Maastricht

Maastricht is a small city in the southeast of the Netherlands. There are fantastic views throughout the city that’s split by the Meuse River – which has plentiful, beautiful parks and bridges along it. Even though Maastricht is a city, there is still plenty of green space to be enjoyed! Maastricht citizens are very active. Biking is extremely popular in the city, as throughout The Netherlands, so there are also many picturesque bike paths to explore.

The location of the city within The Netherlands provides plenty of opportunity to travel within Europe. Maastricht is located in a strip of The Netherlands that’s sandwiched between Belgium and Germany. Given that location, there are many languages spoken within Maastricht including Dutch, French, German, English, and local Dutch dialects. Students can also travel throughout Europe easily, quite literally walking across the border into Belgium, and only a quick bus ride into Germany.Students will find there is plentiful opportunity available for students to travel in Europe by air, rail, and bus.

The city of Maastricht is a well-regarded and affluent cultural center, providing plenty of opportunity for fantastic shopping and recreational activities. As one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in The Netherlands, walking around you will see the city’s rich history demonstrated by its modern architecture, medieval town ramparts, 17th century townhouses, cobblestone streets and charming squares. Adding to the beauty is the Meuse River, which runs through the center of the city. A haven for students and academics, researchers and scientists, expatriates and artists, Maastricht offers unique venues for music, dancing, theatre, cinema, and hosts frequent events, festivals, and performances throughout the year.

Maastricht attracts a multitude of international students to the city, whom attend Maastricht University as well as other institutions located in the city – so there will be plenty of people to meet when you arrive! Maastricht boasts plentiful cafés, pubs, and restaurants in which both students and locals gather.

MAASTRICHT UNIVERSITY

Maastricht University (UM), located in the south of the Netherlands, is internationally renowned for its innovative educational methods, dynamic research portfolio, and diverse international population. The university occupies landmark buildings spread throughout the city centre, and houses its medical and psychology faculties in the suburb of Randwijk, Maastricht alongside its teaching hospital.

It is worth noting that Maastricht University is the most international and fully bilingual (English & Dutch) university in the Netherlands, with the majority of academic programs taught entirely in English. UM has over 16,000 students and almost 2,000 academic staff. Around 49% of students and 39% of the teaching staff come from abroad. When studying in Maastricht, you encounter different languages and cultures every day, inside and outside the classroom. Maastricht University’s School of Business and Economics (SBE) is particularly prestigious. Home to about 4200 students and 500 staff members, 40% of whom come from abroad, the SBE is a part of the 1% of business schools worldwide that is triple-crown accredited (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA).

Maastricht University is known, too, for its vibrant student life. There are dozens of student associations and organizations devoted to everything from sustainability to sports, from drama to music, to volunteering, and more. Joining one of the MU student organizations is a great way to make new friends and begin making Maastricht your own. The town itself is the perfect setting for these activities. The many festivals and events held in Maastricht reflect the diversity of cultural influences, from Maastricht’s famous annual Carnival, to experimental theatre, and from thought-provoking lectures to lively music concerts. People from Maastricht love their city and the local culture is rooted in the locals’ joie de vivre (zest for living). Going out to eat is a favorite pastime of both students and locals. The city is set against a backdrop of hills, trails, and open countryside for sports lovers and nature lovers alike.

ASA semester programs in Maastricht include 3 overnight excursions. Destinations may vary by term. Past terms have included trips to:

• Berlin, Germany – At the beginning of the semester, students will have the opportunity to explore Berlin. This trip services as both a traveling orientation and as an introduction to traveling Europe! It’s also a great opportunity to get to know the other students in your group.
• A Weekend in The Netherlands – Enjoy a weekend getting to know your host country! Students will explore their choice of political or cultural highlights in The Hauge, absorb Dutch culture at the open air museum Zaanse Schans, and bond as a group while creating your very own Delft blue tile.
• Paris, France – Spend a fun-filled weekend exploring all that the City of Lights has to offer! Indulge in French cuisine, take in the museums and rich architectural beauty, and experience first-hand the enduring charm of this fabulous city.

The summer program includes 1 day excursion. Destination varies by term. Please check your Program Calendar prior to departure for confirmation of excursion date/location. Each summer course comes with a 1 day field trip related to the course.

Maastricht University
Summer/Semester/Academic Year

• Requirements
  • Minimum GPA 3.0 (Students with a GPA between 2.80-2.99 will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Students with a 2.79 or lower will not be considered.)
  • Language requirement: None. Courses are taught in English.
  • At least 18 years of age
  • Completed at least 2 semesters at a U.S. or Canadian college/university before applying
  • Official Transcript from your college or university. If you have attended more than one institution, you must submit an Official Transcript from each institution. Official Transcript from current institution must show courses currently in progress.
  • One academic letter of recommendation from a professor or study abroad adviser at your college or university
  • Motivation Letter describing your reasons, goals, and desires for studying abroad at Maastricht University. Why were you drawn to this program? Do you have any academic highlights? Minimum of 1500 words, maximum of 3000 words.
  • ASA Application. To start a new application or continue an existing application, click here.
  • Scan of your valid passport that does not expire sooner than 6 months after the day you plan to return home from abroad. A scan of your valid passport is required before you can be accepted into this program. Please submit your passport application by expedited service if you do not have a valid passport.
  • For Application Deadlines, please click the Cost & Dates tab.

INCLUDED

• HOUSING in residence hall with kitchen facilities and FREE laundry facilities. Meals not included.

• TUITION for the maximum number of credits or courses indicated on the program course offerings page. Enrolling in more than the maximum number of credits/courses (if permitted by the host institution) will result in an additional fee.

• ACADEMIC CREDITS: Students who receive pre-approval from their home institution can transfer the credits they earn to their home institution.

• OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT: Final transcript is issued by Maastricht University. Upon completion of the program, ASA will provide one free shipment of your final transcript to your U.S. institution.

• EXCURSIONS: Semester programs include 3 overnight excursions. Summer programs include 1 day excursion. Locations to be decided.

• INTERNET ACCESS: Students will have free Internet access at their host institution and in their program housing.

• AIRPORT PICK-UP: Group ground transportation is provided from Brussels International (BRU) airport for students who arrive on the official arrival date, by the designated time.

• SITE DIRECTOR: Students will have an on-site director to assist them with any academic or cultural difficulties they may encounter.

• MEDICAL INSURANCE: Comprehensive international medical insurance is included. Click here for details on benefits and coverage.

• RESIDENCE PERMIT FOR PROGRAMS OVER 90 DAYS

• VISA ADVISING: Please click here and scroll down to “Student Visa Information” for details.

• PRE-DEPARTURE HANDBOOK & ON-SITE ORIENTATION

• SUBSCRIPTION TO SAFETURE SAFETY-ENHANCING MOBILE APP

• SUBSCRIPTION TO MINDHAMOK: a 24-7 service designed to support your mental, physical, and social wellbeing throughout your program. You can find out more about mindhamok in our Pre-Departure Guide for All Programs

NOT INCLUDED

• Round trip airfare and travel expenses to and from the program location

• Books, materials, lab fees

• Local transportation

• Personal expenses

• Meals

• Meals on excursions

• Residence Permit, if required

• Transportation from the airport if the student does not arrive on the official arrival date by the designated time

• Transportation back to the airport at the end of the program

For academic year students and those enrolling in more than one session, housing and other ASA services and benefits are not provided during the break between sessions. For academic year students only, medical insurance during winter break is included if it is required to get your visa.

If you need a budget or Costs of Attendance for your financial aid office, or if you simply want an estimate of the not-included costs listed above.