Logistics & safety
 (Reverse) Culture shock
 Practical matters

Following the changed entry rules for the U.S., the Dutch government has added a note to the current (green) travel advice. Read more on the website of Rijksoverheid (Dutch only). If you have specific questions, please contact the International Relations Office of your faculty.

Your faculty's International Relations Office and/or Internship Office can provide you with detailed information about your options. They have an overview of the partner institutions and can tell you whether there is an exchange or internship programme that matches your wishes.

Check the faculty pages for the contact details.

Department of Advanced Computing Sciences (DACS)
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASoS)
Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML)
Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience (FPN)
Faculty of Law (LAW)
School of Business and Economics (SBE)
Maastricht Science Programme (MSP)
University College Maastricht (UCM)
University College Venlo (UCV)

The ISAP buddy programme runs from the end of August to the end of March. It is divided into three blocks, each spanning five weeks. You will have a different group of newcomers in each block:  

• first block: end of August to end of September
• second block: November to December
• third block: February to March  

Ambassadors need to be available for all three blocks.   

As an ambassador, you will assist the international students assigned to you in each block by doing the following: 

• Foster a safe feeling of belonging to the ISAP community, making it easier for friendships to be formed within your group.
• Share your experiences and answer questions they may have about studying at UM and living in Maastricht.
• Communicate with them before they arrive in the Netherlands. You will most likely be their first familiar face upon arrival.
• Make them feel welcome into Maastricht. Remember how lonely it can feel?
• Help them find their way in and around the university.
• Introduce them to Dutch culture and traditions.
• Attend the ISAP Welcome Event with them for each block as well as at least one or two ISAP activities for each block (minimum attendance 2 events per block).
• Organise at least one social gathering for your group for each block, separate from the ISAP-organised activities for all of the groups. 

Applications for academic year 2026-2027 are now open!. 

Register here through Aanmelder. 

Link: https://www.aanmelder.nl/175044/subscribe

Deadline to register is May 24^th. After this date registration forms will no longer be available. 

Have a look at what being an ISAP ambassador/buddy looks like below and hope you will feel excited to join our community. 
 
Interested in reading more testimonials? Head to our Instagram and have a look at the experiences of our former ambassadors. If you have questions before applying also feel free to reach out to us at info-isap@maastrichtuniversity.nl

What is the Erasmus+ programme for students?

You can be eligible for the Erasmus+ programme if your exchange or internship takes place in one of the Erasmus+ programme countries (the EU countries, North Macedonia, Serbia, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Turkey) or on a small scale in non-European countries. The Erasmus+ grant provides partial compensation for costs incurred during your exchange or internship, and it is provided by the European Commission. The International Relations Office or Internship Office of your faculty can inform you if your exchange or internship is eligible for the Erasmus+ grant. 
 

Grant amount

The Erasmus+ grant consists of a monthly amount of individual support and a one-off travel grant. 

Monthly amount of individual support 

The amounts differ if you go on an EU mobility (to the EU-countries, North Macedonia, Serbia, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Turkey) or on an International Mobility to non-EU countries (including Faroe Islands, Switzerland, UK, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican city).

EU mobility

If your mobility takes place in an EU country, North Macedonia, Serbia, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Turkey, you will receive the following individual support per month:

Mobility for traineeships to EU Member States will receive a top-up of €150 per month.

International mobility (non-EU)

If your mobility does not take place in an EU country, North Macedonia, Serbia, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Turkey, your mobility will be considered an international mobility. These include Faroe Islands, Switzerland, UK, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City. 
 

Individual support:

*for internship, a monthly top-up of € 150,- applies

Travel support

The travel support is based on the travel distance from Maastricht to your host based on the distance calculator of Erasmus+. The grant for every mobility, EU and non-EU, consists of travel support. 

Students who travel 'green' will receive the Green travel support instead of the normal travel support. After your mobility, you need to provide proof that you have travelled ‘green’ by handing in your bus/train tickets to and from your host country. The travel dates mentioned on your tickets must show that your outbound journey took place before your mobility starts and your return journey took place after your physical mobility ended.

