FASoS

English is the language of instruction in all of our programmes. As the Problem Based Learning method requires active participation in group meetings, it is of the utmost importance that you have a good working knowledge of English before coming to Maastricht. Right from day one you have to be able to read the required literature, to participate in tutorial group discussions, and to take written and oral examinations.

If English is not your native language, you are therefore required to submit a proof of English language proficiency. We recommend the following minimum level: TOEFL iBT 80, IELTS 6.0, or CEF level B2.

Some foreign students will need a visa and/or residence permit to be allowed to study in the Netherlands. This depends on your nationality. Below you can find more information about the rules and regulations that apply to you.

We are aware that some students are being contacted by individuals fraudulently claiming to be from Dutch Immigration (IND) or acting on behalf of Dutch Immigration (IND). Please know that Dutch Immigration will never contact anyone by phone nor will it ask you to transfer money. If in doubt always contact IND yourself (www.IND.nl/en).

 More information about visa

Medical costs can be very high in the Netherlands, especially if specialised help from a hospital is required. Therefore it is important to be properly insured. International students in the Netherlands are required by law to have adequate health and third party liability insurance. We strongly recommend you to take out travel insurance as well, especially if you plan to travel during your stay. You are responsible for taking out insurance; Maastricht University will NOT do this for you.

Please check if your insurance policy in your home country covers your stay in The Netherlands, otherwise you will have to take out private insurance. You are free to find your own, but it is always your responsibility to check whether coverage is sufficient. Health and liability insurances that do not meet the requirements are the student’s own responsibility. Maastricht University cannot be held responsible for any damage that may occur during your stay in Maastricht. 

For more information about insurance, please check the Netherlands Organisation for international cooperation in higher education (Nuffic) website.

If you decide to take out private insurance, Maastricht University advises AON, which is also advised by the Nuffic.

Looking for a place to stay in Maastricht? You can find accommodation via Maastricht Housing, the official housing agency for Maastricht University.

Unfortunately, FASoS cannot guarantee that all students who apply for a room via Maastricht Housing, actually get a room via this agency. Applications are processed on a first-come-first-served basis, and FASoS has no influence on that process.

It is up to you if you would like to find a room on the private market. If you do, please keep the following in mind:

• Always check whether the address of the room/apartment actually exists (via Google maps, for example). Only too often, people try to make a fast buck by renting out rooms that , in fact, do not exist.
• Never transfer money in advance! There are a lot of crooks in the world, trying to swindle you out of your money. No matter how desperate you are, always check the credentials of the person subletting the room.

For travel instructions and other general information for international students, please click here.