Maastricht University offers one UM NL Social Justice Scholarship for 2027–2028, covering tuition, living expenses and other study costs for an eligible Globalisation and Law master’s student. Apply by 1 February 2027.
Background & Scholarship Description
Maastricht University in the Netherlands is inviting applications for the UM NL Social Justice Scholarship 2027–2028. The scholarship supports talented international students who have demonstrated a commitment to promoting human rights and strengthening the rule of law.
The programme offers one full scholarship each academic year to an eligible student admitted to the university’s full-time Master’s programme in Globalisation and Law. It supports the university’s commitment to diversity, inclusion and international engagement.
The scholarship covers living expenses, tuition fees, health and liability insurance, visa application costs and pre-academic training costs, subject to the programme’s conditions.
Applications opened on 1 October 2026. Candidates must complete their master’s programme application by 10 December 2026, while the scholarship application deadline is 1 February 2027.
Scholarship Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| University | Maastricht University |
| Scholarship | UM NL Social Justice Scholarship |
| Academic year | 2027–2028 |
| Study level | Master’s degree |
| Eligible programme | Globalisation and Law |
| Study location | Maastricht, Netherlands |
| Scholarship duration | 13 months |
| Number of awards | One scholarship |
| Living allowance | €20,150 for 13 months |
| Health and liability insurance | €700 |
| Tuition fees | Covered at cost |
| Visa application costs | Covered at cost |
| Pre-academic training | Covered at cost |
| Master’s application deadline | 10 December 2026 |
| Scholarship application deadline | 1 February 2027 |
| Official website | Maastricht University |
Scholarship Benefits
The UM NL Social Justice Scholarship provides financial and academic support to the selected student throughout the 13-month master’s programme.
1. Living Expenses
The scholarship provides €20,150 for living expenses over 13 months, equivalent to €1,550 per month under the current published figures. This allowance is intended to help cover accommodation and everyday expenses.
The university notes that the amounts may change for the 2027–2028 academic year.
2. Tuition Fees
The scholarship covers tuition fees at cost, with arrangements handled by Maastricht University’s International Services Desk.
3. Health and Liability Insurance
The published scholarship information allocates €700 for health and liability insurance, arranged and paid for by the International Services Desk.
4. Visa and Pre-Academic Training Costs
Visa application costs and pre-academic training costs are covered at cost under the programme’s arrangements. The scholarship also covers International Student Ambassador Programme costs for the first block.
5. Accommodation
Accommodation is a mandatory part of the scholarship. A room will be allocated to the selected student until July 2028, and accepting the scholarship means accepting the allocated accommodation.
The university states that the accommodation is not suitable for partners, spouses or children. Refusing the room results in cancellation of the scholarship. Preferences relating to accommodation, including religious beliefs, will be taken into account.
Important exclusions: Air tickets are not included, and the published information states that an accommodation cleaning fee of approximately €75 must be paid directly to Maastricht Housing.
Qualifications and Eligibility
Applicants must meet all the following requirements:
- Be a national of a country outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland and Suriname.
- Not hold dual nationality from an EU/EEA country or Switzerland.
- Meet the requirements for obtaining a Dutch entry visa and residence permit.
- Have applied for the full-time Master’s programme in Globalisation and Law for the 2027–2028 academic year.
- Submit a complete master’s application meeting the admission requirements by 10 December 2026.
- Demonstrate a proven contribution to promoting human rights and/or the rule of law through extracurricular or other initiatives and projects.
- Meet the specific admission requirements of the master’s programme.
- Be no older than 35 on 1 September 2027.
- Have a latest academic transcript showing a GPA of at least 7.5 out of 10, or the equivalent required by the university.
Preference will be given to candidates who have not already obtained a master’s degree.
Applicants must also provide official documentation explaining their university grading system. The university states that it accepts a cumulative bachelor’s degree GPA of at least 75% of the maximum grading scale.
Additional Information
How to Apply
The scholarship application process involves two main steps.
Step 1: Apply for the Master’s in Globalisation and Law
Submit an application for admission to Maastricht University’s full-time Globalisation and Law master’s programme through Studielink and complete all required admission documentation by 10 December 2026. After applying, you will receive a university student ID needed for the scholarship application.