In addition, you may be eligible for a top-up:

• Top-up fewer opportunities: This top-up is €250 per month and is for:
  • Students with a DUO complimentary grant
  • Students with a physical disability; you need a statement from a doctor
  • Students with chronic health problems; you need a statement from a doctor 

Conditions Erasmus+

There are several conditions for the Erasmus+ grant. Your faculty can also have separate conditions on top of the conditions below, such as a GPA requirement. For specific information on your situation, we recommend that you contact the International Relations Office (IRO)/Internship Office of your faculty.

• The minimum duration of an Erasmus mobility needs to be 2 months (60 days).
• The exchange or internship needs to take place in one of the Erasmus+ programme countries (the EU countries, North Macedonia, Serbia, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Turkey); it cannot be in the Netherlands or the country where you live prior to the exchange/internship. On a small scale, other countries are possible, too.
• If you want to apply for an Erasmus+ grant during your bachelor’s programme, you have to at least be admitted into the second year of your programme.
• You have to be registered at Maastricht University during the complete mobility period. Internship after graduation is not support by UM.
• During your bachelor’s programme, you can use the Erasmus+ grant for a maximum of 12 months (360 days). This can be spread out over several exchanges or internships.
• During your master’s programme, you can use the Erasmus+ grant for a maximum of 12 months (360 days). This can be spread out over several exchanges or internships.
• Your exchange can only take place at one of UM’s partner institutions; your IRO can inform you about the options.
• Your internship/exchange needs to be full time.
• You cannot receive any additional funding for your mobility in addition to the Erasmus+ grant.
• If you are doing an internship, it must not take place within one of the EU institutions.

You need to adhere to all conditions stated by your IRO/Internship Office and the Erasmus+ Office. 
 

Application procedure

The application procedure differs between exchanges and internships. 

Exchange

Your IRO will inform you of the application procedure during the information market on exchange abroad. After you have been selected by your IRO for the exchange with an Erasmus+ grant, the application procedure will be as follows:

1. Your IRO/ invites you to fill out the Online Learning Agreement (OLA). This Online Learning Agreement needs to be signed by you, your IRO and your host institution.
    
2. Once your OLA has been completed, your IRO hands over your file to the Central Erasmus Office, which will handle the administration of your Erasmus mobility.
    
3. The Central Erasmus Office will send you a prefilled Grant Agreement 4 weeks before the start of your mobility, which you have to complete and sign. You have to send this to the Central Erasmus Office, as stated in the email you will receive. If you fail to hand in the complete and correct Grant Agreement before the stated deadline, your exchange will be cancelled and you will not receive an Erasmus+ grant. Please note, this can result in a study delay!
    
4. If the main instruction language is not your native language, you will receive access to the Online Linguistic System (OLS) for a language assessment in the instruction language of your exchange. You can take this assessment to improve your language of instruction.
    
5. After your Grant Agreement is received (and correct), you will receive the first payment (70%) before the start of your mobility. The grant is based on the dates you have filled out in the Grant Agreement, so make sure these dates are correct; otherwise, you may have to pay back a part of your grant. If we do not receive your Grant Agreement complete and correct before the start of your exchange, your mobility will be cancelled.
    
6. After 3 weeks, the Central Erasmus Office will contact you regarding possible changes in your courses. If, during your exchange, your courses change you will have to adjust the courses you have selected in your Online Learning Agreement. Your IRO needs to approve these changes. This will be done within the Online Learning Agreement, you do not have to send an email to your IRO. This has to been done within 7 weeks after the start of your mobility.
    
7. If, during your mobility, you see that your exchange will be longer than agreed upon in your Grant Agreement, you will have to send a written request for extension to the central Erasmus Office. This written request needs to be sent at least 30 days before the original end date of your exchange. The Central Erasmus Office will inform you if you can receive an Erasmus+ grant for the extended period of your exchange. If you do not send in a written request for an extension in time, you cannot request an Erasmus+ grant for your extension after your exchange has ended.
    
