Admission requirements
On this page you will find important details of the application process (such as deadlines, admission requirements, required documents and application assessment) for the master’s programme in European Studies (Research) for academic year 2023-2024.
For the research master’s programme in European Studies, enrolment is based on your quality and suitability. For this your motivation, previous education and your (professional) experience are important.
Important deadlines for application for this study programme
Applicable when starting on 1 September 2023
When you want to apply or are applying for this study programme, it is important that you inform yourself of the deadlines that you need to meet. The important deadlines when applying for this study programme are provided in the table below.
Note: if you are viewing this webpage on your phone, we recommend that you use landscape mode.
| Date | What you need to know about this date |
|---|---|
| 1 October 2022 | Studielink is open for applications for the academic year 2023-2024 |
| Up to and including 1 May 2023 23:59 CET | Deadline for completing the entire application process for non-EU/EEA applicants (these applicants require a visa or residence permit) |
| Up to and including 1 June 2023, 23:59 CET | Deadline for completing the entire application process for EU/EEA applicants |
Please note:
Find out if you can apply for a scholarship or financial aid. Deadlines for scholarships are often earlier than the dates mentioned above.
In Studielink, you need to choose the starting moment. Please make sure to select September 2023 in the pulldown-menu, so that you will apply for the start of the next academic year.
General requirements: previous education
The admission requirements for academic year 2023/24 for the master’s in European Studies (Research) depend on your previous education. Please check below which requirements apply to you.
Graduates from a relevant university bachelor's programme
You qualify for admission if you have graduated in a relevant bachelor's degree in: European Studies, Social or Political Science, History, Economics, International Relations, Law, or a similar field. Provided that the Bachelor’s programme included sufficient Europe-oriented component.
Language requirements for English-language master’s programmes
As English is the language of instruction in this study programme, it is essential that your English language skills are good enough for you to undertake intensive and challenging academic courses that are taught and examined in English.
Answer the questions below to find out if you meet the language requirements.
Applicants who received their previous education in a non-EU/EEA country (handling fee)
Applicants for this study programme who received their previous education in a non-EU/EEA country will have to pay a handling fee. More information on this handling fee and how to arrange this payment can be found on the Handling fee page.
Additional requirements when applying for the Double Degree programme
If you wish to enrol in the double degree programme, you need to indicate this in your motivation letter when applying (please explicitly mention if you intend to pursue a double degree and briefly explain why). Your application will be assessed by the Board of Admission of Maastricht University (UM) and, independently, by the Board of Admission of the University of Cologne. Please bear in mind that the University of Cologne has specific entry requirements and selection criteria (see website of the University of Cologne).
All candidates need to submit their application at Maastricht University. Maastricht University and the University of Cologne both revise the applications, making sure that candidates fulfil the entry requirements of both universities and pass the selection procedure successfully.
If you are accepted to the double degree option, and applied with a non-German bachelor’s degree, it is under the condition that you send certified copies of your documents to uni-assist for evaluation during your first year of studies. You will also have to pay the corresponding handling fee (currently €75; subject to change).
If your application to the Master European Studies (Research) is accepted at Maastricht University but rejected for the double degree option with the University of Cologne, you can study the European Studies Master’s programme at Maastricht University with one of the other options offered (internship or study abroad option).
Tuition fees for the Double Degree Programme
Year one
In year one you have to pay the regular UM tuition fee. You are enrolled at UM but also at the University of Cologne, though no tuition fees are charged in Cologne.
However, all students of the University of Cologne must pay a social contribution of approximately € 285 per semester. This is not a tuition fee but a solidarity payment. It also includes the cost of the semester ticket for free public transportation.
If you are not interested in using the German’s transportation system, you can get back a part of the money for the semester ticket (approximately €185 euros per semester). The request for the reimbursement of the money for the semester ticket is only in the first year and has to be done within four weeks after the beginning of the lectures of the University of Cologne.
Year two
In year two you have to pay the regular tuition fee at University of Cologne. You are enrolled at the University of Cologne. You do not need to register at Maastricht University at the start of the academic year. However, in order to graduate at Maastricht University, you need to register for the month of August only and will have to pay 1/12 of the applicable tuition fee.
The admissions office of the UM will contact you in May of your second year to inform you on the registration procedure at UM.
For questions please contact masteroffice-fasos[at]maastrichtuniversity[dot]nl
Documents required for application process
During the application process for this study programme you will need to complete a number of tasks for which you will often have to upload documents. The list below gives you an insight into what documents you will (and might) need to prepare.
Required documents for all applicants to this study programme
- A recent passport picture*
The passport picture must satisfy certain requirements. - A copy of your passport or your EU/EEA identity card*
Make a copy of the page with your personal details. Save this copy as ‘passport copy’ and not as ‘passport picture’. Your passport must be valid on 1 September 2023. - A copy of your most recent certified grades transcript and a copy of your certified bachelor’s or master’s diploma if you have obtained it
If you have not graduated yet, you can upload your official grades transcript from your bachelor's or master’s programme. - Your Curiculum Vitae
Please list your education, relevant extracurricular activities and internship/professional experience. - A motivation letter
Address the following topics:
- Why are you interested in the Research Master European Studies at Maastricht University?
- Which of the following three themes are you most interested in: 1) the history of the European integration process; 2) governance and representation in the European Union; 3) Europe and the world (see here for more information). Please give examples of research questions that appeal to you within these themes.
- What kind of training have you had in research methods, so far? Are you most experienced and/or interested in qualitative or quantitative research methods?
- What are your plans in year 2 of the Research Master? Please indicate if you are interested in the double degree programme (with Cologne University), the research internship or the exchange abroad, and briefly explain why.
- Two writing samples
Provide proof of sufficient academic writing/research skills. The Admission Board asks the applicant to submit: an independently-written research paper, and/or a thesis from a university bachelor’s programme (written by applicant in the language of the chosen programme), and/or an essay on a topic specified by the Admission Board (written by applicant in the language of the chosen programme). The writing samples should reflect your research experience and academic writing skills, and consist of at least 2,000 words (excluding the footnotes and reference list). The submitted work should be written in English.
*As a UM student it is not necessary to upload the above mentioned documents in the MyApplication portal. However, if your passport will not be valid on 1 September 2023, then you still have to upload a copy of your passport.
Documents that might be required depending on your (academic) background
- Proof of English language proficiency
Answer the questions concerning language requirements under ‘Language requirements for English-language master’s programmes’ on this webpage to find out what are the requirements. The outcome of your answers will indicate which documents you should send to prove your proficiency.
How do we assess your application?
When you want to apply or are applying to for this study programme, it is useful to know how we assess your application. You can find more information about this here.
For the research master’s programme in European Studies, enrolment is based on your quality and suitability. For this your motivation, prior qualifications and your (professional) experience are important. You provide proof of this by uploading several documents. All complete application files will be assessed by the UM.
An interview may also be part of the selection procedure for admission to this programme. Selection interviews will take part in the period from April throughout June.
Message about admission
Based on the documents you have submitted and the admission procedure for your chosen programme, the UM decides on whether to admit you. Once UM has made a decision on your admissibility, you will be informed about this by email.
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