Top Level Sport at Maastricht University
As a top sport student at UM, we recognize the unique challenges you may face in balancing your study with high-level athletic commitments. While the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) system offers some flexibility, it also relies on active participation and personal responsibility from the side of the student.
It is your responsibility to inform yourself in a timely manner about the rights and possible arrangements available to top sport students. To avoid misunderstanding, we strongly advise you to contact the student advisor of your faculty as early as possible to discuss your situation and explore feasible options.
Please note that not all desired accommodations may be possible, as your attendance plays a key role in our educational system (PBL). However, we are committed to supporting you in finding workable solutions within what is realistically achievable.
How to get support
- Step 1: Secure your top-level athlete status through Limburg Sport. Please register before 1 October of the academic year you require support. Non-Dutch speakers can download the English translation of the Limburg Sport application form. If you have questions, please contact the UM top sports coordinator at umtopsports@maastrichtuniversity.nl.
- Step 2: Already hold top-level sports status and enrolled in a study programme at UM? Register with the university as a top athlete using our online registration form.
- Step 3: Once you’re registered with us, we will discuss your eligibility and options regarding support in your studies, sports facility access and accommodation. The types of support you are eligible for depend on your top-level sports status.
Comprehensive support services
To help you succeed in both the arena and the classroom, UM provides the following resources:
- Academic flexibility: We understand the demands of balancing top-level sports and academics. Your faculty's study adviser is happy to help you explore the possibility of flexible study arrangements.
- Sports facility access: Depending on your top-level sports status, you may qualify for benefits like a free UM SPORTS membership or discounted access to specific training facilities:
Free All-in-one membership: AS, SelecS, IT, NT, Bel, BS
- Discount of 50% off Sports or Gym membership: RS or Q
- Extra access to training facilities at the University Sports Centre (on request): AS, SelecS, IT, NT, Bel, BS, RS and Q
To request this service, contact the UM top sports coordinator at umtopsports@maastrichtuniversity.nl.
- Dual career recognition: Eligible athletes can receive a certificate (status AS, SelecS, IT, NT, Bel, BS) or acknowledgement letter (status RS and Q) upon graduation, highlighting their dual career achievement. To be considered for this, contact the top sports coordinator at least one month before graduation.
- Financial support for a study delay: If you are an athlete with the status AS, SelecS, IT, NT, Bel, BS, RS or Q, you may qualify for financial support from the Student Support Fund if you experience a study delay. An application must be submitted no later than six months after the end of the academic year in which you suffered study delay, and in any case at least two months before you deregister from UM.
Student athletes' stories
Studying on the plane
- Featured
Maastricht University alum and orthopaedic surgeon Yuhan Tan studied medicine while competing in badminton
Top sport alongside study - triathlete Hidde Mollee
- Students going the extra mile
They go places, our UM top athletes.
Top sport alongside study - cyclist Jordan Habets
- Students going the extra mile
Shortly before our interview, Jordan Habets returned from Llorett de Mar in Spain.
Top athlete #2: swimmer Judith Houtvast
- Students going the extra mile
In our series on students who are top sport athletes, Judith Houtvast is next to speak.
Top sport alongside study
- Students going the extra mile
They study at UM, do their utmost to get their degree, but also have another big ambition: they want to reach the top in their sport.
