Scholarship

Maastricht University Social Justice Scholarship 2027–2028: Full Master’s Funding for Non-EU/EEA Students in Globalisation and Law

Organisation · Africa

At a glance

Type: Scholarship
Organisation: Organisation
Location: Africa
Work mode: On-site
Deadline: Rolling / not stated
Posted: 3 Sep 2026

About this scholarship

Applications will open on 1 October 2026 for the Maastricht University Social Justice Scholarship 2027–2028, a highly competitive full scholarship for talented international students who want to pursue the full-time Master’s programme in Globalisation and Law at Maastricht University in the Netherlands. The scholarship is particularly aimed at applicants who have already demonstrated a meaningful commitment to human rights and/or strengthening the rule of law through academic, extracurricular, professional or community initiatives. Only one full scholarship is awarded each academic year, making this an exceptionally selective funding opportunity. The scholarship provides substantial financial support for the entire 13-month programme, including: <ul data-start="914" data-end="1220"> <li data-section-id="1g6viuy" data-start="914" data-end="933">Full tuition fees</li> <li data-section-id="5ohdwz" data-start="934" data-end="976">€20,150 in living expenses for 13 months</li> <li data-section-id="1svwjfm" data-start="977" data-end="1009">Health and liability insurance</li> <li data-section-id="prqjlz" data-start="1010" data-end="1034">Visa application costs</li> <li data-section-id="91x2y8" data-start="1035" data-end="1068">Mandatory pre-academic training</li> <li data-section-id="c9asa8" data-start="1069" data-end="1160">Participation costs for the first block of the International Student Ambassador Programme</li> <li data-section-id="1dgb82l" data-start="1161" data-end="1220">Arranged accommodation as part of the scholarship package</li> </ul> The scholarship is available to applicants from outside the European Union and European Economic Area, subject to additional nationality, residence, academic and visa requirements. Maastricht University describes the programme as supporting its commitments to diversity, inclusivity and strengthening the rule of law, including through its wider human rights and peace initiatives. There are two particularly important deadlines: Master’s programme application deadline: 10 December 2026 Scholarship application deadline: 1 February 2027 Applicants should understand that they must first apply to the Globalisation and Law Master’s programme before completing the separate Social Justice Scholarship application. <hr data-start="2028" data-end="2031" /> <h2 data-section-id="ahtt4t" data-start="2033" data-end="2094">About the Maastricht University Social Justice Scholarship</h2> The UM Social Justice Scholarship is an international funding programme created by Maastricht University to support academically excellent students who have demonstrated a record of contributing to: <ul data-start="2300" data-end="2380"> <li data-section-id="n13b44" data-start="2300" data-end="2314">Human rights</li> <li data-section-id="1k0gwc5" data-start="2315" data-end="2328">Rule of law</li> <li data-section-id="oe1nhg" data-start="2329" data-end="2345">Social justice</li> <li data-section-id="hufxet" data-start="2346" data-end="2380">Related initiatives and projects</li> </ul> The scholarship reflects Maastricht University’s broader emphasis on diversity, inclusion and global engagement. The University explicitly connects the scholarship to its Global Engagement Policy and to its commitment to strengthening the rule of law. Unlike a general international scholarship available across all Maastricht University programmes, this scholarship is tied to one specific Master’s degree: Globalisation and Law Applicants seeking admission to another Maastricht University Master’s programme cannot use that programme to qualify for this particular scholarship. <hr data-start="3052" data-end="3055" /> <h1 data-section-id="ov11t8" data-start="3057" data-end="3091">Number of Scholarships Available</h1> Maastricht University awards: One full Social Justice Scholarship per academic year. This means competition is likely to be extremely strong. Academic excellence alone is therefore unlikely to be sufficient. Applicants must also demonstrate a convincing combination of: <ul data-start="3372" data-end="3557"> <li data-section-id="daht0k" data-start="3372" data-end="3397">Strong academic results</li> <li data-section-id="rtvkcl" data-start="3398" data-end="3416">Clear motivation</li> <li data-section-id="1iou2rw" data-start="3417" data-end="3470">Previous human rights and/or rule-of-law engagement</li> <li data-section-id="61nqob" data-start="3471" data-end="3487">Financial need</li> <li data-section-id="toggmq" data-start="3488" data-end="3511">Strong recommendation</li> <li data-section-id="1plc44v" data-start="3512" data-end="3527">Programme fit</li> <li data-section-id="1yk7i84" data-start="3528" data-end="3557">Potential for future impact</li> </ul> The scholarship is designed for highly talented students from outside the EU/EEA who have already made demonstrable contributions to human rights or the rule of law. <hr data-start="3764" data-end="3767" /> <h1 data-section-id="1wijep5" data-start="3769" data-end="3798">Eligible Master’s Programme</h1> The scholarship is available only for the: Full-time Master’s programme Globalisation and Law at Maastricht University. Applicants must apply for the: 2027–2028 academic year. Applications to other Law Faculty programmes do not qualify for the UM Social Justice Scholarship. This restriction is explicitly stated in the application procedure. <hr data-start="4196" data-end="4199" /> <h1 data-section-id="1ahnh6q" data-start="4201" data-end="4229">Why Globalisation and Law?