Apply for the UNU-EHS and University of Bonn Joint Master’s 2027 in Germany, with DAAD EPOS scholarship opportunities for eligible students from developing countries. Deadline: 31 October 2026.
The United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS) and the University of Bonn are accepting applications for their joint Master of Science programme in Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security for the October 2027 intake.
The two-year programme explores environmental risks, natural hazards, climate change adaptation, disaster management, human security and sustainable development. Eligible applicants from developing countries can also be considered for DAAD EPOS scholarship funding, subject to additional requirements and a separate selection process.
Opportunity Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Institutions | UNU-EHS and University of Bonn |
| Programme | MSc Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security |
| Study level | Master’s degree |
| Location | Bonn, Germany |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Start date | October 2027 |
| Scholarship opportunity | DAAD EPOS |
| Eligible academic background | Geography or a related relevant field |
| Application deadline | 31 October 2026, 23:59 CET |
| Application language | English |
About the Master’s Programme
The programme combines geographical research, environmental science and social science to help students understand the relationship between people, the environment and different forms of risk.
Students develop theoretical knowledge and practical research skills to understand environmental hazards, vulnerability, resilience and adaptation.
The curriculum covers areas including:
- Climate change adaptation and sustainable development.
- Disaster management and disaster risk reduction.
- Vulnerability assessment and resilience.
- Human-nature relationships.
- Geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing.
- Risk governance, forecasting and prediction.
- Food security and development geography.
The programme comprises 12 modules, followed by a compulsory internship of at least eight weeks and independent work on a Master’s thesis.
DAAD EPOS Scholarship Opportunities
The Master’s programme participates in the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) EPOS funding scheme, through which a number of fully funded scholarships can be offered to eligible students from developing countries.
Scholarship applicants must meet the general programme admission requirements and satisfy additional DAAD EPOS criteria.
These include:
- Being a national of an eligible developing country.
- Having at least two years of relevant professional experience after completing a Bachelor’s degree by the application deadline.
- Having completed the most recent academic degree no more than six years before applying.
- Not having completed another Master’s degree in a similar field.
- Intending to pursue a career as a development practitioner rather than primarily pursuing an academic career or PhD.
- Being prepared to commit fully to the two-year programme if awarded the scholarship.
Applicants must submit the additional DAAD documentation. Admission to the Master’s programme does not guarantee a scholarship.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must hold a first university degree, such as a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, in Geography or a related and relevant academic field.
Their academic transcripts must show that the majority of their courses relate to the following areas:
- Human Geography and Social Sciences, particularly spatial patterns, society and development.
- Scientific methodology and empirical research methods.
- Physical Geography, Geosciences and Environmental Sciences, particularly Earth System Science.
The programme is not designed for graduates in engineering-related subjects. Graduates in International Relations or similar fields are considered only if their academic profile relates strongly to environmental risks. PhD students and PhD holders are not eligible.
Applicants must also demonstrate strong motivation to study human security and the management of risks associated with environmental change.
English Language Requirements
Applicants must provide proof of English proficiency unless they are native speakers from one of the countries specifically exempted by the programme: Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom or the United States.
Accepted certificates and stated minimum scores include:
| Test | Minimum score |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5 |
| TOEFL iBT | 79 |
| TOEFL paper-based | 550 |
| TOEFL computer-based | 213 |
| Pearson PTE Academic | 67 |
| Duolingo English Test | 120 |
| Cambridge English | CAE at B2 or higher, or CPE |
The programme states that having studied in an English-taught programme is not sufficient by itself to meet its English-language proof requirement. Applicants should check the official page for the full conditions and any applicable exceptions.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must complete the online form and submit the required documents in the specified order.
The standard application package includes:
- Completed online application, signed and dated as instructed.
- Motivation letter of one to two pages.
- Recent CV in EUROPASS format, maximum three pages.
- Academic degree certificates.
- Academic transcripts showing the total average grade and applicable grading system.
- Proof of English proficiency.
- Copy of passport identification page.
