Maastricht University

Maastricht University (UM) is known for its Problem-Based Learning system and international orientation. Our small-scale ‘international classroom’ brings together people from all over the world who have different backgrounds and perspectives. And it’s these very differences that make the UM learning experience unique.

Our bachelor\'s programmes, too, are internationally oriented. They are focused on helping students get the best out of themselves and preparing them as well as possible for their future career, be it in Maastricht or anywhere else in the world. Together with the many study-abroad opportunities enjoyed by our students, this makes studying at UM a truly international experience.

In today’s world, issues and problems are too complex to be understood from a narrow perspective. At Maastricht University education and research programmes are not bound by disciplinary or national frontiers. UM offers a broad range of interesting programmes - many of these are unique in the Netherlands and Europe. Most are taught in English and are internationally oriented. The university also offers PhD programmes, courses for postgraduates and professionals, as well as tailored programmes.Maastricht University offers PhD programmes to holders of a master’s diploma, and we offer research master's programmes which lead directly into a PhD programme. There are a limited number of places available in any department, so we are quite selective in the process of recruiting new PhD candidates. Programme lengths vary according to discipline, usually taking four or more years to complete. All programmes culminate in the writing, publication and defence of a thesis or dissertation.PhD training programmes are offered through Maastricht University’s graduate schools and research institutes. These programmes also include a number of courses that PhD candidates can take both as a part of their training programmes and as optional short courses.