In a world of converging cultures and different political and legal systems, Politics, Law & International Relations in Europe students explore how policy-makers negotiate between member states with a range of different nationalities, languages and agendas.
Why this programme?
The Netherlands holds an unparalleled position in the international legal field and is at the forefront of civil liberties and human rights. Maastricht is a stone’s throw away from the International Criminal Court in The Hague, as well as the European Parliament in Brussels, the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg and the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg. At these institutions, students can examine national agendas, opposition to political union and the roles of international actors such as NATO and the UN.
At CES we have a small team of young-hearted, dedicated people ready to help you, so you can focus on the things that really matter during your stay abroad.
Fast facts
- Study EU politics and law near major global institutions like the ICC
- Combines strong academics with integrated field trips and unique hands-on experiences
- Choose from more than 400 bachelor courses in English
- Quarter, semester, year
- Direct enrolment
Classes with a distinct European focus
Students are directly enrolled at Maastricht University (UM). They can take classes at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASoS) - awarded the Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence for outstanding education and research on European integration, the internationally renowned European Law School (ELS), the Center for European Studies (CES) and the highly selective Liberal Arts and Sciences programme at University College Maastricht (UCM).
Join our programme
Would you like to join our programme? Please take note of the following programme dates:
| Spring 2025: | Fall 2025: |
Friday 17 January - Saturday 7/14 June*
| Friday 15 August - Saturday 20 December |
*Depending on class selection
Tuition and fees
Find detailed information about tuition and housing fees, estimates of additional expenses, payment methods, and our cancellation policy all in one place.
Courses and curriculum
Head over to the courses and curriculum page for an overview of all available courses.
The Politics, Law & International Relations in Europe programme helped me widen my perspective from national to global, gaining insight into European policy and its role across global markets, cultures and politics.
Marcel Candelariorivera | University of Southern CaliforniaIntroduction
The programme starts with a two-week introduction, which includes CES services, the Dutch Discovery Trip, a tour of Maastricht and the surrounding area, UM orientation, a Problem-Based Learning (PBL) workshop, a cultural awareness lecture and integration into Dutch student life.
Dutch Discovery Trip
Our Dutch Discovery Trip is an exciting journey through the Netherlands, where students will immerse themselves in culture, history and unique experiences at iconic sites such as Kinderdijk.
Paris Cultural Weekend
Students will discover the grand boulevards and renowned architecture of the City of Light, and experience its rich history, artistic beauty and cuisine.
Brussels Weekend Trip
During this trip, students will experience Brussels’ perfect blend of historic charm and vibrant, modern energy. From the grandeur of the Grand Place to the city’s hidden treasures, there’s so much to discover.
Credits
Maastricht University uses the ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) to measure academic progress. Maastricht University courses typically have between 5-12 ECTS credits. How ECTS credits transfer depends on a student’s home university or college. Generally a 5-6.5 ECTS course is the equivalent of a full semester course (3 American credit hours).
You can earn a minimum of 24 and maximum of 32 ECTS credits per semester at CES. This is considered a full semester workload and usually transfers back as 15 American credit hours. CES advisors help students select classes to meet the requirements of their home university.
High academic standard
CES programmes are designed for enthusiastic and intellectually curious students dedicated to expanding their academic horizons while abroad. To ensure that students do well, CES offers extensive academic advising, workshops and regular monitoring. Maastricht University uses Problem-Based Learning (PBL), a student-centered teaching approach. Small groups of students (12-15) work on academic or practical cases prepared by their professors. Faculty act as guides to students who are in charge of their own learning and are expected to be committed, active and self-motivated.
Workload
During a regular course (5-6.5 ECTS credits), students spend an average of 4-6 hours in class per week. For every hour in class students are expected to spend an additional 2-3 hours on study. The total workload for two regular courses or one intensive course is around 40 hours per week.
Admission requirements
Acceptance to the open enrolment programmes is competitive and early application is recommended. While most students participating in our open enrolment programmes are undergraduates at the junior or senior level, applications by motivated students at the sophomore and/or freshman level with a good GPA will be considered too.
You should have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in order to apply for a CES open enrolment programme. If you have a lower GPA you can request to be considered if you can show a recommendation from a professor or academic advisor at your home university or college with specific details about your academic development so far.
Applicants must be proficient in English. Non-native speakers are required to demonstrate proof of English language proficiency.
Students with an International Baccalaureate or European Baccalaureate diploma are exempted, as are EU-nationals. International students who are enrolled as fulltime students at university or college in a native-speaking country where English is the language of instruction are also exempted.
All other prospective students must present a current TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Testing System), score before they can be admitted.
Your TOEFL test score has to be at least:
- 575 points (paper-based version)
- 230 points (computer-based version)
90 (internet-based version)
Your IELTS test score must be at least 6.5.
Admission and registration
Application procedure
Complete and submit the online application and send all additional information mentioned below via email to your coordinator. Your CES coordinators will contact you within a week after receiving your application and additional information to assist you in the registration process and the preparations for your stay in Maastricht.
Additional required information
- Official transcript
- Letter of recommendation from teacher or study abroad advisor
- Motivation letter
- One full colour passport picture (digital, in jpeg format)
- Scan or a clear copy of your passport (information page with photo and any other pages with stamps etc)
Regarding the criteria for the motivation letter, CES staff are interested in what inspires a student to apply. Why are they drawn to this programme, to Maastricht University or to Europe? Students may want to highlight academics and certain courses, the culture, history or personal goals. The motivation letter should be 1-2 pages in length.
An academic letter of recommendation is a one page letter (approximately) that highlights a student's academic background, character, academic or career goals and other related interests or achievements. The letter expands upon a student's record or transcript, providing insight into what kind of student they are and their suitability for the programme. It should be written by a professor, academic or study abroad advisor.
Please note that once your course list is finalised you will receive a course approval form which you will need to fill in with the help of your home institution.
Application deadlines
- Spring: 1 October
- Fall: 1 April
Contact
Emilie Diephuis
International Relations Officer
Monday - Friday
+ 31 43 388 4080