Applications for the 2026 United Nations University Sustainability Scholarship are now open for interested and qualified candidates.
United Nations University Sustainability Scholarship Synopsis
- Host Country: Japan
- Study Abroad: Study in Asia
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | PhD Scholarships | Masters Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: Developing Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | $9,948 Stipends/Yr | Visa fees | Travel costs
- Deadline: February 11, 2026
Eligibility Requirements for 2026 United Nations University Scholarship:
Applicants must meet the following requirements to be eligible for the United Nations University Scholarship:
- Applicants must be persons from developing countries who can demonstrate a need for financial assistance.
- Applicants who are currently living in Japan under a working visa are NOT eligible for the scholarship.
- Applicants who are already enrolled in other postgraduate degree programmes are not eligible. This includes those who have already obtained a master’s degree at an institution other than UNU-IAS; and
- Applicants must not be recipients of other scholarships concurrently.
For MSc Applicants
- A completed bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from a recognised university or institution of higher education in a field related to sustainability in accordance with the UNU-IAS thematic areas.
- A GPA of 2.8 or above on a 4.0 scale (equivalent to 70% on a 100 % scale) for the bachelor’s degree earned and
- English language proficiency.
For PhD Applicants
- A completed master’s degree (or equivalent) from a recognised university or institution of higher education in a field related to sustainability.
- A minimum of two years of professional field experience related to UNU-IAS research themes, which was acquired after obtaining a university degree (full-time equivalent).
- A GPA of 2.8 or above on a 4.0 scale (equivalent to 70% on a 100 % scale) for at least one of the master’s degrees earned; and
- English language proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) – waived for English-speaking students.
Benefits of the 2026 United Nations UNU Rector’s Scholarship
The UNU Rector’s Scholarship covers the full cost of tuition and provides a monthly allowance of 130,000 JPY (subject to change) for living expenses for a maximum of 24 months. Travel costs to and from Japan with a fixed amount are also covered, and a research allowance is provided
Benefits of the 2026 United Nations Resona Bank Scholarship
The UNU Rector’s Scholarship covers the full cost of tuition and provides a monthly allowance of 130,000 JPY (subject to change) for living expenses for a maximum of 24 months. Travel costs to and from Japan with a fixed amount are also covered, and a research allowance is provided
Benefits of the 2026 United NationsJapan Foundation for UNU (jfUNU) Scholarship
The jfUNU scholarship provides a monthly allowance of 120,000 JPY as a support package for a maximum of 24 months. The tuition fees may be waived for the scholarship recipients.
Benefits of 2026 United Nations Asian Development Bank–Japan Scholarship Program (ADB–JSP)
- Full tuition, subsistence allowance including housing allowance, thesis research allowance, medical and accident insurance, books, and instrumental allowance will be covered by the scholarship.
- The monthly subsistence allowance, including housing allowance for one person, for the academic year 2024-25, is JPY 147,000 (subject to change).
- An economy-class airfare will also be provided for the most direct route between the scholar’s home country and Tokyo Narita International Airport.
How to Apply for United Nations University Sustainability Scholarship 2026 (Step-by-Step)
- Click the link to navigate the program webpage.
- Select whether you are applying for a Master’s or a PhD program.
- Review the checklist and prepare the application materials.
- Register online (the link will be available here when the application period opens).
- Receive an email from UNU-IAS Admissions Office with a link to the Application Form.
- Submit the Application Form by the deadline
- Receive an automatic email to confirm that the Admissions Office has received your application.
- There is no separate application form for the scholarships as it is part of the main online application form for admission.
- Interested applicants must provide the necessary information and documents for the scholarships when applying to the master’s degree programme.
