What the scholarship offers
This scholarship contributes to the additional costs of studying at HMSM and helps you focus on your academic journey during your first year.
Total value: €2.195, consisting of:
- Knife set and Tenue de Ville (value: €725)*
- Compensation for the higher tuition fee (value: €1.470)
*Please note that you will not receive a monetary payment for the knife set and Tenue de Ville; these items are provided to you in kind (physical form). Tuition fee compensation is paid in two parts.
How it works
Applications are accepted for both September and February enrolments.
Step 1: Apply for the Bachelor programme
You must first apply for the Bachelor in Hotel Management at Hotel Management School Maastricht.
Apply on time
We strongly advise you to apply early to ensure you complete the selection procedure on time. Your selection results for academic year 2026/2027 (September and February enrolment) must be known before 1st of June to be eligible for the scholarship.
Step 2: Start your scholarship application
You may begin your scholarship application before you finish the selection procedure or receive your results. This allows you to submit all required documents before the 1st of June deadline. You can submit your application by sending an email to Foundation HMSM: foundationhmsm@zuyd.nl
Application criteria
You can apply if you meet the following requirements:
- You are a first-generation student (your parents did not complete higher education at a university or university of applied sciences).
- You have started the selection procedure of the Bachelor’s Hotel Management at HMSM.
- You can demonstrate financial need.
Required documents
1. Completed application form
2. Personal motivation letter, explaining:
- Why do you need this scholarship financially and personally?
- What will this scholarship mean for your future? (General bachelor motivation letters will not be accepted; your letter is max. 1 A4)
- Financial plan for your first year (in the required PDF template)
3. Optional: Documents supporting the education level of your parents and financial need (e.g., DUO letters, tax exemption, municipality benefit letters, food bank registration, etc.)
Step 3: Interview
All applications are assessed and ranked based on how well they meet the criteria. Candidates who best match the criteria will be invited to an online interview conducted by the scholarship committee.
The interview helps us assess whether the candidate is suitable, eligible, and motivated for the programme. Interviews will take place between 22 and 26 June.
Duration and language
Duration: 20–30 minutes
Language: English or Dutch (based on the language of your application)
Committee members
The interview will be with:
- Representative of Foundation HMSM
- Team leader or module coordinator of HMSM Year 1
- Coach from the Teaching Hotel staff
Content of the interview
During the interview, you may be asked:
- Why do you need this scholarship?
- How will the grant help you with your studies?
- What impact will the scholarship have on your life or education?
- How will you contribute to the HMSM community?
Step 4 Scholarship selection process
The selection committee advises the Advisory Board and the HMSM Director regarding scholarship awards. In the assessment, the selection committee considers all elements of the application, including motivation and financial need.
Application assessments
Applications will be assessed based on the following criteria:
- First-Generation status
- Financial need
- Motivation
- Personal circumstances and resilience
Candidates who are awarded the scholarship will receive an award letter before July 1st. They must sign this letter and return it to the Foundation HMSM to accept the scholarship.
First support
€1.460 (€ 725,- in kind for the Knife set and Tenue de Ville and € 735,- paid to the student for tuition fee compensation): Issued at the start of the first semester (October or March) upon successful enrolment.
Second support
€735: Paid at the start of the second semester if you earn at least 25 of the 30 credits in the first half-year and submit your first blog.
Limited conditions
- To receive the second tuition fee payment, you must earn at least 25 credits in the first semester.
- If you withdraw from the programme before obtaining the Degree, Foundation HMSM reserves the right to reclaim any scholarship funds already awarded.
- You lose the First-Generation Scholarship if you don't meet the conditions at any time during your studies.
Please note: the number of scholarships available depends on annual funding.
Step 5: Your contribution as a scholarship student
All students awarded this scholarship need to give back to the HMSM community:
Write blogs
You will write two short blogs (one per semester) to be published anonymously on the HMSM website, reflecting on your experience as a first-generation student and the impact of the scholarship
Assist in marketing activities
You will be asked to assist with marketing and promotion for up to 50 hours per year.
Be a buddy
Act as a buddy to a new first-generation student in the following academic year, providing guidance, empathy, and practical tips.
Support & Development
Beyond financial support, the programme offers extra personal guidance. First-generation scholarship students receive additional coaching and mentoring from HMSM staff and senior students throughout the first year.
If you need help or have questions about the process, the HMSM Foundation team is here to support you. This scholarship aims to help first-generation students thrive—and we look forward to receiving your application.
