Maastricht University: A Haven For International Students?

Maastricht University (UM) is a public research university in Maastricht, the Netherlands. It is known for its international orientation, offering a wide range of academic programmes, including Arts & Culture, Business and Economics, Health and Life Sciences, and Law. In 2023, approximately 59% of its 22,976 students were international, with classes held in English. UM provides various support services for international students, including assistance with visas and legal residence, and an International Student Helpdesk. The university is ranked highly in global rankings, with QS World University Rankings placing it at #230 in 2025.

International student support

Maastricht University (MU) is the most international university in the Netherlands, with 59% of its students coming from outside the country. The university is known for its Problem-Based Learning (PBL) system and international orientation, creating a challenging learning environment with small and interactive group sessions. MU's educational methods focus on developing research skills, self-reliance, and an international profile.

MU offers a range of support services for international students to help them adjust to living and studying in the Netherlands. The university's Visa Office guides international students through the entire process of obtaining a visa and proving legal residence. Additionally, MU provides an International Student Helpdesk, a buddy programme for new international students, and support services for refugee students.

The Language Centre at MU offers an introduction to the university's unique PBL approach for international students, as it differs from traditional lecture-based teaching. While about half of the bachelor's programmes are fully offered in English, the other half is taught wholly or partly in Dutch. Most master's and doctoral programmes are in English. MU's independent newspaper, Observant, provides news and educational information in both Dutch and English, and the television programme BreakingMaas offers news and entertainment in English.

Housing can be challenging in Maastricht, as the university does not provide regular student housing. However, MU participates in a student housing foundation, offering mediation services, with rooms and apartments provided by local housing associations and private landlords. International students can also refer to MyMaastricht.nl, the information portal that provides additional details on living and studying in the city.

English-taught courses

Maastricht University (UM) is a public research university in Maastricht, the Netherlands. Known for its international orientation, it is the most international university in the Netherlands, with 59% of its students coming from outside the country. UM offers a wide range of English-taught courses across various disciplines, including Arts & Culture, Behavioural and Political Sciences, Business and Economics, Health and Life Sciences, Law, Science and Engineering, and Knowledge Engineering.

UM's Problem-Based Learning (PBL) system is a key feature of its English-taught programmes. The PBL approach focuses on self-guided learning and small, interactive group sessions that bring together diverse students from all over the world. This challenging learning environment encourages active participation in discussions, fostering unique learning experiences and better learning outcomes.

The university offers a comprehensive support system for international students, including assistance with visa and legal residence processes through its Visa Office and initiatives like the International Student Helpdesk and a buddy programme for new international students. Additionally, UM provides an introduction to its PBL approach specifically for international students through its Language Centre.

UM's reputation for international orientation extends beyond the classroom. The university integrates exchange students with regular students, and its proximity to Germany and Belgium contributes to a diverse student population. The university's student housing foundation also offers mediation services, providing international students with access to accommodation options in the historic city centre and surrounding areas.

Student accommodation

Maastricht University (UM) is known for its international orientation, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. The university offers a unique learning experience through its Problem-Based Learning system, small-scale 'international classrooms', and interactive group sessions. This environment fosters collaboration and encourages active participation in educational discussions, contributing to a challenging and enriching academic journey.

Now, let's talk about student accommodation, a crucial aspect of the university experience. Finding suitable accommodation is an important step in ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay in Maastricht. Here's a guide to help you navigate your options:

Maastricht Housing:

Maastricht Housing is the official and primary housing facilitator for Maastricht University. It serves as a central hub, providing access to various accommodation options on a single, globally accessible platform. For a one-time registration fee of €35, you can explore a wide range of short-term and long-term housing choices. Maastricht Housing offers furnished and unfurnished rooms, studios, and apartments to meet different needs and preferences. Their website allows you to create a personal search profile, making it convenient to find your ideal living space. With over 10,000 living spaces, they have the largest supply of student housing, including options from housing corporations, the UM Guesthouse, and private landlords.