8. After your exchange, you will have to hand in the following documents to the Central Erasmus Office:
   a. The Statement of Host Institution in which your host institution confirms the start and end date of your exchange. The start date of the mobility period shall be the first day that you need to be physically present at the receiving institution/organisation. The end date shall be the last day you need to be physically present at the receiving institution/organisation. For the online part of your mobility, if applicable, you will not receive an Erasmus+ grant. You will receive an email with the format 2 weeks before the end of your mobility. Make sure to ask your receiving institution to (digitally) sign the document before your departure!
   b. The Participation Report for which you will automatically receive an invitation from Erasmus+ at the end of your exchange. You can fill this out online and, after submission, upload the report via the link provided.
   c. Proof of green travel if you have applied for the green travel support
   d.Any additional documents requested by your IRO.
    
9. Only when all your documents have been received within 4 weeks after the end date of your mobility and the documents have been approved by the Central Erasmus Office, you will receive the final 30% of your Erasmus+ grant.
    
10. Your host needs to send the Transcript of Records to your IRO to receive the credits you have earned during your mobility. Credits that are obtained through courses which are listed on the Learning Agreement (and signed for) will always be recognised.
     

Internship

Your Internship Office will inform you of the application procedure during the information market on internships abroad. After you have been selected by your Internship Office for the internship with an Erasmus+ grant, the application procedure will be as follows:

1. Your Internship Office will send you the Learning Agreement (LA), which you need to fill out and sign. This Learning Agreement needs to be signed by you, your Internship Office and your host organisation at least 6 weeks before the start of your mobility.
    
2. Once your LA has been completed, your Internship Office hands over your file to the Central Erasmus Office, which will handle the administration of your Erasmus mobility.
    
3. The Central Erasmus Office will send you a prefilled Grant Agreement 4 weeks before the start of your mobility, which you have to complete and sign. You have to send this to the Central Erasmus Office, as stated in the email you will receive. If you fail to hand in the complete and correct Grant Agreement before the stated deadline, you will not receive an Erasmus+ grant.
    
4. If the main instruction language is not your native language, you will receive access to the Online Linguistic System (OLS) for a language assessment in the instruction language of your internship. You can take this assessment to improve your language of instruction.
    
5. After your Grant Agreement is received (and correct), you will receive the first payment (70%) before the start of your mobility. The grant is based on the dates you have filled out in the Grant Agreement, so make sure these dates are correct. Otherwise, you may have to pay back a part of your grant.
    
6. After 3 weeks, the Central Erasmus Office will contact you regarding possible changes in the content of your internship. If, during your internship, the content has changed, you will have to fill out the “During Mobility” part of your Learning Agreement. Your Internship Office needs to approve these changes, so please send an email to your Internship Office regarding those changes. This has to been done within 7 weeks after the start of your mobility.
    
7. If, during your mobility, you see that your internship will be longer than agreed upon in your Grant Agreement, you will have to send a written request for extension to the Central Erasmus Office. This written request needs to be sent at least 30 days before the original end date of your internship. The Central Erasmus Office will inform you if you can receive an Erasmus+ grant for the extended period of your internship. If you do not send in a written request for extension in time, you cannot request an Erasmus+ grant for your extension after your internship has ended.
    
8. After your internship, you will have to hand in the following documents to the Central Erasmus Office:
   a.  The Traineeship Certificate in which your host organisation confirms the start and end date of your internship. The start date of the mobility period shall be the first day that you need to be physically present at the receiving institution/organisation. The end date shall be the last day you need to be physically present at the receiving institution/organisation. For the online part of your mobility, if applicable, you will not receive an Erasmus+ grant. You will receive the template 2 weeks before the end date of your internship. Make sure to ask your internship company to sign the document before your departure!
   b. The Participation Report for which you will automatically receive an invitation from Erasmus+ at the end of your internship. You can fill this out online and, after submission, upload the report via the link provided.
   c. Proof of green travel, if you have applied for the green travel support
   d. Any additional documents requested by your Internship Office
    
9. Only when all your documents have been received within 4 weeks after the end date of your mobility and the documents have been approved by the Central Erasmus Office, you will receive the second part of your Erasmus+ grant.
    

