The United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS) offers a prestigious scholarship program in Tokyo, Japan, aimed at developing the next generation of global policymakers and researchers. Targeting students from developing countries, the 2026 Sustainability Scholarship provides comprehensive financial coverage for both Master’s and Doctoral candidates. The program is unique for its placement within the UN system, offering students direct exposure to international organizational workflows and interdisciplinary research across the natural and social sciences. Benefits include full tuition waivers, monthly stipends up to JPY 147,000, and travel grants. Selection is merit-based, requiring high academic standing (2.8 GPA minimum) and a demonstrated commitment to sustainable development.
United Nations University Scholarship Summary
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | United Nations University (UNU-IAS) |
| Host Country | Japan (Tokyo) |
| Program Type | MSc & PhD in Sustainability |
| Eligible Countries | Developing Countries |
| Reward | Full Scholarship |
| Highest Stipend | JPY 147,000 per month (ADB-JSP) |
| Application Deadline | February 11, 2026 |
About the United Nations University Sustainability Scholarship
The UNU-IAS Sustainability Scholarship program integrates resources from diverse academic fields to train leaders capable of tackling complex global challenges. Located in the heart of Tokyo, the program provides an international and interactive learning environment.
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It is specifically designed for recent graduates and mid-career professionals who seek to contribute to the work of governments, civil society, and the United Nations. By combining collaborative research with practical experience, UNU-IAS ensures that scholarship recipients are prepared for high-level roles in the private and public sectors of sustainability.
United Nations University Scholarship Benefits
Tier 1: ADB-JSP & UNU Rector’s Scholarship (Full Funding)
- ADB-Japan Scholarship: Provides full tuition, a monthly subsistence allowance (including housing) of JPY 147,000, and allowances for books, instruments, and medical insurance. It also covers economy-class airfare.
- UNU Rector’s Scholarship: Covers 100% of tuition fees and provides a monthly allowance of JPY 130,000 for up to 24 months, plus fixed-amount travel costs and a research allowance.
Tier 2: Resona Bank & jfUNU Support Awards
- Resona Bank Scholarship: Offers full tuition coverage and a JPY 130,000 monthly stipend for 24 months, specifically targeting Master’s or PhD candidates from developing nations.
- Japan Foundation for UNU (jfUNU): Provides a monthly support package of JPY 120,000 for 24 months. Tuition fees are also waived for successful recipients of this award.
Tier 3: General Institutional Research Grants
- Research Allowances: Included in most scholarship tiers to support field-based research, data collection, and thesis preparation expenses.
- Logistical Support: Includes assistance with visa fees, health insurance, and local registration within Japan.
Eligibility Requirements for UNU-IAS 2026
- Nationality & Residency: Applicants must be from a developing country and demonstrate a clear need for financial assistance. Those currently living in Japan on a working visa are not eligible.
- Academic Merit (MSc): A completed Bachelor’s degree in a field related to sustainability with a minimum GPA of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale (or 70%).
- Professional Experience (PhD): A completed Master’s degree and at least two years of full-time professional field experience related to UNU-IAS research themes.
- Study Status: Applicants already enrolled in other postgraduate programs or those who already hold a Master’s degree from another institution are ineligible for the MSc scholarship.
- Language Proficiency: Demonstrated English proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS), though this is waived for students from English-speaking countries.
How to Apply for UNU Sustainability Scholarship 2026 (Step by Step)
- Register Online: Visit the UNU-IAS portal once the application period opens and register your interest for either the MSc or PhD program.
- Review Checklist: Receive an email from the Admissions Office containing a link to the Application Form and a checklist of required materials.
- Submit Integrated Form: Complete the main admission form. There is no separate application for the scholarship; financial aid requests are integrated into the primary application.
- Final Evaluation: Following the February 11 deadline, the Admissions Office will screen applications for both academic admission and scholarship eligibility simultaneously.
Application Deadline: February 11, 2026
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is there a separate form for the UNU scholarship?
No, the scholarship application is part of the main online application form for admission. You must indicate your need for financial aid within that form.
2. What countries are considered “Developing Countries”?
UNU-IAS generally follows the list of countries eligible for Official Development Assistance (ODA) as defined by the OECD.
3. Can I apply if I already have a Master’s degree?
If you are applying for the PhD, yes. If you are applying for the MSc, you are ineligible if you already hold a Master’s degree from another institution.
4. Is the GRE or GMAT required?
No, UNU-IAS does not require GRE or GMAT scores. The focus is on your GPA (min 2.8) and relevant professional or research experience.
5. Does the scholarship cover my family’s travel to Japan?
No, the travel allowance and airfare are provided only for the individual scholar and do not cover dependents.
6. What is the difference between the Rector’s and jfUNU scholarships?
The Rector’s scholarship provides a higher monthly stipend (JPY 130,000 vs JPY 120,000) and includes travel costs, whereas the jfUNU focus is on the support package and tuition waiver.
7. Can I work part-time while on this scholarship?
Generally, recipients of these full scholarships are expected to focus on their studies full-time. Some categories (like ADB-JSP) explicitly prohibit outside employment.
8. Is health insurance provided?
Yes, most tiers (especially Tier 1 awards like ADB-JSP) include medical and accident insurance as part of the funding package.
9. How is the “financial need” demonstrated?
You will be required to provide information regarding your current income, assets, and any other factors that prove the program would be unaffordable without aid.
10. Can I apply if I am currently living in Japan?
You can only apply if you are not in Japan on a working visa. Students currently on a student visa at another Japanese institution may also face eligibility restrictions.
