UM Global Studies Scholarship 2026: Complete Guide to Fully Funded Bachelor’s Degree in the Netherlands

Introduction to UM Global Studies Scholarship

The UM Global Studies Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship opportunity offered by Maastricht University that provides complete financial coverage, including tuition fee waivers and monthly stipends, for outstanding bachelor’s students from developing countries who have been conditionally admitted to the Global Studies study programme. This prestigious scholarship represents a life-changing opportunity for talented students from the Global South to pursue world-class education in the heart of Europe.

What is the Global Studies Programme at Maastricht University?

The Global Studies bachelor-level study programme at Maastricht University is unique in the Netherlands, bringing together expertise from six different faculties to train students in understanding and developing solutions for complex global issues that cross disciplinary and geographical boundaries.

The programme offers students opportunities to participate in local or international field studies, develop interventions for societal problems presented by NGOs, governments, agencies, firms, or schools, and write interdisciplinary bachelor theses. This hands-on, problem-based learning approach prepares students to become global change-makers.

Key Features of UM Global Studies Scholarship 2026

Fully Funded Coverage

The scholarship provides comprehensive financial support covering tuition fees, living expenses of €15,925 per academic year (€1,225 per month), health and liability insurance, visa application costs, pre-academic training costs, and the International Student Ambassador Programme (ISAP) for the first block.

Scholarship Breakdown:

Living Expenses (€1,225/month):

• Housing: €600
• Groceries and personal hygiene: €160
• Telephone: €60
• Travel: €100
• Books and study materials: €90
• Clothing, hobbies and going out: €125
• Miscellaneous: €90

Important Note: Air tickets are not included and must be paid by candidates themselves.

Duration

The scholarship covers 36 months for the complete bachelor’s programme in Global Studies.

UM Global Studies Scholarship Eligibility Criteria 2026

To qualify for this competitive scholarship, applicants must meet several requirements:

Nationality Requirements:

Applicants must hold nationality from a country eligible to receive Official Development Assistance from the OECD, which includes countries in Africa, Asia (including the Middle East), Latin America, and the Caribbean, and must meet requirements for obtaining an entry visa and residence permit for the Netherlands.

Applicants cannot hold dual nationality from any country in the European Economic Area or any other country not included in the OECD list.

Academic Requirements:

• Applicants must have applied for admission to the Global Studies bachelor’s programme at Maastricht University for the 2026-2027 academic year
• Must meet the specific admission requirements of the UM bachelor programme
• Proof of academic excellence with at least 75% of the maximum grade (for example, 3 out of 4, equivalent to 7.5 out of 10 at Maastricht University)
• Must not have participated in any degree-seeking higher education programme in the Netherlands, though students who have completed exchange programmes are welcome to apply

Age Requirements:

Applicants must not be older than 35 years of age on 1 September 2026.

Previous Education:

Applicants must not have a diploma from a higher education institution; those who have completed a degree programme equivalent to a bachelor’s degree are not eligible.

Ambassador Commitment:

Applicants must agree to become active Global Studies and UM ambassadors during and after their studies, committing to share their experiences during at least one information session for students and/or other stakeholders.

Application Deadlines for UM Global Studies Scholarship 2026

Application Portal Opens: 1 October 2025

Application Deadline: 1 February 2026, 23:59 CET

This is a firm deadline, and late applications will not be accepted.

How to Apply for UM Global Studies Scholarship 2026

Step 1: Apply for Admission to Global Studies Programme

First, submit your application for the Global Studies programme at Maastricht University via Studielink, where you will receive a student ID number necessary to complete the scholarship application form.

Important Notes:

• You must apply for the bachelor programme at UM first to receive your student ID before applying for the scholarship
• You must meet all admission requirements, except legal residence, of the bachelor programme before the scholarship deadline
• If the programme requires a handling fee, applicants are responsible for paying it by 1 February 2026, as the UM International Services Desk does not cover handling fees

Step 2: Complete the Scholarship Application Form

Log in with your UM account to access the online application form and upload required documents in .doc, .docx or PDF format.

Critical: You can only submit your application once, so ensure all documents meet requirements before submission, as documents cannot be added or replaced after submission.

Required Documents for UM Global Studies Scholarship

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Your CV should be up-to-date, contain relevant information about your education and job experience, include proven previous extracurricular engagement with your previous academic organization or high school and active citizenship in your community, and should not be longer than two A4 pages.

2. Letter of Motivation

Use the official template provided by Maastricht University, which focuses on your motivation for the scholarship.

3. Proof of Academic Excellence

Submit continuous good to excellent results during prior high school or education programmes, demonstrated by your latest grade transcript showing at least 75% of the maximum grade.

4. Personal Statement of Financial Needs

Explain why you would benefit from being awarded a scholarship and describe your personal circumstances such as financial difficulty, sole parent/caretaking responsibilities, medical condition, disability, refugee status, etc.

5. Reference Letter

Obtain a reference letter from a former professor, teacher, principal, college counselor, lecturer, or employer (not a family member), dated and written no earlier than 1 February 2025, following the scholarship reference letter guidelines provided by UM.

6. Referee Contact Details

Provide complete contact information for one referee, including their relationship to you, work telephone number with country calling code, and work or institutional email address (not personal email).

