Candidates must have obtained their doctorate less than ten years prior to 30 September 2019 (extension possible in the case of sickness, care leave (effective time absent), or pregnancy (18 months per child)) and must work at a scholarly research institution of Maastricht University. After the appointment at the Dies Natalis in January 2020, the new member will remain within the MYA a maximum of 4 years.
Applications can be send to mya@maastrichtuniversity.nl and must include:
- A motivation letter (one page A4 written with font cambria size 12 and 1.5 line spacing) that addresses the following questions:
- Why are you suitable as a candidate for membership of the MYA?
- What would you gain by being a member of the MYA? [or, why do you want to be in the MYA?]
- What do you hope to contribute to one or more of the main focuses of the MYA (science policy, communication, internationalization, interdisciplinary research), and how concretely would you do so?
- What experience do you have in working with other discipline.
The letter should include a project to be implemented in the time frame of MYA membership.
- A curriculum vitae of max 4 A4 adhering to this template. Your CV should contain a brief education and employment history and make your achievements clear to a general audience. For example, a few words summarizing your most significant publications are more useful than a complete list of every paper that you have authored.
The selection panel, formed by three members of the MYA, will proceed to the selection on the basis of:
- interest in the focus points of MYA (as demonstrated by the motivation letter).
- capacity to represent and become a voice for early-career researchers at UM, and sensitivity to challenges faced by them (as demonstrated by the motivation letter).
- previous experience with institutional responsibilities (as demonstrated by the CV)
- early-career achievements (as demonstrated by the CV: administrative tasks, supervision, teaching responsibilities, grant applications, etc.).
- scientific excellence (as demonstrated by the CV)
Notification of appointment will be sent via email no later than 15 December 2019.
(Updated on 14 October 2024)
The Kootstra Talent Fellowship (KTF) is an internal fellowship that fosters innovative scientific research and allows young, talented researchers to develop their careers independently. It is a starting point for researchers who wish to apply for personal grants such as NWO-Veni or Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowships.
You can apply when you have recently obtained your PhD (after November 1st, 2022) or when you are finishing your Ph.D. at the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (fully or partially at FHML).
Please read the documentation for more detailed information. The documentation has been updated mid October 2024, so please read the most recent version (containing updated dates!).
Applications can be sent to the Grants Office of FHML by email: grantsoffice-fhml@maastrichtuniversity.nl.
Applications can be send to the Grants Office of the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML) by email: grantsoffice-fhml@maastrichtuniversity.nl.
Programme content
The programme of 60 credits (ECTS) is composed of key courses taken from the BA Arts and Culture and the BA Digital Society. You will gain a foundational knowledge in the field of study, get acquainted with Problem-Based Learning (PBL). You will also train skills like speaking in English in public.
Click here to view the complete programme overview of 2025/2026.
Education and Examination Regulations
The EER (Education and Examination Regulations) for this pre-master's programme are part of the EER for all FASoS master’s programmes.
| Period | Code | Title | ECTS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | ACU2900 | Research and Writing II | 9 |
| 1 | ACU2015 DSO2502 PMG1000 | Introduction Academic Skills | 9 6 0 |
| 2 | DSO2008 DSO1506 PMG1001 | Introduction to Digital Technologies II Academic Writing for Pre-masters | 6 4 1 |
| 4 | ACU2018 | Living in a Digital Age | 9 |
| EUS3500 | Research methods: Interviewing | 4 | |
| 5 | DSO1004 DSO1506 | 8 4 |
Study fee academic year 2025-2026
In 2024-2025 the study fee for this programme was € 2,530 (for EU and non-EU students). The study fee for 2025-2026 will be announced on this page as soon as possible. For more information, see the enrolment provisions (art. 28).
Admission requirements: previous education
For admission to the pre-master's programme you must have either a relevant bachelor's degree from a university of applied sciences (HBO) or another BA or BSc title that does not grant direct admission into the master's programme. You must satisfy the language requirements.
