Maastricht University

Maastricht University (UM) is the most international university in the Netherlands and is, with 18,000 students and 4,400 employees, still growing. The university stands out for its innovative education model, international character and multidisciplinary approach to research and education. 

Thanks to its high-quality research and study programmes as well as a strong focus on social engagement, UM has quickly built up a solid reputation. Today it is considered one of the best young universities in the world.

UM has 6 faculties and 5 service centres, managed as a whole by the Executive Board. 

Innovative education model
UM is the European pioneer of Problem-Based Learning (PBL), the education model it has been working with ever since the university was founded. Small-scale and personal, PBL challenges students not only to learn their subject matter, but also to actively develop their talents and interests as well as skills such as self-reliance, assertiveness and problem-solving capacities. This, combined with a broad and unique range of internationally oriented programmes, is what makes UM stand out.

Multi- and interdisciplinary
Research and education at UM have a thematic, multidisciplinary nature, inspired by topical issues such as sustainability, European integration, healthy ageing and the influence of technological developments on society. Researchers work in multidisciplinary teams, in close collaboration with national and international institutions, companies and industry.

International orientation
Located in the heart of Europe, UM is the most international university in the Netherlands. Half of our students and one third of our academic staff come from outside the Netherlands, together representing over 100 different nationalities. Most of UM’s study programmes are taught in English, and the content of both education and research is deeply rooted in European and broader international themes.

As internationally oriented as UM may be, it also places great value on its strong connection with Limburg and the Euregio Meuse-Rhine. The university nurtures partnerships with many regional companies, knowledge institutes and government agencies. Together, we aim to play a leading role in the sustainable economic development of the region.

In this context, UM and its partners have entered into the ambitious strategic programme Kennis-As Limburg. This programme will see the existing and new campuses in Maastricht, Geleen, Venlo and Parkstad merged into a single, international knowledge centre specialising in the areas of biomaterials and innovative healthcare. The campuses serve as flywheels to attract knowledge workers, keep the population vital and fuel the growth engine of the Limburg economy.

UM is also the coordinator of Young Universities for the Future of Europe (YUFE), is the sole Dutch member of the Worldwide Universities Network (WUN) and is among the 18 highly-ranked founding members of the Young European Research Universities Network (YERUN).

Knowledge Centre for International Staff
Maastricht University is keen to provide its international employees and their family members with a warm welcome and a good start to their stay in Maastricht or its surrounds. Part of the university’s HR department, the Knowledge Centre for International Staff (KCIS) is happy to offer you its services. Coming from another country to work here makes you part of a diverse and growing community, within the Maastricht region as well as the university. KCIS helps expats to smooth their way into a new job and new community and will guide you through the various steps necessary to start working for the university. KCIS offers services to incoming staff, outgoing staff, current foreign staff and cross-border workers.