Netherlands: Maastricht University (USAC)

UNI students now have the opportunity to study abroad at Maastricht University (MU) in the Netherlands through our partnership with University of Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC). Recently ranked as the 13th best 'young' university in the world, this program is a great option for students interested in studying abroad for a summer, semester or academic year.

Through USAC, students will also have the option to connect with up to 25 other US students who will also be participating in this program during the same term. Not only will UNI students be advised through the process by the UNI Study Abroad Center, but they will also receive help and support from USAC staff as well. Because USAC has an office on MU's campus, they will have on-site staff available upon students arrival in the Netherlands through the entire duration of the program!

Dates & Deadlines

Term: Summer and Fall 2025
App Deadline: Saturday, March 1, 2025
Program Dates: TBA

The application cycle for Spring 2025 is currently closed. Summer and Fall 2025 applications will open later this semester. Students can click the link below to schedule this meeting beginning in November.

Schedule First Steps Meeting

Interested in studying abroad in the summer of 2025 or later? Please fill out the waitlist form below and the study abroad center will notify you when applications for future terms open. You can also schedule an informational meeting with our office to learn more about the programs we offer and find one that works best for you!

Study Abroad Waitlist Schedule Info Meeting

Unsure where to begin? Visit our Application Process page to learn more!

Location

The city of Maastricht dates back to the first century A.D., making it one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands. This city has played a key role in many historic European events, including serving as the site where the European Union was established in 1992. The history of Maastricht is still evident even today, with cobblestone alleys, 17th century facades, and a Roman bridge. With a population of over 120,000, this small city has everything a visiting international student could wish for: a historic city center, countless cafes, pubs, and restaurants, sport facilities, shops, and several film, music, and theater venues.

Maastricht University (UM) is a very internationally focused institution. In fact, nearly half of its student body and faculty come from outside the Netherlands making this a welcoming environment for a variety of students with different backgrounds. The university is also well known for its groundbreaking research activity and use of Problem-Based Learning (PBL). PBL is an education system that typically uses smaller class sizes to provide students more individualized attention and support, as well as more hands-on experiential learning opportunities.

Academics

MU's academics are uniquely structured to allow for more field trips and experiential learning to be integrated into student's studies. Students will choose from one of five programmatic themes, and at least half of their courses must relate to this theme. The other half of courses can either fall within this theme, or be chosen from over 400 elective course offerings in a wide variety of academic departments. Courses are taught in English, but introductory Dutch language courses are also available. The five themes students must chose from are listed below:

Business and Economics
Humanities and Social Sciences
Politics, Law, and International Relations
Psychology and Neuroscience
Public Health and Medicine

Some elective course subjects are listed below:

History
Culture and Identity
Dutch Language
Human Rights and Ethics
Environment and Sustainability

Participant Info

Meet your Advisor:

Jamie is a full time study abroad advisor who will help you throughout the application process to Portugal, including documentation, finances, scholarships, and more. From your first steps meeting until you take off for your new adventure, Jamie will help you every step of the way.

Important information to review:

Study abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be challenged by new experiences in new environments and cultures. UNI study abroad programs are designed to prioritize educational opportunities for students. Students are encouraged to embrace the adventure of exploring how housing, meals, and daily routines differ abroad.

Entry and Exit Requirements

Review and follow the travel recommendations of the U.S. State Department for travel to the Netherlands.

Immigration Information

Students going to the Netherlands for more than 90 days will need to apply for a student visa.

Your Study Abroad Advisor and USAC will help you through this process but it is the student's responsibility to stay on top of the visa application process and to review the latest updates related to their destination country.

Housing & Meals

Students will be placed in The Guesthouse, which is an off-campus apartment complex located within walking distance of downtown Maastricht. Each student will receive a private bedroom, and share a bathroom, kitchen and living areas with the other student residents. The Guesthouse is within biking distance of campus, but their are also several bus routes nearby that will take students to and from campus.

All students are responsible for arranging their own meals during their time in the Netherlands. A fully equipped communal kitchen is available for student use, and their are many grocery stores located nearby. The Guesthouse is also located nearby many restaurants, cafes, and the city's vibrant nightlife.

Summer School

UM also offers a 6-week summer school program from mid-June through the beginning of August. The program is split into 2 three-week blocks, where students will take one course during each block, earning them a total of 6 U.S. credits over the entirely of the program. All courses are taught in English and include exciting hands-on experiences such as field trips, museum visits, seminars on locations and more. Some of the course subjects offered are listed below:

Economics
Law and Politics
Business
Psychology
Art History
Journalism
Communications
Health and Science

Program Costs

Estimated Program Cost will vary

Costs for the USAC program to the Netherlands will vary depending on students preferences and necessities. Students will go over projected costs with a UNI study abroad advisor during their First Steps meeting.

USAC is a nonprofit, so they make it a priority to keep costs affordable to allow more students to gain an international experience. They also offer a wide variety of scholarships, grants, and discounts to students, as well as assistance to students who need help applying for financial aid.

UNI study abroad center also has many scholarship resources available for students. Visit our "Finances and Scholarships" page for more information.

Cost of Studying On Campus at UNI

Tuition & Fees	$4,864
Room & Board	$4,993
Books	$400
Personal Expenses	$902
Transportation	$395
Total	$11,544

Source: https://admissions.uni.edu/cost-aid

‌Eligibility Requirements to Study Abroad

The Study Abroad Center reserves the right to determine participants' eligibility to Study Abroad. Students must have a completed study abroad application, including supportive recommendation form(s). Additionally, students must meet all of the following in order to be eligible to Study Abroad:

Have a cumulative 2.5 GPA or higher at the time of application and maintain this cumulative GPA prior to departure and throughout the study abroad process
If your cumulative GPA is lower than 2.5, submit the following to the Study Abroad Center (103 East Bartlett):
- Letters of reference from two academic contacts (e.g. academic advisor and former or current professor) supporting your pursuit of study abroad. If you are attending a faculty-led study abroad program, one of the letters must be from a course leader. However, if the program has two course leaders, only one of the letters can be from one of the course leaders.

Must be over the age of 18 years old
Must meet the course prerequisites (participation in the program is dependent upon meeting these)
Must be in good standing with the University
UNI's partner institutions may require additional eligibility requirements to be met, these vary from institution to institution. Please consult with the Study Abroad Center staff to discuss these additional requirements, if applicable.
Applicants traveling to a region of a country or a country with an overall Travel Advisory Level 3 (Reconsider Travel) or 4 (Do Not Travel) will not be eligible.