Applications are now open for the United Nations University (UNU) Scholarships 2027, providing outstanding international students with the opportunity to pursue the Master of Science (MSc) in Sustainability at the United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) in Japan.
The scholarships are designed to support talented students from developing countries who are passionate about sustainable development and committed to contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Successful applicants may receive full tuition coverage, generous monthly living allowances, travel support, and additional research funding.
About the United Nations University Scholarships
The United Nations University (UNU) offers several competitive scholarships for students admitted to its MSc in Sustainability programme. These scholarships aim to develop future leaders who will address global challenges in sustainability, environmental governance, climate change, development policy, and international cooperation.
There is no separate scholarship application. Eligible applicants are automatically considered for available scholarships when applying for admission to the MSc programme and submitting the required supporting documents.
Available Scholarships
The UNU-IAS offers several scholarship opportunities, including:
- Japan Foundation for UNU (jfUNU) Scholarship
- UNU Rector’s Scholarship
- Resona Bank Scholarship
- Asian Development Bank–Japan Scholarship Program (ADB–JSP)
Each scholarship offers different levels of financial support while helping students pursue graduate studies in Japan.
Scholarship Benefits
Depending on the scholarship awarded, successful applicants may receive:
- Full tuition fee waiver
- Monthly living allowance
- Research allowance
- Round-trip airfare
- Housing support
- Medical and accident insurance
- Thesis research funding
- Book and study materials allowance
Japan Foundation for UNU (jfUNU) Scholarship
Benefits
Recipients receive:
- Monthly allowance of JPY 120,000
- Support for up to 24 months
- Tuition fee waiver (where applicable)
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be nationals of countries included in the latest OECD DAC list of ODA recipients.
- Demonstrate financial need.
- Not currently reside in Japan under a working visa.
- Not already be enrolled in another postgraduate programme.
- Not receive another scholarship simultaneously.
UNU Rector’s Scholarship
Benefits
Recipients receive:
- Full tuition coverage
- Monthly living allowance of JPY 130,000
- Travel support of up to USD 2,500
- Research allowance
- Support for up to 24 months
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be from eligible developing countries.
- Demonstrate financial need.
- Show a strong interest in the work of the United Nations.
- Not currently hold a Japanese working visa.
- Not already be enrolled in another postgraduate programme.
- Not receive another scholarship concurrently.
Resona Bank Scholarship
Benefits
Recipients receive:
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly allowance of JPY 130,000
- Travel support of up to JPY 260,000
- Funding for up to 24 months
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be nationals of eligible developing countries.
- Demonstrate financial need.
- Show interest in the United Nations’ mission.
- Not be living in Japan under a working visa.
- Not be enrolled in another postgraduate programme.
- Not receive another scholarship at the same time.
Asian Development Bank–Japan Scholarship Program (ADB–JSP)
A limited number of scholarships are available for students admitted to the MSc in Sustainability programme.
Scholarship Coverage
The ADB–JSP provides:
- Full tuition fees
- Monthly living and housing allowance
- Thesis and research allowance
- Medical and accident insurance
- Books and instructional materials allowance
- Economy-class round-trip airfare between the recipient’s home country and Japan
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be nationals of an ADB borrowing member country and Japanese ODA scholarship-eligible country.
- Hold a bachelor’s degree with an excellent academic record.
- Have at least two years of full-time professional work experience after graduation.
- Be 35 years old or younger (except in exceptional approved cases).
- Be in good health.
- Agree to return to their home country for at least two years after graduation.
- Not be enrolled in another graduate programme.
- Not receive another scholarship concurrently.
Additional supporting documents may be required for ADB–JSP applicants.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants for UNU scholarships should generally:
- Apply for admission to the MSc in Sustainability programme.
- Demonstrate outstanding academic achievement.
- Show financial need.
- Be committed to sustainable development and global cooperation.
- Meet the eligibility requirements of the selected scholarship.
Areas of Study
The MSc in Sustainability focuses on topics including:
- Sustainable Development
- Climate Change
- Environmental Policy
- Biodiversity Conservation
- Natural Resource Management
- Sustainable Cities
- Global Governance
- International Development
- Environmental Economics
- Sustainability Science
- Disaster Risk Reduction
- Sustainable Energy
- Social and Environmental Justice
Why Study at UNU?
Students will benefit from:
- Studying at a United Nations institution.
- Learning from internationally recognised researchers.
- Access to global policy discussions.
- International networking opportunities.
- Research focused on solving real-world sustainability challenges.
- A multicultural academic environment in Japan.
- Opportunities to engage with UN agencies and global partners.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should:
- Apply online for admission to the UNU-IAS MSc in Sustainability programme.
- Indicate their interest in scholarships during the admission application.
- Submit all required scholarship documents as instructed by the Admissions Office.
- Complete the application before the published deadline.
There is no separate application form for most UNU scholarships.
About the United Nations University
The United Nations University (UNU) is the academic and research arm of the United Nations. Through research, postgraduate education, and policy engagement, UNU contributes to solving global challenges related to peace, development, sustainability, and human well-being while supporting the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Conclusion
The United Nations University Scholarships 2027 offer exceptional financial support for talented students from developing countries seeking to pursue advanced studies in sustainability. With full tuition funding, generous living allowances, travel support, and access to a world-class United Nations academic environment, these scholarships provide an outstanding opportunity to develop the knowledge and leadership skills needed to address today’s global sustainability challenges.
Prospective students with a passion for sustainable development are encouraged to apply and compete for one of these prestigious fully funded scholarship opportunities.
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