ShareUMD Exchange: University College Maastricht (Netherlands)
All students accepted to an Exchange program are automatically considered for an award of $1,000! See Cost tab for more information.
Host Institution
Maastricht University is a young (established in 1976) and rapidly growing research university. It currently has about 15,000 students and over 3,500 faculty and staff members. UCM is a small academic community where students (700) and teachers get to know each other well. There is no anonymous mass teaching at UCM. Students study in an international atmosphere where more than 40 different nationalities are represented. Its international character is a hallmark of University College Maastricht. UCM is part of the Faculty of Humanities and Sciences. Each faculty provides a wide range of bachelor, master, graduate and post-graduate programs.
Host City
Known internationally for its historic role in hosting the European Summit of 1991 where the “Treaty of Maastricht” (the foundation for the European Union) was adopted, the city of Maastricht is located in the southernmost tip of the Netherlands. With its roots in industry and trade, visitors come to the city for shopping and to view it’s over 1,660 monuments among other attractions. The University’s website notes that “although Maastricht is not a very big city (125,000 inhabitants), it is usually buzzing with people day and night, many of which are students.” There are hundreds of shops, bars, cafés (Maastricht has the highest café density of The Netherlands: 1 café per 350 inhabitants versus 1 per 900 on average), restaurants, pubs, clubs, galleries, and theaters.
Exchange programs are highly competitive and space in each program is limited. You must meet the following eligibility requirements in order to apply to this program:
- 3.0 GPA
- Completion of 2 semesters at UMD
- This exchange is open to students in the Honors College. Priority is given to students in the Gemstone Program.
Exchange programs are a good fit for students looking for immersion, personal growth, and the opportunity to strengthen qualities such as independence and adaptability.
Student Visa Information
A student visa is required for participation on this exchange. For more information, please visit our study abroad visa guide to view instructions for the country you will be visiting. Please note that visa information is subject to change and you are responsible for checking the embassy website for updates.
- Click "Apply Now" at the top of this page. You will log in with your UMD directory ID and password.
- Submit all application materials by the deadline listed below. This includes meeting with your EA advisor (listed at the top of this page), and may include requesting a faculty letter of recommendation, and submitting an official transcript. If a letter of recommendation and/or official transcript are required, it will be listed in MyEA once you start an application for this program.
- After the application deadline, we will review all completed applications and nominate students for available spots in each exchange program.
- If you are nominated to participate in this exchange, you will work with your EA advisor (listed above) to apply directly to the host university, who will formally admit you to the exchange program. Nominated students must complete the host university application in accordance with the host university’s stated deadlines and instructions.
- Nominated students will then work with their EA advisor (listed above) and our partner universities to coordinate all aspects of the stay at the host university such as course registration, visas and arrival.
Academic Planning
Visit the Academics & Study Abroad page which outlines key considerations for your academic planning as you navigate different phases of study abroad:
- Pre-Departure Course Selection & Approval
- Finalizing Course Enrollment Abroad
- Transcripts and Credits on your UMD Record
Coursework
The academic year at UCM is divided into two semesters of 20 weeks. The Fall semester starts in September and ends late January with a 2 week Christmas break. The Spring semester starts in February and ends late June/early July with a 1 week break. A semester is divided into three periods: two course periods of 7 weeks and one project period of 4 weeks. Exchange students coming in Fall could decide not to take the project period in January and leave before Christmas. Students take two courses per period, meaning four courses per semester. Classes in academic skills run alongside these courses. At the end of each semester all students participate in a project. This can be, for example, a research project or an extended writing assignment. Students can select subjects in any areas within the concentrations. Students attend courses, academic skills trainings and projects. All are offered on three levels: introductory (1000), intermediate (2000), and advanced (3000). 2000- and 3000-level courses have prerequisites.
There may be other course offerings on this program that are not currently listed in the Study Abroad Course Database (SACD). If you are interested in taking a course not listed in the SACD, please submit a transfer credit evaluation request.
Credit
All credit you earn on this program will count as transfer credit towards your UMD degree. Most courses at University College Maastricht will be converted as follows:
| University College Maastricht Credit | UMD Credit |
|---|---|
| 1 UCM ECTS credit | 0.5UMD credit |
| 6 UCM ECTS credit | 3 UMD credits |
The chart above was last approved by the UMD Transfer Credit Committee on November 13, 2014.
Grading
Undergraduates must receive a C- equivalent or better in order to be eligible for the transfer of credit.
| University College Maastricht Grade | UMD Grade |
| 5.5 | C - |
Students who do not wish to live in the Guesthouse can check: www.housinganywhere.com and UCM Semester Abroad Facebook group for rooms sublet by students who are going on a semester abroad. UCM cannot guarantee any of these rooms for services, facilities or safety issues.
UMD students participating in an Exchange program have the benefit of paying UMD tuition rates to attend an institution abroad. For specific information about this Exchange program, please reference the Cost of Attendance Chart.
Tuition and fees for exchange programs are charged directly to your UMD account, which means you can apply UMD scholarships, state and federal financial aid, and alternative loans towards the cost of an exchange. Housing costs are paid directly to the host institution or on-site housing agency.
You can use the cost of attendance comparison worksheet to view how study abroad programs compare to each other and the amount you pay on campus at UMD. As always, your EA advisor (listed above) is available to help you complete this worksheet and find affordable programs that fit your study abroad goals.
Exchange Scholarship
All students accepted to an Exchange program are considered for an automatic award of $1,000! To be considered for this scholarship, you must:
- Be a current degree seeking undergraduate UMD student (graduate students are not eligible for this award)
- Not currently receive full tuition scholarship/benefits (i.e. Banneker Key, tuition remission, Frederick Douglass Scholarship, etc.)
Additional Financial Resources
Maximize your time abroad by taking advantage of resources at your host institution!
Student Clubs and Organizations
The University of Maastricht offers a wide range of sports activities and student organizations.
International Welcome/Orientation
The university hosts an International Student Welcome Day including social activities and a welcome dinner for all international students.
Counseling & Health Services
UM strives to give students the mental help that they need as quickly as possible and offers several mental health services.
Resource Guide for Students with Disabilities*
Resource Guide for LGBTQ+ Identities*
*These resource guides provide general information about services at UMD’s partner institution. For more information, consult your EA advisor.
| Term | Year | Application Deadline | Admission Notification | Program Start | Program End |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year (Fall-Spring) | 2023 | 03/01/2023 | 03/13/2023 | ||
| Fall | 2023 | 03/01/2023 | 03/13/2023 | ||
| Spring | 2024 | 10/01/2023 | 10/11/2023 |