UM Guesthouse:

The UM Guesthouse is a notable accommodation choice for international students. It offers fully furnished rooms and studios, providing a convenient and comfortable start to your stay in Maastricht. The guesthouse is within walking distance of the university, ensuring a safe and community-oriented environment. Living here allows you to interact with students from around the world, creating a diverse and enriching experience. The UM Guesthouse is a popular option, and early booking is recommended to secure your space.

Other Options:

In addition to Maastricht Housing and the UM Guesthouse, there are other avenues to explore for student accommodation in Maastricht. Match Houses, Hospi Housing, and private property owners are all part of the Maastricht Housing platform, offering a range of choices. It is advisable to start your housing search early, as Maastricht is a desirable place to live, and affordable housing options for students can be limited.

In conclusion, while Maastricht University provides a globally oriented educational experience, finding student accommodation is an important practical aspect of your journey. With options like Maastricht Housing and the UM Guesthouse, you can rest assured that you'll have a smooth transition to life in Maastricht, allowing you to focus on your studies and embrace the unique cultural environment that the university offers.

Student life in Maastricht

Maastricht University is known for its international orientation and challenging learning environment. The university brings together people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, creating a unique learning experience. The city of Maastricht is described as warm and welcoming, with a modern and energetic vibe. It is known for its rich cultural life, vibrant festivals, and experimental theatre shows. The city also boasts a wide variety of shops, boutiques, terraces, bars, and restaurants.

The city itself has a high proportion of students, approximately 20% of the population, creating a lively student culture. Maastricht offers a range of housing options, including privately rented student houses, studios, and shared apartments. Students can easily access amenities and social activities, with many options for dining, socialising, and sports. The city has the highest cafe density in the Netherlands, and students can enjoy a variety of restaurants, including Pet Thai, Frituur Reitz, and Piano B Pizza, which is reputed to have the best pizza in the country.

For those seeking employment during their studies, Maastricht offers a range of opportunities. The Maastricht University Vacancy Board advertises student jobs in various fields. Temping agencies are also an option, matching students with temporary work. Additionally, bars and restaurants often provide part-time work. Students can also take advantage of the Dutch courses offered by the University of Maastricht to improve their language skills and better integrate into the local community.

Overall, student life in Maastricht is characterised by academic excellence, cultural diversity, and a vibrant social scene, providing a well-rounded and enriching experience for international students.

University rankings

Maastricht University (UM) is a public research university in Maastricht, the Netherlands. It is the second youngest of the thirteen Dutch universities, having been founded in 1976. In 2023, UM had approximately 23,000 students, 59% of whom were international students, and over 4,000 employees. UM is known for its Problem-Based Learning (PBL) system and international orientation, with a challenging learning environment that encourages small and interactive group sessions.

UM has consistently ranked highly in global university rankings. According to the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, UM ranked 88th in 2016 and 121st in 2021. In the QS World University Rankings, UM was placed 200th in 2017-2018 and 230th in 2025. The Academic Ranking of World Universities, also known as the Shanghai Ranking, has listed UM among the top 300 universities worldwide since 2011. More recently, UM ranked 179th in the Best Global Universities ranking, which evaluates schools based on thirteen indicators of excellence.

UM's strong international orientation is reflected in its diverse student population. In 2013, nearly 16,000 students attended UM, with 47% being foreign. International students at UM benefit from support services such as the International Student Helpdesk and a buddy programme for new arrivals. The university also offers an introduction to its unique PBL approach for international students through its Language Centre.

UM's academic programmes cover a wide range of disciplines, including Arts & Culture, Behavioural and Political Sciences, Business and Economics, Health and Life Sciences, Law, Science and Engineering, and Knowledge Engineering. The university's Graduate School of Law has built a reputation in international, European, and comparative law, participating in two national research schools and housing several research institutes.

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