The Admissions Committee of the programme will decide whether you are admitted.
Additional admission requirements
Language requirements for English-language master's programmes
As English is the language of instruction in this study programme, it is essential that your English language skills are good enough for you to undertake intensive and challenging academic courses that are taught and examined in English.
Answer the questions below to find out if you meet the language requirements.
Handling fee
Applicants who received their previous education in a non-EU/EEA country will have to pay a handling fee. More information on this handling fee and how to arrange this payment can be found on the Handling fee web page.
How to apply
Ready to apply? The application and enrolment process consists of three phases. More information on each of these phases is provided below. Carefully read through the information provided and make sure to complete all tasks as soon as possible (and definitely before the indicated deadlines).
Let us know you want to apply for this study programme
Phase 1: Apply via Studielink
Phase 1: Apply via Studielink
Let us know you want to apply for this study programme
To start the application process for this pre-master's programme, you first need to apply via Studielink. Studielink is the Dutch central organisation that keeps track of applications and enrolments at institutions of higher education in the Netherlands. In Studielink, you can apply by indicating which study programme at Maastricht University (UM) you would like to apply for, whether you’d like to start the programme in September, what previous education you followed, and you might need to provide a number of other details.
- In Studielink, select ‘Maastricht University’ in the first drop-down menu (‘Educational institution').
- Do not select anything in the other drop-down menus (Type of study programme, Academic load, Main language).
- Type ‘Pre-master Media Studies: Digital Cultures’ in the search field. You can now select the pre-master in the result overview.
Studielink offers two methods of signing in: with or without using DigiD:
- If you live in a Dutch municipality, you can only register using your DigiD. If you live in a Dutch municipality, but do not yet have a DigiD yet, you will need to request one (Apply for a DigiD).
If you do not (yet) live in the Netherlands, you can register by creating a Studielink account (without DigiD). As your personal details will not have been verified through DigiD, UM will check your personal details.
You will receive an email from UM within 24 hours of having applied in Studielink. This email contains your username/UM student number and a link to create your personal password. You can use these login details to access the MyApplication portal, the online environment in which the rest of your application process will take place. The portal will provide you with a clear overview of all the tasks you need to complete, such as uploading documents and paying your tuition fees.
Allow UM to assess if you meet the admission requirements
Phase 2: Admission
Phase 2: Admission
Allow UM to assess if you meet the admission requirements
MyApplication portal
To allow UM to assess whether you qualify for admission to the study programme of your choice, you need to complete a number of tasks in the MyApplication portal, the online environment in which the rest of your application process will take place. All the tasks you need to complete, such as uploading certain documents, will be presented here in a clear overview. You can log into the portal using your username/UM student number and the password you have created (your login name and an explanation on how to create your own password are provided in the email you received from us after your application in Studielink).
Make sure you fulfil the tasks indicated in the MyApplication portal on time. This means that you should upload documents as soon as you have finalised them and/or have them in your possession. The sooner you complete a task, the sooner we can give you feedback if you need to add or correct anything. Please pay attention to the deadlines indicated, as they can differ per study programme.
Once you have completed all of your admission tasks, your application dossier is ready to be presented to the Board of Admissions. Depending on your programme, this will be done immediately when it is complete (rolling basis), or after an indicated deadline.