</h1> The programme is particularly relevant for students interested in legal questions shaped by international and transnational developments. The scholarship’s own selection criteria emphasize applicants with previous involvement in: <ul data-start="4463" data-end="4527"> <li data-section-id="n13b44" data-start="4463" data-end="4477">Human rights</li> <li data-section-id="1k0gwc5" data-start="4478" data-end="4491">Rule of law</li> <li data-section-id="11t0v9p" data-start="4492" data-end="4527">Social justice-related activities</li> </ul> As a result, it may be especially attractive to applicants whose academic or professional interests concern: <ul data-start="4639" data-end="4811"> <li data-section-id="5pkz1k" data-start="4639" data-end="4658">International law</li> <li data-section-id="1n3973y" data-start="4659" data-end="4677">Human rights law</li> <li data-section-id="1c3zqtp" data-start="4678" data-end="4697">Global governance</li> <li data-section-id="1k0gwc5" data-start="4698" data-end="4711">Rule of law</li> <li data-section-id="y36wcs" data-start="4712" data-end="4732">Legal institutions</li> <li data-section-id="18okp1" data-start="4733" data-end="4756">International justice</li> <li data-section-id="9u9c1x" data-start="4757" data-end="4791">Legal responses to globalization</li> <li data-section-id="g3nhso" data-start="4792" data-end="4811">Rights protection</li> </ul> Applicants should still review the actual Globalisation and Law curriculum before applying and ensure that their interests align with the programme itself. <hr data-start="4970" data-end="4973" /> <h1 data-section-id="1chjz3m" data-start="4975" data-end="4997">Scholarship Duration</h1> The UM Social Justice Scholarship covers: 13 months for the one-year Globalisation and Law Master’s programme. This extended funding period is important because the scholarship is designed to support students not only with tuition but also with living expenses throughout their stay. <hr data-start="5329" data-end="5332" /> <h1 data-section-id="1gcqcld" data-start="5334" data-end="5366">Scholarship Financial Benefits</h1> The Social Justice Scholarship is a substantial full funding package. For the 2027–2028 cycle, the published support includes several components. <h2 data-section-id="1ba0l5" data-start="5516" data-end="5543">Living Expenses: €20,150</h2> Scholarship recipients receive: €20,150 for 13 months in living expenses. This is equivalent to: €1,550 per month. The living allowance is paid to the student by the Maastricht University International Services Desk. The published amount is subject to change for the 2027–2028 academic year. <hr data-start="5890" data-end="5893" /> <h1 data-section-id="15jtwz1" data-start="5895" data-end="5929">Monthly Living Expense Breakdown</h1> Maastricht University provides a detailed estimate showing how the monthly €1,550 living allowance is intended to cover expenses. The indicative monthly breakdown is: <ul data-start="6100" data-end="6280"> <li data-section-id="1vaff1c" data-start="6100" data-end="6115">Housing: €960</li> <li data-section-id="1wk5wyi" data-start="6116" data-end="6154">Groceries and personal hygiene: €160</li> <li data-section-id="1p2d1wc" data-start="6155" data-end="6171">Telephone: €60</li> <li data-section-id="1liynrr" data-start="6172" data-end="6186">Travel: €100</li> <li data-section-id="41pnrl" data-start="6187" data-end="6219">Books and study materials: €90</li> <li data-section-id="ctubot" data-start="6220" data-end="6259">Clothing, hobbies and going out: €125</li> <li data-section-id="15ifu30" data-start="6260" data-end="6280">Miscellaneous: €55</li> </ul> These amounts are estimates and may change. Applicants should therefore understand that the €20,150 living allowance is designed to cover normal student living costs rather than being an additional discretionary cash award on top of accommodation and everyday expenses. <hr data-start="6592" data-end="6595" /> <h1 data-section-id="2gnbgn" data-start="6597" data-end="6611">Tuition Fees</h1> The scholarship covers: Tuition fees at cost. The Maastricht University International Services Desk arranges and pays the tuition component. For scholarship recipients, this effectively provides full tuition funding for the eligible programme. <hr data-start="6903" data-end="6906" /> <h1 data-section-id="1p2mgks" data-start="6908" data-end="6940">Health and Liability Insurance</h1> The scholarship includes: €700 for health and liability insurance based on the current published amount. The International Services Desk arranges and pays for the insurance. The amount may change for 2027–2028. <hr data-start="7202" data-end="7205" /> <h1 data-section-id="ifqzrd" data-start="7207" data-end="7231">Visa Application Costs</h1> The scholarship also covers: Visa application costs at cost. These are arranged and paid by the University’s International Services Desk. This is particularly important because the scholarship is specifically intended for many students who will need Dutch immigration authorization. Applicants must nevertheless meet all eligibility conditions for obtaining the appropriate entry visa and residence permit. <hr data-start="7689" data-end="7692" /> <h1 data-section-id="18pw1qp" data-start="7694" data-end="7723">Pre-Academic Training Costs</h1> The scholarship covers the cost of Maastricht University’s: Pre-Academic Training programme at cost. This training is not optional for scholarship recipients. It is a: Mandatory two-week component and is scheduled to begin in the: First week of August 2027. Successful applicants should therefore plan to arrive in time to participate. <hr data-start="8162" data-end="8165" /> <h1 data-section-id="1xo3hem" data-start="8167" data-end="8211">International Student Ambassador Programme</h1> The scholarship also covers the cost of the: International Student Ambassador Programme, or ISAP for the: First block only. Applicants should consult Maastricht University for the current structure of this programme and any later participation costs that may fall outside the scholarship. <hr data-start="8555" data-end="8558" /> <h1 data-section-id="1atcakz" data-start="8560" data-end="8588">Accommodation