Maastricht: Study in the heart of Europe

In Maastricht, you encounter the spirit of Europe. It is a city to keep an eye out for as it has plenty to offer. International Graduate explores this unique, international and enriching city and its Maastricht University School of Business and Economics. There really is no better place to soak up student life and prepare for your professional career!

International and Innovative

Maastricht is truly international. Located on the River Meuse, the city is at the crossroads of the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. It is just a stone’s throw from cities such as Brussels, Liège, Aachen, Cologne, and Düsseldorf. Amsterdam, Paris and London are all within a couple of hundred kilometres. As you stroll through its cobbled streets, you will hear dozens of different languages.

Unsurprisingly, the city has become synonymous with Europe and the European Union. Europeans know Maastricht as the city where the Treaty of Maastricht was signed in 1992, leading to the birth of the euro. Its reputation for innovation in the fields of science, technology and the arts has put it at the forefront of Europe. And the city is still making history: at the end of 2008, Maastricht decided to compete for the title of ‘European Capital of Culture’ in 2018.

Blending past and present

Maastricht can rightfully claim to be one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in the Netherlands. It is a rich outdoor museum, full of reminders of the city that once served as a Roman border checkpoint, a medieval pilgrimage destination, a garrison city, and as the first centre of the Dutch industrial revolution.

There is an exciting interplay between old and new. Former factory grounds have been redeveloped by internationally renowned architects, and various churches and monasteries have been given new uses while preserving them as monuments. A design hotel and a bookshop are impressive, award-winning highlights. In fact, the entire city centre has been assigned the status of a protected national monument.

Suffused with joie de vivre

But there is more to Maastricht than historic monuments and contemporary architecture. There is plenty to do and keep you busy. Maastricht is a vibrant and international student city. Over 10% of its residents are students, almost half of whom are from outside the country. There is a wide range of student associations organising countless activities and parties throughout the year.

The city exudes wellbeing: the surrounding green countryside invites you to get out and enjoy life. Nature lovers and sports enthusiasts have lots of opportunities for outdoor activities. Also part of the landscape is the rich pallet of alluring boutiques and the wide range of restaurants and bars serving everything from local dishes, hearty pub food, and great selections of beer to the very best haute cuisine in one of the Michelin star restaurants.

You can also discover the artistic side of the city during one of the many festivals, embracing a wide variety of genres such as music, dance, film, theatre, design and forms of contemporary culture. There is always something going on in the many theatres, cinemas, museums and galleries in the city. And 10 days a year, connoisseurs gather to focus on the world’s leading art and antiques fair: The European Fine Art Fair, TEFAF.