The UM Social Justice Scholarship 2027-2028 at Maastricht University offers a fully funded study opportunity for highly talented students from outside the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA). The scholarship supports Maastricht University’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, human rights and the rule of law.
The programme provides one full scholarship each academic year to an outstanding international student admitted to the full-time Master’s programme in Globalisation and Law. Applicants must demonstrate a strong academic record as well as a proven history of supporting human rights and/or the rule of law through extracurricular, professional or community initiatives.
Scholarship Eligibility and Requirements
To qualify for the UM Social Justice Scholarship, applicants must satisfy the scholarship and master’s programme admission requirements. Candidates must:
- Be nationals of a country outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland or Suriname and meet the requirements for obtaining a Dutch entry visa and residence permit.
- Not hold dual nationality from an EU/EEA country or Switzerland.
- Apply for the full-time Globalisation and Law Master’s programme for the 2027-2028 academic year.
- Submit a complete master’s application meeting all admission requirements by 10 December 2026.
- Have a demonstrated record of supporting human rights and/or the rule of law through initiatives, projects or other activities.
- Meet the specific admission requirements of the Globalisation and Law programme.
- Be no older than 35 years on 1 September 2027.
- Have achieved a minimum GPA of 7.5 out of 10, or the equivalent of at least 75% of the maximum grading scale.
- Preferably not already hold another Master’s degree.
- Submit only one scholarship application and ensure that all required documents are complete before submission.
The scholarship is highly competitive, and applicants are expected to demonstrate both academic excellence and meaningful commitment to social justice, human rights or the rule of law.
Scholarship Benefits
The UM Social Justice Scholarship covers major study and living expenses for the duration of the one-year Globalisation and Law Master’s programme. The scholarship is provided for 13 months.
The financial package includes:
- €20,150 for living expenses over 13 months, equivalent to approximately €1,550 per month.
- Health and liability insurance valued at approximately €700.
- Visa application costs at cost.
- Tuition fees at cost.
- Pre-Academic Training costs at cost.
- International Student Ambassador Programme costs for the first block.
- Allocated accommodation through Maastricht Housing until July 2028.
The living allowance is intended to cover housing, groceries, personal hygiene, telephone costs, transportation, study materials, clothing, hobbies and miscellaneous expenses.
Applicants should note that airfare is not covered by the scholarship. A cleaning fee of approximately €75 is also payable directly to Maastricht Housing.
Application Process and Important Dates
Applications for the UM Social Justice Scholarship open on 1 October 2026.
The first step is to apply for the Globalisation and Law Master’s programme through Studielink and complete the university’s admission process. The full master’s application must be submitted by 10 December 2026.
After receiving a Maastricht University student number, eligible candidates can complete the scholarship application form. The scholarship application deadline is 1 February 2027.
Applicants are required to submit documents including:
- A current CV of no more than two A4 pages.
- A scholarship motivation letter using the prescribed template.
- An academic transcript or official proof of a GPA of at least 7.5/10.
- An explanation of the grading system used by the applicant’s university.
- A personal statement explaining financial need and personal circumstances.
- A dated reference letter from a professor, lecturer or employer.
- Contact details for one professional or academic referee.
Applications can only be submitted once, and documents cannot be replaced or added after submission.
Selection Process
Following the 1 February 2027 deadline, Maastricht University’s International Services Desk will check applications for completeness. Complete applications will then be forwarded to the Faculty of Law.
The faculty will select and rank its top three candidates, after which shortlisted applicants will undergo an online interview. Candidates will be asked to prepare an action plan explaining how their studies at Maastricht University will enable them to contribute to strengthening human rights and/or the rule of law in their home country or elsewhere.
Final scholarship decisions are expected in April 2027, with selected, waitlisted or rejected statuses confirmed by early May 2027.
Successful candidates must sign and return their scholarship award letter. Awardees will also participate in the mandatory two-week UM Pre-Academic Training, beginning in the first week of August 2027.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should first complete their application for the Globalisation and Law Master’s programme and then submit the scholarship application through Maastricht University’s official scholarship application system.
The scholarship represents a significant opportunity for international students committed to human rights, social justice and strengthening the rule of law to pursue advanced legal education in the Netherlands.
Key Deadline: 1 February 2027 for the scholarship application
Master’s Application Deadline: 10 December 2026
Applications Open: 1 October 2026
Study Location: Maastricht, Netherlands
Degree: Master’s in Globalisation and Law
Scholarship Duration: 13 months
Award: Full scholarship, including tuition, living allowance, insurance, visa costs and other eligible expenses