Is Mandatory</h1> A particularly important condition of the Social Justice Scholarship is its accommodation arrangement. Scholarship recipients are allocated a room until: July 2028 and accepting the scholarship means accepting this accommodation. The University explicitly states that: Refusing the allocated room results in cancellation of the scholarship. This is therefore not an optional housing service. It is a mandatory part of the scholarship package. <hr data-start="9089" data-end="9092" /> <h1 data-section-id="9w7gat" data-start="9094" data-end="9122">Accommodation and Families</h1> The accommodation allocated to scholarship students is: Not suitable for partners, spouses and/or children. Applicants planning to move to the Netherlands with family members should consider this condition carefully. Maastricht University does state that accommodation preferences connected to considerations such as religious beliefs will be taken into account where possible. <hr data-start="9550" data-end="9553" /> <h1 data-section-id="18mf6s1" data-start="9555" data-end="9577">Is Airfare Included?</h1> No. The scholarship explicitly states that: Air tickets are not included. Students are responsible for paying for their own flight or other travel to the Netherlands. This is an important distinction when describing the scholarship as “fully funded.” It comprehensively covers tuition, living support, accommodation allocation, insurance, visa costs and training, but it does not cover airfare. <hr data-start="10028" data-end="10031" /> <h1 data-section-id="6qtn5x" data-start="10033" data-end="10047">Cleaning Fee</h1> The scholarship also does not cover the accommodation cleaning fee. The current estimate is approximately: €75 and must be paid directly to Maastricht Housing by the student. <hr data-start="10272" data-end="10275" /> <h1 data-section-id="vutqy9" data-start="10277" data-end="10293">Who Can Apply?</h1> Applicants must satisfy all published eligibility conditions. This includes requirements concerning: <ul data-start="10402" data-end="10572"> <li data-section-id="1bi3diq" data-start="10402" data-end="10415">Nationality</li> <li data-section-id="1b2xzeg" data-start="10416" data-end="10434">Residence status</li> <li data-section-id="snpo8h" data-start="10435" data-end="10455">Academic programme</li> <li data-section-id="15m02o5" data-start="10456" data-end="10494">Human rights/rule-of-law involvement</li> <li data-section-id="4oy2id" data-start="10495" data-end="10517">Academic performance</li> <li data-section-id="1o4g97" data-start="10518" data-end="10523">Age</li> <li data-section-id="l28ufc" data-start="10524" data-end="10542">Visa eligibility</li> <li data-section-id="sv0oth" data-start="10543" data-end="10572">Previous Master’s education</li> </ul> <hr data-start="10574" data-end="10577" /> <h1 data-section-id="10u7n6r" data-start="10579" data-end="10604">Nationality Requirement</h1> Applicants must hold nationality in a country: Outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland and Surinam. They must also meet the requirements for obtaining the appropriate Dutch: <ul data-start="10779" data-end="10810"> <li data-section-id="agc50x" data-start="10779" data-end="10791">Entry visa</li> <li data-section-id="18670u3" data-start="10792" data-end="10810">Residence permit</li> </ul> This means the scholarship is specifically aimed at international students from outside those listed jurisdictions. <hr data-start="10970" data-end="10973" /> <h1 data-section-id="h0emok" data-start="10975" data-end="11005">Dual Nationality Restriction</h1> Applicants are not eligible if they have dual nationality from: <ul data-start="11072" data-end="11109"> <li data-section-id="1v0qp5s" data-start="11072" data-end="11095">An EU/EEA country, or</li> <li data-section-id="4yxozf" data-start="11096" data-end="11109">Switzerland</li> </ul> A candidate holding both a non-EU nationality and an EU nationality would therefore not satisfy this condition. <hr data-start="11265" data-end="11268" /> <h1 data-section-id="15lf8op" data-start="11270" data-end="11306">Existing Schengen Residence Permit</h1> Applicants who already hold a residence permit for another Schengen country may still potentially apply, but special conditions apply. The permit must remain valid until at least: 2 September 2027 If it expires before that date, applicants can only apply for the scholarship through the applicable MVV visa procedure from their home country. Applicants with complicated immigration status should review Maastricht University’s Visa Office guidance before applying. <hr data-start="11822" data-end="11825" /> <h1 data-section-id="11ska4s" data-start="11827" data-end="11860">Programme Admission Requirement</h1> Applicants must have applied for: Full-time Globalisation and Law at Maastricht University for: 2027–2028 and must submit the complete programme application, meeting all admission requirements, before: 10 December 2026. This deadline is earlier than the scholarship deadline. Applicants cannot wait until February to start their Master’s application. <hr data-start="12273" data-end="12276" /> <h1 data-section-id="11fok5o" data-start="12278" data-end="12320">Human Rights or Rule-of-Law Contribution</h1> One of the defining requirements is that applicants must have already made a: Proven contribution to supporting the rule of law and/or human rights through: <ul data-start="12486" data-end="12556"> <li data-section-id="1ecj3gx" data-start="12486" data-end="12515">Intracurricular initiatives</li> <li data-section-id="l747pn" data-start="12516" data-end="12545">Extracurricular initiatives</li> <li data-section-id="1fg3pla" data-start="12546" data-end="12556">Projects</li> </ul> This means simply stating an interest in human rights is unlikely to satisfy the requirement. Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate actual involvement. <hr data-start="12760" data-end="12763" /> <h1 data-section-id="4gutz5" data-start="12765" data-end="12826">What Could Count as Human Rights or Rule-of-Law Experience?