Are you an aspiring undergraduate student looking to study in Europe with full financial support? Maastricht University in the Netherlands has officially opened applications for its prestigious, fully funded UM NL Global Studies Scholarship for the 2027-28 academic year.
Specifically designed for the university’s three-year Bachelor’s programme in Global Studies, this scholarship represents an incredible opportunity for students from developing countries. Nationals from OECD Official Development Assistance (ODA) recipient countries—which prominently includes Pakistan—are encouraged to apply.
What Does the UM NL Global Studies Scholarship Cover?
The scholarship is categorized as a "full-coverage" award, meaning it eliminates the primary financial barriers associated with studying abroad. The most significant component is an impressive €20,150 annual living stipend, which the university calculates at €1,550 per month to cover day-to-day expenses comfortably.
Note on Accommodation: Accepting the provided accommodation for the first year is mandatory. However, students will need to arrange their own housing for the second and third years of their degree.
Who is Eligible to Apply?
To be considered for the UM NL Global Studies Scholarship, candidates must meet specific criteria:
- Nationality: You must be a citizen of a country on the OECD’s current DAC list of ODA recipients (e.g., Pakistan). You cannot hold dual nationality from an EU/EEA country, Switzerland, or Suriname.
- Age Limit: Applicants must be under 35 years of age on 1 September 2027.
- Academic Background: This must be your first bachelor's degree; those who already hold a higher education degree equivalent to a bachelor's are ineligible.
- Academic Excellence: You must demonstrate continuous good-to-excellent academic results. Specifically, your latest grade transcript should reflect at least 75% of the maximum possible grade (e.g., a 3.0 out of 4.0 GPA).
- Admission Status: You must meet all Dutch visa requirements and submit a complete admission file for the Bachelor’s in Global Studies by 10 December 2026.
Required Application Documents
Maastricht University strictly allows only one scholarship submission per applicant, so preparation is key. You will need:
- An up-to-date CV detailing relevant education and extracurricular experience.
- A formal motivation letter strictly following the university’s scholarship template.
- A personalized financial needs statement explaining your personal circumstances and why the funding is essential.
- Proof of academic excellence (official transcripts).
- A professional reference letter from a current or former professor, teacher, principal, or employer (family members are not permitted).
Important Deadlines for 2027-28
The application process requires careful timing across two distinct stages:
- Course Admission Deadline: You must apply for the Bachelor’s in Global Studies via Studielink and complete your admission file by 10 December 2026. This process includes submitting a short English essay on a global challenge.
- Scholarship Deadline: Once you have your Maastricht University student ID, you must complete the online UM NL Global Studies Scholarship form and upload your documents by 1 February 2027 at 11:59 pm CET.
Source Citation: News report verified via ProPakistani Education Reporting.