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Maastricht University (Netherlands)

Founded in 1976, Maastricht University is the youngest university in the Netherlands, and it's also the European founder of a unique teaching style -- problem-based learning (PBL).


This type of teaching methodology is interactive and engaging and can only be successful in small group sessions, so there is a maximum of 15 students per class at Maastricht.


Guided by a tutor, students are in charge of their learning progress, and the sessions are focused on real-life issues and cases.


Set in the oldest city in the Netherlands (and one of the most beautiful), Maastricht has a lot to offer.


Here are some of the highlights from my visit!


The charming cobblestone streets is my favorite part of Maastricht!
The charming cobblestone streets is my favorite part of Maastricht!

Maastricht city


With 121,000 residents, Maastricht is considered the most European city in the Netherlands.


Founded by the Romans, it's nestled between Belgium to the south and west and Germany to the east.


Basilica of Saint Servatius
Basilica of Saint Servatius
Basilica of Saint Servatius

But don't think that because it's a small city, it's in the middle of nowhere; within one hour driving distance, there are seven airports, five universities and four million inhabitants.


Statue of Fons Olterdissen, a Dutch poet who wrote his works in the Maastricht dialect
Statue of Fons Olterdissen, a Dutch poet who wrote his works in the Maastricht dialect

Because of its strategic position on the Meuse river, Maastricht has been attacked by foreign rulers on countless occasions over the centuries.


This is highlighted by the various city walls, moats, forts and other defensive works remaining around the city.

In addition to historic, it's also cultural; Maastricht's celebration of Carnival is among the biggest and most festive in all of the Netherlands.


Art in Maastricht

And surprisingly for a city its size, there are more than 400 bars and restaurants.


Restaurants in Maastricht

But the history doesn't stop with the Romans.


Fun fact: in 1992, the Maastricht Treaty was signed, which led to the creation of the European Union and the euro, a result of European councils meeting in Maastricht in 1981 and 1991.


Maastricht city

Maastricht is also home to the second highest number of heritage buildings (1,677) after Amsterdam, many of which have been around for centuries.


It's just a lovely, lovely place!


Maastricht city

Campus and academics


Despite being the youngest Dutch university, Maastricht is the most international, with 60 percent of its study body coming from overseas.


This could be due to the fact that the majority of its programs are taught in English.


However, in 2022, the Times Higher Education rankings named it as the 9th best young university in the world.


Outside the library
Outside the library

It also strives to support first-generation students and offers free Dutch classes.


Although Maastricht is one of the Dutch research institutions, skills training is a key part of its education.


With 22,000 students, Maastricht has six faculties spread across the city.


Maastricht building

I visited the Arts & Humanities building, which was gorgeous.


Inside the Arts & Humanities building
Inside the Arts & Humanities building

The Law School is also located in a beautiful old building with stunning architecture.


Law School
Law School
Law School in an old church
Law School in an old church
Law School in an old church
Law School in an old church

The Business School at Maastricht is in the top 1 percent in the world to have the Triple Crown accreditation (EQUIS, AMBA, AACSB), and its International Business degree is competitive entry (Numerus Fixus).


Maastricht Business School entrance
Maastricht Business School entrance
Maastricht Business School
Maastricht Business School

Other competitive programs include Psychology, Brain Science, Medicine and Biomedical Science.


And for students wanting a broader liberal arts degree, Maastricht has two university colleges (University College Maastricht and University College Venlo).


Problem-Based Learning at Maastricht


The biggest differentiating point about a degree from Maastricht, however, is the way students are taught.


The PBL style of teaching is not for someone who wants to sit at the back of a large lecture theatre anonymously.


Rather, it's for students wanting interactive, self-directed, relevant, engaging learning.


Students need to be prepared to come to class ready for discussions.


Summary: Maastricht University


At first I thought Maastricht was located in a weird part of the country, but in fact, the location is one of the best parts.


It's so close to Belgium and Germany, and it's only a 2-hour train from Amsterdam.


Over time, Maastricht has played a key role in both ancient and modern European history.


From its cobblestone streets to its heritage buildings and riverside, Maastricht couldn't be more charming.


And in its short history (not even 50 years old!), Maastricht University has also become a household name, offering a unique student experience taught with problem-based learning.


Maastricht Law School
Maastricht Law School

 

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G'day! My name is Sara, and I'm the founder of College Apps Abroad and a Certified Educational Planner (CEP), one of only 40 CEP's in California and 300 worldwide. I have more than 10 years of experience working in international recruitment and admissions, and I've studied and lived overseas myself in the UK, Ireland, Australia and Brazil for almost a decade. I've also worked for some of the world's top institutions, including The University of Edinburgh, the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and The University of Western Australia (UWA)!

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