</h1> The official source does not provide an exhaustive list, but applicants should use their application to document relevant activities clearly. Potential evidence could include, where genuinely applicable: <ul data-start="13034" data-end="13245"> <li data-section-id="1l5ri4g" data-start="13034" data-end="13057">Human rights advocacy</li> <li data-section-id="i5yfd3" data-start="13058" data-end="13069">Legal aid</li> <li data-section-id="mbr4n6" data-start="13070" data-end="13104">Student human rights initiatives</li> <li data-section-id="1vqtxkq" data-start="13105" data-end="13129">Rule-of-law programmes</li> <li data-section-id="1xqnj7z" data-start="13130" data-end="13140">NGO work</li> <li data-section-id="zmm7st" data-start="13141" data-end="13161">Community projects</li> <li data-section-id="fu3ks1" data-start="13162" data-end="13172">Research</li> <li data-section-id="hc5kv4" data-start="13173" data-end="13195">Relevant internships</li> <li data-section-id="v9ey87" data-start="13196" data-end="13216">Policy initiatives</li> <li data-section-id="1d645rj" data-start="13217" data-end="13245">Legal awareness programmes</li> </ul> The strongest applications will describe both: <ul data-start="13295" data-end="13358"> <li data-section-id="1q6yeha" data-start="13295" data-end="13319">What the applicant did</li> <li data-section-id="15zqnn" data-start="13320" data-end="13358">What contribution or impact resulted</li> </ul> rather than listing organization names without context. <hr data-start="13417" data-end="13420" /> <h1 data-section-id="1uyfxkf" data-start="13422" data-end="13439">GPA Requirement</h1> Applicants must demonstrate excellent academic results. The minimum required GPA is: 7.5 out of 10 or equivalent. The application guidance further explains that this corresponds to approximately: <ul data-start="13686" data-end="13724"> <li data-section-id="1ulg00d" data-start="13686" data-end="13707">75% out of 100%, or</li> <li data-section-id="787g20" data-start="13708" data-end="13724">3.0 out of 4.0</li> </ul> depending on the grading system. Applicants must provide both: <ol data-start="13831" data-end="13959"> <li data-section-id="1sox4al" data-start="13831" data-end="13898">An official transcript or university document showing their GPA.</li> <li data-section-id="1ci3adz" data-start="13899" data-end="13959">A document explaining their institution’s grading system.</li> </ol> <hr data-start="13961" data-end="13964" /> <h1 data-section-id="r406h1" data-start="13966" data-end="13990">GPA Must Be Cumulative</h1> The scholarship application instructions state that Maastricht University only accepts candidates with a: Cumulative GPA of at least 75% of the maximum scale in the Bachelor’s degree. Applicants should therefore not rely only on a particularly strong final semester if their cumulative result does not meet the threshold. <hr data-start="14361" data-end="14364" /> <h1 data-section-id="1c2r90w" data-start="14366" data-end="14377">Age Limit</h1> Applicants must be: 35 years old or younger on 1 September 2027. Candidates older than 35 on that date are not eligible under the published rules. <hr data-start="14573" data-end="14576" /> <h1 data-section-id="6dgnp" data-start="14578" data-end="14604">Previous Master’s Degree</h1> Applicants who already hold a Master’s degree are not automatically excluded. However: Preference will be given to candidates who have not yet obtained a Master’s degree. This distinction matters. An applicant with a previous Master’s may still apply if all other conditions are met, but they may be at a disadvantage compared with an otherwise similarly strong candidate seeking their first Master’s. <hr data-start="15057" data-end="15060" /> <h1 data-section-id="moqz8m" data-start="15062" data-end="15096">Only One Scholarship Application</h1> Candidates may: Apply once and for one scholarship only. After submission, Maastricht University will not add or replace documents. Applicants should therefore check every document carefully before submitting the final scholarship application. <hr data-start="15390" data-end="15393" /> <h1 data-section-id="118zo8t" data-start="15395" data-end="15424">Important Application Dates</h1> Applications for the Social Justice Scholarship open on: 1 October 2026. The major deadlines are: <h3 data-section-id="1mdbtfh" data-start="15571" data-end="15618">Globalisation and Law programme application</h3> 10 December 2026 <h3 data-section-id="p2okki" data-start="15642" data-end="15687">UM Social Justice Scholarship application</h3> 1 February 2027 By the scholarship deadline, candidates must have completed the relevant registration requirements except for: <ul data-start="15822" data-end="15884"> <li data-section-id="n0f33j" data-start="15822" data-end="15839">Legal residence</li> <li data-section-id="y1quhy" data-start="15840" data-end="15857">Tuition payment</li> <li data-section-id="1555w8g" data-start="15858" data-end="15884">Hard copy of the diploma</li> </ul> <hr data-start="15927" data-end="15930" /> <h1 data-section-id="8vko7r" data-start="15932" data-end="15953">Application Process</h1> The Social Justice Scholarship application involves two main stages. <h2 data-section-id="3gy93i" data-start="16025" data-end="16067">Step 1: Apply for Globalisation and Law</h2> Applicants must first apply to the: Globalisation and Law Master’s programme through: Studielink After submitting the programme application, the applicant will receive a Maastricht University student ID number. This student number is required for the scholarship application. <hr data-start="16399" data-end="16402" /> <h1 data-section-id="1x8uo7e" data-start="16404" data-end="16436">Programme Application Deadline</h1> For scholarship eligibility, the complete Globalisation and Law application must be submitted by: 10 December 2026. This includes fulfilling the admission requirements. Applicants should not