Summer Programme in European Studies
Get ready for the best summer ever! The six-week Summer Programme in European Studies (SES) is designed for adventurous students looking for an authentic European study experience while earning credits towards their major. Choose from a variety of courses taught in English at Maastricht University (UM), one of the highest-ranking universities in the Netherlands. Course topics fit most majors and have a distinct European or international theme.
Maastricht, birthplace of the European Union (EU) and situated on the border of the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany, is a picture perfect European town, with layers of history waiting to be discovered in its medieval city centre. The Summer Programme in European Studies at Maastricht University is an ideal way for students to experience Europe inside and outside the classroom.
Inspiring courses
Courses focus on the economic, political and socio-cultural aspects of Europe and European integration, as well as health, science and psychology-related fields. All classes include exciting hands-on experiences such as field trips, museum visits and seminars on location. Visit the location where the Maastricht Treaty was signed, discuss business challenges with local entrepreneurs or attend a lecture about the Dutch Golden Age while examining the actual artwork in the museum. Learn how modern Europe emerged from the wars and hardships of the 20th century, discover the common foundations of European law or compare European public health systems.
Maastricht University, the most international university in the Netherlands, stands out for its innovative approach to learning and international outlook. Classes are typically interactive, with a limited number of students to give you easy, personal contact with the professor and fellow students. Students will have classes four days per week and engage with European and other international students in a range of stimulating and challenging topics.
Travel with us and on your own!
Exploring Europe is a big part of the programme. With classes four days a week, there are plenty of three-day weekends to travel on your own. Take a short train ride to Amsterdam, London or Paris, or catch a low- cost flight from one of eight airports around Maastricht to just about any place in Europe!
Programme structure
The programme is divided into two ‘block periods’ of three weeks each. Students select one course per block period. Courses are worth 6 ECTS credits. In most cases, 2 ECTS credits are equal to 1 American credit.
Popular courses*
• Business Strategy in the European Luxury Industry
• Dutch Art History
• Entrepreneurship: It’s All About Creating Value
• European Public Health in a Globalising World
• Intercultural Communication
• Law and Politics, Current Topics in the EU
• Leadership and Management in a Global World
• Positive Psychology
• Psychology in our World
* Please check our website for a comprehensive list of up-to-date course offerings.
“The CES staff immediately made me feel at home in Maastricht – always offering advice and support. My classes were fascinating, and I really enjoyed learning while at the same time being challenged to think critically about certain subjects in the context of different cultures.”
Reagan Woodard , University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Practical information
Programme dates
Summer 2025 20 June - 1 August 2025
Introduction
The programme starts with an introduction period to get to know Maastricht and the university. It includes a 4 th of July BBQ, CES services and a Maastricht day.
Amsterdam Day Trip
Students will visit Amsterdam, where they will have the chance to see Rembrandt’s Nightwatch or some of Van Gogh’s most famous paintings when they visit the best museums in town. We will show them the real Amsterdam: a city with old world charm, intimate squares, 17th century mansions, canals, and bikes everywhere! Last but not least, they will be introduced to Dutch pancakes at the unique UNESCO World Heritage site ‘Zaanse Schans’ with its iconic row of Dutch windmills.
Tuition
The tuition fee for summer 2025 is € 3,299 * and includes:
• Registration at Maastricht University;
• Two courses (the tuition fee for one course in block period 1 is € 2,150 and for one course in block period 2 it is € 1,999 *);
• Course materials;
• Extensive introduction;
• Field trips;
• Day trip to Amsterdam;
• CES services (such as an airport pick up and 24/7 emergency assistance).
+31(0)43 388 5282, E: ces.info@maastrichtuniversity.nl
Housing
Most CES students stay at the International Student Guesthouse of Maastricht University, where they have the following options:
• Single or double room (shared bathroom facilities);
• Private kitchen or communal cooking facilities.
Housing costs for summer 2025 range from € 922 to € 1,354*.
Visa & residence permit
• A temporary residence permit is not needed for stays shorter than 90 days;
• Some students will need a visa (MVV) to enter the Netherlands (costs are not included in the tuition fee). Detailed information can be found on embassy websites.
Insurance
Students need sufficient health care, liability and travel insurance for the duration of their stay. Most students are covered through their home university. Please refer to the CES website for more information.
Application requirements
Applicants are required to:
• Have a minimum GPA of 3.0;
• Be proficient in English;
• Be in good academic standing.
CES programmes are competitive. Therefore, early application is recommended. More information about the programme and the online application form can be found on the CES website.
Application deadline Summer 2025 15 April 2025
* For detailed and up-to-date course offerings, tuition, housing and single block period fees, please check our website. Although this brochure was made with the utmost care, no rights can be derived from it.