Required documents
During the application process for this pre-master's programme, you will need to complete a number of tasks for which you will often have to upload documents in the ‘MyApplication portal’:
- A recent passport picture
The passport picture must satisfy certain requirements. You can find these requirements in the task description 'Upload portrait picture' in the MyApplication portal. - A copy of your valid passport or your EU/EEA identity card
Make a copy of the page with your personal details. Save this copy as ‘passport copy’ and not as ‘passport picture’. - A copy of your most recent grades transcript
- A copy of your bachelor’s diploma
All applicants must provide proof of having obtained a bachelor's degree in a relevant academic field with a good overall result (a copy of your diploma, including the supplement and associated grades transcript). If you have not yet graduated you can upload your official lists of grades from your bachelor's programme. - Curriculum vitae
All applicants must provide a CV. Please list your education, relevant extracurricular activities and internship/professional experience. - A motivation letter
All applicants must write a letter of motivation. Please provide good arguments about why you want to do this pre-master's programme at Maastricht University and why you believe that you can successfully complete the programme. - A writing sample
All applicants should provide proof of sufficient academic writing/research skills. The Board of Admissions asks the applicant to submit an independently-written research paper of at least 2,000 words (excluding the footnotes and reference list) on a relevant topic. You can use a paper from earlier studies or another occasion. The submitted work should be written in English. - Document(s) that demonstrate your proficiency in English
Answer the questions concerning language requirements under ‘Language requirements for English-language master's programmes’ on this webpage to find out if you need to provide additional documentation. The outcome of your answers will indicate which documents you can use to prove your proficiency.
Status updates about your application
From now on, you will receive important information and calls to action regarding your application in the message inbox in the MyApplication portal. We recommend that you regularly log in to the portal to make sure you stay updated. However, we will also notify you of important changes via the email address you provided to Studielink.
Arrange the practical matters required to start your studies at UM
Phase 3: Enrolment
Phase 3: Enrolment
Arrange the practical matters required to start your studies at UM
Once you have been offered a place in the pre-master's programme, you need to arrange your enrolment. The tasks you need to complete to be enrolled are listed in the MyApplication portal under ‘Enrolment tasks’. You can find a brief overview below.
Pay your study fee
Every applicant will need to pay their study fee. More information on how to go about arranging your study fee payment is provided in the task description in the MyApplication portal.
Once you’ve received an invite to pay your study fee, it is important that you indicate how you wish to arrange your payment (in Studielink). Do so on time (in any case before the start of your studies). Please also make sure that you pay (the first instalment of) your study fee in a timely manner. Otherwise, you won’t be able to start your studies.
Allow UM to verify your diploma
Dutch diplomas
Did you acquire the diploma on the basis of which you have been offered a place in your study programme in the Netherlands? Then DUO will pass on their verification of your diploma to UM. No further action on your part is required.
Non-Dutch diplomas
Did you acquire the diploma on the basis of which you have been offered a place in your study programme outside of the Netherlands? Then you will need to send a copy of that diploma.
Have you completed your previous education outside of the Netherlands and will you not receive your diploma before the start of your study programme? Then you can send a graduation statement.
More information on the requirements for a (certified) copy of a diploma and for a (certified) graduation statement, as well as the address these documents should be posted to, is provided in the task description in the MyApplication portal.
Make sure all application and enrolment tasks are fulfilled
UM can only enrol you if you have completed all the tasks in the MyApplication portal. Please make sure this is the case, so that your application and enrolment can be completed and you’ll be ready to start preparing for your studies as soon as possible.
Confirmation of Enrolment
When you have been enrolled for your study programme at UM, you will receive confirmation of this from UM (in the message inbox in the MyApplication portal) and from Studielink (by email).
UM email account
Before you start your studies, you will receive the login details for your UM email account. Your UM email address will be used for all correspondence about your introduction programme and the start of your studies. Your private email address will only be used to inform you about the application and enrolment process.
Are you a non-EU citizen requiring a visa/residence permit for study?
Please note that Maastricht University can only formally apply for your visa/residence permit if you have met all admission and enrolment requirements.
This means you have to have completed all admission and enrolment tasks in the MyApplication portal (except the ‘visa/residence permit’-task and the ‘send certified copy of diploma’-task) before we can send your application to the IND (Dutch Immigration and Naturalization Service).