confuse this with any later general programme deadline that may apply to candidates who are not seeking the Social Justice Scholarship. <a href="https://www.studielink.nl/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">APPLY HERE</a> <hr data-start="16773" data-end="16776" /> <h1 data-section-id="15c0bj0" data-start="16778" data-end="16793">Handling Fees</h1> If the programme requires an admissions handling fee: The scholarship does not cover it. The applicant is personally responsible for paying any applicable fee by: 10 December 2026. <hr data-start="17028" data-end="17031" /> <h1 data-section-id="14j6mru" data-start="17033" data-end="17084">Step 2: Complete the Scholarship Application Form</h1> After obtaining a Maastricht University account and student number, applicants complete the scholarship application through the official online form. The University accepts scholarship applications only through this form. Supporting documents may be uploaded in: <ul data-start="17392" data-end="17410"> <li data-section-id="1o4edc" data-start="17392" data-end="17397">DOC</li> <li data-section-id="1j4166w" data-start="17398" data-end="17404">DOCX</li> <li data-section-id="1o4osa" data-start="17405" data-end="17410">PDF</li> </ul> Please fill out the application form <a href="https://corsa-forms.mumc.maastrichtuniversity.nl/user/login?destination=/form/ssc-scholarships" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. <hr data-start="17422" data-end="17425" /> <h1 data-section-id="1ohgk6x" data-start="17427" data-end="17459">Required Scholarship Documents</h1> Candidates must prepare several important documents. <h2 data-section-id="794a7c" data-start="17515" data-end="17537">1. Curriculum Vitae</h2> The CV must: <ul data-start="17553" data-end="17731"> <li data-section-id="4jm6au" data-start="17553" data-end="17565">Be current</li> <li data-section-id="1nki4ss" data-start="17566" data-end="17608">Include relevant educational information</li> <li data-section-id="13ezafd" data-start="17609" data-end="17649">Include relevant employment experience</li> <li data-section-id="1qvi8rw" data-start="17650" data-end="17694">Mention awards and prizes where applicable</li> <li data-section-id="16nzha1" data-start="17695" data-end="17731">Be no longer than two A4 pages</li> </ul> Because the scholarship is highly competitive, applicants should prioritize evidence relevant to: <ul data-start="17873" data-end="17987"> <li data-section-id="zkk1p7" data-start="17873" data-end="17894">Academic excellence</li> <li data-section-id="n13b44" data-start="17895" data-end="17909">Human rights</li> <li data-section-id="1k0gwc5" data-start="17910" data-end="17923">Rule of law</li> <li data-section-id="1l0q11t" data-start="17924" data-end="17936">Leadership</li> <li data-section-id="w96rs8" data-start="17937" data-end="17960">Community involvement</li> <li data-section-id="d7rttc" data-start="17961" data-end="17987">Professional development</li> </ul> <hr data-start="17989" data-end="17992" /> <h1 data-section-id="seu6kw" data-start="17994" data-end="18016">2. Motivation Letter</h1> Applicants must use the: Official Maastricht University scholarship motivation letter template. The template focuses specifically on motivation for the scholarship. Applicants are instructed to emphasize: What they have already done to improve human rights. This is especially important. The scholarship is not intended solely for applicants who want to work in human rights in the future. It seeks people with a proven record of engagement already. <hr data-start="18524" data-end="18527" /> <h1 data-section-id="3qyvzk" data-start="18529" data-end="18570">How to Strengthen the Motivation Letter</h1> A competitive motivation letter should explain: <ul data-start="18621" data-end="18920"> <li data-section-id="801mf6" data-start="18621" data-end="18675">Why Globalisation and Law fits the applicant’s goals</li> <li data-section-id="vc5cux" data-start="18676" data-end="18749">What human rights/rule-of-law work the applicant has already undertaken</li> <li data-section-id="mhoz23" data-start="18750" data-end="18793">What role the applicant personally played</li> <li data-section-id="1g08vig" data-start="18794" data-end="18816">What impact resulted</li> <li data-section-id="1eae88w" data-start="18817" data-end="18851">Why the scholarship is necessary</li> <li data-section-id="6thwba" data-start="18852" data-end="18920">How Maastricht University will help the applicant extend that work</li> </ul> Applicants should avoid making the letter entirely aspirational. Evidence of past contribution is a formal eligibility factor. <hr data-start="19051" data-end="19054" /> <h1 data-section-id="zscc05" data-start="19056" data-end="19089">3. Proof of Academic Excellence</h1> Candidates must upload: <ol data-start="19116" data-end="19261"> <li data-section-id="aspaq4" data-start="19116" data-end="19214">Transcript or official university documentation showing a GPA of at least 7.5/10 or equivalent.</li> <li data-section-id="1v894cz" data-start="19215" data-end="19261">Documentation explaining the grading scale.