Information for parents
As a parent, you play a vital role in helping your child choose the right study programme. Your support and insight can make a significant difference in helping them find a programme that aligns with their interests, strengths and future goals. Here, you can find more about how you can support your child and how you can learn more about Maastricht University (UM) and our programmes.
Tips for helping your child choose a study programme
Step 1: Explore interests
Help your child map out their interests by posing questions and recording their answers:
- What subjects excite them most?
- What are their stronger subjects and weaker subjects?
- What subjects do they not want to study?
- Which language would they feel most comfortable learning in?
Make a list of study programmes that match their interests and skills.
Step 2: Compare options
Together, compare the different programmes in your list. Evaluate each programme based on factors like:
- Course content and subject focus
- Admission requirements
- Teaching styles (e.g., Problem-Based Learning, lectures)
Facilities and support services
- Career paths and job opportunities after graduation
Step 3: Get first-hand experience
Encourage your child to dive deeper by experiencing their top programme choices first-hand:
- Attend Open Days together or have them join an Experience Day to get a feel for the campus environment.
- Join online information events.
- Talk to current students and staff to get personal insights.
- Reflect on whether the programme will keep them motivated and if they’ll feel a sense of belonging.
Support and guidance
Making the jump between high school and university can be overwhelming, so your child may need extra emotional support during the decision-making process. It may be helpful to remind them that this is an important step, but not the only step in their journey.
If your child chooses to study at UM, they will have access to a variety of support and guidance services from their first day at university until their graduation.
Parent sessions at our Open Days (in Dutch)
Come to an Open Day together with your child and experience the UM campus and Maastricht together. During the Open Day, many faculties offer sessions for parents.
Register now for the Bachelor's Open Day
More about the Bachelor's Open Day
Worth exploring
What makes learning at UM special?
At UM, students work in small groups using Problem-Based Learning (PBL). This active approach keeps students engaged and helps them apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations.
On-campus and online events
Experience UM by joining us on campus or online for an event
Connect with us
As a parent, please feel free to reach out to us directly. We're happy to answer all your questions, as well as your child's questions, about studying at UM.
join-us@maastrichtuniversity.nl
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