For specific information on the possibilities of your exchange or internship, we kindly advise you to contact your IRO/Internship Office. You can find the contact details of the IRO/Internship Office per faculty on the right-hand side on this page. 
 

FAQ Erasmus+

• When do I get instructions for the Erasmus+ grant application?
  Please contact your IRO/Internship Office regarding this.
  Once your IRO/internship Office has approved your Learning Agreement (this then needs to be signed by all 3 parties), they will inform the Central Erasmus Office. The Central Erasmus Office will contact you about 4 weeks before the start of your mobility.
   
• Can I get an Erasmus+ grant if my host university is in my home country?
  Yes, this is possible but you can only get an Erasmus grant for an exchange in a participating country other than the Netherlands or the country where you live prior to the exchange. If you do not live in your home country immediately prior to the exchange, you can apply for an Erasmus+ grant. However, keep in mind that if the Erasmus budget is insufficient to accommodate all applications, the applications from students who want to do an exchange in their home country will have the lowest priority.
   
• Which date should I use for the start date of my mobility? Date of arrival, orientation session, first classes…?
  The start date of the mobility period shall be the first day that the participant needs to be physically present at the receiving institution/organisation.
   
• Which date should I use for the end date of my mobility? Date of departure, last exam, …?
  The end date shall be the last day the participant needs to be physically present at the receiving institution/organisation.
   
• Should I include the resit exam period in the duration of my mobility?
  You can include the resit period in the dates mentioned on your Grant Agreement. Your grant is based on your grant agreement, but if the Statement of Host Institution indicates a shorter period, you will receive a grant based on the Statement.
   
• Can I get Green travel support when I travel by car?
  No, you cannot get Green travel support if you travel by (electric) car. The Green travel support is only applicable if you travel by train or bus.
   
• When do I receive the Green travel support?
  You will receive the Green travel support as part of your grant. This means you will receive the first 70% with the first payment, if you can prove that you have travelled by train or bus, you will receive the second part (30%) with the second payment. If you cannot prove your green travel, the first part of the top-up/support you have received will be deducted from your second instalment. The travel dates mentioned on your tickets must show that your outbound journey took place before your mobility starts and your return journey took place after your physical mobility ended.
   
• When do I receive the travel support?
  You will receive the travel support as part of your grant. This means you will receive the first 70% of the travel support with the first payment and the second part (30%) with the second payment. If you have travel support for green travel, you need to provide proof that you have travelled by train or bus. If you cannot provide proof your green travel, you will receive the normal travel support.   
   Can I apply for the top-up for students from a family of lower basic income?
  If you receive a DUO complimentary grant, you can apply for the top-up. You have to prove that you have a DUO complimentary grant for the current academic year before the start of your mobility. You have to upload the award letter you have received from DUO. 
   
• Can I apply for the top-up Fewer Opportunities for disability/health problems?
  If you have a disability or a chronic illness, you can apply for the top-up fewer opportunities. You need to have a statement from your doctor stating that you have a disability/health issues and that your disability/health issues will negatively influence your mobility. The top-up cannot be used to cover medical costs, like medicine, therapy or treatment. Costs that can be covered are costs such as buying specific equipment or using a special taxi service that is not covered by your health or travel insurance.
   
• After I completed the OLS test, Erasmus offered me the opportunity to take an OLS course. Am I obligated to do this OLS course?
  No, this course is voluntary.
   
• Why is the second payment of my grant lower than 30%?
  You will only receive a grant for the actual duration of your exchange/internship in your receiving country. If your exchange/internship was shorter than planned, your second instalment can be lower than 30%. Furthermore, if you do not fill out the PR survey within 4 weeks after your mobility, you are no longer eligible for the second instalment. Your grant will be reduced to 70%.
  Also, if you indicated in your application you would be eligible for green travel support but cannot provide proof of your green travel, your second instalment will be less than 30%.
   