</li> </ol> This requirement is particularly important for applicants whose universities use grading systems that differ substantially from the Dutch system. <hr data-start="19451" data-end="19454" /> <h1 data-section-id="1iatzor" data-start="19456" data-end="19497">4. Personal Statement of Financial Need</h1> Applicants must submit a: Personal statement of financial needs. The University asks candidates to explain why receiving the scholarship would benefit them. Examples of relevant personal circumstances explicitly mentioned include: <ul data-start="19738" data-end="19872"> <li data-section-id="rurv76" data-start="19738" data-end="19760">Financial difficulty</li> <li data-section-id="jgnqiu" data-start="19761" data-end="19791">Sole-parent responsibilities</li> <li data-section-id="smp7m1" data-start="19792" data-end="19821">Caretaking responsibilities</li> <li data-section-id="1ndcqjn" data-start="19822" data-end="19842">Medical conditions</li> <li data-section-id="1h7l8ac" data-start="19843" data-end="19855">Disability</li> <li data-section-id="8oapj3" data-start="19856" data-end="19872">Refugee status</li> </ul> The statement should be factual and personal rather than generic. <hr data-start="19982" data-end="19985" /> <h1 data-section-id="1a0r1e0" data-start="19987" data-end="20008">5. Reference Letter</h1> Applicants must submit: One reference letter. The University provides specific scholarship reference-letter guidelines that should be sent to the referee. Eligible referees include: <ul data-start="20200" data-end="20254"> <li data-section-id="1wwcm8t" data-start="20200" data-end="20230">Current or former professors</li> <li data-section-id="gv9uj9" data-start="20231" data-end="20242">Lecturers</li> <li data-section-id="f1cb5a" data-start="20243" data-end="20254">Employers</li> </ul> Family members cannot act as referees. <hr data-start="20336" data-end="20339" /> <h1 data-section-id="183jwuw" data-start="20341" data-end="20376">Reference Letter Date Requirement</h1> Recommendation letters must be: Dated no earlier than February 2026. Letters failing to follow the official guidelines will not be considered, which can cause an application to be treated as incomplete. <hr data-start="20628" data-end="20631" /> <h1 data-section-id="1sfqqaw" data-start="20633" data-end="20684">Applicants Upload the Reference Letter Themselves</h1> Unlike some scholarship systems where referees upload recommendations directly, the UM Social Justice Scholarship requires: The applicant to upload the reference letter. The referee cannot submit it directly through the scholarship application. Applicants should therefore request their reference well before the deadline. <hr data-start="21057" data-end="21060" /> <h1 data-section-id="199z722" data-start="21062" data-end="21090">6. Referee Contact Details</h1> Applicants must also provide one referee’s contact information. This includes: <ul data-start="21173" data-end="21284"> <li data-section-id="nzhvzm" data-start="21173" data-end="21204">Relationship to the applicant</li> <li data-section-id="rfovbd" data-start="21205" data-end="21246">Work telephone number with country code</li> <li data-section-id="39lcc7" data-start="21247" data-end="21284">Work or institutional email address</li> </ul> A recommendation linked only to a: Personal email address will be rejected. The University may contact the referee to verify the authenticity of the recommendation. <hr data-start="21499" data-end="21502" /> <h1 data-section-id="1b6qlrh" data-start="21504" data-end="21523">Selection Process</h1> Because only one scholarship is available, selection involves several stages. <h2 data-section-id="d733n2" data-start="21604" data-end="21634">Stage 1: Completeness Check</h2> After: 1 February 2027 the UM International Services Desk checks whether applications are complete. Incomplete applications do not progress. <hr data-start="21825" data-end="21828" /> <h1 data-section-id="1yogzkw" data-start="21830" data-end="21855">Stage 2: Faculty Review</h1> Complete applications are sent to the: UM Law Faculty in: February 2027. Faculty reviewers assess eligible candidates. <hr data-start="22029" data-end="22032" /> <h1 data-section-id="grot1k" data-start="22034" data-end="22065">Stage 3: Top Three Candidates</h1> The Law Faculty selects and ranks its: Top three scholarship applicants and sends their files to the International Services Desk for a final check in: March 2027. This means only a very small final group moves forward to the interview stage. <hr data-start="22362" data-end="22365" /> <h1 data-section-id="4dlf8q" data-start="22367" data-end="22394">Stage 4: Online Interview</h1> By the end of March, Maastricht University confirms the Faculty selections and invites selected candidates to: An online interview. Candidates invited to interview must prepare an: Action plan explaining how studying at Maastricht University will enable them to contribute to strengthening: <ul data-start="22740" data-end="22768"> <li data-section-id="n13b44" data-start="22740" data-end="22754">Human rights</li> <li data-section-id="1k0gwc5" data-start="22755" data-end="22768">Rule of law</li> </ul> in their home country and/or elsewhere. This makes future impact an explicit part of final selection. <hr data-start="22874" data-end="22877" /> <h1 data-section-id="1o5k5p2" data-start="22879" data-end="22906">Preparing the Action Plan</h1> Applicants who reach the interview should be prepared to explain: <ul data-start="22975" data-end="23312"> <li data-section-id="x9yjpz" data-start="22975" data-end="23037">The human rights or rule-of-law problem they want to address</li> <li data-section-id="d8lhrq" data-start="23038" data-end="23084">What skills or knowledge they currently lack</li> <li data-section-id="wbadru" data-start="23085" data-end="23136">How Globalisation and Law will help fill that gap</li> <li data-section-id="1pupel" data-start="23137" data-end="23176">What they plan to do after graduation</li> <li data-section-id="1bkzen6" data-start="23177" data-end="23244">Which institutions, communities or systems they want to influence</li> <li data-section-id="3avxfa" data-start="23245" data-end="23312">How they will translate the Master’s degree into practical impact</li> </ul> A generic career plan will likely be less persuasive than a specific and realistic pathway. <hr data-start="23407" data-end="23410" /> <h1 data-section-id="14wjxlc" data-start="23412" data-end="23427">Final Results</h1> Following interviews, applicants will be informed of their status in: April 2027 with final statuses communicated by: The beginning of May 2027 at the latest. Possible outcomes include: <ul data-start="23668" data-end="23702"> <li data-section-id="e9bvxd" data-start="23668" data-end="23678">Selected</li> <li data-section-id="6wyxmo" data-start="23679" data-end="23691">Waitlisted</li> <li