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The Maastricht University UM Global Studies Scholarship 2027: A Complete Guide to Fully Funded Studies in the Netherlands
Maastricht University (UM) is widely recognized as one of the most international and innovative universities in Europe. For the 2027 academic year, the university continues its commitment to global inclusion through the UM Global Studies Scholarship. This prestigious, fully funded award is specifically designed for high-achieving students from the Global South who wish to pursue the Bachelor’s in Global Studies—a unique, interdisciplinary program that addresses the most pressing challenges of our time.
In this detailed guide, we will break down everything you need to know about the scholarship, from eligibility and financial coverage to the step-by-step application process. This is indeed a golden opportunity for you to excel academically and in your career.
What is the UM Global Studies Scholarship?
The UM Global Studies Scholarship is more than just financial aid; it is a talent development program. It targets outstanding bachelor’s students from eligible developing countries who demonstrate not only academic excellence but also a strong commitment to active citizenship and potential for personal development.
The scholarship is tied specifically to the Bachelor’s in Global Studies, a three-year (36-month) program that draws on knowledge from six faculties at Maastricht University to study themes such as climate change, global health, migration, and economic inequality.
Scholarship Snapshot
- Host Institution: Maastricht University (UM), Netherlands
- Degree Level: Bachelor (Undergraduate)
- Program: Bachelor’s in Global Studies
- Target Group: Students from the Global South (ODA-eligible countries)
- Duration: 36 months (3 years)
- Funding: Fully Funded
Financial Benefits: What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The UM Global Studies Scholarship is one of the most generous undergraduate awards in Europe. It is designed to remove all financial barriers, allowing the scholar to focus entirely on their academic and personal growth.
For the 2027/2028 academic year, the total package includes:
- Tuition Fee Waiver: Full coverage of the annual tuition fee (arranged and paid directly by UM).
- Living Expenses: A monthly stipend of approximately €1,225 (€15,925 per academic year) to cover food, local transport, and personal needs.
- Health & Liability Insurance: Arranged and paid for by the UM International Services Desk.
- Visa Application Costs: The university covers the costs of your entry visa (MVV) and residence permit (VVR).
- Pre-Academic Training: A mandatory preparatory course to help you transition into the Dutch educational system and Problem-Based Learning (PBL).
- Guaranteed Housing: The university arranges and pays for student accommodation for the duration of the scholarship. Note: This accommodation is for the student only and cannot accommodate partners or children.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the 2027 intake, applicants must meet the following strict criteria:
1. Nationality and Residence
Applicants must be nationals of a country on the OECD Official Development Assistance (ODA) list (specifically columns 1, 2, or 3) or of Venezuela. You must not hold dual nationality with an EU/EEA country. It is meant to assist talented students without funding.
2. Academic Background
- You must have applied for admission to the Bachelor’s in Global Studies at UM.
- You must meet the program’s specific admission requirements (e.g., a secondary school diploma equivalent to the Dutch VWO).
- You must demonstrate academic excellence, typically defined as being in the top 10% of your graduating class or maintaining a GPA of at least 75% of the maximum grade (equivalent to a 7.5/10 in the Dutch system).
3. Personal Requirements
- Age: You must be under 35 years of age on September 1, 2027.
- First-time Study: You must have never participated in a degree-seeking higher education program in the Netherlands (exchange programs are allowed).
- Ambassador Role: You must agree to become an active Global Studies and UM ambassador during and after your studies.
Required Documents for Application
Scholarships have specific requirements that each one may require; however, there are common documents that most scholarships require. The application is document-intensive. Ensuring your paperwork is perfect is key to passing the first round of the selection process.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Max 2 pages. Focus on academic results, extracurriculars, and community service.
- Motivation Letter: Use the specific UM template. Focus on why you chose Global Studies and your vision for the future.
- Proof of Academic Excellence: Latest grade transcript and a document explaining your school’s grading system.
- Statement of Financial Need: A personal explanation of your financial circumstances and why the scholarship is essential.
- Reference Letter: Must be from a teacher, principal, or employer (not family). Must follow UM’s specific reference guidelines.
- Referee Contact Details: Provide institutional email addresses (Gmail/Yahoo are usually rejected).
Step-by-Step Application Process for 2027
Maastricht University has specific requirements for obtaining the scholarship. Applying for the Maastricht University scholarship is a two-step process. You cannot apply for the scholarship without first applying for the academic program.
Step 1: Apply for Admission to Maastricht University
- Register via Studielink: Create an account. Choose the “Bachelor Global Studies” program at Maastricht University starting in September 2027.
- Receive UM Credentials: Within 24 hours, you will receive an email with your UM student ID number and login for the MyApplication portal.
- Upload Admission Documents: In the portal, upload copies of your passport, diploma/transcript, and the required program-specific essay and motivation letter.
Step 2: Apply for the Scholarship
- Access the Form: Once you have your student ID, log in to the scholarship application form via the UM website.
- Complete the Form: Fill in all required fields and upload the scholarship-specific documents (CV, Scholarship Motivation, Financial Statement, Reference Letter).
- Submit before the deadline: typically February 1, 2027. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
The Selection Procedure
The selection process at Maastricht University is rigorous and transparent:
- Completeness Check: The International Services Desk verifies that all documents are present and meet the format requirements.
- Faculty Review: The Global Studies admission office reviews applications and ranks candidates based on academic excellence and motivation.
- Interviews: The top 5–10 candidates are invited for an online interview in March. This is your chance to show your personality and passion for global issues.
- Final Decision: All applicants will be notified of the outcome by mid-April 2027.
Expert Tips for a Winning Application
- The “Global Citizen” Angle: The program seeks people who care about the world. In your motivation letter and essay, don’t just talk about your grades; talk about a specific global problem (like water scarcity or digital inequality) and how it affects your local community.
- Adhere to Templates: Maastricht is very strict about formatting. If they provide a template for the motivation letter or reference letter, use it. Applications that ignore guidelines are often disqualified immediately.
- Quantify Your Achievements: Instead of saying “I am a good student,” say “I ranked 2nd out of 150 students” or “I raised $500 for a local food bank.”
- Referee Selection: Choose a referee who knows your character, not just your grades. A teacher who can speak about your leadership in a school club is often better than a principal who barely knows you.
Important Deadlines for 2027
Note: These dates are based on the standard UM cycle; always check the official UM portal for updates.
- October 1, 2026: Applications for the Bachelor’s in Global Studies and the Scholarship open.
- February 1, 2027: Deadline to submit the complete scholarship application.
- March 2027: Online interviews for shortlisted candidates.
- April 2027: Final scholarship results announced.
- August 2027: Pre-academic training starts in Maastricht.
Conclusion on Maastricht University
To conclude, the Maastricht University UM Global Studies Scholarship 2027 is a life-changing opportunity for students from the Global South. It provides the financial freedom to study in a world-class environment and the tools to become a leader in global policy and social change. By following the steps outlined in this guide and preparing a thoughtful, detailed application, you can take your first step toward a global career in the heart of Europe.
Apply Now
International Services Desk Email: scholarships@maastrichtuniversity.nl
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