The UM Global Studies Scholarship offers full support to academically outstanding bachelor’s students from eligible countries who wish to join the Global Studies program at Maastricht University in the Netherlands. The program aims to prepare a new generation capable of understanding and addressing complex global challenges through an interdisciplinary approach, with contributions from six university faculties equally shaping the curriculum.
The program provides students with the opportunity to participate in a local or international field study, work on solving a societal problem in cooperation with an organization or official institution, and complete an interdisciplinary graduation thesis.
Duration of the Scholarship
36 months (the duration of the Global Studies bachelor's program).
Target Applicants
International students applying for the Global Studies bachelor’s program, who demonstrate academic excellence and strong personal development potential, and who have been (conditionally or fully) admitted to the program.
Application Timeline
- Applications open:1 October 2025
- Deadline:1 February 2026 (until 23:59 CET)
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Hold the nationality of a country eligible for Official Development Assistance according to theOECD list, and meet the requirements for obtaining an entry visa and residence permit for the Netherlands.
- Must not hold dual nationality from a country within the European Economic Area or any country not included in the eligible list.
- Have applied for admission to the Global Studies bachelor’s program at Maastricht University for the 2026–2027 academic year.
- Meet the specific admission requirements of the bachelor’s program.
- Do not hold a higher education degree equivalent to a bachelor’s degree.
- Must not be older than 35 years old by 1 September 2026.
- Commit to acting as an ambassador for the Global Studies program and the university during and after studies.
- Submit all required documents at once (documents cannot be added or modified after submission).
Scholarship Funding for Academic Year 2026–2027
| Item | Coverage | Responsible Party |
| Living expenses | €15,925 per year (€1,225 per month) | Paid to the student |
| Health & liability insurance | At cost | Covered by the university |
| Visa costs | At cost | Covered by the university |
| Tuition fees | At cost | Covered by the university |
| Pre-academic training | At cost | Covered by the university |
| International Student Ambassador Program (ISAP) | First block fees | Covered by the university |
Note:Amounts may change for the 2027–2028 academic year.
Monthly living allowance breakdown (subject to change):
- Housing: €600
- Food & personal care: €160
- Phone: €60
- Transportation: €100
- Books & study materials: €90
- Clothing, hobbies & outings: €125
- Miscellaneous: €90
Note:Airfare is not included and must be covered by the student.
Housing is included. Accepting the housing offer is a mandatory condition for the scholarship. The accommodation is not suitable for spouses/children.
How to Apply
Step 1: Apply to the Global Studies Program via Studielink
- Receive student ID after applying.
- Meet all program admission requirements before the scholarship deadline.
- Any application handling fee — if applicable — must be paid by the student.
Step 2: Complete the Scholarship Application via UM Account
Upload the following documents (.doc/.docx or PDF):
- CV(max 2 pages; include activities, achievements, awards)
- Motivation letter(using the official template)
- Proof of academic excellence(e.g., 75% or above of the maximum grade)
- Statement of financial need & personal circumstances
- Recommendation letter(from a teacher/supervisor — not a family member — following official guidelines)
- Referee details:relation + work phone + official email
Applications can only be submitted once — incomplete files are not reviewed.
Selection Process
- Review applications after 1 February 2026.
- Forward to admissions office.
- Ranking & selection of top 5 candidates — March 2026.
- Online interviews & reserve list.
- Results announced in April; final selection by June 2026.
- Sign scholarship offer & complete mandatory pre-academic training in August 2026 (2 weeks).