data-section-id="kfypc6" data-start="23692" data-end="23702">Rejected</li> </ul> Waitlisted candidates will receive a final selected/rejected result during May 2027. <hr data-start="23790" data-end="23793" /> <h1 data-section-id="1wvhs51" data-start="23795" data-end="23822">Accepting the Scholarship</h1> Successful candidates must: Sign and return the scholarship award letter to the UM International Services Desk. This formally confirms acceptance of the scholarship and its associated conditions, including the mandatory accommodation requirement. <hr data-start="24119" data-end="24122" /> <h1 data-section-id="e0tryh" data-start="24124" data-end="24147">Pre-Academic Training</h1> Scholarship recipients must participate in the: Two-week UM Pre-Academic Training programme beginning in: The first week of August 2027. Successful candidates should therefore plan their immigration and arrival arrangements accordingly. <hr data-start="24439" data-end="24442" /> <h1 data-section-id="12mi7ay" data-start="24444" data-end="24481">What the Scholarship Does Not Cover</h1> Despite its comprehensive funding package, several costs remain the responsibility of the applicant. The scholarship does not cover: <ul data-start="24618" data-end="24721"> <li data-section-id="1k35pdx" data-start="24618" data-end="24631">Air tickets</li> <li data-section-id="1wnhcpk" data-start="24632" data-end="24678">Approximately €75 accommodation cleaning fee</li> <li data-section-id="g8ny26" data-start="24679" data-end="24721">Programme handling fees where applicable</li> </ul> Applicants should budget for these expenses in advance. <hr data-start="24821" data-end="24824" /> <h1 data-section-id="1my2h9t" data-start="24826" data-end="24855">Important Dates at a Glance</h1> Scholarship applications open: 1 October 2026 Globalisation and Law application deadline for scholarship candidates: 10 December 2026 Scholarship application deadline: 1 February 2027 Completeness checks: After 1 February 2027 Law Faculty review: February 2027 Top three ranking: March 2027 Interviews: Around late March/April 2027 Final decisions: April to early May 2027 Mandatory Pre-Academic Training: First week of August 2027 Academic year: 2027–2028 <hr data-start="25364" data-end="25367" /> <h1 data-section-id="1h8vq2m" data-start="25369" data-end="25403">Scholarship Benefits at a Glance</h1> Number of awards: 1 Programme: Globalisation and Law Duration: 13 months Living allowance: €20,150 Monthly equivalent: €1,550 Tuition fees: Covered Health and liability insurance: €700, arranged and paid Visa application costs: Covered at cost Pre-Academic Training: Covered International Student Ambassador Programme: First block covered Accommodation: Mandatory room allocated as part of scholarship arrangements Airfare: Not covered Cleaning fee: Not covered <hr data-start="25932" data-end="25935" /> <h1 data-section-id="aaz6i7" data-start="25937" data-end="25960">Eligibility Checklist</h1> Before applying, candidates should confirm that they: <ol data-start="26017" data-end="26953"> <li data-section-id="um0a7s" data-start="26017" data-end="26081">Hold nationality outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland and Surinam.</li> <li data-section-id="1gflffy" data-start="26082" data-end="26130">Do not hold dual EU/EEA or Swiss nationality.</li> <li data-section-id="chbfb7" data-start="26131" data-end="26181">Can meet Dutch visa and residence requirements.</li> <li data-section-id="1l7x6tg" data-start="26182" data-end="26247">Have applied to full-time Globalisation and Law for 2027–2028.</li> <li data-section-id="1xu6ses" data-start="26248" data-end="26307">Complete their Master’s application by 10 December 2026.</li> <li data-section-id="1ejjcvn" data-start="26308" data-end="26365">Meet all Globalisation and Law admission requirements.</li> <li data-section-id="1y3npao" data-start="26366" data-end="26444">Have demonstrated previous support for human rights and/or the rule of law.</li> <li data-section-id="1pqp9kn" data-start="26445" data-end="26489">Are no older than 35 on 1 September 2027.</li> <li data-section-id="p7mi41" data-start="26490" data-end="26537">Have a GPA of at least 7.5/10 or equivalent.</li> <li data-section-id="mgqnfo" data-start="26538" data-end="26599">Can provide documentation explaining their grading scale.</li> <li data-section-id="1m57p8d" data-start="26600" data-end="26678">Understand that applicants without a previous Master’s receive preference.</li> <li data-section-id="1qn4n6a" data-start="26679" data-end="26723">Submit only one scholarship application.</li> <li data-section-id="1oay9k6" data-start="26724" data-end="26813">Have all documents ready before submitting because they cannot be replaced afterward.</li> <li data-section-id="1h28ius" data-start="26814" data-end="26881">Are prepared to accept the mandatory scholarship accommodation.</li> <li data-section-id="y8m5nd" data-start="26882" data-end="26953">Can participate in the mandatory August 2027 Pre-Academic Training.</li> </ol> <hr data-start="26955" data-end="26958" /> <h1 data-section-id="rot9yz" data-start="26960" data-end="27006">Tips for Preparing a Competitive Application</h1> <h2 data-section-id="zezovg" data-start="27008" data-end="27052">1. Demonstrate Proven Human Rights Impact</h2> This is one of the most important features of the scholarship. Do not simply write: “I am passionate about human rights.” Instead, explain: <ul data-start="27198" data-end="27321"> <li data-section-id="jzp3rc" data-start="27198" data-end="27212">What you did</li> <li data-section-id="1hwlso5" data-start="27213" data-end="27238">Why you became involved</li> <li data-section-id="doqkr" data-start="27239" data-end="27271">Your personal responsibilities</li> <li data-section-id="wnnqy6" data-start="27272" data-end="27287">Who benefited</li> <li data-section-id="1f2cgrk" data-start="27288" data-end="27302">What changed</li> <li data-section-id="1n3h92s" data-start="27303" data-end="27321">What you learned</li> </ul> The