• Can I get an Erasmus+ grant if I am a non-EU citizen?
  Yes, you are eligible for an Erasmus+ grant if you are a non-EU citizen. Please make sure to check the visa requirements with the visa office.
  
  
   

Definitions:
OLA    Online Learning Agreement
LA       Learning Agreement
GA      Grant agreement
OLS    Online Linguistic System (language test)
PR      Participation Report
SoHi   Statement of Host institution (study exchange)
TC      Traineeship Certificate (placement exchange)

There are three types of Innovative Training Networks (ITN):

European Training Networks;
European Industrial Doctorates; and
European Joint Doctorates.

The conditions differ per ITN. An individual PhD student cannot apply for a fellowship Only the ITN can apply for funding.

Read more on the conditions of the MSCA-ITN programme 

The ITN-project can get funding for recruitment and training for every participating researcher, during maximum three years. The researcher receives –based on an employment contract- a monthly allowance and additional allowances for insurance, mobility and family.

The ITN receives an additional allowance for organisation and management costs. The duration of an ITN-project is maximum four years.

Depends on the type of fellowship.

The Innovative Training Network has to submit a proposal which matches one of the ‘Open calls’.
Read more on the subject and on what the individual can do.
Read more on How to apply and How to get funding

The deadline varies because it depends on the specific 'open call' for which the proposal was submitted.

 At least a Masters level degree in history or another discipline which works historically.
 Research project as from 6 months till 12 months.
 Language skills: proficiency in English and a sufficient command of German to participate in discussions at the Institute.
 Living and working in the Institute’s building in Mainz.

• Duration of scholarship: a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of 12 months.
• €1200 per month

Refer to the FAQ’s (in German) on the website of the Institute for European History (IEG) or read the English language brochure.

Applications can be made directly to the IEG. Contact them via: fellowship@ieg-mainz.de

The NL Scholarship is available for full-time students of regular study programmes at Maastricht University who want to study, do an internship or conduct research outside of the EEA. You cannot receive any additional funding for your mobility in addition to the NL scholarship.

Please note, the amount of available scholarships is limited. Applying for a scholarship therefore does not mean that the scholarship will be awarded.

The scholarship is € 2,500 and is meant as a contribution towards your study expenses. 

• You are following a full-time regular study programme at Maastricht University.
• You will use the scholarship for a study, internship or research with a minimum duration of seven weeks and a minimum of 10 ECTS.
• Your study, internship or research will take place in a country outside the EEA.
• The selection criteria may differ between faculties.

You need to apply for the NL Scholarship at your faculty’s International Relations Office. Please note that the implementation of the NL Scholarship is organised per faculty. This means that the selection criteria and the deadlines may differ between faculties. 

Overview of International Relations Offices

• International Relations Office FASoS
• International Relations Office FHML
• International Relations Office FPN
• International Relations Office LAW
• International Relations Office SBE
• International Relations Office UCM
• International Relations Office Department of Data Science and Knowledge Engineering
• International Relations Office Maastricht Science Programme
• International Relations Office Maastricht University College Venlo (UCV)

You can find information about the NL Scholarship on the 'WilWeg' website. The WilWeg website contains a range of information about studying, doing research or internships abroad in general. 

NL Scholarship WilWeg 

• You are of Dutch nationality.
• You are admitted or will be admitted to a graduate level programme at a well-ranked American university.
• The course of study can be a Master programme, a non-degree course, or a period of research.
• You have a bachelor's or a master's degree from a Dutch university.
• You have good grades.
• You gained well-developed social and cultural skills through extracurricular activities.  

The size of the Fulbright scholarship for students is US $50,000.

Applications can be made directly to the Fulbright Center

For the opening date and the deadline for the submission of applications please check the Fulbright website.