Selection Process for UM Global Studies Scholarship 2026

The selection process involves several steps:

Step 1: The UM International Services Desk verifies all applications are complete after 1 February 2026

Step 2: The UM Scholarship Office forwards applications to the Global Studies admission office

Step 3: The Global Studies admission office, in cooperation with programme coordinators, ranks applications based on UM scholarship selection criteria and proposes a top-5 to the Global Studies Scholarship selection committee in March 2026

Step 4: The selection committee invites the top-5 applicants for an online interview, after which a decision is made; non-selected candidates are added to a reserve list

Step 5: The UM International Services Desk informs all candidates of their application status in April 2026, with final decisions by the beginning of June 2026

Step 6: Selected scholarship awardees must sign and return the award letter to accept the scholarship

UM Pre-Academic Training Programme

The UM Pre-Academic Training is a mandatory two-week component of the UM Global Studies Scholarship programme, taking place in the first week of August 2026. This prepares scholarship recipients for academic success at Maastricht University.

Accommodation Information

A mandatory part of the scholarship is allocated accommodation; accepting the scholarship means accepting the room, and the accommodation provided to scholarship students is not suitable for partners, spouses, or children, though preferences regarding accommodation (such as religious beliefs) will be taken into account.

Important: Refusing the allocated room means your scholarship will be cancelled.

Why Choose Maastricht University for Global Studies?

Problem-Based Learning (PBL) System

Maastricht University is renowned for its Problem-Based Learning system and international orientation, creating small-scale ‘international classrooms’ that bring together people from all over the world with different backgrounds and perspectives.

International Recognition

With over 56% of foreign students, Maastricht University is one of the most internationally oriented universities in the Netherlands, providing a truly global learning environment.

Strategic Location

Maastricht is perfectly located in the heart of Europe, offering easy access to major European cities and providing a rich historical and cultural experience alongside vibrant student life.

Student Experience: What Scholarship Recipients Say

Thanh Pham, a scholarship holder, shared: “Before coming to Maastricht, I found the programme suitable to me as it has many dimensions that interest me and I haven’t found this combination in other programmes. The more I work with UM, the more I like it. After one semester here, there is one thing I know for sure when it comes to UM: I will always have support. Which is an important aspect for international students like me who are not familiar with a lot of things in the Netherlands.”

Another student testimonial highlighted: “As a second-year Global Studies student, I have enjoyed learning about the intricacies of global issues through diverse disciplinary lenses. Additionally, the PBL approach has been particularly instrumental in fostering open discussions, which allows me to gain insights from the diverse backgrounds and perspectives of my peers.”

Career Prospects After Global Studies

The Global Studies programme prepares graduates for diverse career paths in:

• International organizations and NGOs
• Government agencies and diplomatic services
• Corporate social responsibility and sustainability roles
• Research and academic institutions
• Policy analysis and development
• International development and humanitarian work

The interdisciplinary nature of the programme, combined with practical field experience, makes graduates highly sought after in the global job market.

Tips for a Strong UM Global Studies Scholarship Application

1. Start Early

Begin your application process well before the deadline to ensure you have time to gather all required documents and meet admission requirements.

2. Demonstrate Academic Excellence

Highlight your academic achievements, awards, and any special recognition you’ve received throughout your education.

3. Show Community Engagement

Emphasize your extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and active citizenship in your community, as this demonstrates leadership potential and social commitment.

4. Write a Compelling Motivation Letter

Clearly articulate why you want to study Global Studies, how it aligns with your career goals, and how you plan to contribute to solving global challenges.

5. Highlight Financial Need

Be honest and specific about your financial circumstances and explain why the scholarship is crucial for pursuing your education.

6. Choose the Right Referee

Select someone who knows you well academically or professionally and can provide specific examples of your abilities, character, and potential.

7. Follow All Guidelines

Carefully read and follow all application instructions, use provided templates, and ensure all documents meet the specified requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I apply if I have already started a bachelor’s degree in my home country?

A: No, applicants who have completed a degree programme equivalent to a bachelor’s degree are not eligible.

Q: Do I need to take an English language test?

A: Check the specific admission requirements for the Global Studies programme, as language requirements may vary based on your educational background.

Q: Can I bring my family with me?

A: The accommodation provided to scholarship students is not suitable for partners, spouses, or children.

Q: Are air tickets included in the scholarship?

A: No, air tickets are not included and must be paid by candidates.

Q: Can I apply for multiple scholarships at Maastricht University?

A: No, you can only apply for one UM scholarship; multiple applications will be disqualified.

Q: What happens if I’m waitlisted?

A: Waitlisted application statuses will be changed to selected or rejected by June 2026.

Q: When should I apply for my visa?

A: After receiving your scholarship award letter, you’ll receive guidance on visa application procedures. The Pre-Academic Training begins in August 2026.

Contact Information

For questions about the scholarship, contact:

• UM Scholarship Office: [email protected]
• Official Website: Maastricht University Global Studies Scholarship Page

The UM Global Studies Scholarship 2026 represents an exceptional opportunity for talented students from developing countries to pursue a world-class bachelor’s education at one of Europe’s most innovative universities. With full financial coverage, unique interdisciplinary learning experiences, and a supportive international community, this scholarship can be your gateway to becoming a global leader capable of addressing the world’s most pressing challenges.

The application deadline of 1 February 2026 is firm, so start preparing your application today. Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria, gather strong supporting documents, and submit a compelling application that demonstrates your academic excellence, leadership potential, and commitment to making a positive impact in your community and the world.

Don’t miss this opportunity to transform your future and join a diverse community of change-makers at Maastricht University!