Applications for the 2026 United Nations University Sustainability Scholarship are now open for interested and qualified candidates from developing countries.
The United Nations University Scholarship is a fully funded opportunity that covers the full cost of tuition, provides a generous monthly living allowance, and supports scholars with travel and health insurance while studying in Japan.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: Japan
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships | PhD Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: Developing Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | $9,948 Stipends/Year | Visa Fees | Travel Costs
- Deadline: February 11, 2026
Scholarship Details
The United Nations University Sustainability Scholarship is designed to train the next generation of policymakers, researchers, and sustainability leaders who will contribute to global efforts toward a more sustainable future. The programme adopts an innovative and interdisciplinary approach, integrating tools and perspectives from the natural sciences, social sciences, and the humanities.
Studying at the United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) offers scholars a unique academic experience that combines collaborative research, practical exposure, and an international learning environment within the United Nations system. Based in central Tokyo, the programme attracts recent graduates, professionals, and practitioners who aspire to make meaningful contributions to governments, civil society, the private sector, and international organisations, including the United Nations.
Eligibility Criteria
To be qualified for the United Nations University Sustainability Scholarship, applicants must:
- Be citizens of developing countries and demonstrate a clear need for financial assistance
- Not be residing in Japan under a working visa at the time of application
- Not be currently enrolled in another postgraduate degree programme
- Not be a recipient of any other scholarship concurrently
Criteria for MSc Applicants
Applicants for the Master of Science in Sustainability must:
- Hold a completed bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from a recognised institution in a field related to sustainability aligned with UNU-IAS thematic areas
- Have a minimum GPA of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale (or 70% on a 100% scale)
- Meet the English language proficiency requirements
Criteria for PhD Applicants
Applicants for the PhD in Sustainability Science must:
- Hold a completed master’s degree (or equivalent) from a recognised institution in a sustainability-related field
- Have at least two years of relevant professional field experience acquired after obtaining a university degree
- Have a minimum GPA of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale (or 70% on a 100% scale) in at least one master’s degree
- Meet the English language proficiency requirements (TOEFL/IELTS waived for applicants from English-speaking countries)
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants of the United Nations University Sustainability Scholarship will receive support through the following awards:
- UNU Rector’s Scholarship – Covers full tuition, provides a monthly living allowance of 130,000 JPY (subject to change) for up to 24 months, includes travel costs to and from Japan, and offers a research allowance
- Resona Bank Scholarship – Covers full tuition, provides a monthly living allowance of 130,000 JPY (subject to change) for up to 24 months, includes travel costs and a research allowance
- Japan Foundation for UNU (jfUNU) Scholarship – Provides a monthly allowance of 120,000 JPY for up to 24 months, with tuition fees possibly waived
- Asian Development Bank–Japan Scholarship Program (ADB–JSP) – Covers full tuition, housing and subsistence allowance, thesis and research costs, medical and accident insurance, books and instruments allowance, and an economy-class return airfare to Japan
How to Apply
To apply for the United Nations University Sustainability Scholarship:
- Visit the official UNU-IAS programme webpage
- Select whether you are applying for the Master’s or PhD programme
- Review the application checklist and prepare all required documents
- Register online once the application portal opens
- Receive an email from the UNU-IAS Admissions Office containing the application form link
- Complete and submit the application form before the deadline
- Receive an automatic confirmation email upon successful submission
There is no separate scholarship application form, as scholarship consideration is included within the main online admission application. Applicants must provide all required scholarship-related information and documents when applying for their chosen programme.
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