Applications are now open for the 2025 United Nations University Sustainability Scholarship. The scholarship is for students and professionals who want to help build a better and more sustainable world.
The program is run at UNU–IAS in Tokyo, Japan, and it offers students the chance to study, do research, and gain real-life experience in sustainability. Students also learn in a global environment and work with people from different countries.
The scholarship is meant for recent graduates, workers, and professionals who want to support governments, organisations, businesses, and the United Nations in sustainability-related work.
Scholarship Benefits
The United Nations University offers different scholarship options:
UNU Rector’s Scholarship
- This covers full tuition and gives a monthly living allowance of about ¥130,000 for up to two years. It also includes travel support to and from Japan and a research allowance.
Resona Bank Scholarship
- This also covers full tuition, provides about ¥130,000 monthly for living costs, includes travel support, and offers a research allowance.
Japan Foundation for UNU (jfUNU) Scholarship
- This scholarship provides a monthly allowance of about ¥120,000 for up to two years. Tuition fees may be fully waived.
Asian Development Bank–Japan Scholarship (ADB–JSP)
- This covers full tuition, housing and living costs, medical insurance, books, research support, and travel. The monthly allowance is about ¥147,000 and includes airfare to Japan.
Who Can Apply
- Applicants must be from developing countries and need financial support.
- Those living in Japan with a work visa cannot apply.
- Applicants already studying for another postgraduate degree are not eligible.
- You cannot apply if you are already receiving another scholarship.
Requirements for Master’s Applicants
- You must have a bachelor’s degree in a sustainability-related field.
- Your GPA must be at least 2.8 on a 4.0 scale (or 70%).
- You must be able to communicate well in English.
Requirements for PhD Applicants
- You must have a master’s degree in a related field.
- You need at least two years of work experience in sustainability-related areas.
- Your GPA must be at least 2.8 on a 4.0 scale for one of your degrees.
- English language test results are required, except for native English speakers.
How to Apply
- Visit the official UNU program webpage.
- Choose whether you are applying for a Master’s or PhD programme.
- Prepare all required documents.
- Register online when the application portal opens.
- Complete and submit the application form before the deadline.
- You will receive an email confirming your submission.
There is no separate scholarship application. Scholarship consideration is included in the main admission application form.
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