Maastricht University - Maastricht Science Program (MSP)
Maastricht University - Maastricht Science Program (MSP)
Maastricht University was founded in 1976, making it one of the youngest universities in the Netherlands. It is home to 16,000 students, nearly half of them international, and is renowned for its innovative teaching methods and multidisciplinary approach.
Academic Highlights
The Maastricht Science Program (abbreviated as MSP) is an English language, internationally oriented, Arts and Sciences program. The first students commenced the Program in September 2011 and it is unique in its kind as students are free to design the program by choosing units from an extensive range in the natural sciences such as:
- Astronomy
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Biomedical Engineering
- Biomaterials
- Neuroscience
These can be combined with interdisciplinary units. Part of the Faculty of Science and Engineering, it is one of the few science programs at the University which is not exclusively related to health.
Location
Maastricht is located in the south-east of the Netherlands, about 220km from Amsterdam. In addition to buildings across the city centre, the University developed the Randwyck campus from the 1970s onwards which has become the centre for the University's psychology, health, medicine and life science activities.
Did you know?
The MSP is the second Arts and Sciences program in Maastricht, working alongside its sister program University College Maastricht (UCM). Like UCM, the Maastricht Science Program is part of the Faculty of Science and Engineering of Maastricht University.
Language of Instruction | English | |||||
Program Duration | 1 semester, 2 semesters | |||||
Academic Level | Undergraduate | |||||
| Minimum Result Required | 60% WAM | |||||
| Previous Round Cut-off (WAM (%) or GPA) | 71% WAM | |||||
Anticipated Places in Semester 2, 2027 | 1-2 places | |||||
Green | ||||||
Eligible Monash Campus | Monash Australia and Monash Malaysia | |||||
Agreement Scope | Science | |||||
Handbook/Catalogue
Download the course catalogue from the Maastricht Science Program website.
Full-time Credit Load Equivalents
Semester | |
|---|---|
Min. 18 Monash points | Max. 24 Monash points |
22.5 ECTS* | 30 ECTS |
ECTS - European Credit Transfer System
*If your study load cannot exactly equate to 22.5 ECTS, then you will need to complete a study load as close to 22.5 ECTS without going under in order to receive 18 Monash credit points.
Year | |
|---|---|
Min. 36 Monash points | Max. 48 Monash points |
45 ECTS | 60 ECTS |
Academic Calendar
MSP's 'Autumn' semester (Monash Semester 2): early September to mid-January
MSP's 'Spring' semester (Monash Semester 1): early February to late June
Astronomy | Biology | Biomaterials | Biomedical Engineering |
Chemistry | Mathematics | Neuroscience | Physics |
Note
- The listed disciplines are not necessarily exhaustive and other fields of study might also be available at the institution.
- Approval to study particular subjects at any institution is always at the discretion of the departmental/discipline and faculty advisers in your managing faculty(ies) and subject to available places at the host.
Accommodation
Maastricht Housing is the official housing agency for Maastricht University, Zuyd University of Applied Sciences and the Jan van Eyck Academy. This one platform combines all the student housing offers in Maastricht.
Most exchange students book their room online at the UM Guesthouse for the duration of their stay. The buildings are located in the vicinity of the faculties and are easily accessible by bike or on foot. You are strongly advised to book a room as soon as you know you are going to Maastricht.
The University provides further information on the Housing in Maastricht web page.
Visas
As a general rule, if you are from outside EU/EAA countries and plan to stay in the Netherlands for more than 90 days, you will need to apply for an entry visa (MVV - Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblijf) and/or a residence permit (VVR - Verblijfsvergunning). The residence permit is the document required for students to stay and study in the Netherlands legally. Both the entry visa and residence permit are issued by the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND).
Maastricht University also provide some advice on visas, which can be found on their Visa and Residence Permit website.
For more information on visas, please refer to the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherland in Australia website.
Health and insurance
Non-Dutch students are required by the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) to have health insurance while living and studying in the Netherlands. When travelling on a Monash Abroad approved program, you are automatically covered under the Monash University Student Travel Insurance policy. Maastricht University requires you to check if you have sufficient insurance.
Orientation and extra-curricular
The University offers an airport pickup service, a compulsory welcome day, and a buddy program to help you settle in. For more information, visit the Welcome web page. There are also a lot of student associations that you can join during your time there, including social clubs, sports clubs and music clubs.
As an exchange student, you are also encouraged to take advantage of the Dutch language courses available during the semester.
Cost of living
The University has prepared a Costs of living in the Netherlands page, and links to further information at mymaastricht.nl. In addition there is also Maastricht on the Expatistan site (this is a website external to the University and intended to be indicative only).
Funding
For information about funding available to support study on exchange overseas, see the Financial Information page on the Monash Abroad website.
To begin your application and study plan, click the button below.
Have you been to the Maastricht Science Program (MSP) at Maastricht University and want to share your experience? If you'd be willing to write a testimonial, email us at monashabroad.enquiries@monash.edu.