We have to send the application to the IND before 1 July if you are starting your studies in September. Please note: a few pre-master and master programmes offer a start in February. If you’re study programme offers a start in February and you want to start your studies in February, we have to send the application to the IND before 1 December. You can find out if your study programme offers a start in February on the admission requirements web page of that programme (pre-master’s, master’s).
Therefore, we strongly recommend that you reconsider applying for this study programme if you are not sure that you will meet the following requirements before 1 July/1 December (if applicable in your situation):
- Having remedied all subject and/or language deficiencies (if applicable)
- Having qualified for admission to your study programme, including being selected (if applicable to your study programme) AND
- Having paid the tuition fee for your study programme
How do we assess your application?
When you want to apply or are applying to this study programme, it is useful to know how we assess your application. You can find more information about this in this section.
The Admission Board of the programme will decide whether you are admitted.
After they have decided on your application, you will receive an email regarding acceptance or rejection to the pre-master year.
UM/FASoS Campus Tour
At FASoS, we offer our prospective students the opportunity to join a campus tour on 18 December, 12 March 2025 and 7 May 2025. During this campus tour, one of our student ambassadors will show you our faculty, inner city and all important UM buildings. Are you not able to come one of the aforementioned dates? Don't worry! We also offer campus tours during our Open Days, Experience Days and Introduction Days. Are you not able to come from abroad for a campus tour? We also offer a virtual campus tour! Check it out through the interactive video on the left.
European funding for projects
Horizon Europe programme
Horizon Europe is the EU’s key funding programme for research and innovation and has different call topics across the different Clusters and missions.
For more information see the strategic plan and Work Programmes
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Networks (MSCA DN)
The objective is to implement doctoral programmes by partnerships of organisations from different sectors across Europe and beyond to train highly skilled doctoral candidates, stimulate their creativity, enhance their innovation capacities and boost their employability in the long-term.
More information about the MSCA DN can be found on it's webpage.
Research Infrastructure
Research infrastructures are facilities that provide resources and services for the research communities to conduct research and foster innovation in their fields.
For more information see the Horizon Europe webpage.
Clusters of Horizon Europe
Horizon Europe consists of 6 clusters:
- Health
- Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society
- Civil Security for Society
- Digital, Industry and Space
- Climate, Energy and Mobility
- Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Ressources, Agriculture and Environment
Missions of Horizon Europe
The 5 missions of Horizon Europe are:
- Cancer
- Climate-neutral & smart cities
- Healthy oceans, seas, coastal & inland waters
- Soil health & food
- Adaption to climate change including societal transformation
European Innovation Council (EIC)
EIC promotes breakthrough innovation with scale-up potential at the global level. It focuses mainly on breakthrough, deeptech and disruptive innovation, targeting especially market-creating innovation. Areas of intervention are Pathfinder, Transition and Accelator funding.
More information about EIC can be found on the webpages of Horizon Europe and EIC
European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT)
EIT is an independent EU body and integral part of Horizon Europe. It increases Europe’s ability to innovate by nurturing entrepreneurial talent and supporting new ideas.
More information about EIT can be found on the webpages of Horizon Europe, EIT and EITHealth.
European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE)
This programme acts in complement and synergy with EIC, EIT and innovative activities across Horizon Europe and other EU funding programmes to improve ecosystems for innovation in Europe.
More information can be found on the EIE webpage of Horizon Europe.
European partnerships
The European co-funded partnerships are part of Horizon Europe. These partnerships focus on complex societal challenges and are intended to achieve real impact. The partners within these partnerships are research funding bodies in various European countries. NWO also contributes to these and develops various thematic transnational calls together with the partners.
More information can be found on the NWO website.
An overview and detailed information on Horizon Europe can be found on the Horizon Europe webpage and the website of Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland (RVO).
Horizon Europe funding opportunities and open calls for proposals can be found on the Funding & Tenders Portal.
EU4Health programme
The EU4Health programme, is a subsidy programme offered by the European Union. It focuses its efforts on strengthening healthcare and promotes innovation. Priorities are among others health promotion and disease prevention, digital transformation and healthcare staff.