Only this master’s programme is eligible for the UM NL Social Justice Scholarship.
Step 2: Complete the Scholarship Application
Log in using your Maastricht University account and submit the scholarship application form. The published requirements include the following documents:
- An up-to-date CV of no more than two A4 pages.
- A motivation letter using the university’s template, explaining your motivation and contributions to human rights.
- An official university transcript showing the required GPA.
- A document explaining your university grading system.
- A personal statement explaining your financial needs and circumstances.
- A reference letter from a former or current professor, lecturer or employer.
- Contact details for one referee, including their institutional email address and work telephone number.
Reference letters must follow the university’s guidelines and be dated no earlier than February 2026. Applicants must upload the reference letter themselves. Family members cannot serve as referees.
The application can only be submitted once, and documents cannot be added or replaced after submission. Applicants should check all materials carefully before submitting.
Key dates:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Scholarship applications opened | 1 October 2026 |
| Deadline for complete master’s application | 10 December 2026 |
| Scholarship application deadline | 1 February 2027 |
| Scholarship interviews | Expected after selection in March 2027 |
| Final application status | By early May 2027 |
| Mandatory pre-academic training | Begins in the first week of August 2027 |
Candidates selected for interviews will be asked to prepare an action plan explaining how studying at Maastricht University will help them contribute to strengthening human rights and/or the rule of law in their home country or elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the UM NL Social Justice Scholarship?
It is a scholarship offered by Maastricht University for an eligible international student admitted to the full-time Globalisation and Law master’s programme for 2027–2028.
2. Is the Maastricht University Social Justice Scholarship fully funded?
The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, health and liability insurance, visa application costs and pre-academic training costs, according to the university’s published conditions. Airfare is excluded, and a separate accommodation cleaning fee may apply.
3. How much is the living allowance?
The published allowance is €20,150 for 13 months, equivalent to €1,550 per month. These amounts may change for the 2027–2028 academic year.
4. How many scholarships are available?
The programme offers one full scholarship each academic year.
5. Which master’s programme is eligible?
Only the full-time Master’s programme in Globalisation and Law at Maastricht University is eligible for this scholarship.
6. What GPA is required?
Applicants need a latest transcript showing a GPA of at least 7.5 out of 10 or the equivalent required by the university. The published guidance also specifies a bachelor’s degree cumulative GPA of at least 75% of the maximum grading scale.
7. Can applicants from outside Europe apply?
Applicants from outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland and Suriname may qualify, provided they meet the nationality, academic, residence and other eligibility requirements. Dual nationality from an EU/EEA country or Switzerland disqualifies applicants under the published criteria.
8. What is the application deadline?
The master’s programme application must be completed by 10 December 2026. The separate scholarship application must be submitted by 1 February 2027.
9. Does the scholarship cover airfare?
No. The university states that air tickets are not included and must be paid for by the candidate.
10. Is accommodation compulsory?
Yes. Accepting the scholarship requires accepting the room allocated through the programme. Refusing the accommodation results in cancellation of the scholarship.
11. How can I apply?
Start by applying for the Globalisation and Law master’s programme through Studielink, then use your Maastricht University account to complete the scholarship application. Consult the official Maastricht University website for the scholarship and programme instructions.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
The UM NL Social Justice Scholarship 2027–2028 may be especially valuable for eligible international applicants with strong academic records and demonstrated involvement in human rights or the rule of law. The tuition coverage, living allowance and additional cost support can substantially reduce the financial burden of studying in the Netherlands.
However, competition is likely to be significant because the university offers only one scholarship. Prospective applicants should prepare their academic records, financial-needs statement, motivation letter and reference documentation well before the deadlines.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares scholarship and education opportunities for informational purposes. It is not affiliated with Maastricht University and does not administer this scholarship. Applicants should verify eligibility requirements, funding amounts and deadlines through the university’s official website.
SEO Keywords: Maastricht University Social Justice Scholarship 2027, UM NL Social Justice Scholarship 2027–2028, fully funded master’s scholarships Netherlands, Maastricht University scholarships for international students, Globalisation and Law master’s scholarship, Netherlands scholarships 2027, human rights scholarships, rule of law scholarship, international postgraduate scholarships, €20150 living allowance scholarship