- Optional academic references and other relevant references, subject to the stated limits.
Applicants from China, India and Viet Nam must also provide the specified APS certificate.
The main documents must be merged into one PDF package not exceeding 8 MB, submitted in the prescribed order. The academic writing sample must be submitted as a separate file. Documents must be scans in PDF format; smartphone photographs converted to PDF are not accepted.
Additional Documents for DAAD EPOS Applicants
Applicants seeking DAAD EPOS funding must also submit the required scholarship documents, including:
- DAAD EPOS checklist.
- DAAD application form.
- Scholarship motivation letter of one to two pages.
- Professional reference from the current employer.
- Work certificates documenting the required professional experience.
The programme specifies additional signature, date, certification and formatting requirements for these documents. Applicants should follow the official instructions carefully.
Important Academic Writing Sample Requirement
Applicants must submit an academic essay in English of no more than 1,000 words, excluding references.
The essay must explain how the applicant’s academic or professional experiences have influenced their intended study interests, how these experiences could inform a proposed thesis, and how that perspective might help address a research gap. Applicants are expected to use scientific literature and APA referencing, with up to ten references.
The programme explicitly requires the essay to be original and written by the applicant. Applicants must include the declaration:
“I confirm to have written the essay myself, without the use of AI”.
The programme states that plagiarism and AI checks may be applied. Applicants should prepare this document in accordance with the institution’s requirements.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the October 2027 intake is 31 October 2026 at 23:59 Central European Time (CET). The programme page notes that its stated application period is subject to confirmation, while the live application form gives the same closing date and time.
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
How to Apply
Applicants should:
- Read the official programme requirements and FAQs.
- Complete the online application form.
- Prepare the required supporting documents in the specified order.
- Merge the main documents into one PDF of no more than 8 MB.
- Attach the academic writing sample separately.
- Email the completed application package to the programme team.
Email: master-georisk@ehs.unu.edu
Complete the Online Application – Official Form
Read the UNU-EHS Master’s Programme Requirements – Official Website
Opportunities Feed Assessment
This programme may suit graduates interested in climate change, environmental risk management, disaster risk reduction, GIS, resilience, sustainable development and humanitarian work.
The DAAD EPOS route is particularly relevant to eligible applicants from developing countries who have the required postgraduate-relevant work experience and intend to work as development practitioners. However, applicants should distinguish between admission to the Master’s programme and receiving scholarship funding, as the two are not guaranteed together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the UNU-EHS Master’s programme open for 2027?
Yes. The next intake is scheduled to begin in October 2027.
What is the application deadline?
The listed deadline is 31 October 2026 at 23:59 CET.
Is funding available?
Yes. A number of fully funded DAAD EPOS scholarships can be offered to eligible students from developing countries, subject to the scholarship requirements and selection process.
Can recent Bachelor’s graduates apply?
Applicants need a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Geography or a related relevant field. However, applicants seeking a DAAD EPOS scholarship must additionally have at least two years of relevant work experience after their Bachelor’s degree.
Can engineering graduates apply?
The programme states that it is not targeted at graduates in engineering-related subjects.
Can PhD holders apply?
No. The programme states that PhD students and PhD holders cannot be considered.
How long does the programme last?
The Master’s programme lasts two years and includes coursework, a compulsory internship of at least eight weeks and a Master’s thesis.
Is English proficiency proof required?
Yes, unless the applicant qualifies for one of the programme’s specified native-speaker exemptions.
What is the maximum academic writing sample length?
The essay must not exceed 1,000 words, excluding references, and must comply with the programme’s originality declaration requirements.
Does admission guarantee a DAAD EPOS scholarship?
No. The programme explicitly states that admission does not guarantee a scholarship award.
Disclaimer
Opportunities Feed is sharing this educational opportunity for informational purposes. We are not affiliated with the United Nations University, the University of Bonn or DAAD, and we do not administer admissions or scholarships. Applicants should confirm the latest requirements and submission instructions on the official programme website before applying.
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