The UM Global Studies Scholarship is a fully funded award for outstanding non‑EU/EEA students who wish to pursue the Bachelor’s programme in Global Studies at Maastricht University (UM). It supports academic excellence, provides living expenses, and enables students to focus fully on their interdisciplinary education in global issues and solutions.

About the UM Global Studies Scholarship

This scholarship offers one full scholarship per year to a top‑performing incoming student admitted to the Global Studies bachelor’s programme. The award includes a tuition waiver and a monthly stipend, along with support for living costs, insurance, visa, and pre‑academic training. Recipients are expected to act as active ambassadors for the Global Studies programme and UM.

Why Choose The UM Global Studies Scholarship?

This award removes the financial burden of studying abroad while you pursue an interdisciplinary bachelor’s degree designed to equip you with tools to tackle complex global challenges. It combines strong academic support with practical field experience and engagement with local and international communities. Recipients receive structured support for both academic and personal development.

UM Global Studies Scholarship Summary

  • Host Country: Netherlands
  • Host Institution: Maastricht University (UM)
  • Scholarship Name: UM Global Studies Scholarship
  • Study Level: Undergraduate (Bachelor’s)
  • Program: Global Studies
  • Coverage: Full tuition fee waiver; annual living stipend; health insurance; visa costs; pre‑academic training; mandatory accommodation arranged by UM
  • Application Deadline: 1 February 2026, 23:59 CET
  • Program Start: September 2026
  • Eligible Applicants: Non‑EU/EEA students with unconditional or conditional admission to the Global Studies bachelor’s program

Scholarship Benefits

  • Fully cover tuition fees for the full duration of the bachelor’s degree (36 months).
  • Provide a living stipend of approximately €15,925 per academic year, paid monthly.
  • Cover health and liability insurance costs.
  • Cover visa application costs and associated residence permit expenses.
  • Include pre‑academic training costs arranged and paid by UM.
  • Provide accommodation allocated by UM (accepting the scholarship includes accepting the assigned room).

Eligibility Criteria

You must meet all of the following:

  • Be a citizen of a non‑EU/EEA country eligible for Official Development Assistance.
  • Meet the admission requirements for the Global Studies bachelor’s program and hold an offer (conditional or unconditional) for the September 2026 intake.
  • Be no older than 35 years on 1 September 2026.
  • Not hold a previous degree equivalent to a bachelor’s.
  • Agree to serve as a Global Studies and UM ambassador, sharing experiences at UM events during and after your studies.

Required Documents

Prepare and submit:

  • Curriculum Vitae (CV) showing academic history and extracurricular engagement.
  • Letter of motivation (using the UM template if provided) describing your academic goals and how the scholarship will help.
  • Proof of academic excellence with transcripts showing strong results (e.g., ≥ 75 % or equivalent).
  • Personal statement of financial need, outlining your circumstances.
  • Reference letter from a teacher or employer dated no earlier than 1 February 2025.
  • Referee contact details for verification.

Application Process & Timeline

  • Apply for the Global Studies bachelor’s program through UM’s application portal (Studielink). You must receive a UM student ID.
  • Log in with your UM student account and complete the scholarship application form.
  • Upload the required documents and submit your application before 1 February 2026.
  • Applications are reviewed for completeness by the UM International Services Desk.
  • A selection committee ranks applications and invites the top candidates for an online interview.
  • UM notifies candidates of their application status (selected, waitlisted, or rejected) by April–June 2026.
  • Accept your award by signing and returning the scholarship letter.
  • Prepare to start studying and participating in the mandatory Pre‑Academic Training in early August 2026.