Maastricht University Global Studies Scholarship for Bachelor’s Degree 2027–2028

The UM Global Studies Scholarship offers a fully funded opportunity for outstanding students from OECD Official Development Assistance (ODA) countries to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Global Studies at Maastricht University (UM) in the Netherlands. This interdisciplinary program trains students to address complex global challenges by combining insights from six UM faculties across social sciences, economics, politics, law, and sustainability.

The scholarship provides full tuition coverage, a monthly living allowance of €1,550, and additional costs for health insurance, visa fees, pre-academic training, and housing. Recipients will also participate in a mandatory two-week Pre-Academic Training in August 2027 and are expected to serve as Global Studies and UM ambassadors during and after their studies.

Eligible applicants must be non-EU/EEA nationals under 35 years of age, hold no prior higher education degree, and demonstrate strong academic excellence (minimum 75% of maximum grade) and financial need. Candidates must first apply to the Global Studies bachelor’s programme via Studielink, then submit the scholarship application form with supporting documents. Final selections, following online interviews, will be announced by June 2027.

Check more scholarships from UM:

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Selection Process

The following are the highlights of the selection procedure:

• Step 1: UM International Services Desk reviews all applications for completeness after 1 February 2027.
• Step 2: Completed applications are forwarded to the Global Studies Admission Office.
• Step 3: The Admission Office and program coordinators rank candidates based on UM scholarship criteria and propose the top 5 in March 2027.
• Step 4: The Scholarship Selection Committee conducts online interviews with the top 5 applicants and finalizes decisions; unselected applicants are placed on a reserve list.
• Step 5: All applicants are informed of their status (selected, waitlisted, or rejected) between April and June 2027; awardees receive details about the Pre-Academic Training (mandatory in August 2027).
• Step 6: Selected candidates must sign and return the award letter to confirm acceptance of the scholarship.

Applicants should submit the following documents

Updated Curriculum Vitae (max two pages)

Motivation Letter (using the official template)

Proof of Academic Excellence (official transcript showing GPA 7.5/10)

Personal Statement of Financial Need

Reference Letter (from a professor, lecturer, or employer—not family)

Referee’s Contact Information (official institutional email and phone number)

Applicants must

Hold the nationality of a country eligible for OECD Official Development Assistance (ODA).

Meet visa and residence permit requirements for the Netherlands.

If holding a Schengen residence permit, it must be valid until at least 2 September 2027.

No dual nationality with any EEA or ineligible country.

Have applied for admission to the Global Studies bachelor’s programme at UM for 2027–2028.

Meet all admission requirements of the chosen bachelor’s program.

Not hold any higher education diploma equivalent to a bachelor’s degree.

Be under 35 years old as of 1 September 2027.

Agree to act as a UM and Global Studies ambassador during and after studies.

Can apply only once; ensure all documents are complete before submission (no edits after submission).

The scholarship program will provide the following benefits for the selected candidates

Living Expenses of €20,150 per academic year, paid monthly at €1,550/month, covering the following costs:

Housing: €960

Groceries & hygiene: €160

Telephone: €60

Travel: €100

Books & study materials: €90

Clothing, hobbies & leisure: €125

Miscellaneous: €55

Note: Airfare is not included.

Apply for admission to the Global Studies program via Studielink.nl.

Once you receive your UM student ID, access the UM Brightlands Scholarship Application Form.

Upload all required documents (PDF or .doc/.docx).

Submit before 1 February 2026 (23:59 CET) — applications cannot be edited afterward.

Further details are available on the UM’s official website. For any inquiries or questions, email the UM International Services Desk: [email protected]

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