Information on EU4Health and the annual Work Programmes can be found on the EU4Health webpage. Funding opportunities and open calls for proposals can be found on the Funding & Tenders Portal.
Innovative Health Initiative (IHI)
IHI is an EU public-private partnership funding health research and innovation to address public health needs, improve patients'live, and boost the competitiveness of Europe's health industries.
More information can be found on the IHI webpage.
COST European Cooperation in Science and Technology
COST funds interdisciplinary research networks called COST Actions that brings researchers and innovators together to investigate a topic of their choice for 4 years.
More information can be found on the COST action homepage.
European personal grants
The purpose of personal grants is to fund 'investigator-driven', or 'bottom-up' research which allows researchers to identify new opportunities in any field of research. Different funding organizations, including NWO, ZonMw, Horizon Europe as well as many health foundations, provide a variety of personal grants or fellowships that support adventurous, talented, pioneering researchers to do research of their choice, develop their own line of research and further develop their talent.
Below you will find a short overview of different European personal grants aimed at different stages of research career. For more information, please contact the FHML/MUMC+ GrantsOffice.
- Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowship (MSCA PF)
- European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grant
- European Research Council (ERC) Consolidator Grant
- European Research Council (ERC) Advanced Grant
- European Research Council (ERC) Synergy Grant
- European Research Council (ERC) Proof of Concept
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowship (MSCA PF)
The MSCA-PF supports researchers’ careers and excellence in research through a yearly call. It enables researchers to carry out their research activities abroad, acquire new skills and develop their careers. It is open to researchers with up to eight years of post-PhD experience, applicants must not have been in the host country for more than 12 months in the past 36 months.
More information: European Commission homepage for MSCA
European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grant
ERC Starting is a yearly call and the grants are designed for early-career scientists with two till seven years of experience since completion of PhD who have already produced excellent supervised work, are ready to work independently and show potential to be a research leader.
More information: ERC homepage for Starting Grants
European Research Council (ERC) Consolidator Grant
This annual grant supports Principal Investigators consolidating their independent research team or program. It aims to encourage high-quality, frontier research in Europe. Eligible researchers must have between seven and twelve years of post-PhD experience and an excellent scientific track record.
More information: ERC homepage for Consolidator Grants
European Research Council (ERC) Advanced Grant
This annual grant supports established research leaders with a proven track record of significant achievements. Applicants must demonstrate the groundbreaking nature, ambition, and feasibility of their research proposal, having shown exceptional leadership and originality in their contributions over the past 10 years.
More information: ERC homepage for Advanced Grants
European Research Council (ERC) Synergy Grant
This annual grant supports 2-4 Principal Investigators working together on ambitious research problems that require diverse expertise, skills and resources. The team may include members from different institutions or countries. PIs at any career stage must show either a competitive early achievement track record or a ten-year track record, as relevant.
More information: ERC homepage for Synergy Grants
European Research Council (ERC) Proof of Concept
This grant aim at maximising the value of the excellent research that the ERC
funds. All Principal Investigators in one of the ERC frontier research main grants (Starting, Consolidator, Advanced or Synergy) are eligible.
Contact person
For more information contact your School/Institute funding advisor.
Programme content
The programme is composed of of the minor European Studies and key courses taken from the Bachelor's programmes Arts and Culture and European Studies. You will gain a foundational knowledge in the field of study, get acquainted with Problem-Based Learning (PBL), and train skills like speaking in English in public.
Click here to view the complete programme overview of 2025/2026.
Education and Examination Regulations
The EER (Education and Examination Regulations) for this pre-master's programme are part of the EER for all FASoS master’s programmes.
