The United Nations University Scholarship covers the full cost of tuition, and provides a monthly allowance of 130,000 JPY for living expenses for a maximum of 24 months, while also covering the costs of travel and health insurance.
Drawing on an innovative, interdisciplinary approach, the program integrates methods and resources from the natural and social sciences and the humanities.
More details on the scholarship including the step-by-step guide have been provided in this post.
United Nations University Sustainability Scholarship Summary
- 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
United Nations University Sustainability Scholarship 2026 Details:
The United Nations University Scholarship
The United Nations University Sustainability Scholarship program aims to produce the policymakers and researchers of tomorrow, who will be at the forefront of global efforts toward a more sustainable future. Studying at UNU-IAS brings the unique benefits of:
- Collaborative research & practical experience,
- A global university within the UN system, and
- An international and interactive learning environment in central Tokyo.
- The program is intended for recent graduates, professionals, and practitioners who seek to meaningfully contribute to the work of governments, civil society, the private sector, and/or the UN and other international organizations in the area of sustainability.
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
- Applicants for the Master of Science in Sustainability are required to have met the following requirements by the application deadline in order to be considered;
- A completed bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) from a recognized 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
- Applicants for the PhD in Sustainability Science are required to have met the following requirements by the application deadline in order to be considered:
- A completed master’s degree (or equivalent) from a recognized 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 2026 United Nations University Scholarship
The United Nations University Scholarships include;
- 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.
- 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.
- Japan 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.
- 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.