Frequently Asked Questions

Is EPA a full-time or part-time programme?
EPA is a full-time programme that lasts one year. Although you do not have lessons every day of the week, you should bear in mind that you have to be available full-time.
When does the programme start and end?
The EPA programme starts in September and ends in June.
How do I get financial support?

Maastricht University proposes scholarships for masters students. See www.maastrichtuniversity.nl . You may also look at the EPA programme on the University's website: www.maastrichtuniversity.nl

You can try to get a Huygens scholarship from the NUFFIC. Please look for more information on the Internet: www.nuffic.nl/hsp.

We also advise you to look for financial support in your home country. And you can search on: www.grantfinder.nl 

I need a letter of acceptance to apply for a scholarship.
If you need a letter of acceptance for the application of a scholarship we can make an exception and evaluate your application before the deadline of April 1. If you send us your completed application forms as soon as possible, we evaluate your application and let you know before January 15th, if you are provisionally accepted to the EPA programme. If the answer if positive, we send you an official letter of provisional acceptance.
What do I need to send to the EPA office when I want to apply?
Refer to the application section for detailed information about this.
What is the deadline for application?
Application forms should be returned before 1 April 2010 for non-EU students. The deadline for EU students is 1 June 2010.
How many students can take place in the EPA programme?
We accept up to 30 students to join the EPA programme.
Can a student replace the IELTS test by a TOEFL internet-based test or another language test?
EPA has chosen for the IELTS test because it also tests communication skills and not only writing skills. The minimum level to be obtained for the academic IELTS test is 6.5. This test can be replaced only by the TOEFL internet-based test. The minimum level to be obtained is 92.
What do I have to do if the IELTS or TOEFL iBT language test is fully booked till after the deadline?
When you are not able to do the IELTS or TOEFL iBT test before the deadline, you are allowed to apply without the actual test results under the following conditions:
  • you inform us properly about this situation on your application form
  • you inform us about the date you will take the test
  • we are in the position to recall our decision to accept you to the EPA programme, if the outcome of your (delayed) test result gives us reason to do so.
Can I work while I am a student at the Maastricht University?
An extra bit of income whilst you are a student is always welcome. But we strongly advice you to work not more than one day a week, for working hardly ever fits in with your coursework, and has a major impact on your social life. Our Immigration and Naturalisation Service does prefer the students to have the full financial resources before they reach the Netherlands. Under Dutch Law, there are strict guidelines set for international students taking employment. Foreign students are allowed to work for a maximum of 10 hours per week or for three months full-time during the summer holiday period from June to September. Students are not officially allowed to work in order to finance their study; income from work should be additional in the sense that students should be able to finance their study without working. In order to work, students need a work permit, which their employer has to apply for. Maastricht University does not mediate for students who want to work, nor does it arrange work permits.
How much money do I need for the whole period of studying in Maastricht?
The tuition fees that non-European citizens pay are higher than those for Dutch and European citizens, as the latter already pay taxes which contribute to European education, whereas the former do not. Apart from the tuition fees, you should count with about 750 Euro per month for living expenses, books and traveling. For more information on the living expenses, please check costs of living.
As a European, when I enter the Netherlands from my own country, do I still have to declare things, such as my car?
You should be very careful, as the Dutch customs still consider a number of things as import. In order to avoid financial 'surprises' (in the form of high extra taxes), please check http://www.douane.nl to see what you can bring with you. In some cases, it might even be more interesting to buy things in the Netherlands instead of taking them with you from your home country.
What kind of health insurance do I need?

Health and Liability Insurance:

  • Students studying in the Netherlands are required by law to have adequate health insurance, which is also necessary to obtain a residence permit.
  • Most national health insurance packages within the European Union are valid in the Netherlands. Nevertheless, it is important to ask your health insurance company for a statement which proves that your medical expenses in the Netherlands will be covered. This form is called an E111 or E112. If necessary, you can arrange medical insurance upon arrival. Registered students who are not adequately covered by own national insurance policy can purchase health insurance from the university after arrival.
  • Third party liability insurance is also compulsory. This insurance protects you against financial consequences in the event that damaged is cause accidentally to someone else's person or possessions.

Insurance Package for International students:

  • The IPS Insurance Passport for Students, offers students who are studying abroad a complete and borderless insurance, anywhere and everywhere in the world. IPS is meant for students, staff, and researchers who go abroad to study, for an internship or for an exchange. The insurance is very complete: Medical care (excluding dental care), extraordinary costs and aid, accidents, liability, legal support and luggage are covered.
  • The insurance starts and ends on the data supplied on the application form. Holidays during the study or internship period are also covered. More information can be found on the IPS web site.
  • Students using their own health and liability insurance should enclose a copy of both insurance policies with the application form.