Pre-master courses
| Period | Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MES3000 | The Idea of Europe | 9 |
| MES3500 | Back to the Sources | 3 | |
| 2 | MES3001 | Great Expectations | 9 |
| MES3501 | Negotiation Skills | 3 | |
| 3 | MES3002 | Europe: a Critical Reflection | 6 |
| Semester 1 as Minor ES | 30 | ||
| 3-5 | Thesis EUS3900 | Bachelor Thesis | 17 |
| 4 | EUS2513 | Research methods: Introduction to Qualititative Methods | 4 |
| 5 | EUS2014 | Policy Domains | 9 |
Study fee academic year 2025-2026
In 2024-2025 the study fee for this programme was € 2,530 (for EU and non-EU students). The study fee for 2025-2026 will be announced on this page as soon as possible.
For more information, see the enrolment provisions (art. 28).
Admission requirements: previous education
For admission to the pre-master's programme you must have either a relevant bachelor's degree from a university of applied sciences (HBO) or another BA or BSc title that does not grant direct admission into the master's programme. You also must satisfy the language requirements.
The Admissions Committee of the programme will decide whether you are admitted.
Additional admission requirements
Language requirements for English-language master's programmes
As English is the language of instruction in this study programme, it is essential that your English language skills are good enough for you to undertake intensive and challenging academic courses that are taught and examined in English.
Answer the questions below to find out if you meet the language requirements.
Handling fee
Applicants who received their previous education in a non-EU/EEA country will have to pay a handling fee. More information on this handling fee and how to arrange this payment can be found on the Handling fee web page.
How to apply
Ready to apply? The application and enrolment process consists of three phases. More information on each of these phases is provided below. Carefully read through the information provided and make sure to complete all tasks as soon as possible (and definitely before the indicated deadlines).
Let us know you want to apply for this study programme
Phase 1: Apply via Studielink
Phase 1: Apply via Studielink
Let us know you want to apply for this study programme
To start the application process for this pre-master's programme, you first need to apply via Studielink. Studielink is the Dutch central organisation that keeps track of applications and enrolments at institutions of higher education in the Netherlands. In Studielink, you can apply by indicating which study programme at Maastricht University (UM) you would like to apply for, whether you’d like to start the programme in September, what previous education you followed, and you might need to provide a number of other details.
- In Studielink, select ‘Maastricht University’ in the first drop-down menu (‘Educational institution').
- Do not select anything in the other drop-down menus (Type of study programme, Academic load, Main language).
- Type ‘Pre-master European Studies’ in the search field. You can now select the pre-master in the result overview.
Studielink offers two methods of signing in: with or without using DigiD:
- If you live in a Dutch municipality, you can only register using your DigiD. If you live in a Dutch municipality, but do not yet have a DigiD yet, you will need to request one (Apply for a DigiD).
- If you do not (yet) live in the Netherlands, you can register by creating a Studielink account (without DigiD). As your personal details will not have been verified through DigiD, UM will check your personal details.
You will receive an email from UM within 24 hours of having applied in Studielink. This email contains your username/UM student number and a link to create your personal password. You can use these login details to access the MyApplication portal, the online environment in which the rest of your application process will take place. The portal will provide you with a clear overview of all the tasks you need to complete, such as uploading documents and paying your tuition fees.
Allow UM to assess if you meet the admission requirements
Phase 2: Admission
Phase 2: Admission
Allow UM to assess if you meet the admission requirements
MyApplication portal
To allow UM to assess whether you qualify for admission to the study programme of your choice, you need to complete a number of tasks in the MyApplication portal, the online environment in which the rest of your application process will take place. All the tasks you need to complete, such as uploading certain documents, will be presented here in a clear overview. You can log into the portal using your username/UM student number and the password you have created (your login name and an explanation on how to create your own password are provided in the email you received from us after your application in Studielink).
Make sure you fulfil the tasks indicated in the MyApplication portal on time. This means that you should upload documents as soon as you have finalised them and/or have them in your possession. The sooner you complete a task, the sooner we can give you feedback if you need to add or correct anything. Please pay attention to the deadlines indicated, as they can differ per study programme.
