Maastricht University UM Global Studies Scholarship 2026 , Netherlands (Fully Funded)

The UM Global Studies Scholarship at Maastricht University is a prestigious fully funded award designed for outstanding international students who wish to pursue the Bachelor in Global Studies. This interdisciplinary programme prepares students to tackle complex global challenges by combining knowledge from six different faculties. Each year, Maastricht University offers one comprehensive scholarship to a top-performing candidate with strong academic ability and personal development potential.

The UM Global Studies Scholarship provides full financial coverage for the entire duration of the programme (36 months):

Financial Support Includes

• Living allowance: €15,925 per academic year (€1,225 per month)
• Tuition fee waiver: full coverage at cost
• Health & liability insurance
• Visa application costs
• Pre-Academic Training programme
• International Student Ambassador Programme (ISAP)
• Guaranteed student accommodation

• Housing: €600
• Groceries & hygiene: €160
• Telephone: €60
• Travel: €100
• Books & materials: €90
• Personal expenses: €125
• Miscellaneous: €90

• Bachelor’s Degree (Undergraduate)

• Global Studies – an interdisciplinary programme covering politics, economics, culture, sustainability, and global governance

• Students from countries eligible for OECD Official Development Assistance (ODA)

Applicants must not hold dual nationality from the European Economic Area or other non-eligible countries

Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

• Hold nationality from an eligible ODA country
• Meet Dutch visa and residence permit requirements
• Have applied for admission to the Global Studies bachelor programme
• Satisfy Maastricht University admission standards
• No previous higher education degree equivalent to a bachelor’s
• Under 35 years of age at the start of the academic year
• Willing to act as a UM Global Studies ambassador during and after studies
• Only one scholarship application allowed per candidate

Step 1 – Apply for Admission

• Register for the Global Studies Bachelor programme via Studielink and obtain your UM student ID.

Step 2 – Submit Scholarship Application

• Log in with your UM account and complete the online scholarship form. Upload all required documents in PDF or Word format.
• Important: You can submit the application only once, and documents cannot be replaced afterward.

Selection Process

• Eligibility check by UM International Services Desk
• Review by Global Studies admission office
• Ranking of top candidates
• Online interview for top-5 applicants
• Final decision and notification
• Acceptance of award and participation in Pre-Academic Training

Why Choose the Global Studies Programme?

• Unique collaboration of six UM faculties
• Local and international field study opportunities
• Real-life projects with NGOs, governments, and firms
• Interdisciplinary bachelor thesis
• Problem-Based Learning (PBL) approach
• Strong international student community

Student Experience

Students highlight the programme’s multicultural environment and interactive learning model. The PBL approach encourages debate, critical thinking, and collaboration across cultures, preparing graduates for careers in international organisations, policy, research, and development sectors.