The United Nations University Scholarship Joint Master’s Programme is part of a selected group of international postgraduate programmes that benefits from the EPOS funding scheme offered by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).
The United Nations University (UNU) Scholarship joint M.Sc. programme provides postgraduate students with detailed knowledge, critical understanding, strategies and the tools required to take an interdisciplinary approach towards environmental risks and human security.
The scholarship covers the full fees of tuition and the costs of living expenses for selected candidates to study in Germany.
In this post, you will find more details about the United Nations University Scholarship, its eligibility, benefits, and step-by-step application guide.
United Nations University Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: Germany
- Study Abroad: Study in Europe
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: Developing Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | Monthly Stipends
- No IELTS Required
- Deadline: December 15, 2025.
2026 United Nations University Scholarship Details:
The United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research provides economic analysis and policy advice with the aim of promoting sustainable and equitable development for all. The Institute began operations over 30 years ago in Helsinki, Finland, as the first research centre of the United Nations University.
This Master’s programme is the output of the fruitful collaboration between the University of Bonn Department of Geography and the United Nations University.
It is a substantial contribution to the internationalization of the University of Bonn and is supported by the German agency, DAAD.
2026 United Nations University (UNU) Scholarship Requirements:
Eligible candidates should fulfill the following requirements in addition to the general eligibility criteria for the Master’s programme:
- Being a candidate from a “Developing Country” (according to the classification of the DAAD)
- Having at least two years of practical work experience (e.g. with an NGO, GO, or the private sector) in a field related to the study programme
- Having graduated with the Bachelor no longer than five years ago
- Having completed no other Master in a similar field of studies
- Aiming at a career as a practitioner in a field related to the programme of study
United Nations University Scholarship Duration and Reward
Successful applicants will be funded to cover all expenses directly related to the study programme as well as their cost of living in Bonn.
Required Documents for United Nations University (UNU) Scholarship
The following documents need to be submitted via email as one PDF package, not exceeding 8MB in size, and in this exact order.
- Online application form
- Motivation Letter
- Receent CV in Europass Format
- Academic degree certificate
- Transcripts of records
- English Language proficiency
- Recommendation Letters
- Copy of passport
- DAAD EPOS Checklist
- DAAD Scholarship application form
- Scholarship Motivation Letter
- Professional Reference from employer
- Work certificates
The sample of your academic work must be attached as a separate file, if necessary in a separate email. Incomplete documents, late, as well as paper applications sent via post will not be considered.
How To Apply for 2026 United Nations University (UNU) Scholarship (Step-by-Step)
- Students wishing to be considered for the United Nations University (UNU) Scholarship need to apply for the programme as well by filling out the application forms for the DAAD; acceptance to the former does not guarantee acceptance to the latter.
- read the information below as well as the FAQs thoroughly;
- submit the online application form;
- gather the required documents (including the academic writing sample) precisely as explained below;
- rename the merged application documents’ file as [your last name.your first name].pdf; and
- send your application documents via e-mail to master-georisk@ehs.unu.edu.To apply, please:
- The selection process for the EPOS funding among shortlisted candidates will happen between February and April each year.
- Candidates that do not fulfill the EPOS requirements but wish to benefit from financial support during their studies are invited to apply individually and early to other available funding programmes in Germany.