The United Nations University (UNU) offers a range of competitive scholarships for international students pursuing postgraduate studies in fields related to sustainable development, international cooperation, and global governance. These scholarships aim to support future leaders and researchers who are committed to solving pressing global challenges through education, innovation, and policy.
Award Details
Award:
💸 Varies by program, but may include:
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Full or partial tuition coverage
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Living expenses stipend
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Airfare to and from the study location
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Additional support for research or thesis work, depending on the specific program
About United Nations University (UNU)
UNU is the academic and research arm of the United Nations, with a global network of institutes in Japan, Germany, Finland, Malaysia, and several other countries. UNU programs focus on interdisciplinary, policy-relevant research and education, often addressing topics such as:
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Sustainable development
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Environmental resilience
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Peace and global security
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Governance and innovation
Students at UNU gain access to world-class faculty, global research networks, and opportunities to engage directly with UN agencies, NGOs, and international institutions.
If you need more explanation or more information, you can book a consultation and speak to Happy Face
Eligible Degree Programs
Scholarships are generally available for:
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Master’s degrees (e.g., MSc in Sustainability, MA in Global Development, etc.)
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PhD programs in relevant research areas
Specific programs offering scholarships include:
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UNU-IAS (Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability) – Tokyo, Japan
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UNU-MERIT (Maastricht Economic and Social Research Institute) – Maastricht, Netherlands
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UNU-FLORES (Integrated Management of Material Fluxes and of Resources) – Dresden, Germany
Who Can Apply?
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International students from any country, especially from developing nations
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Applicants must meet academic entry requirements for their chosen program (usually a bachelor’s degree for Master’s programs, and a Master’s degree for PhDs)
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Demonstrated interest or background in sustainable development, policy, or related fields
If you need more explanation or more information, you can book a consultation and speak to Happy Face
Application Process
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Students must first apply for admission to the specific UNU program they are interested in.
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Scholarship consideration is usually automatic upon program application or may require a separate scholarship form, depending on the institute.
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Required documents typically include:
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Academic transcripts
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Statement of purpose
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Letters of recommendation
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Proof of English proficiency
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Research proposal (for PhD applicants)
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Application deadlines vary by program and institute, often closing between January and April each year.