Once you have completed all of your admission tasks, your application dossier is ready to be presented to the Board of Admissions. Depending on your programme, this will be done immediately when it is complete (rolling basis), or after an indicated deadline.
Required documents
During the application process for this pre-master's programme, you will need to complete a number of tasks for which you will often have to upload documents in the ‘MyApplication portal’:
- A recent passport picture
The passport picture must satisfy certain requirements. You can find these requirements in the task description 'Upload portrait picture' in the MyApplication portal. - A copy of your valid passport or your EU/EEA identity card
Make a copy of the page with your personal details. Save this copy as ‘passport copy’ and not as ‘passport picture’. - A copy of your most recent grades transcript
- A copy of your bachelor’s diploma
All applicants must provide proof of having obtained a bachelor's degree in a relevant academic field with a good overall result (a copy of your diploma, including the supplement and associated grades transcript). If you have not yet graduated you can upload your official lists of grades from your bachelor's programme. - Curriculum vitae
All applicants must provide a CV. Please list your education, relevant extracurricular activities and internship/professional experience. - A motivation letter
All applicants must write a letter of motivation. Please provide good arguments about why you want to do this pre-master's programme at Maastricht University and why you believe that you can successfully complete the programme. - A writing sample
All applicants should provide proof of sufficient academic writing/research skills. The Board of Admissions asks the applicant to submit an independently-written research paper of at least 2,000 words (excluding the footnotes and reference list) on a relevant topic. You can use a paper from earlier studies or another occasion. The submitted work should be written in English. - Document(s) that demonstrate your proficiency in English
Answer the questions concerning language requirements under ‘Language requirements for English-language master's programmes’ on this webpage to find out if you need to provide additional documentation. The outcome of your answers will indicate which documents you can use to prove your proficiency.
Status updates about your application
From now on, you will receive important information and calls to action regarding your application in the message inbox in the MyApplication portal. We recommend that you regularly log in to the portal to make sure you stay updated. However, we will also notify you of important changes via the email address you provided to Studielink.
Arrange the practical matters required to start your studies at UM
Phase 3: Enrolment
Phase 3: Enrolment
Arrange the practical matters required to start your studies at UM
Once you have been offered a place in the pre-master's programme, you need to arrange your enrolment. The tasks you need to complete to be enrolled are listed in the MyApplication portal under ‘Enrolment tasks’. You can find a brief overview below.
Pay your study fee
Every applicant will need to pay their study fee. More information on how to go about arranging your study fee payment is provided in the task description in the MyApplication portal.
Once you’ve received an invite to pay your study fee, it is important that you indicate how you wish to arrange your payment (in Studielink). Do so on time (in any case before the start of your studies). Please also make sure that you pay (the first instalment of) your study fee in a timely manner. Otherwise, you won’t be able to start your studies.
Allow UM to verify your diploma
Dutch diplomas
Did you acquire the diploma on the basis of which you have been offered a place in your study programme in the Netherlands? Then DUO will pass on their verification of your diploma to UM. No further action on your part is required.
Non-Dutch diplomas
Did you acquire the diploma on the basis of which you have been offered a place in your study programme outside of the Netherlands? Then you will need to send a copy of that diploma.
Have you completed your previous education outside of the Netherlands and will you not receive your diploma before the start of your study programme? Then you can send a graduation statement.
More information on the requirements for a certified copy of a diploma and for a (certified) graduation statement, as well as the address these documents should be posted to, is provided in the task description in the MyApplication portal.
Make sure all application and enrolment tasks are fulfilled
UM can only enrol you if you have completed all the tasks in the MyApplication portal. Please make sure this is the case, so that your application and enrolment can be completed and you’ll be ready to start preparing for your studies as soon as possible.
