The UM Social Justice Scholarship 2027/2028 is a fully funded scholarship at Maastricht University in the Netherlands for talented students from outside the EU/EEA.
The scholarship supports students admitted to the Master’s in Globalisation and Law who have demonstrated a strong commitment to human rights and/or the rule of law.
Only one scholarship is awarded each academic year, making this a highly competitive opportunity.
Scholarship Details
- University: Maastricht University
- Country: Netherlands
- Programme: Globalisation and Law
- Degree: Master’s
- Duration: 13 months
- Scholarships Available: 1
- Funding: Fully Funded
- Eligible Countries: Non-EU/EEA countries, Switzerland and Suriname
- Age Limit: 35 years
- Application Opens: October 1, 2026
- Master’s Admission Deadline: December 10, 2026
- Scholarship Deadline: February 1, 2027
Financial Benefits
The UM Social Justice Scholarship covers:
- Living expenses: €20,150 for 13 months
- Health and liability insurance: approximately €700
- Tuition fees: Fully covered
- Visa application costs: Covered
- Pre-Academic Training: Covered
- International Student Ambassador Programme: Covered for the first block
- Accommodation: A room is provided until July 2028
The scholarship does not cover international flight tickets. Students are also responsible for the accommodation cleaning fee, which is approximately €75.
Important: The scholarship accommodation is mandatory. Accepting the scholarship means accepting the allocated room, and the accommodation is not suitable for partners, spouses or children.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be a citizen of a country outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland or Suriname
- Meet the requirements for a Dutch entry visa and residence permit
- Not hold dual nationality from an EU/EEA country or Switzerland
- Apply for the full-time Master’s in Globalisation and Law at Maastricht University
- Complete the master’s application and meet all admission requirements by December 10, 2026
- Have demonstrated previous involvement in supporting human rights and/or the rule of law
- Meet the academic requirements of the master’s programme
- Be 35 years old or younger on September 1, 2027
- Have a minimum GPA equivalent to 7.5/10 or 75%
- Preferably not already hold a Master’s degree
Only one scholarship application can be submitted per applicant.
What Makes This Scholarship Different?
This scholarship is specifically designed for students who have already contributed to human rights or the rule of law through academic, professional, extracurricular or community activities.
Applicants should therefore be able to demonstrate how their previous work has contributed to these areas and how studying at Maastricht University will help them create further impact.
Required Documents
Applicants will need to provide:
- CV of no more than two A4 pages
- Motivation letter using the required template
- University transcript or official proof of GPA
- Document explaining the grading system
- Personal statement explaining financial need
- One reference letter
- Contact details of one referee
The referee should be a professor, lecturer, thesis supervisor or employer. Family members cannot serve as referees.
The reference letter must be dated February 2026 or later and should use the university’s guidelines.
Application Process
Step 1: Apply for the Master’s Programme
First, apply for the Master’s in Globalisation and Law through Studielink and complete the Maastricht University admission process.
Your full master’s application must be submitted by:
December 10, 2026
You will receive a Maastricht University student number after submitting your application.
Step 2: Apply for the Scholarship
After receiving your UM student number, complete the Social Justice Scholarship application form and upload all required documents.
You can submit the scholarship application only once, so make sure all documents and referee details are correct before submitting.
Selection Process
The selection process takes place in several stages:
- Maastricht University checks applications for completeness after February 1, 2027.
- Complete applications are sent to the UM Law Faculty.
- The faculty selects and ranks the top three candidates.
- Shortlisted candidates are invited to an online interview.
- Candidates prepare an action plan explaining how their studies will help them contribute to human rights and/or the rule of law.
- Final results are communicated in April or May 2027.
Pre-Academic Training
Scholarship recipients must participate in a two-week mandatory Pre-Academic Training programme, which begins in the first week of August 2027.
More information about the training and arrival in Maastricht will be provided to successful applicants.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| Applications open | October 1, 2026 |
| Master’s application deadline | December 10, 2026 |
| Scholarship application deadline | February 1, 2027 |
| Interviews | March–April 2027 |
| Final results | April–May 2027 |
| Pre-Academic Training | August 2027 |
| Programme begins | September 2027 |
How to Apply
Applicants must first apply for the Master’s in Globalisation and Law at Maastricht University and then complete the separate scholarship application.
The scholarship is highly competitive, so applicants should clearly demonstrate their academic excellence, financial need, leadership and commitment to human rights and/or the rule of law.
VISIT SCHOLARSHIP WEBSITE TO APPLY
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