scholarship explicitly requires previous contribution. <hr data-start="27383" data-end="27386" /> <h2 data-section-id="8fegb3" data-start="27388" data-end="27436">2. Make Your Motivation Letter Evidence-Based</h2> Connect your past activities with your future goals. A strong narrative might follow: Past contribution → current knowledge gap → Maastricht training → future human rights/rule-of-law impact This creates a clear argument for why the scholarship should be invested in you. <hr data-start="27718" data-end="27721" /> <h2 data-section-id="32ncl8" data-start="27723" data-end="27775">3. Explain Why Globalisation and Law Specifically</h2> Avoid describing Maastricht University only in broad terms. Research the actual programme and identify: <ul data-start="27883" data-end="27952"> <li data-section-id="60rx7q" data-start="27883" data-end="27892">Courses</li> <li data-section-id="o09wtl" data-start="27893" data-end="27912">Faculty expertise</li> <li data-section-id="1e70h9l" data-start="27913" data-end="27927">Legal themes</li> <li data-section-id="1dcmo6m" data-start="27928" data-end="27952">Research opportunities</li> </ul> that directly support your intended work. <hr data-start="27997" data-end="28000" /> <h2 data-section-id="4e2z2g" data-start="28002" data-end="28063">4. Treat Financial Need as a Serious Application Component</h2> The personal financial statement is not simply an administrative formality. Explain your financial circumstances honestly and specifically. Where relevant, describe issues such as: <ul data-start="28249" data-end="28345"> <li data-section-id="1md8edw" data-start="28249" data-end="28274">Family responsibilities</li> <li data-section-id="q4aew5" data-start="28275" data-end="28295">Refugee background</li> <li data-section-id="1iqfp1z" data-start="28296" data-end="28319">Financial constraints</li> <li data-section-id="1h7l8ac" data-start="28320" data-end="28332">Disability</li> <li data-section-id="4ddwat" data-start="28333" data-end="28345">Caregiving</li> </ul> without exaggeration. <hr data-start="28370" data-end="28373" /> <h2 data-section-id="11lbvnm" data-start="28375" data-end="28404">5. Select a Strong Referee</h2> Your referee should be someone who can credibly discuss: <ul data-start="28464" data-end="28576"> <li data-section-id="67bbwv" data-start="28464" data-end="28482">Academic ability</li> <li data-section-id="1hk2mzs" data-start="28483" data-end="28507">Professional qualities</li> <li data-section-id="153a1sn" data-start="28508" data-end="28534">Human rights involvement</li> <li data-section-id="mw6ruc" data-start="28535" data-end="28553">Rule-of-law work</li> <li data-section-id="i9goyp" data-start="28554" data-end="28576">Potential for impact</li> </ul> The referee must use a professional or institutional email. <hr data-start="28639" data-end="28642" /> <h2 data-section-id="1m5skic" data-start="28644" data-end="28681">6. Prepare for the Interview Early</h2> Because shortlisted candidates need to present an action plan, start considering: What will you do with this degree? before submitting the scholarship application. The strongest candidates will likely demonstrate a realistic pathway from education to practical impact. <hr data-start="28960" data-end="28963" /> <h1 data-section-id="fsb6xx" data-start="28965" data-end="28977">Conclusion</h1> The Maastricht University Social Justice Scholarship 2027–2028 is an exceptional full funding opportunity for highly talented international students who want to pursue the Master’s in Globalisation and Law while building on an existing record of engagement with human rights and the rule of law. Only one scholarship is awarded annually, making the programme highly competitive. The financial package includes €20,150 in living support for 13 months, full tuition funding, health and liability insurance, visa application costs, mandatory pre-academic training and other programme-related support. Maastricht University also allocates accommodation to scholarship recipients as a mandatory part of the award. Applicants must come from outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland and Surinam, may not hold dual EU/EEA or Swiss nationality, must be no older than 35 on 1 September 2027 and must have a minimum GPA equivalent to 7.5/10 or 75% of the maximum scale. They must also demonstrate a proven contribution to human rights and/or the rule of law. Candidates seeking the scholarship must complete their application to the Globalisation and Law programme by 10 December 2026, while the final Social Justice Scholarship deadline is 1 February 2027. Selection involves an initial completeness check, Law Faculty assessment, ranking of the top three candidates and an online interview requiring an action plan explaining how the Maastricht degree will help the applicant strengthen human rights or the rule of law in their country or elsewhere. For applicants with excellent academic results, demonstrated social-justice engagement and a clear vision for translating legal education into practical impact, the UM Social Justice Scholarship represents a rare opportunity to complete a fully funded Master’s degree in the Netherlands. To know more about this scholarship, <a href="https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/studeren/toelating-inschrijving/financing-your-studies/scholarships/um-social-justice-scholarship" target="_blank" rel="noopener">VISIT HERE</a>. To discover more global scholarship opportunities, <a href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/?s=scholarship" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CLICK HERE</a>. The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/2026/09/03/maastricht-scholarship-2026/">Maastricht University Social Justice Scholarship 2027–2028: Full Master’s Funding for Non-EU/EEA Students in Globalisation and Law</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org">Opportunities for Youth</a>.

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