Confirmation of Enrolment
When you have been enrolled for your study programme at UM, you will receive confirmation of this from UM (in the message inbox in the MyApplication portal) and from Studielink (by email).
UM email account
Before you start your studies, you will receive the login details for your UM email account. Your UM email address will be used for all correspondence about your introduction programme and the start of your studies. Your private email address will only be used to inform you about the application and enrolment process.
Are you a non-EU citizen requiring a visa/residence permit for study?
Please note that Maastricht University can only formally apply for your visa/residence permit if you have met all admission and enrolment requirements.
This means you have to have completed all admission and enrolment tasks in the MyApplication portal (except the ‘visa/residence permit’-task and the ‘send certified copy of diploma’-task) before we can send your application to the IND (Dutch Immigration and Naturalization Service).
We have to send the application to the IND before 1 July if you are starting your studies in September. Please note: a few pre-master and master programmes offer a start in February. If you’re study programme offers a start in February and you want to start your studies in February, we have to send the application to the IND before 1 December. You can find out if your study programme offers a start in February on the admission requirements web page of that programme (pre-master’s, master’s).
Therefore, we strongly recommend that you reconsider applying for this study programme if you are not sure that you will meet the following requirements before 1 July/1 December (if applicable in your situation):
- Having remedied all subject and/or language deficiencies (if applicable)
- Having qualified for admission to your study programme, including being selected (if applicable to your study programme) AND
- Having paid the tuition fee for your study programme
How do we assess your application?
When you want to apply or are applying to this study programme, it is useful to know how we assess your application. You can find more information about this in this section.
The Admission Board of the programme will decide whether you are admitted.
After they have decided on your application, you will receive an email regarding acceptance or rejection to the pre-master year.
UM/FASoS Campus Tour
At FASoS, we offer our prospective students the opportunity to join a campus tour on 18 December, 12 March 2025 and 7 May 2025. During this campus tour, one of our student ambassadors will show you our faculty, inner city and all important UM buildings. Are you not able to come one of the aforementioned dates? Don't worry! We also offer campus tours during our Open Days, Experience Days and Introduction Days. Are you not able to come from abroad for a campus tour? We also offer a virtual campus tour! Check it out through the interactive video on the left.
It was with great sadness that we received the news of the passing of Dr. Karl Ulrich Syndram on 19 May. Karl started teaching at the Center for European Studies in 1999 and shared his passion for literature with hundreds of study-abroad students during his 20 years of teaching at Maastricht University.
In his classes such as ‘The Roaring Twenties, Nazi Terrors and the Cold War’ and ‘Going Dutch – Literary reflections of the Low Countries in the 19th and 20th Century’ Karl took students on literary journeys to explore the cultural and historical landscapes of Europe. He always showed up with a warm smile and thrived in sharing his incredible scope of knowledge with his students. His enthusiasm during field trips to Bastogne, the Battle of the Bulge and Bruges, brought the subject matter even more vividly to life.
Over the years Karl became an integral part of the CES family. His friendliness and openness towards colleagues and fellow professors were characteristic of his approach to his whole teaching ethos. His inventiveness and creativity in designing courses and true dedication to his field has had huge significance for students and overseas partners alike.
Unexpectedly, he became ill just a few months ago and his condition worsened dramatically within weeks.
We will remember Karl as an incredibly generous and warm personality who loved great cuisine and wine, and life in general, who put his heart and soul into everything he did. It was always great to hear his insightful thoughts on contemporary issues and share in his wonderful stories of trips through France and the UK with his beloved wife and dogs.
He will be greatly missed by us all.
We wish his wife Anne, family and friends much strength in bearing this tremendous loss.
A book has been created to gather messages in loving memory of Karl. It is available at the Center for European Studies (Bonnefantenstraat 2) for colleagues and students to express their condolences. Anyone who wishes to submit a message electronically from abroad can of course also do so – we would be glad to include them.
‘Sweet Thames, run softly till I end my song’
T.S. Eliot
