Exchange Partners

Universiteit Maastricht

Faculty of Economics and Business Administration
Faculty of Arts and Culture

UM logo Universiteit Maastricht is one of the fastest growing universities in The Netherlands and a longtime partner of the Elliott School. UM has received international acclaim for its innovative Problem-Based Learning method, where students work together in small groups on real life problems. At UM, Elliott School students may study in either the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration (international business, trade policy, and economics) or at the Faculty of Arts and Culture (European Studies and European Public Affairs).


Curriculum: Courses at the Maastricht Faculty of Economics and Business Administration (FE&BA) focus on international business, economics, and finance.  Elliott School students in the Investment and Trade Policy program, and the International Affairs concentrations in International Economics, and International Business may be particularly interested.  Students may review FE&BA's List of Courses at on-line. For the FE&BA option, students must be acquainted with basic economic and business principles and theories and have a working knowledge of basic mathematical tools and statistical techniques. This is of particular importance for the technically focused courses (e.g. economics and finance) and of crucial importance for the econometric courses (4000 codes), which require a thorough knowledge of mathematics, calculus, and statistics. Specific course prerequisites and email addresses for the course tutor or block coordinator are provided in the List of Courses.

Curriculum: Within the Faculty of Arts and Culture (FDCW), students may take classes in the European Studies or the European Public Affairs program. The European Studies option will focus on the European Union and European integration in its cultural, historical, international context. There is a strong emphasis on governance, culture, and their interaction in an international and a European context. The European Public Affairs program is designed to give students and professionals an understanding of the complexity of Europe and the European Union, and helps them reformulate intricate problems in manageable and achievable terms. Because of the unique and independent structure of the faculties at UM, students should not plan to take courses from both faculties at the same time. Students should choose one focus or the other.

Transfer of Credit: Students must earn the equivalent of a B grade or higher in a given course to be eligible for transfer credit. Students may transfer up to 10 GW credits from the partner into the Elliott School M.A. programs. For more details on transfer credit, visit Receiving Credit .

Grade 6 or higher at UM = Grade B or higher at GW
6 ECTS credits at UM = 3 GW credits

Academic Calendar:
Fall semester: early September- late December
Spring semester: late January- end of May.
"Modules" (i.e. courses) are held during the day.

Language of Instruction: Courses are conducted in English. Students are not required to speak Dutch, but can take intensive Dutch language and culture classes while at Universiteit Maastricht.

Internships: UM does not arrange internships for exchange students. The Elliott School's Graduate Student Career Development office can help guide students in the search for an internship.

Housing: International exchange students may live in Maastricht's "Guest House" while enrolled.

The Guest House U.M. is a housing center that maintains rooms and apartments throughout the city.  The options vary in type, price, and location. Students can apply for singles, doubles, or studio apartments. Please note that it is difficult to find short-term housing on one's own, so the Guest House is strongly advised.

Tuition and fees: Elliott School graduate tuition and fees are payable directly to GW, and are based upon 10 credit hours.

Location: Historically located on cultural crossroads of Europe, foreign influences and traditional cultural exchange have given Maastricht a distinct international atmosphere. Maastricht is situated very close to Germany and Belgium and is only a few hours train ride to Paris. The city of Maastricht has been described as Old Europe charm in a modern European city. UM is located in downtown Maastricht, which is quite compact; most everything is within walking distance. Universiteit Maastricht has no central university campus, but every location can be reached by foot, bus, or bicycle.

Travel information: Students are responsible for obtaining appropriate student visas for study at Maastricht.  Please note that U.S. citizens do NOT require a visa, only a valid passport. If you have a different nationality please contact the Faculty, who arranged for your visa. The US Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs compiles information on travel abroad, public announcements, and warnings. Please review the information about The Netherlands and for any worldwide travel announcements.

To Apply: The Elliott School reviews all applications for study at International Exchange Partners. To apply, students must complete:

  1. The Elliott School Exchange Student ApplicationP D F icon, and
  2. The Universiteit Maastricht application, available from Caroline Donovan White.

Both applications and all supplementary materials are due to the Elliott School by March 15 for fall enrollment abroad and October 15 for spring enrollment abroad. Once the application has been reviewed and endorsed by the Elliott School review committee, the Elliott School will forward the application materials to the partner for final decision.

For more information about Maastricht:
For information on the FE&BA please contact Ms. Wendy Hardy, International Relations Office, FE&BA.

For information the European studies programs of the FAC, please contact Ms. Resi Schenk, International Relations Office, FDCW.

Last revised: 06.12.08

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