Maastricht University NL-High Potential scholarship

Suhad Malik Mohamed Elbadawi

"I was a practicing physician in Sudan. After a few years of clinical work, I rediscovered my passion for research and epidemiology. So I made the decision to change careers and work outside of the clinic.

At first, I thought only students with a lot of volunteer work or leadership positions received scholarships, but I learned about the UM NL-High Potential Scholarship which you can get based on outstanding academic performance.”

When Suhad got the acceptance letter, a war erupted in Sudan and she spent the next six months travelling from Sudan to Bahrain to Ethiopia in order to receive the necessary travel visas for the Netherlands.

“It wasn’t easy, but I kept going. Even if that meant going to the roof of my building to find an internet connection.”

Ananda Bajric

"Thanks to the Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship, I am able to pursue the Research Master in Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience - specialisation Neuropsychology.

UM is the most intellectually stimulating institution I've studied at so far, and its Problem-Based Learning approach has contributed immensely to my academic and personal development.

Additionally, as UM emphasises collaboration rather than competition, my learning experience has been informed by my enthusiastic classmates with whom I continuously share and discover new insights." 

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Ramsha Zaidi

"The Netherlands has always been my dream destination and receiving the UM-NL High Potential Scholarship was a divine blessing during a challenging phase in my life. The scholarship not only fulfilled my dream but also provided necessary support, turning my dreams into reality. 

Maastricht University has become my second home, offering more than academic excellence; it's a supportive family that encourages personal and professional growth. 

I am currently pursuing my master's in Learning and Development in Organisations and I feel blessed to be a part of the UM-NL High Potential Scholarship community, surrounded by individuals who share a common commitment to academic excellence and personal growth. 

This scholarship is not just financial aid; it's a transformative experience, I am truly grateful for."

Rimshah Zubair

"Receiving the Holland High Potential Scholarship has been truly life-changing for me. I have always wanted to pursue a career in corporate law, and this scholarship provided me with the opportunity to study in one of Europe’s best law faculties.

From the moment I was awarded with this scholarship, my career took a remarkable turn. The Problem-Based Learning system at Maastricht University has equipped me with first-hand experience in tackling complex real-life business cases. Under the guidance of distinguished professionals in the field of corporate law, I have refined my legal skills to precision.

Throughout this journey, the scholarship committee members have been my guardians. In addition to financial support, they have facilitated pre-academic trainings, workshops, networking events, and career counselling sessions. This scholarship has not only alleviated financial burdens but has also paved the way for a number of career opportunities within the corporate sector, including institutions such as the European Commission.

Studying at Maastricht University has been an intellectually fulfilling and culturally enriching experience that will forever be in my memory."

Leia Bulgakova

"Receiving the scholarship to pursue a research master's in Cognitive Neuroscience has truly been a dream come true for me. Even now, I can’t believe my luck. After moving from Uzbekistan to Russia in search of better education, I still felt like I was endlessly seeking a community that truly fit me. This scholarship has allowed me to find that place.

The welcoming environment and compassionate community here make the engaging programme even more enjoyable. The knowledge and skills I acquire here feel like essential steps toward conducting my research and becoming the scientist I aspire to be. The Problem-Based Learning approach turned out to be a good fit for my learning style as well.

I am forever grateful for this incredible journey and the wonderful support I’ve received along the way. This opportunity has not only fulfilled my academic aspirations but also given me the sense of belonging I had been searching for."

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Mariana Gouvea

“Coming from Brazil to the Netherlands to pursue a Master's degree in Biobased Materials was a big dream for me. Thanks to the NL-High Potential Scholarship, this dream could come true. I am delighted to be living here and grateful for all the places and people I have met. 

My master's programme is made up of people from different nationalities and backgrounds, and it is not even possible to tell how much I have learned from them. Problem-Based Learning exposed me to a new way of learning, with a lot of challenges, but also proved to be a great opportunity to prepare me for my future goals. Along with this, all the practical classes and hands-on experience offered to us have taken me to the next level. 

I am happy to see how much I have grown academically and personally and, more than that, that I have found a second home here!”

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Sebastián Ayala Ruano

"I completed my bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology Engineering with a subspecialisation in Software Engineering in Ecuador. While looking for a master's programme, I discovered that Systems Biology at Maastricht University provided the ideal combination of both fields. However, the costs of studying abroad were beyond my reach, so I applied for financial assistance. Receiving the UM NL-High Potential Scholarship made my dream of studying Systems Biology possible.

Studying at UM has been an incredible journey. I liked the project- and problem-based learning (PBL) methodology, the high-quality research institutes, and the university’s international orientation. PBL encouraged me to become an active learner, improved my communication skills, and appreciated diverse viewpoints from my classmates. Being in such a multicultural environment allowed me to expand my horizons and build friendships with people from around the world. Living abroad also fostered my personal growth, as I adapted to an independent life, far away from family and friends.

I will be forever grateful for the opportunities this scholarship offered and will remember these past few years as one of the best experiences of my life."

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Abenezer Tarekegne Legesse

"During my time working as a physician in my home country, Ethiopia, at the height of the COVID19 pandemic, my passion for understanding diseases on a broader scale was ignited. While I valued the hands-on impact of clinical work, I found myself increasingly drawn to the bigger picture—researching the patterns and causes of diseases to help the community at a larger scale. This realisation led me to pivot my career towards epidemiology and public health.

I aspired to pursue advanced studies and, while exploring opportunities, came across the UM NL-High Potential Scholarship. Its focus on rewarding outstanding academic achievement set it apart, so I decided to apply to the UM-FHML Department of Epidemiology. When I received the acceptance letter, it felt like a turning point—a validation of my hard work over the years.

What excites me most about pursuing my studies at Maastricht University is its Problem-Based Learning (PBL) system. This approach emphasises active learning, collaboration, and critical thinking—values that align with my experience in the clinical scenarios I have been exposed to and the problem-solving mindset I have developed during my journey.

As I take strides towards my dreams here in Maastricht, I carry the experiences and lessons of my journey with me. My hope is not only to advance knowledge in epidemiology but also to inspire others from underrepresented regions to chase their academic dreams, no matter how challenging the path may seem." 

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Aruzhan Kuztayeva

“Growing up in a small city in northern Kazakhstan, studying abroad - let alone in the Netherlands - felt like an impossible dream. In 2020, I started preparing my application for a scholarship but soon gave up, convinced that such opportunities were only for people with extraordinary intelligence or achievements.

Everything changed last year. It was a time of self-reflection and growth that taught me the importance of believing in myself. I realised that success is not about being perfect - it is about working hard, staying committed, and trusting your own strengths. This shift in mindset motivated me to try again, and I am so glad I did. 

Today, I’m living my dream by studying 'Media Studies: Digital Cultures' at Maastricht University. The practical, hands-on approach combined with Problem-Based Learning makes the programme both holistic and engaging. So far, I have recorded a podcast, experimented with analog media, and created a digital application as part of a design-thinking project with my group mates. 

Beyond academics, I became a social media ambassador for my programme and started working as a research assistant on a research communication project at my Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. These experiences are shaping my knowledge in the field and preparing me for an exciting career ahead.

None of this would have been possible without the NL-High Potential Scholarship. It opened doors I once thought were firmly closed and proved that dreams can come true with perseverance and belief in oneself. To anyone considering applying: don’t underestimate what you are capable of achieving.”

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