Important: on January 21, 2026, TOEFL introduced an updated score scale for their iBT test (from 1 – 6 in increments of 0.5). The old TOEFL scores will stay active for two years.}

Your IELTS test score must be at least 6.5.

Application procedure
Complete and submit the online application and send all additional information mentioned below via email to your coordinator. Your CES coordinators will contact you within a week after receiving your application and additional information to assist you in the registration process and the preparations for your stay in Maastricht.

Additional required information

• Official transcript
• Letter of recommendation from teacher or study abroad advisor
• Motivation letter
• One full colour passport picture (digital, in jpeg format)
• Scan or a clear copy of your passport (information page with photo and any other pages with stamps etc)

Regarding the criteria for the motivation letter, CES staff are interested in what inspires a student to apply. Why are they drawn to this programme, to Maastricht University or to Europe? Students may want to highlight academics and certain courses, the culture, history or personal goals. The motivation letter should be 1-2 pages in length.

An academic letter of recommendation is a one page letter (approximately) that highlights a student's academic background, character, academic or career goals and other related interests or achievements. The letter expands upon a student's record or transcript, providing insight into what kind of student they are and their suitability for the programme. It should be written by a professor, academic or study abroad advisor.

Please note that once your course list is finalised you will receive a course approval form which you will need to fill in with the help of your home institution.