Office of International Programs

Exchange Student Information
 
University and Location
A study abroad experience at Maastricht is ideal for students interested in earning credit toward their degree while engaging in hands-on, student-led learning in an international setting.  Maastricht is considered one of the most beautiful and safest cities in the Netherlands - it’s also compact, lively and very international, which makes it a fantastic place for students. The oldest city in the Netherlands has great appeal, with a historic city center, countless inviting sidewalk cafés and restaurants, sports facilities, shops, and art venues.
 
Maastricht University is the most international university in the Netherlands. They stand out for their innovative approach to learning and international outlook. With almost 16,000 students and 4,000 staff, UM offers a wide choice of academic programs, all of which are designed to bring out the best in its students.
 
Maastricht University uses Problem-Based Learning (PBL). This unique teaching method aims to exchange knowledge in a challenging and effective way.
 
Language and Instruction
English
 
Available Fields of Study
Maastricht University offers a diverse array of courses in areas such as Marketing, Management, Human Resources, and Economics. Attention is paid to quantitative skills like accounting, financial arithmetic, operations research, statistics and mathematics. Rensselaer students are limited to the exchange courses that are offered by the School of Business and Economics at Maastricht.
 
Program Dates
Fall: September - December             
Spring: February - June
 
Course Selection
Students will make course selections using the Maastricht University portal after acceptance to the program. They can find course offerings in the online course database. Rensselaer students are limited to the exchange courses that are offered by the School of Business and Economics at Maastricht. Students are responsible for making sure they have the requisite knowledge for courses with prerequisites. Due to the Problem Based Learning Method that is used at Maastricht University, students should be aware that the deadlines for registration or deregistration per period are extremely strict. Once the deadline has passed, the system closes automatically and it is no longer possible to register or deregister for courses. Up until the deadlines you can register/deregister and switch at will. Students cannot change their course selection after the registration deadline and are strongly advised to get their courses evaluated and approved before the course add/drop deadline.
 
Course load
Maastricht University has two semesters which are each made up of three periods
Fall Semester: periods 1,2,3
Spring Semester: periods 4,5,6
 
Students can only register online for the courses selected from the course database for exchange students and only via the Student Portal.  Per eight-week study period you can register for a maximum of two courses and a minimum of one.
 
There are two skills periods (two weeks each) at the end of the fall semester (period 3) and at the end of the spring semester (period 6). A skills training course is worth 4 ECTS (2 Rensselaer credits which can only be transferred in as elective credits). Students can only take one skills training per period, but exchange students are NOT required to take any.
 
Courses code explanation
EBC1...: 1^st year’s bachelor’s course
EBC2...: 2^nd and 3^rd year bachelor’s course
EBC4...: master’s course
EBS2...: Skills training bachelor’s level
EBS4...: Skills training master’s level 
 
Exchange students are expected to take 2^nd and 3^rd year courses. Although students are allowed to register for 1^st year courses in combination with 2^nd and 3^rd year courses, students should be aware that there may be tutorial and exam conflicts. UM will not be able to change the schedule to accommodate students in this situation.
 
Students should refer to the chart below for an explanation of the schedule codes at UM:
 

 
Academic Evaluation
Students are automatically registered for the first exam of the courses they register for in MY UM.
The form of examination differs widely per course. In most cases, the students have to pass a written or oral examination at the end of the course. Over the course of the period, students are usually required to write papers and/or to give presentations.
 
Grading
 Maastricht uses a grading scale ranging from 1 to 10 (where a 10 is the best). Rensselaer students will only receive credit in courses where a grade of 6 or better is earned. All classes must be taken for a grade and not on a pass/fail basis.  Students should be aware that in the Netherlands top grades (10 and 9) are rarely awarded.
 
Accommodation and Meals
Most exchange students find accommodation at the UM Guesthouse which is affiliated with Maastricht University. The main buildings are located in the vicinity of School of Business and Economics (SBE) and are easily accessible by bike or on foot. SBE cannot guarantee that all students who apply for a room in the UM Guesthouse will get housing there. Applications are processed on a first -come-first-served basis.

Additional Information can be found on the Maastricht University website.
 
Estimated Expenses and Cost of Living
Students pay regular Rensselaer tuition while on exchange at Maastricht University in addition to airfare, accommodation and other living expenses.  Individual student expenses will vary according to lifestyle and travel. An estimated breakdown of expenses is as follows:

• Accommodation:  Starting at approx. € 350 per month (double room)
• Food / meals: Food (no meal plans available): students can prepare meals in the fully equipped, shared kitchens in the UM Guesthouse; SBE houses a cafeteria facility (Mensa). The Mensa offers a broad assortment of food and beverages at student-friendly prices
• Groceries: expect to pay approx. € 50 per week
• Restaurants: € 10 and up (main dish)
• Academic expenses: About € 80 to € 90 per study period

 These estimates do not include recreational travel.