The UM Global Studies Scholarship offers a fully funded opportunity for outstanding students from OECD Official Development Assistance (ODA) countries to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Global Studies at Maastricht University (UM) in the Netherlands. This interdisciplinary program trains students to address complex global challenges by combining insights from six UM faculties across social sciences, economics, politics, law, and sustainability.

The scholarship provides full tuition coverage, a monthly living allowance of €1,225, and additional costs for health insurance, visa fees, pre-academic training, and housing. Recipients will also participate in a mandatory two-week Pre-Academic Training in August 2026 and are expected to serve as Global Studies and UM ambassadors during and after their studies.

Eligible applicants must be non-EU/EEA nationals under 35 years of age, hold no prior higher education degree, and demonstrate strong academic excellence (minimum 75% of maximum grade) and financial need. Candidates must first apply to the Global Studies bachelor’s programme via Studielink, then submit the scholarship application form with supporting documents. Final selections, following online interviews, will be announced by June 2026.

Check more scholarships from UM:

Maastricht University Brightlands Talent Scholarship for Master’s Degree 2026–2027

Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship 2026–2027

Key Details and Dates

• Application Deadline: 1 February 2026 (23:59 CET)
• Result Announcement: April–June 2026
• Pre-Academic Training: August 2026
• Funding Type: Fully Funded
• Host Institution: Maastricht University
• Eligible Countries: OECD ODA-listed countries, including Afg.
• Eligible Gender: Male and Female
• Target Group: High-achieving, motivated bachelor applicants
• Field: Global Studies
• Study Level: Bachelor’s degree
• Degree Required: Completion of secondary education
• Number of Scholarships: 1 per academic year
• Duration: 36 months
• Program Language: English
• Host Country: Netherlands

Scholarship Benefits

The scholarship program will provide the following benefits for the selected candidates:

• Living Expenses of €15,925 per academic year, paid monthly at €1,225/month, covering the following costs:

• Housing: €600
• Groceries & hygiene: €160
• Telephone: €60
• Travel: €100
• Books & study materials: €90
• Clothing, hobbies & leisure: €125
• Miscellaneous: €90

Note: Airfare is not included.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Hold the nationality of a country eligible for OECD Official Development Assistance (ODA).
• Meet visa and residence permit requirements for the Netherlands.
• If holding a Schengen residence permit, it must be valid until at least 2 September 2026.
• No dual nationality with any EEA or ineligible country.
• Have applied for admission to the Global Studies bachelor’s programme at UM for 2026–2027.
• Meet all admission requirements of the chosen bachelor’s program.
• Not hold any higher education diploma equivalent to a bachelor’s degree.
• Be under 35 years old as of 1 September 2026.
• Agree to act as a UM and Global Studies ambassador during and after studies.
• Can apply only once; ensure all documents are complete before submission (no edits after submission).

Required Documents

Applicants should submit the following documents:

• Updated Curriculum Vitae (max two pages)
• Motivation Letter (using the official template)
• Proof of Academic Excellence (official transcript showing GPA 7.5/10)
• Personal Statement of Financial Need
• Reference Letter (from a professor, lecturer, or employer—not family)
• Referee’s Contact Information (official institutional email and phone number)

Selection Process

The following are the highlights of the selection procedure:

• Step 1: UM International Services Desk reviews all applications for completeness after 1 February 2026.
• Step 2: Completed applications are forwarded to the Global Studies Admission Office.
• Step 3: The Admission Office and program coordinators rank candidates based on UM scholarship criteria and propose the top 5 in March 2026.
• Step 4: The Scholarship Selection Committee conducts online interviews with the top 5 applicants and finalizes decisions; unselected applicants are placed on a reserve list.
• Step 5: All applicants are informed of their status (selected, waitlisted, or rejected) between April and June 2026; awardees receive details about the Pre-Academic Training (mandatory in August 2026).
• Step 6: Selected candidates must sign and return the award letter to confirm acceptance of the scholarship.

How to Apply?

• Apply for admission to the Global Studies program via Studielink.nl.
• Once you receive your UM student ID, access the UM Brightlands Scholarship Application Form.
• Upload all required documents (PDF or .doc/.docx).
• Submit before 1 February 2026 (23:59 CET) — applications cannot be edited afterward.

Further details are available on the UM’s official website. For any inquiries or questions, email the UM International Services Desk: scholarships@maastrichtuniversity.nl

Check More Scholarships:

University of Twente Scholarship 2026/2027 for Non-EU/EEA Students

The Emile Boutmy Undergraduate and Master Scholarship 2026-27 in France

KIPAJI Scholarship for DAC Countries student at the University of Twente in the Netherlands