United Nations University has officially highlighted its full list of MSc Scholarships for the 2026–2027 cohort, opening a fully funded pathway for international students aiming to study sustainability in Japan under the United Nations academic system.
This opportunity is not a standalone scholarship call, but a combined admission-plus-scholarship route for students applying to the UNU Master of Science in Sustainability. All scholarships are awarded competitively to admitted candidates, making this a high-impact academic and funding opportunity for students from developing and eligible countries worldwide.
What Type of Opportunity Is This and Who Is It For?
The United Nations University MSc Scholarships 2026 are fully funded and partially funded scholarships integrated into the MSc in Sustainability admission process at UNU-IAS, Japan. These scholarships are designed for international students with strong academic backgrounds, leadership potential, and a demonstrated commitment to sustainable development and global policy issues.
The opportunity is open for the 2026–2027 academic intake, and there is no separate scholarship application form. Applicants are automatically considered for relevant scholarships when submitting their online MSc application.
Scholarships Available Under the UNU MSc Programme
Admitted students may be considered for one of the following highly competitive funding options:
- Japan Foundation for UNU (jfUNU) Scholarship
- UNU Rector’s Scholarship
- Resona Bank Scholarship
- Asian Development Bank–Japan Scholarship Program (ADB–JSP)
Each scholarship has its own funding structure and selection criteria, but all are awarded strictly on merit, financial need, and alignment with UNU’s mission.
What Do These Scholarships Offer?
Selected scholars under the United Nations University MSc Scholarships 2026 can expect comprehensive financial and academic support, which may include:
- Full tuition fee waiver for the entire MSc programme
- Monthly living allowance ranging from JPY 120,000 to JPY 147,000, depending on the scholarship
- Travel support, including round-trip airfare for selected schemes
- Research and thesis support allowances
- Medical and accident insurance (for ADB–JSP recipients)
- Access to UNU’s global research ecosystem, UN networks, and policy-oriented academic training
These scholarships are particularly suited for applicants targeting UN careers, international development roles, sustainability research, policy leadership, or PhD pathways after graduation.
Eligibility Checks for UNU Scholarship Application Submissions
Applicants interested in UNU master degree scholarship programmes should generally meet the following conditions to be considered:
- Be a national of a country listed under OECD DAC ODA recipient countries
- Demonstrate financial need and strong academic merit
- Hold a recognized bachelor’s degree
- Not be currently living in Japan on a working visa
- Not be enrolled in another postgraduate degree programme
- Not hold or receive another scholarship simultaneously
Additional conditions apply for the ADB–JSP, including professional work experience, age limits, and a post-study return requirement to the home country.