European Law School
The European Law School bachelor brings together students from around the world to learn about legal issues through a comparative and European perspective, examining them beyond the solutions of a single legal system. In this programme, you will compare and evaluate the choices made by lawmakers' in various legal systems, and examine how international law, EU law, and national legal systems interact. Additionally, you will explore how societal factors impact laws, delving into global issues like sustainability, migration, security, and technology.
Rather than adopting a national legal mindset, you will collaborate with your peers to gain a nuanced understanding of the law in a national, European and international context. This global, collaborative environment is essential to our distinctive learning approach, enabling our students to develop into European jurists who can contribute a unique legal perspective to address complex problems in an ever-changing world.
In our problem-based learning (PBL) method, you will work in small-scale tutorial groups of up to 15 students under the guidance of an experienced tutor. Our tutorials are structured around in-depth discussions in which you and your peers actively exchange ideas, debate and explore solutions to core legal problems during each tutorial. This process fosters the development of self-discipline, argumentation and communication skills.
The programme will prepare you to work as a legal professional at a national, regional and international level, both in the private and public sector. However, please note that the European Law School bachelor's degree does not automatically qualify you to become a lawyer, public prosecutor, or judge. These are regulated professions and require further study and training in the law of a specific country after finishing your European Law School bachelor degree.
Fast facts
- Intensive, small-scale education in a personal atmosphere
- 3-year, full-time bachelor’s in English
- New-B preparation programme for new students
- Numerus fixus based on unweighted lottery
- Application deadline: 15 January 2025
- Weekly: 6-12 hrs classes, 35 hrs group work/independent study
- Dual Degree Programme with the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
- Binding Study Advice (at least 40 out of 60 ECTS in year 1)
- LLB in European Law
- Multiple winner in international moot court competitions
- Starts in September
Get to know the European Law School
Do you want to get a real feel for what studying in Maastricht is like? Then visit our interactive information session on 15 May. You’ll learn about the heart of our programme and discover how our Problem-Based Learning method puts you in control of your academic journey. A student ambassador will share their personal experience and guide you through a real case study, just like the ones you'll tackle as a student at Maastricht University. We’ll wrap up with a clear explanation of the application process and the numerus fixus, with plenty of time to answer your questions and chat with you directly. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to prepare for your future!
Ask a student

Meet Ana, our Student Ambassador for the European Law School Bachelor’s Programme! On her Instagram, Ana shares her experiences in the programme and insights into student life in Maastricht. Follow along for a sneak peek into what could be your future here!
Got questions about the programme or life in Maastricht? Feel free to DM Ana on Instagram!
Numerus fixus
The European Law School is a numerus fixus programme. The programme has a fixed number of spots for students, a limit that has been set to guarantee the quality of education. The fixus operates based on an unweighted lottery system, meaning that admission is determined by random selection without considering students' academic performance or other criteria. This way we ensure that every applicant has a 100% equal chance of being selected. As such, there are no selection activities or additional requirements for you to complete in order to submit your application.
Questions about the fixus? Check out our Q&A page.
Take an interactive campus tour
Explore the Faculty of Law campus with our interactive tour video! Experience first-hand what it's like to study on our campus. Whether you want to explore our facilities, immerse yourself in our teaching system or just soak up the atmosphere, the choice is yours. Press play and follow our students as they show you around.
New-B programme
If you are admitted to the bachelor European Law School, the New-B programme helps you prepare for the classes and become familiar with legal terminology and traditions before the beginning of the academic year. You will feel confident and ready when classes start. Read more >>
Do Your Future Justice
Europe is at a crossroads. It is in dire need for highly engaged young people with knowledge of the legal systems of different European countries and the ability to work as a legal professional at a regional, national and international level.
Do you want to do your future justice? Studying law in Maastricht is a step in the right direction!
Do Your Future Justice
UM Law Faculty holds high position in 2024 THE subject ranking
Times Higher Education Law 2024UM is the 10th best Young University in the world
Times Higher Education 2024 Young Universities RankingI had a good match with the city from the beginning, which is why I stayed here for a while
Honours programme

The Faculty of Law offers an honours programme to students who demonstrate the potential to excel in their studies. The programme is an extracurricular programme comprising 25 ECTS over a two-year period. It combines project work and a personal leadership track.
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Life @ UM
Find out more about what it's like to live and study in Maastricht, including:
- a day in the life of a student
- this beautiful European city
- sports and outdoor activities

Practical matters & regulations
In the support section, you can find out more about practical matters and UM regulations, such as:
- scholarships
- accommodation
- visas & residence permits
- Education and Examination Regulations (EER)
Visit 'Support' for prospective students
Visit Maastricht University regulations to find the EER of your study programme

Questions?
For general info, please contact us at:
Chat with us (Mon-Fri from 8.30 to 17.00 CET)
+31 43 388 5388
study@maastrichtuniversity.nl
Bonnefantenstraat 2
6211 KL Maastricht
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