Pre-bachelor
Foundation Programme
The Foundation Programme is for motivated international students who want to do a bachelor’s programme at Maastricht University but still need to meet the admission requirements. The Foundation Programme will provide you with intensive training in academic skills, courses relevant to your chosen bachelor’s programme, and English language skills (depending on your level).
Outside of the classroom, the Foundation Programme offers support and organises events that will help you make new friends and adjust to life in the Netherlands. The yearlong training provides you with a unique international classroom experience specially designed for a bachelor’s at Maastricht University, the most international university in the Netherlands.
Fast facts
- Helps international students meet admission requirements for UM bachelor’s programmes
- In small scale groups using the Problem Based Learning method
- 1+3 years = a bachelor’s degree
- Full-time programme, taught in English
- Programme fees: € 14,000 or € 12,000 (depending on English entry level)
- Deadline for students who require a visa: 15 August, otherwise 15 September
A preparatory programme designed for the following Maastricht University bachelor’s degrees
- Arts and Culture
- Digital Society
- European Studies
- European Law School
- Global Studies
- Economics and Business Economics
- European Public Health
- University College Venlo
- University College Maastricht
- Business Analytics
- Computer Science
- Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
- Econometrics and Operations Research
- Maastricht Science Programme
Study information events
Curious about the Foundation Programme and studying in Maastricht? Join Our live information session and get the info you need before our early application deadline.
We no longer train for a bachelor in International Business, however do not forget to explore our other Business programmes: Economics and Business Economics, and Business Analytics as a potential option for your future bachelor’s.
The Foundation Programme
Preparation for studying and living abroad
The switch from high school to university education can be challenging - especially when you are planning to study abroad. To give yourself the best chance of succeeding in your study, you should prepare properly for this challenge. In the Foundation Programme, you will be able to familiarise yourself with a new culture and adjust to a new style of learning. The intensive education and training that you will receive during this programme will make you eligible for your chosen bachelor’s programme. It will help you be able to ‘hit the ground running’ and get the most out of your university education.
The one-year, full-time Foundation Programme consists of four parts:
Content courses
Academic skills training
English language training
Beyond the classroom
Information about the Foundation Programme
Assessment
Your progress will be assessed throughout the Foundation Programme using written assignments, presentations and exams. You can only begin with your bachelor’s programme once you have passed the entire Foundation Programme successfully. As it happens, our students have a high success rate - over 75% of them advance to the bachelor’s programme of their choice.
Additional support
The Foundation Programme staff and mentors offer additional support with practical issues (such as housing, banking and insurance) to help you get settled in Maastricht. Before you arrive, we will apply for your visa (if you need one) and will provide you with information about housing options. Other practical matters will be taken care of during the first week of the Foundation Programme. This will also be the time you will meet your fellow students, your mentor and the Foundation Programme staff.
After the Programme
Once you have successfully passed the programme, you will be eligible for the Maastricht University bachelor’s programme we prepared you for.
Please note that some bachelor's programmes still require an additional application after graduating from the Foundation Programme. As part of the Foundation Programme, we will also assist you in this application procedure.
So far we have placed 100% of our graduates in the bachelor's programme of their choice.
I believe all the experiences I have had here has made me a lot more prepared for success than anyone who will join the bachelor immediately after high school
The Foundation Programme has given me the freedom to really take my time to adjust to a new life away from home.
The Foundation Programme was a very fruitful experience and helped me a lot managing my study and student life
Studying in an international classroom is my ideal environment.
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